Stories as a Tool to Address Anxiety

Callie Kazakoff was surprised to hear from me, and even more surprised to be asked to be a guest on this podcast.

Callie Kazakoff, Student at Montana State University

"I'm only 20! What do I have to add?"

We met when she participated in my session in a day-long virtual leadership retreat. The topic was storytelling and personal brand, in the context of being intentional in the stories we share, particularly when we want to inspire action, or in client and job interview conversations.

Callie caught my attention when she briefly shared a story about stepping out of her comfort zone by signing up for a Semester at Sea study abroad programs, first semester of her sophomore year of college.

That was the timing of my semester abroad to Australia, and I knew she'd have fantastic recent stories of self-reflection, personal growth, humility, comfort zone expansion, and adventure.

She did not disappoint.

Callie's stories spanned from her unlikely decision, as someone who struggles with severe anxiety, to study abroad, to her recent "ah ha" moment in the middle of an anxiety attack while whitewater rafting for the first time.

She is a wise soul, and I see beautiful adventures in her future.