Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will
It's not the things that happen in your life that define you, that create your identity. It's how you talk about those things. That’s the theme behind this podcast. Research shows that the stories you tell have a major influence in how you see yourself and in how others perceive you, so it’s important to be intentional about which stories you share and how you share them. Guests on the podcast share the pivotal moments in their lives and careers, offering keen insights and “ah ha” moments to listeners, while triggering related memories of listeners, opening up opportunities to uncover their own patterns and discover better ways to share their stories. During this podcast, I’m asking you to listen to consider your related stories, and to listen to consider which stories in your life might have impacted you in a similar way. --- Sarah works with executives who know that story sharing makes them more compelling as speakers and leaders, and who want to improve how they connect with audiences, by uncovering the right stories and learning how to share them effectively so they can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision.
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375 Practicing What You Preach
04/01/2025
375 Practicing What You Preach
375 Practicing What You Preach It’s important in life, whether you are running your own business or in your daily life, to practice what you preach. Not only do you avoid being seen as hypocritical but often the best person to give you advice is you. Consult with other coaches and counselors, ask the opinions of those you love and value, do whatever you need to in order to put yourself on the path to fulfillment and success. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Mike Trugman discuss practicing their own advice, as well as the importance of doing what you will say you will in order to put yourself in a better environment that will help you grow and thrive. Highlights How do you approach your own self learning and self development? What do you need to do more of to bring yourself more fulfillment? Are you in a place that lets you grow and thrive? Or do you need to find somewhere new to grow? Quotes “We think we’re really sneaky, or really good at hiding these aspects of ourselves but there is no separate ‘I’m playful over here’ ‘I’m not playful over here.’ you are who you are.” “In some capacity we have helped people with public speaking, each of us.” “We’ve been conditioned for the most part in our society that to be successful you need to be relentlessly hard on yourself, and give up a lot of aspects of your life. And I love to work with people who are doing the courageous work of: What if I were really kind to myself? What could life look like if I was kinder and gentler to myself? And almost in a way, allowed my success to unfold, rather than something I need to grasp and control and attain. And if I lived that way, how would that make my personal relationships and the rest of my life better?” “You can have everything you want in your life and also feel good about yourself at the same time, and it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Which is what I think a lot of us are taught and believe.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would love for you to think about a time when something went sideways for you. I know we all have episodes that went a little sideways. But when was a time where things really went sideways for you and someone showed up to be your guide? It might’ve been in a negative way, it might’ve been somebody who did something so bad that you chose a different path in spite or to spite this person. But more than likely, you hit a point where things went so sideways that only somebody who loves you could help guide you out of that. Think about that moment, write it down, collect that story because as Mike said; it’s not all about I did this and now I’m here, it’s what obstacles did you overcome to get here? Because that’s the story that inspires. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Mike Mike Trugman is a Professional Life and Career Coach who helps his clients move from fear to thriving with purpose, passion and fulfillment. He hosts a top 3% podcast, Mike's Search for Meaning, dedicated to mastering what it means to be human. As someone who used to sweat and shake at the prospect of speaking up in a small meeting, he knows that we can all achieve beyond our wildest dreams with consistency and hard work. Before coaching and podcast hosting, Mike's background was in public accounting. He has over 10 years of public accounting experience, with a focus on financial services (hedge fund and private equity) clients. Mike currently lives in the greater New York City area with his wife and son. He loves reading, learning, cooking, spending lots of time outdoors, watching his beloved but usually struggling Knicks and Jets, and connecting with his friends and family. Be sure to check out Mike’s and ! As well as his website , and to schedule an appointment! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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374 Passion and The Road To Fulfilling Success
03/25/2025
374 Passion and The Road To Fulfilling Success
374 Passion and The Road To Fulfilling Success When we were kids we all wanted to be something extraordinary. We wanted to be magicians, doctors, paleontologists, astronauts, ballerinas, but somewhere along the way some of us lose that sparkle. We get sucked into the everyday routine of work and taking care of those around us. However that spark is not lost forever, sometimes existing as a fleeting ember of ambition that only needs to be cultivated to turn into a roaring flame of fulfilling success. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Jimi Gibson discuss the importance of trying different paths in life and how there are many off ramps and back roads full of experiences to the destinations we want to reach. Highlights You will always find a way out of a situation you are in. Those who care about you and believe in you will support you through the difficult times. Telling your own stories and the stories of others in a way that reflects who you are. Quotes “I was going through my Strength’s Finder and I was like, ‘I wonder where that came from?’ I believe we’re all born with these innate gifts.” “Depending on the size of the audience, you want to connect with who is in the audience.” “Everybody has their personal Abracadabra” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Think about yourself as a six or eight year old and the thumbprint you would have left behind in a story like Jimmy’s, how would you decorate it? Would it be an artist? Would it be a musician? Would it be a nurse, or a doctor? Would it be a magician? Think back on that, and this doesn’t mean that you have to become that as a career, but what it does mean is that whatever it was that brought you satisfaction about that as a child, is what you need to be seeking now. And, as always, thank you for listening. Mentioned About Jimi Jimi Gibson isn’t your typical VP of Brand Communication. At Thrive Agency—a digital marketing juggernaut that’s dominated the Inc. 5000 for seven straight years—Jimi leads with a no-BS approach, helping businesses grow instead of just chasing sales. With 200+ sharp-as-a-tack pros, Thrive delivers strategies built on what works, not what’s pricey. A digital marketer, author, magician, and TEDx speaker, Jimi sees websites as living, breathing machines that should constantly evolve to grow your bottom line. Using Thrive’s rigorous 215-point Digital Health Analysis, he ensures no detail is overlooked and no opportunity is wasted. As a Forbes Agency Council member, Jimi writes articles that cut through fluff and deliver insights that matter. From his magician’s knack for creating unforgettable moments to his obsession with people-first business culture, Jimi’s work is about one thing: making sure businesses don’t just survive—they thrive. Key Focus Areas: Results-Driven Digital Marketing That Actually Delivers Websites That Work as Hard as You Do Finding Your Edge: Lessons from a Professional Magician Thrive’s 215-Point Digital Health Analysis Building Culture That Puts People First Be sure to check out Jimi’s , , and ! As well as his website About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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373 Making Space and Time To Truly Enjoy Life
03/18/2025
373 Making Space and Time To Truly Enjoy Life
373 Making Space and Time To Truly Enjoy Life In life we will often be distracted with things we feel like we have to do: Go to University, get a normal job from 9-5, participate in every extra curricular activity that is presented to us, and in doing so we fail to take into account what we need. We need community, we need to experience the beauty of the world we live in, we need to live not just survive. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Joyce Perrin discuss the many adventures they both have lived through and the lessons they learned on their journeys. Highlights Even across the generations, across cultures, across the globe, we are far more similar than we think. Choosing to create, contribute, and belong in community. When consumed with activity, you will not know how to be at peace and love the world you share with others. Savor the moments of teaching, do not rush it, you never know how much time you have left. Quotes “It’s not how much you have, it’s how much you share and give that really defines you.” “I think these kinds of skills, and giving the children responsibility is a good thing. But what I’m seeing happen is the children are so busy with all their curricular activities plus their homework they have to do, they have very little time to do anything else.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, No matter what age you are right now, what is something that you are willing to do that you haven’t done before? What's something that’s been an itch for you that you haven’t been able to scratch? Because now is the time. Don’t wait any longer. Don’t face regret in your future. If we’re going to have the same conversation a year from now and you’re going to regret the same things you regret now, then something needs to change. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Joyce Joyce Perrin’s early fascination with the 1950s Lands and Peoples book series sparked a lifelong curiosity about different countries and cultures. When she represented Canada at an international Girl Guide camp at age 17 and met her role model, Lady Baden-Powell, Baden-Powell's quote, “Happiness comes not from what we have but from what we give and what we share,” became her guiding light. Her nursing career led her into hospital administration and consulting. Still, a life change prompted her to pack up all her belongings at age 57 and embark on a solo global journey across 187 countries and territories. After many years of amazing adventures, she settled in Panama, where she co-founded the Panama Hospice and Respite Foundation. Returning to Canada at age 80, despite several health challenges, including blindness in one eye and breast cancer, Joyce published her book Ants in My Pants: One Woman’s Unexpected Adventures Across Seven Continents. Now 88, she resides in Pickering, just east of Toronto, and finds purpose in supporting fellow cancer survivors, volunteering with health teams and encouraging people, through her book and speaking engagements, to pursue their passions, no matter their age. Be sure to check out Joyce’s and ! As well as her ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time
03/11/2025
372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time
372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time Time makes a folktale of the storyteller, and yet even hundreds if not thousands of years later, the stories that mattered -that we connect with- endure. To tell a story effectively means you need to connect with the person who is listening to you. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss the importance of genuine connection over persuasion in the art of storytelling, and how it is far more meaningful to build a bridge between one another, rather than forcing them to choose one side of the river. Highlights What is something you can do to further your goals that relies on your strengths and your toolsets? Who inspired you recently to continue your work? What stories are you carrying with you? And what do you have that reminds you of that story? Quotes “Everybody was being vulnerable, they were telling deeply personal stories and it was like they were letting us in before we had really been introduced.” “If you persuade, fine, but it’s more important to connect.” “And I am privileged to have sat at that dining room table.” “I loved feeding you at that dining room table.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What stories can you tell to make a meaningful connection? What objects or unknown facts about yourself are you willing to share to strengthen the bonds of fellowship between you and another? Try to tell your next stories, not with the intent to persuade, but with the intent to make a meaningful connection with the person in front of you.” And, as always, thank you for listening. Mentioned in this podcast About Jeff Jeff Ikler is Director of Quetico Career and Leadership Coaching, a firm dedicated to helping individuals overcome career issues and develop sustained changes in their leadership practices and organizations. He received his certificate in coaching from the Coach Training Institute. He is a certified innovation facilitator using the SIT (Systematic Inventive Thinking) process. Jeff holds a Master’s in the Teaching of History along with a Bachelor’s in History from the University of Illinois. He taught high school history in Maywood and Batavia, Illinois, for seven years. He is a former Executive Vice President at Pearson Learning where he directed the development of text- and technology-based products for all disciplines. Jeff is a co-author of Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. He is the host the “Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity” podcast. Supporting the agency of others is the river that has run through his entire career. Be sure to check out JEff’s as well as ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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371 The Frequency Of Fear
03/04/2025
371 The Frequency Of Fear
371 The Frequency Of Fear It’s easy to be afraid. To stick our heads in the sand and watch another episode of a show that we like to ignore what’s going on. But if we do that than we can never grow. We’re all afraid, but we must act through our fear, refuse to be compliant, refuse to be quiet, and enforce the change we want to see in ourselves and the world around us. In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Nir Megnazi discuss the use of fear in driving us forward and how important it is to work with our fear and through it. Highlights How are you anchoring someone in time? What frightening experiences still warp and control your perceptions to this day? Are you lacking compassion for yourself? Are you kind to others but unkind to yourself, especially your past self? There’s no way to hold space for someone and the emotions they feel if they are not communicated. Learn to work with fear. Fear is normal. Quotes “Courage does not exist without fear.” “The way I approach these memories is with a lot of compassion to ourselves, which is what we’re lacking first, is compassion to ourselves.” “Working with our fear is effective. And within our fear.” “We serve people, not businesses.” “What do we want for our kids? We want to help them grow to be responsible human beings, healthy, with values, and to be a good person in this world. A contributing person in this world. But we are a work in progress.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I’m curious. I would love to hear in the comments, what are you working on? What is something in your past that you’ve uncovered that has continued to create ripples, uncomfortable ripples, in your life? What is the pattern you can uncover based on an experience you had, like Nir’s where you were bullied as a kid, like mine where you were not able to afford both milk and eggs. What is your fear, or what is generating something that has consistently created a pattern of disconnect and discomfort in your life? And how are you going to approach it? How are you going to identify the emotions that you feel as a result of it, the triggers you experience as a result of that? And how will you embrace them so you can move forward? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Nir Nir Megnazi is an executive coach and leadership development expert who combines over two decades of experience as an engineering leader and military officer with emotional intelligence coaching. He co-created Intel's award-winning leadership coaching program, which earned Intel the International Coaching Federation's prestigious Prism Award and has contributed over $1 billion in operating margin improvements. Nir helps leaders develop the critical human skills needed for today's complex business environment, specializing in building high-trust, high-performing teams and enhancing communication effectiveness. His integrated approach fuses technical leadership with emotional intelligence, helping executives expand their influence, lead with empathy, and drive remarkable results. Be sure to check out Nir’s , , and ! As well as his and ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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370 Whatever Will Be, Will Be
02/25/2025
370 Whatever Will Be, Will Be
370 Whatever Will Be, Will Be We can often have expectations of how the world is supposed to work, like we are running out of time or that we have to hold on desperately to ideas and beliefs that no longer serve us. However, it is imperative to our growth as individuals, and in turn, our business ventures, to let go of the beliefs that no longer serve you and to learn to accept that whatever will come to you when you are ready, and in its own good time. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Rashina Gajjar discuss the lessons they’ve learned on their own private journeys, as well as how their own knowledge has helped to serve clients and friends alike. Highlights Acknowledging the reality of a situation regardless of if you are proud of that thing or not. Sometimes we sabotage ourselves with change for the sake of change without it being intentional or meaningful change. Things will happen when they are meant to. Quotes “I guess learning to let go and surrender that and to move into this path that I think is more aligned with my broader purpose that really required me to yield and to let go of something that I thought that I had really wanted, and at the time I did want, but was no longer in the forefront of my vision.” “Everything has it’s own timing. The moments of preparation are important, the moments when you’re stumbling are important, because they also get you there. But don’t be frustrated if it doesn't happen in those moments, because it will happen in the right way. I think that’s something I’ve been constantly learning in my life, and this was an example of it. And I think also my friend it was an example for her as well, the divine timing of things.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do to choose tomorrow? What is one thing you can do to decide that you have earned and that you deserve the life that you want? Everyday you have choices to make to remind yourself that you deserve the life that you want. That means choosing the labels that fit you rather than holding onto the ones that people gave you. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Rashina Rashina Gajjar is a British entrepreneur, Brand Amplifier and Belief Coach. Passionate about increasing diversity and accessibility within the creative industry through entrepreneurship, Rashina founded Amplify Studio in 2020, an creative storytelling and brand Amplification studio that has advised companies such as Wise, UCL, and Divinc on inclusive, multi-cultural marketing and brand storytelling. A former United Nations consultant, she worked closely with the International Trade Centre in Geneva, supporting a community of 4,000 global entrepreneurs on business storytelling, creative marketing, and networking. Rashina is also a belief coach, helping international entrepreneurs overcome their subconscious limitations and beliefs, clearing the path to increased fulfilment, business success and emotional awareness. Be sure to check out Rashina’s , , and ! As well as her website ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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369 Nurturing Community
02/18/2025
369 Nurturing Community
369 Nurturing Community We’re all human. We all have family, we all have struggles, we all have experienced some sort of adversity, which means we’re more alike than we are different. It can be easy to view the world with blinders on, to ignore it all and keep your nose to the ground, but then your community suffers for it. The people who rely on you, whether it be your friends and family, or a client or customer, by choosing to nurture only our corner of existence, the rest of our community suffers. Just like tending a garden, you must tend the whole garden, spread love and nutrients where you can, and remove what is harmful. It’s hard work, but all things worth doing require effort. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Claudia Krevat discuss the importance of caring for your community as a whole, how vital it is to remove the blinders and to see things as they are and how you best can contribute to a healthy and happy community. Highlights Lifting others up also lifts you up. You never know the doors you’ll open when you just participate. Have you tried to appeal to someone’s empathy? Their humanity? How did that go for you? What can you do to see people who disagree with you as human? Connection through how we are similar and how we show our humanity. Quotes “You know that when people are asking for it and your participation is growing, you are creating a positive impact.” “Strangers become friends around the dining table.” “A lot of us have family in common.” “There’s a story and we got to tell the story, because don’t we learn from stories?” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would love to see some comments or get an email from you about how sharing food, breaking bread together, changed your mind about something or someone. I would love to hear the story about the time you ate with people or surrounded a dining table with other people where you experience something unexpected or maybe something that changed your life or changed everything about how you perceived something that you were surprised by. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Claudia (from her Instagram page) Community organizer through food. Recipe designer and alchemist. The Lentil Queen. Recipes and stories. Be sure to check out Claudia’s , and ! As well as the article written about her on ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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368 Choose To Step Up And Step In
02/11/2025
368 Choose To Step Up And Step In
368 Choose To Step Up And Step In It’s a strange and frightening world we are living in right now. With divisiveness and anger seeming rampant, it falls to us to maintain our community, to show up with a heart of love and understanding for each other and ourselves, to save our village from burning and refusing to let a lack of empathy and communication drive us to destruction. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Erin Miller discuss the vital importance of community and taking care of one another, of building bridges and allowing our differences to strengthen us instead of divide us, as well as accepting when a bridge cannot be built and an olive branch is refused and trying to find peace with the results. Highlights What is your moment of satisfaction or awe in what you do? Are you giving or just taking? Sitting down and talking to someone who’s different in some way. Building bridges as opposed to burning them. Celebrate our differences, do not let them drive us apart. But acknowledging when you cannot build a bridge, and seeking to find peace. The Cause and Effect of what changes individuals. It’s okay to sit down and let your community help you. Quotes “Yes we are individuals, but we are also a collective. If you don’t feed the collective, if you don’t nurture the collective, the collective won’t nurture you.” “Give what you want to receive. If you want community, you have to give community. If you want patience you have to give patience, and if you want respect and so on and so on.” “The problem is we’re not talking to each other, we’re not communicating, and we’re not willing to hear.” “We need to be able to sit down. We’re adults, we can do this, I believe that we can, and we have the capability to sit down and have discussions.” “Once I extend an olive branch, if the person burns it, I let the ashes fall where they may. I just let them fall.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What are you going to take from this conversation? Who will you reach out to, to go and have a cup of coffee without having the intention of changing their mind but with the intention of listening to their story? Find out what matters to them and have a conversation. I would love to hear what happens for you when you choose to step up and step in. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Erin (from her website) Erin Patrice is the heart and creator behind The Breaking Bread Village, a space intentionally created for people to come together and have transparent conversations with no judgment so ideas and perspectives may be heard respectfully. Erin is a conversationalist and a Midland, MI, resident and native to Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a mother and wife and has been a community advocate for twenty years. Erin has an incredible gift of storytelling and connecting with others of all ages. She shares her story in a way that draws people closer rather than apart. She has a unique teaching style that resonates with all who experience it. Erin has years of life experience, training, and facilitating conversations through empathy, strategy, and storytelling. Erin is dedicated to being a voice for those with no voice and helping the unseen to be seen. She believes that everything we do within our small communities changes the world because every good deed causes a ripple effect that will eventually impact the world. Erin shares her teachings as a community engagement ambassador by facilitating workshops, keynote speaking, panels, and conversations nationwide. Be sure to check out Erin’s , and her website ! As well as the article about her from the ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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367 Manifesting Humanity
02/04/2025
367 Manifesting Humanity
367 Manifesting Humanity It can be easy to forget that we’re human. When work is stressful and all consuming, when dealing with people stuck in the past and the past versions of you, it’s easy to forget we are a person with needs to lead a fulfilling life. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Alison Miller discuss how the stories we carry with us alter the people we are, often making us revert to the person we used to be and not the person we are now or the person we want to be. Highlights How do you manifest your humanity? Practicing new ways of being in a community. Are you being there for yourself? It’s okay to fall sometimes. Quotes “This is a human being living in our society, how do we decide that we make life work for people.” “We’re observing it, we're not judging it.” “We always have choices but rarely are they apparent to us.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would love to hear from you, what part of this conversation resonated with you? To be in community, to grow, to learn, to connect in an authentic way with people who have diverse backgrounds and have led different lives than you. And When are you going to decide who you’re going to bring to that next conversation to someone you want to have a relationship with. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Alison Alison Miller, PhD, is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur who is passionate about making personal and spiritual growth accessible and easy to incorporate into daily life. Educated in Clinical Psychology at Cornell University and The University of Illinois at Chicago, Alison has helped lead thousands of graduate students to earn their degrees over the last two decades. As a founder of Lead True, she helped foster and develop the professional leadership skills of countless women around the world. Having recently sold The Dissertation Coach, her expert dissertation coaching & consulting business, she’s now at the helm of her latest business endeavor, The Academic Writers’ Space (TAWS). TAWS is an online coworking community Alison designed for graduate students and academic writers to get real work done in a supportive and nurturing environment. Since its inception in 2020, TAWS has hosted thousands of coworking sessions with academic writers from across the globe. Alison’s living a full life as a public speaker at universities and private businesses, working on the 2nd edition of her book, Finish Your Dissertation Once and for All! How to Overcome Psychological Barriers, Get Results, and Move on With Your Life, and being a wife and mother to her two adult children and dogs Nacho and Koko. Be sure to check out Alison’s social medias at , , , and ! And be sure to check out , The , and the TAWS ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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366 Fortunes For The Future
01/28/2025
366 Fortunes For The Future
366 Fortunes For The Future Throughout our lives we will have to wear many hats and perform many tasks on our paths toward success and personal fulfillment, sometimes these wayward paths lead us to doors that we would never expect to come across. We only need to have the courage to reach out and open the door. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Russel Rowland discuss the many different paths life leads us down and the lessons we learn on our way to fulfillment and success. Highlights The work we find between our desired career can open many doors you could never expect. We need to have something or someone show us that what we’re doing matters. We all have an edge of discomfort in putting ourselves out there, but we have to confront it in order to live a fulfilling life. Quotes “I’m not a big believer of hiding the skeletons. I think you have to look at your history honestly in order to keep growing and learning about how we become the people we are.” “It’s really the main piece of advice that I think all writers need is to keep doing it. Because we all have an imposter syndrome, every single one of us.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I already gave you a really fun exercise, if you find that you’re blocked in the writing you need to do, whether that be business writing, or a blog, or journal, maybe you’re writing a book, if you’re feeling blocked in your creativity try writing a handful of fortunes that you would want to find or that you would want somebody you care about to find in their next fortune cookie. And, as always, thank you for listening. Mentioned In This Episode About Russel Russell Rowland is the acclaimed author of seven books, as well as the host of a radio show, Fifty-Six Counties, on Yellowstone Public Radio. He has also hosted two podcasts, Breakfast in Montana and The State of Montana, and will soon launch a new podcast, THE SONG OF ROWLAND: American Culture at Full Volume, where he will be interviewing creative people from around the country about their process and the importance of culture in America today. Russell has an MA in Creative Writing from Boston University and lives in Billings, Montana. Be sure to check out Russels’s , , and ! As well as his , subscribe to his , and his account! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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365 Tools For Success
01/22/2025
365 Tools For Success
365 Tools For Success In the path to thriving and enjoying your life you must be able to identify and utilize the tools unique to your skills and values. Not everyone can use the same tool kit, just like plants require different soil to grow, we also require our own unique environment to grow. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Gina Riley discuss the importance of the unique tools we acquire through life and the best way to utilize these tools. Highlights The influences that shape our lives, developing our clarity over time. You can’t see your potential from the inside, you need people in your life to help you build the perfect future. What unique and powerful tools do you have? Quotes “I think that understanding our own why, and I’m not going right to the Simon Cynic material which is great, but truly just getting angered in the thing that motivates us deep down to push forward in life.” “I’m not always right, and I try to check my assumptions, because with maturity we realize we aren’t always right.” “I think that there’s so much power for all of us; men and women, to embrace the things that we naturally show up with. And if we’re working against it we’re just working against ourselves.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Regardless of the tool you use to self-reflect, to hold up that mirror, maybe it’s time now to really decide to look at that and choose how you want to show up, who you want to be And to identify the stories that demonstrate those qualities, those skills, those values. I really encourage you to look in that mirror, whatever tool you choose to use, whether that’s friends and family and asking them to honestly let you know how you appear to them, how you show up for them, or taking an assessment and talking to a coach to walk you through it. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Gina Gina Riley is transforming how executives approach job search and career transitions. With nearly a decade in corporate Human Resources at Intel Corporation and later as an executive search consultant for Talence Group, she has led CEO, COO, and CFO searches across industries, trained hundreds in talent selection, and gained unique insight into what makes candidates stand out in competitive leadership searches. As a career coach, she developed the Career Velocity TM framework—an action-oriented and proven system that has helped countless executives navigate successful transitions. A two-time DisruptHR speaker and thought leader in career progression, Riley holds a master's degree and is a certified YouMap® coach and behavioral interview skills training expert. Her expertise spans networking strategy, leadership development, and executive presence, making her a trusted advisor for leaders preparing for strategic career moves. She has appeared on over 30 podcasts, including the popular Find Your Dream Job, downloaded over 18,000 times. Her popular series “How Your Next Executive Role Finds You” and extensive catalog of career-related articles, including contributions to the Forbes Coaches Council, have established her as an authority in executive career development. In her first book, to be released with Advantage Forbes Books, Qualified Isn't Enough, Riley shares her comprehensive understanding of both sides of executive hiring—including what is discussed in the boardroom—to provide readers with insider knowledge and practical frameworks for advancement. Her unique perspective and systematic approach have helped leaders at all levels transform their careers. Find more of her insights and resources at Be sure to check out Gina’s , , Her , Her , and Her About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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364 NLV 2025
01/14/2025
364 NLV 2025
364 NLV 2025 This year in Austin Texas February 10th and 11th is the eighth annual NLV Summit hosted by Sarah Elkins. A meeting of great minds, incredible opportunities, and a sharing of impactful stories. In today’s episode Sarah reminisces on many of these stories from the previous several NLV Summits and how they have helped her shape her path going forward. Highlights Gaining perspective on life, especially when you feel hopeless. Incorporating the lessons your friends and peers don’t even realize they’re teaching you. Continuing to strive for the dream you want to build. Quotes “Something that continues to shape my work is something Melissa Hughes said when she hosted her session. She said; Sometimes you have to get up to the cheap seats. And she was using the metaphor for those high seats in the bleachers at a baseball game. So that we can gain perspective by getting to a higher view. To look at the bigger picture when we feel stuck.” “What is it? What does it do? Why does it matter?” About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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363 Taking Inventory
01/07/2025
363 Taking Inventory
363 Taking Inventory As the New Year begins it’s time for us to take a step back and reflect on the stories, messages, and values we want to bring into 2025. Just like tending to a garden by removing weeds and adding nutrients, we must also tend to the garden of our lives. In this episode Sarah Elkins, Emily McVey, and Chris Wang discuss the stories that shaped them into who they are as well as how they have chosen to tell their stories through thoughtful and meaningful actions. Highlights What are the coping strategies you developed? What connects you to other people? Even if you’ve never seen them. What skills did you develop from a chaotic situation that manifested into a valuable tool for you to use throughout life? What generational curses are you breaking? What situations will you never allow others to endure because you had to endure them? Remember to step back and look at the bigger picture, instead of viewing the situation through a lens or holding the subjects to a higher standard. What brings you peace and calm? Quotes “If you play music, if you play an instrument, and you listen to the music, it’s almost like you’re having a dialogue with this person even though you’ve never seen them.” - Chris Wang “We are not doing this to our children.” -Emily McVey “There’s the traditional definition of success which is more tied to- you know- maybe more defined by money and career and that kind of stuff, which I kind of pursued and did my share, but then I realized it’s incomplete. I was still deeply unhappy.” -Chris Wang “Don’t go out on the floor and ask the girls to work on their issues if you’re not willing to work on your own.” -Emily McVey Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What inventory are you gonna take about what you ran from or what you’re running toward? And who in your life needs to hear from you? That you believe in them and that you’re there to support them and to help them move into whatever they’re running toward. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Emily Emily has lived in Montana her whole life. She and her husband, Mike, raised their three children in Helena, participating in several extracurricular activities such as Boy Scouts and all of the sports. Emily’s background includes a formal education in culinary arts, sociology, and public relations, and she has a master’s degree in public administration. Her nonprofit experience includes working at Florence Crittenton Home, Montana Youth Homes under Rocky Mountain Development Council, as well as volunteering for many other nonprofit organizations and is a suicide prevention QPR trainer. Emily worked for the State of Montana for six years and continues to contract services for licensing kinship foster families for Child and Family Services. Emily also now does home visits for the FLEX student exchange program. Emily was glad to return to the nonprofit sector in 2019 to work alongside other nonprofits to make meaningful change happen in the tri-county area. When she is out of the office, Emily enjoys cake decorating, and trying out new hobbies by taking adult education classes. Be sure to check out Emily’s , , and ! As well as the links she provided for more information about ACE; , , and . About Chris Not Available. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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362 Stories Influence Our Identity and Personal Narrative
12/31/2024
362 Stories Influence Our Identity and Personal Narrative
362 Stories Influence Our Identity and Personal Narrative As we close the chapter on 2024 and begin to start anew in 2025, it’s time that we take a step back to reflect on the narratives and stories that we have been harboring. We must take it upon ourselves to determine if these stories still serve us or if it is time to let those stories stay a product of their time and remain in the past so that we can create new stories that reflect us who we are now. In today’s monologue Sarah Elkins ruminates on the effect the story The Giving Tree had on her as both a child and a mother, and how it has inspired her to reflect on other stories that no longer serve her. Highlights What stories are you telling yourself that do not stand the test of time? How do the stories you’ve heard influence you and the relationships with the people around you. It’s not too late to change the ending of your story. Will you choose a kinder conclusion or will you choose the option that gives you peace? Quotes “Think about the stories that you read to your children in the hopes that they’ll absorb some morality lessons; Like Aesop’s Fables, maybe stories from the bible, or maybe books from your culture or religion. We can’t expect children to absorb those lessons but ignore the ones in Cinderella and The Giving Tree. It doesn’t work like that, literature is Literature.” “As we head into the new year it’s a really good time to consider our impact on the people and environment around us, and to make an effort to be more intentional about that impact.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I challenge you to take inventory of a few things; before you make any new years resolutions, before you pick a word of the year, or as you consider your goals for personal growth in 2025, ask yourself these questions. What influenced my identity as a child or young adult that maybe it’s time to review and consider whether they still resonate and why? What stories have I been told about myself as a child that no longer align with who I am or how I want to experience myself moving forward? And what evidence can I point to, recent stories, that contradict those childhood labels that no longer fit? Lastly, what stories am I continuing to share about other people; my children, my friends, my family, and others in my community and at work, that might be contributing to negativity and division? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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361 Tools For Change
12/24/2024
361 Tools For Change
361 Tools For Change Change is an unstoppable force of nature. From the great Rocky Mountains to the spring flowers, all of us are subject to change, whether it be for positive or negative is entirely up to you and the choices you make in utilizing your skills and natural talents. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Sally Magee discuss how change can be dealt with in a constructive and helpful way to not only better yourself but those in your life as well. Highlights Personal experience affects professional experience, and we need to find balance. Sometimes a language barrier or miscommunication can leave a humorous memory you can bond over. Using every tool in your arsenal to help yourself and others. Set a small but manageable goal. Quotes “I think sometimes people get short sighted in seeing the tool for; “Oh, well this only applies at work, or it only applies in certain areas” You know; “At work I’m this way, at home I’m this way.” And your strengths apply to every part of your life and there is no separation.” “Our strengths are our natural way of being.” “Dive into something where you can build relationships with other people who are on a similar path as you.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, It doesn’t have to be about sobriety necessarily, but a big goal in terms of redefining what you want out of life and how you’re gonna get it. Using your natural talents to first of all identify what that why is; Why do you want to make a change? And then using your talent to really be successful in making a significant change in your life. I’m really curious, what will be your big change, what is the transformation you’re seeking? Is it to be sober? Is it to lose weight? Is it to start your own business? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Sally Hi, I’m Sally! Founder of Magee Coaching Solutions, a Strengths-Based Sobriety Coaching practice, that provides a judgment-free coaching services for “gray area drinkers” to examine their relationship with alcohol. For the sober-curious, I run an Alcohol-Free Challenge and 31-Day Course, and for the “sober-serious” I offer a 6-month coaching experience. I’m passionate about helping people experience life on the other side of alcohol and thrive alcohol-free. Be sure to check out Sally’s , , and ! As well as her website ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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360 Taking Your Own Advice
12/17/2024
360 Taking Your Own Advice
360 Taking Your Own Advice Sometimes in life we are told by those who come to us for guidance how valuable and insightful our input can be, however it is often difficult for us to take our own words to heart. This can be for a myriad of reasons, but if our personal board of directors insist that we have a good head on our shoulders, certainly we must turn inward and offer advice to ourselves. In this episode, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the importance of taking your own advice and being mindful of how your stories impact those involved in it, especially when they aren’t around to hear the story being shared. Highlights Appreciating the facets of the people in your life and how they influence your stories. Finishing what you started, especially when you don’t think you can. Being mindful of how you share the stories about the people in your life. Quotes “You have to finish the commitment you made (for the summer). Because if you don't, this challenging situation will come back to you in different forms until you learn the lesson the universe is trying to teach you.” “It doesn’t require much criticism to believe the bad stuff.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What stories are you sharing with the intent to teach or learn or to grow, that might actually be hurting someone you care about? Can you see whether that’s damaging the relationship with that person even if they haven’t heard the story you’ve been sharing? The stories we tell about other people say a lot about who we are. So please, the next time you start sharing a story; pay attention, figure out how you can share it in a way that’s positive and shows the beautiful light of you and the people in your life. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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359 What is Success?
12/10/2024
359 What is Success?
359 What is Success? Success and our paths to reaching it look different for every person, especially when it's to someone who isn’t an achiever and doesn’t care for titles. Our own personal success is often more meaningful than a trophy. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Robin Hamilton discuss their own personal definitions of success as well as the trials and hurdles on their paths to self discovery and success. Highlights Showing appreciation for your stories and the stories of others. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open and grateful to the opportunities presented to you. What do you want to do? And what are the next steps in reaching that goal? Are you presenting yourself in a way you can be proud of as well as those who rely on you? Quotes “You need to take the blinders off, and you need to be careful of the story or the narrative you’re telling yourself of what should be and be open to what is in front of you.” “You’re doing all of this work anyway, why don’t you just do it for yourself?” “I always felt that when your talents can support you and sustain you, in the way you want them to, that is what I believe success to be.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, One thing that really caught my attention was the story of the woman that was interviewing Robin and said “We think much of ourselves don’t we?” When do you get to be the woman that says, “Damn girl, you really know what your value is. We have this range in our salary and that’s at the upper range, I can try to push this through but what if we start here?” When can you be the woman who says “You’re right. You aren’t asking enough.” We need to be that woman for the women around us. It should never be a woman who tells another woman, she’s not the value she thinks she is. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Robin Robin Hamilton is an Emmy-award winning journalist, television host, moderator and writer. As a journalist, Ms. Hamilton has worked for network affiliates around the country, including Florida, New York, and Massachusetts. Based in Washington, DC, she was the host for the public affairs news magazine program This Just In. In 2012, she founded the ARound Robin Production Company, where she creates videos for non-profits to help with fundraising, marketing and messaging. In 2016, she was awarded a Fulbright grant to travel to Myanmar to help facilitate a communication campaign between local organizations and their government. She received two master’s degrees, one from New York University, with a concentration in broadcast journalism, and a second in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, with a focus on policy and media. Her company has also produced five documentary films. Check out Robin’s , , and ! As well as her website ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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358 Inner Leaders
12/03/2024
358 Inner Leaders
358 Inner Leaders No matter how much of a master we think we are at the things we do, we can always learn more. Whether that be in the form of learning a new hiking path, learning a new crochet stitch, or how to best use your behavior in the workplace to encourage others to thrive. In this episode Tanya Bugbee and Sarah Elkins discuss the importance of having a coach, and using the skills that connect us to others. Highlights Sometimes it takes time for us to accept and share the important details of our lives. Practice and leaving reminders for yourself to work on the behavior you want to make an adjustment to. We need someone pragmatic and straight to the point to coach us. Quotes “It connects us, those stories. We make a connection when we share something vulnerable or whatever we’re sharing. It’s a way to connect and to bond and to understand.” “We need to have strong inner leaders in our voices.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, If you are a coach, who are you reaching out to for coaching to make sure you are bringing your best to your clients? If you’ve considered hiring a coach, what are the outcomes you want as a result of working with them, because that can help inform which coach is going to be the best fit for you. Think about the people you admire and respect the most because of interactions with you and know that your best coach connection will be with somebody like that, someone you will listen to and feel confident and safe to be vulnerable with. I highly encourage you to consider hiring a coach especially if you’re a business owner and you just need somebody with really good ideas, and good listening skills, that can help you and make sure that they are in your corner. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Tanya Tanya’s clients don’t just meet their goals—they soar beyond them. From earning promotions to becoming top producers, Tanya’s clients achieve with confidence, courage, and a plan. Known for her skill in creating customized strategies that lead to measurable results, Tanya is the coach who transforms ambitions into achievements. Her path to coaching is as vibrant as her approach: she’s been a top-producing realtor in three states, a corporate trainer for Jenny Craig, a sailboat flipper, and even ran a flight school. Oh, and she earned her pilot’s license at 26. Her stories inspire and her strategies deliver, equipping every client with the tools they need to thrive. Outside of work, Tanya is all about adventure and family—whether it’s taking her bike out on a new trail, enjoying live music, or savoring grandmotherhood. Be sure to check out Tanya’s , , and ! As well as ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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358 The Objects That Matter To You
11/26/2024
358 The Objects That Matter To You
357 The Objects That Matter To You Connection, especially in today’s day and age, is becoming a lost art. Today we are given the unique and groundbreaking idea from Lisa Weiss, to ask about the objects that are held onto by the people around us, connecting with them through the shared love of holding onto pieces of the past that have shaped us into who we are today. Highlights What are you keeping from the past? What commonality do you look for in others? What do you surround yourself with that matters to you? Quotes “I don’t want to live an unlived life.” “I tend to like objects that make me feel like I matter to someone else.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, One of the first topics in this conversation was considering the depth of the object you’re holding on to. So what is an object in your life that you can look at and tell a story about that includes other people, other characters in your story matter. How can you share that with people? Think about opportunities to use objects to connect with people around you, because right now in our global community with the polarization we are facing this is so critical. Asking a question, not to change somebody's mind, not to try to persuade somebody, but asking them with the intention of connecting. Ask the question that will bring depth and connection in that moment around you. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Lisa Lisa Weiss is the 3X Emmy® Award-winning founder + CEO of Storybeat Studio, a storytelling and public relations company combatting invisibility, disconnection, and disengagement among individuals and organizations. She has more than two decades of experience as a media executive and writer for iconic brands, including Oprah Winfrey and CBS News. Through her work with Storybeat Studio, Lisa was named a Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneur (December 2021) and a Tory Burch Fellow (2021-2022). She is the creator of the Object Diaries project: Stories About Human Connection Told One Secret Object at a Time. Be sure to check out Lisa’s ! As well as , the adjoined , and ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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357: Sarah's Hike
11/19/2024
357: Sarah's Hike
357 Sarah’s Hike Many times in life it feels like we’re in the plot of a movie franchise from 2003, hopelessly watching and waiting for the inevitable drop of the other shoe, the logs or cars to fly off of a semi-truck on a highway that we have to take. Often this stress and future-tense fear can become all-consuming, blinding us to the people we share the car and road with. However if we remember to take a breath and slow down, letting those in your car offer their insight and assurance, you will make it to your destination and this too shall pass. In this episode, Sarah Elkins offers some insight she found on a hike in the beautiful snowy mountains of Montana, sharing her boundless optimism and valuable thoughts. Highlights Where do you find inspiration? Are you in a place where you are waiting for the other shoe -or in this case car- to drop? Is that really the most healthy place for you to grow and learn? Who is the company in your car as you are stuck behind the semi of unpredictability? Quotes “She told me that sometimes when she’s having a hard time she imagines that she’s on a 2 lane highway, with a giant semi-truck -a car carrier- in front of her. And she’s watching as that last car on the truck is bouncing and she’s waiting for it to just fall off the car carrier and onto her car.” “As I give it some space, I realize there is beauty all around me. I just couldn’t see it because I was too close.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Consider what is the semi that you are driving too close to. Consider who you want as company in the car. Who needs you to take that space between you and that truck? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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356 Anchored in Time
11/12/2024
356 Anchored in Time
Labels and judgment are an unfortunate symptom of society, more often than not people will be framed in a particular light without any chance to defend themselves or for a full explanation to be given. Because of one person saying something, one bad interaction, or one misinterpretation a person can be frozen in time under whatever label was given to them. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on enlightening experiences that have recently occurred that have helped continue to shape her perspective on the damage of labels and unfair judgment. Highlights Art imitates life and more often than not, not for the better. Labels and keeping someone frozen in time can warp our perceptions of others and ourselves. Work on strategies to help yourself avoid judging another and labeling them unjustly. Quotes “Their spouses, families, and friends are all shocked of course, and they say things like “My whole life with you is a lie!” I desperately wanted to ask those family and friends, Did you feel loved and cared for all those years you were together? Are you going to ignore all that you know to be true about this person because of something they did over twenty years ago?! I want to shake them!” “Labels are a form of judgment and no one likes to be judged, especially from someone else’s limited information about us.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Do you have cringey moments you look back on, times that when you do look back on them realize they weren’t too great? When have you been labeled and judged unfairly? Are their stories about people in your past that maybe it’s time to reconsider before sharing? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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354 Amy's Mess
10/29/2024
354 Amy's Mess
354 Amy’s Mess Hunger, for the lucky among us, is an inconvenience, the final straw during a bad day that fuels a bad temper, or an awkward moment in a silent room. But for many in our community hunger is painful, difficult, and inescapable making it near impossible to do anything let alone attend school. Approximately 2.5 million children are homeless in the United States, many of whom somehow still have to attend school, often hungry. But we can help, whether it be through donations or time, we can help the children in our communities. Today Sarah Elkins and Amy Adams discuss , a nonprofit organization that seeks to feed the children and families of the Helena Community and to spread awareness of the plight of homeless families. Highlights Acts of kindness can help your community. Doing what you can within your means. Working together with your community to help eachother. Quotes “I realize what I’m doing is not a fix, but at the same time these kids have a lot of instability and insecurity in their lives, you know they’re living in a hotel or a camper. Regardless of what the parent’s situation is these kids are still hungry.” “I realize you don’t know me, but I know I can help.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Amy started this just by understanding a need and figured out what she could do and what she could count on to help her make even a small difference in the lives of these students. I’m a huge believer that food and giving in this way is a pathway to reduce drop-outs, to reduce criminal activity, to reduce addiction, to reduce violence at schools. Feeding people, nourishing and nurturing them, especially students is going to make a difference in our communities. What will you do and how do you see the change and the shift? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Amy I am just an individual who cared to start something. Be sure to check out Amy’s and ! Visit to find out more and donate to help feed hungry families. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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355 Create The Community You Need
10/27/2024
355 Create The Community You Need
355 Create The Community You Need Building a community can be a daunting yet very rewarding task, in order to find this community often you need to spread out and meet strangers, expanding both your world view and understanding of others. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Emily Carlson discuss the importance of building community and making your very own personal board of directors to work together for a better tomorrow. Highlights Knowing what really matters to you and never compromising your values. What you want from life changes over time. Ask what someone has tried before exploring solutions to a problem. Quotes “I knew I needed to do something in this world and I knew I didn't want to leave my baby.” “Complete strangers when you begin a call can become apart of your community when you leave.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, You’ve heard a lot of inspiring moments in this conversation, what will you take away from it? Maybe you’ll reach out to someone you admire and respect and ask for a 15 or 30 minute conversation just to find out how you can support them and how they can support you. Will you start to build exactly the personal board of directors, the community you need to take you to wherever you plan to be in the next few years. What will you take from this conversation and what will you do in the next 24 hours to move you in the right direction? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Emily Emily Carlson is a leading executive and mentor in the Healthcare IT consulting industry. Emily’s 30-year career in Information Technology and Project Management realms has focused on supporting her passion for the healthcare industry by delivering best-in-class quality projects to aid strategic initiatives and grow revenue for her clients. Emily is a coach and mentor to organizations, the technology industry, and throughout her community. Her podcast, Powered by Authenticity, advocates to change the trajectory of equity and inclusion for females through insightful, inspiring conversations from women who are forging ahead in careers that do not have a balanced female representation. Emily travels the country as a conference and event keynote speaker focusing on topics ranging from her technical expertise to equity and inclusion. Among her many accolades, Emily is most proud of being chosen in 2021 as one of the Top Women Leaders in Technology, Excellence and Innovation by Consulting Magazine. In 2022 Consulting Magazine awarded her Mentor of the Year acknowledging the unrelenting work she has down in support of other females. Be sure to check out Emily’s , , and ! As well as her ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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353 Food Stories Revisited
10/22/2024
353 Food Stories Revisited
353 Food Stories Revisited Revisiting episode 292 “Food Stories” Sarah Elkins reminisces on the importance of love languages and how important it is to show those you love how much you care. Love languages come in many different forms; gift giving, words of affirmation, and for today’s episode specifically, the act of cooking and giving a good meal to those you hold close. It is vital to the health and continuation of relationships that we discover these languages and think about how these actions impact how others view us. Highlights Spending time with those you love, nurturing them and being nurtured in turn. Don’t wait for the perfect time to use something you love. Finding direction. Quotes “How do you want to see yourself? What do you want to see in yourself?” “When you want people to see you in a certain way but can’t demonstrate it through your actions; What stories can you share so they experience you that way?” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What is your love language? What stories can you share that demonstrate it so you don’t have to say, “my love language is-” When you heard my very first story about feeding people, about the food that I lovingly created, you heard my love language in my voice, and that story tells alot about who I am at work and at home. So Listeners, figure out which stories demonstrate those qualities you want people to know about you. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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352 Human Curriculum
10/14/2024
352 Human Curriculum
352 Human Curriculum Human connection is imperative to our growth and success as people, however if we do not take time to work towards creating a community to feed our social needs we will end up stunted and spinning our tires unable to continue. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Christopher Filipiak discuss the importance of community and growth, which often comes with the fact we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable by loving and being loved in return. Highlights Growth often means vulnerability. Creating community and passing those skills down to those who look up to you. We need hugs. We need to know we are wanted and loved. Bringing community and love to everything you do. Quotes “Being able to find the people you resonate with, and I think so much of it is getting clear and creating the life that you actually want, whatever that looks like, and being able to be honest about that.” “It helps me to lean in to creating a community that I want.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, How can you flip the equation so you’re spending more time in that place where you feel connected, sometimes that can be outside by yourself, but particularly when you’re in community, when you’re not lonely. Think about how you can spend more time finding that community and choosing that community. Embracing outliers and bringing them into community so they feel it too. We need to shift that equation so more of our time is spent there instead of loneliness. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Christopher I’m a sales coach and consultant who helps CEOs succeed at their own sales work. My experience is unique in that it combines a foundation in engineering, solid business principles, plus a focus on mindset. The result is an integrated approach that comprehensively transforms sales organizations. I have helped businesses 12x their sales growth, increase deal flow by 500%, and bring on 500% more clients. I’m a strong believer that mastering a sales skillset helps us create the life we want. And what could be more important than that? So many CEOs dread sales work; I teach them that it’s a loving act. Ultimately, getting what you want in life is up to you. While I work with clients all over the country, I’m based out of Asheville, NC, where I enjoy mountain biking, dancing, laughing, learning, and raising four amazing kids with my wife Karen. Be sure to check out Christopher’s and ! As well as his ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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351 Communication Is In Everything We Do
10/08/2024
351 Communication Is In Everything We Do
351 Communication Is In Everything We Do We are always communicating in everything we do, from overtly talking to or texting someone, to smiling and nodding to strangers you pass on the street, it’s human nature to want to be seen and heard and to give that to others. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jim Collison discuss the importance of communication and how understanding your strengths leads to better communication not just with others but with yourself. Highlights Choose to put yourself into situations where you can tell a great story afterwards. Live a life bigger than the one you have. Strengths are sometimes seen as a weakness before you learn how to use them. Be patient enough to let things happen. Quotes “You can’t take people places you’ve never been.” “I think some people miss on Clifton Strengths, it does explain who you are, but it is also a productivity tool. How do you get better?” Mentioned in this podcast National Suicide Hotline, Text or Call 988 Help is available. You are cared for. Dear Listeners it is now your turn, This whole Clifton Strengths, any assessment, maybe this isn’t the answer to our global communication issues but it can be an answer to your individual communication. And the reality is that each of us are responsible for our own communication and how it’s received by the people and environment around us. You are communicating with everything you do; every like, every comment, every share, every honking of your horn, you are communicating who you are, your character. And when you can take responsibility with it, the world changes. So listeners, what are you going to do, today, tomorrow, over the next few days, to figure out what it is you want to work on. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Jim CliftonStrengths Top 5: Arranger | WOO | Maximizer | Communication | Activator I am the CliftonStrengths Community Manager for Gallup and Produce Gallup's Called to Coach and CliftonStrengths Webcasts found at . In my role I manage the global community of Gallup-Certified Coaches and help those customers who are engaged with our CliftonStrengths Assessment worldwide. In prior years I have managed IT resources, managed a high school and college internship program for Gallup and was a member of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem managing board. I have been at Gallup since 2007. Be sure to check out Jim’s ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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350 Growing Through Failure
10/01/2024
350 Growing Through Failure
350 Growing Through Failure It is vital to our success to fail, we need to try things that are new and be comfortable in the fact failure is normal and expected. By letting ourselves be uncomfortable and fail at new things, we leave room for growth and success. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Paige Arnof-Fenn discuss the importance of trying new activities and accepting our failures as opportunities to grow. Highlights Building a community of people who know when to reach out for help and who you can reach out to. Don't just do what you’re great at, try things that are new, especially if you suck at them at first. Explore outside your comfort zone to learn new and amazing things about yourself and the world around you. Quotes “Be brave enough to start something you kind of suck at when you really haven't sucked at stuff in a long time.” “Part of being an adult is being comfortable being uncomfortable.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, We covered a lot of ground today, but the thing that just came back to me is that I would love to challenge you to take on something that you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Maybe you won’t be good at it, maybe you’ll find that you have a natural talent for it. Maybe it’s taking a pottery class, throwing clay on a wheel or hand sculpting things, maybe it’s taking up knitting or Tai Chi, maybe it’s something as simple as walking around your neighborhood in a way you haven’t done before, with great intention. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Paige Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes. Be sure to check out Paige’s , as well as her website , their , and their ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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349 Community Building
09/24/2024
349 Community Building
349 Community Building How we choose to spend our time directly impacts the way we live both in our careers and in our day to day lives, however if we are spending our precious time surrounding ourselves with negativity and naysayers we are very unlikely to succeed. Which is why it is so important to find a community that encourages and supports each other. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the path that led her to success and satisfaction, the importance of the individuals that helped her along the way, and the community they built. Highlights Identifying paths and the advocates who encourage you and see the best in you. What is your role? And are you in a place that helps you thrive in that role? Belonging and inclusion. Quotes “There’s no way I could’ve known this path before I took any of the steps on it. Some people know what they want to do at a very young age, I was not one of those people. What I did have, and continue to have, are people in my life who believe in me, who often see more in me than I see in myself.” “Feeling so supported and valued, changed the way I spend my precious time and energy.” “Remember you can’t really build community if you don’t allow and encourage others to contribute. And that means you can’t always be the one giving, you have to be someone who can ask for help and receive it with grace.” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I encourage you to take time this week to consider who is in your circle. Do you have a diverse group of friends and colleagues who support and encourage you? Who ask you the hard questions, and who believe in you, sometimes more than you believe in yourself? Are you that person to others and do you receive that help with grace? If you can’t jot down at least 3 names off the top of your head, you might have some work to do. Here’s one idea to help you find and nurture that community: Look back at the times in your life that you felt confident, when you felt like you were contributing, when you felt like you were contributing and found satisfaction in the work you were doing. Now look for local activities where you are likely like hearted, not like minded necessarily but like hearted people. Maybe that’s joining a book club, spending time at the library or a local bookstore, getting outside for walks -hikes-, or maybe take a walking tour of your community, if you’re feeling really brave maybe it’s time to join us at our next No Longer Virtual Summit. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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348 Artistry in Community
09/17/2024
348 Artistry in Community
348 Artistry in Community Art has always brought people together, even in the darkest times of human history there is always a creative trying to give the world just a little bit of light. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Al Swanson discuss how community and artistry often go hand in hand, as well as the importance of giving back to your community. Highlights Community. Passion for the path you chose. People will fall in love with the creator, not the product. Quotes “Though the challenges are there I think because you are allowed to go down that path you chose, it’s the more I’m interested in something the more I want to talk about it.” “Pick your medium, and you have to love it, and you’re gonna have to want to give it.” Mentioned in this episode Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What are you going to explore today, tomorrow, the next day, in your creative outlet? What small thing can you take on, it might be picking up a coloring book and starting to color, just start to explore that. It might be picking out a recipe you’ve never tried or maybe it’s finding your community at the library, a hiking group, maybe it’s the land trust near you to help with trail maintenance, maybe it’s something as simple as volunteering to read to children or seniors. What will you do to find your community, to contribute to it, to better yourself and keep yourself in alignment? And, as always, thank you for listening. About Al (bio from his website) A.L. grew up on a small farm in Maine, surrounded by a beautiful forest, and raised by a father who loved working with wood. Watching his father create extraordinary pieces with his own two hands, with trees harvested from their land, left an impression on A.L. and sparked a passion that continues to this day. After spending time studying business and agronomy at respective universities, he decided to follow the passions he discovered as a boy and pursue the fine craft of woodworking. He apprenticed under several elite cabinetmakers in Maine, mastering the traditional craft. In 2000, he packed up his tools and gave in to the lure of the wide-open spaces of Montana, where he now calls home. Today he shares the passion he discovered as a boy with the folks who enjoy his collections of fine hardwood gifts for the home, exceptional hand-crafted furniture, and his line of wooden fly boxes, landing nets, and fly rod cases. When he’s not in the studio creating something that will last for generations, you’ll find him out on the river casting for trout, spending time with his son, and dreaming up the next big project to exceed his patrons’ expectations. Be sure to check out his ! As well as his and ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure
09/10/2024
347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure
347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure Everything you do, starts and ends with you. From habits we try to make consistent, to our careers, everything we do comes from ourselves, and sometimes we fail which is just as important as success. Often we must fail and learn from those mistakes in order to succeed. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Charles Clark discuss the importance of the evolution of the self, accepting our successes and failure, as well as the importance of stopping to check in with yourself and ensure you are still in alignment. Highlights Show up for the one. Embody your word of impact. Take care of yourself, find time to regroup. You need to live what you teach, be a good example not just to others but yourself. You need to be willing to accept when it’s time to look in the mirror and confront yourself. Accept your failure AND your successes. Quotes “There’s that one person out there who really needs it and it kind of reminds me of this whole idea like; Hey just think about the one because we get so focused on the millions, the tens of thousands, the hundreds, but what about that one? Because I truly believe that one can become the million.” “It’s painful day one, but if you do it enough you begin to love your imperfections.” “I see myself changing, I’m not perfect but I know I’m worth it. I’m worth showing up and being consistent, I’m not there yet but look at what I’ve done.” “Find The Hidden Prize In Failure” Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would really encourage you to think about one thing; shameful or hurtful or disappointing or painful that you experienced in your younger years, anytime pre-15 or 16. Something that happened to you, maybe it happened to you alot, you know what I mean, your traumatic childhood experiences. Many of us try to ignore them or we think because we had a generally good childhood that we don’t have any trauma to deal with - I promise you everyone has something to deal with. Think about that moment, and think about how it has impacted who you are today, and do one thing that reminds you that you have the responsibility, that you have the power to show up how you want to show up in the world. Regardless of what happened in your childhood, YOU are responsible for your behavior in this moment. What are you going to do with this critical knowledge. And, as always, thank you for listening. About Charles From the adrenaline of the racetrack to the exhilaration of the speaker's podium, Charles Clark's journey is a testament to the power of resilience. A three-time National Champion and ten-time All-American, Charles was once ranked the sixth fastest man in the world at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin. His athletic career was a dream in motion until a devastating injury changed the trajectory of his path forever. Overnight, Charles went from the triumphs of athletic achievement to the depths of injury-induced despair, leading to an intense battle with anxiety and depression. Yet, what seemed like a catastrophic setback became the cornerstone of a profound transformation during which Charles learned to master and sustain optimal mental well-being. Eleven years later, Charles’ message goes further than the mere pursuit of achievement; it's about cultivating a mindset of growth, starting first and foremost with mental health. Charles is passionate about helping others become mentally strong, discover their purpose, and develop the habits that will allow them to make their dreams a reality. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that there are valuable lessons hidden in hardship that teach us exactly what we need to know to find fulfillment in life. For Charles, to truly thrive is to relentlessly push beyond the confines of failure and success, to reach unprecedented heights. Today, Charles is a best-selling author and an award-winning speaker. His books, The 'I' in Team: The Playbook To Create A Winning Culture & A Thriving Business and Become your Ideal Self: How to Heal Through Self Therapy made the Amazon best selling list for leadership & motivation. Annually, he captivates audiences at over 50 events worldwide, ranging from educational institutions and sports teams to Fortune 500 companies. To date, his client list includes Google, Farmers Insurance, the NFL, the MLB, NCAA, Johnson & Johnson, Raymond James, Amazon, Nike, iHeart Radio, PepsiCo, and more. With his infectious energy and inspiring insights, Charles has reached and uplifted more than 600,000 people globally, instilling in them a newfound zest for life and leaving an unforgettable mark on hearts and minds alike. Be sure to check out Charles’s , , and ! Order his new ! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
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