341 Cycles of Relationships
Growth, change, and accepting that sometimes we are just as much at fault as anyone else, are vital to the health and longevity of the relationships we build. It is only through growth, change, and acceptance that we become the best version of ourselves.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Hope Marshall discuss the natural courses of relationships and how they affect us even after they’ve ended.
341 Cycles of Relationships
Growth, change, and accepting that sometimes we are just as much at fault as anyone else, are vital to the health and longevity of the relationships we build. It is only through growth, change, and acceptance that we become the best version of ourselves.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Hope Marshall discuss the natural courses of relationships and how they affect us even after they’ve ended.
Highlights
It’s okay to pick up something to try and then leave it behind. It’s part of what makes people interesting.
You need to work towards a goal and take measures towards that goal actively to achieve it.
Miscommunication is a killer for any and all relationships.
Quotes
“I’m kind of like the Jane of some trades. Not all, just some. ”
“Most people are just trying to get through their own lives, meet their own personal goals and sometimes we’re a part of that, sometimes we’re a priority, and sometimes we’re not but either way it has nothing to do with us. In people’s growth sometimes you’re not a part of their journey.”
“Sometimes we’re the anchor in people’s lives, sometimes we’re the one that people need to cut off.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What part of your path are you thinking of in terms of regret that you can reframe to better understand that that part of your path is a big important aspect of who you are today. And if you hadn’t experienced exactly that path you would not be the same person you are today bringing the joy and the wisdom and the experience every single day now and into your future to wherever you sit.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Hope
My name is Hope Marshall: author, facilitator, and contentment hub cultivator for quirky women over 40.
As a child, I loved reading and writing. This was further confirmed after I’d come across my old diary from middle school that said I wanted to be an English teacher.
By day, I am a learning and development strategist, with over 10 years’ experience designing and facilitating training within an array of industries - not too far from my childhood aspirations.
My flagship book Corny Girl Chronicles and, Affirmations for Women cards were born out of my early childhood aspirations, coupled with a genuine passion for leveraging and sharing my triumphs, lessons, and insights with others who are like me: looking to make the most of our 3rd act of life.
Be sure to check out her LinkedIn and Instagram! As well as A Hope Inspired!
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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
332 The Indomitable Human Spirit
Trials and tribulations are as common on the path of life as sand is on a beach, but like the sand you can make something beautiful out of what you’ve gone through, even if it’s only for a moment. It is our indomitable human spirit that has gotten our species to where we are now, sometimes it can be easy to forget but we are capable of amazing things, all it takes is that first step towards growth and healing.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Lines discuss how the trials in our lives -though shaping us- do not define us, that despite our stories not always having a happy beginning it is the rest of our story and how we choose to move through chaos that defines us.
332 The Indomitable Human Spirit
Trials and tribulations are as common on the path of life as sand is on a beach, but like the sand you can make something beautiful out of what you’ve gone through, even if it’s only for a moment. It is our indomitable human spirit that has gotten our species to where we are now, sometimes it can be easy to forget but we are capable of amazing things, all it takes is that first step towards growth and healing.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Lines discuss how the trials in our lives -though shaping us- do not define us, that despite our stories not always having a happy beginning it is the rest of our story and how we choose to move through chaos that defines us.
Highlights
The power of our senses and how they tie to our memories.
It’s never too late to heal and start over.
Support and care from others can change the trajectory of our lives.
Caring for our fellow person, especially in times of hardship, is the most vital thing you can do for another.
Quotes
“My heart felt like it was exploding for this woman, because you know we can work with hundreds or thousands of people in a year, and the facts are just not everyone is going to create that outcome depending on their life experience, their current experience and all the things. And I so want to see women succeed.”
“I almost can’t describe the feeling, like I said it felt like my heart exploded, that’s how it feels when I get to witness women create what they want to create, because we are so powerful.”
“It’s definitely the energetics of success. Success is an inside job, everything is energy, and my firm belief is that any strategy is going to work if you’ve got the energy aligned and you’re constantly moving through those ebbs and flows. Keep releasing, keep moving forward.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What resonated with you about this conversation? What part of your life haven’t you healed yet that you can still see the joy and the beauty in the world around you despite that hard edge that remains. Everyone has one of those.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah Lines
Sarah Lines, founder of the globally recognised New Earth School, has built a soulful, award-winning 6 Figure business & co-created 6 best selling books around spirituality & entrepreneurship. With lifetimes of experience, she has mentored hundreds of mission-driven entrepreneurs to ascend spiritually & financially as they triple their income, in support of expanding their mission. When she is not running her company, you can find her reading, researching and studying metaphysical sciences or cuddling up to her cats.
Be sure to check out Sarah Lines’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! As well as New Earth School!
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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
331 Are You Ready For Change?
Change is inevitable however it is up to you on how well you deal with that change and if your preconceived biases will influence you in the future.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Divya Ramachandran discuss change, biases, and how important approaching change with curiosity.
331 Are You Ready For Change?
Change is inevitable however it is up to you on how well you deal with that change and if your preconceived biases will influence you in the future.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Divya Ramachandran discuss change, biases, and how important approaching change with curiosity.
Highlights
Acknowledging the differences between yourself and others and approaching those differences with curiosity and kindness.
Taking accountability for what has shaped you and learning to move forward in the best way possible.
Being is the hardest thing to do, it’s okay to struggle but remember to take time to just be.
Learn from kids, enjoy the journey and just try to have fun.
Quotes
“You’ve got biases, we all do, and that’s okay but we’re not going to act on them in a way that’s unkind, we are going to be respectful, we’re going to be curious, we’re going to be open. Be conscious of your biases and choose your actions appropriately. And I think this is a conversation that we are struggling to have today, everyone is just struggling to call it out and say “Hey you’re different. You’re different from me, I notice and it’s okay for me to notice, But I’m not going to hold that against you.”
“Understanding what are some of those experiences, thoughts, beliefs that have really shaped us. And I say us because I got to do the work as much as they do.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Have you worked with a coach? Have you really understood what the expectations are, what your expectations are? Have you ever worked with someone you didn’t quite jive with and then you just gave up instead of finding somebody else that might have served you better in that relationship? I’m curious to hear your experiences and whether you were looking for an advisor or coach, were you clear internally about what you needed in that moment? And are you being fair to the coach or therapist that you’ve been working with? In terms of knowing that you’re ready to develop and self reflect and get to a different point in your life. Are you ready for change, because change can be very scary.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Divya
Divya Ramachandran, Ph.D., P.C.C., is a distinguished leadership coach, transitioning from a successful career in tech to empowering leaders at tech startups. Born to South Asian immigrants in Salt Lake City, Utah, Divya navigated the complexities of identity and excellence from a young age. Her academic journey led her from computer engineering to a profound discovery at UC Berkeley, where she realized her passion for using technology to address human needs. This epiphany, coupled with a transformative experience in executive coaching, redirected her path toward leadership coaching. Divya specializes in guiding tech startup leaders, leveraging her expertise in energy awareness, cognitive behavioral coaching, and emotional intelligence to foster trust, connection, and effective communication within teams. Her work focuses on helping leaders achieve clarity, resolve conflicts, and enhance productivity, fundamentally believing in the power of understanding oneself to lead others effectively.
Be sure to check out Divya’s LinkedIn! As well as her free guide “How To Do Hard Things: It’s About Clarity, Not Time.”!
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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
330 How Trials Facilitate Growth
It is a normal and natural part of life to encounter obstacles and challenges on our way to success and fulfillment, it is our choice for it to either overwhelm us and destroy us or for us to learn from these instances and grow with grace.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Russell discuss the importance of growth and self actualization through hard work and dedication, especially through hard times.
330 How Trials Facilitate Growth
It is a normal and natural part of life to encounter obstacles and challenges on our way to success and fulfillment, it is our choice for it to either overwhelm us and destroy us or for us to learn from these instances and grow with grace.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Russell discuss the importance of growth and self actualization through hard work and dedication, especially through hard times.
Highlights
Random acts of kindness can create life long friendships.
Everyone is different and it is incredibly important to make people feel welcome and included. Our differences make us stronger together.
Life is unpredictable and wild, so find joy and fulfillment where you can.
We are all pushed out of the nest at some point, either in our personal lives or our careers. Which is why it is so important to have faith in yourself and what you were taught.
Quotes
“You take life as you can.”
“You find the people that you’re supposed to find, good and bad. I was just talking to someone else about this and I think you and I were talking about this in the beginning. Those difficult situations, those difficult people, really start to write our story too.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Wherever you are in life, what have you found, what experience did you have recently, maybe in the last five months or five years, that was really hard for you that you can now own and embrace as positive learning lessons, something that happened; you were kicked out of the nest uncomfortably or you had a boss that was cruel to you and all those lessons that we can learn from those experiences. What is your lesson now that you can take into the next part of your life in gratitude and grace for that difficult obstacle or challenge that you experienced.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah Russel
Sarah is, first and foremost, a student of yoga, which has informed her holistic business approach and sets her apart in the business world. She has been insanely successful and a total failure along her career path – both of which have taught her many lessons in consistency, perseverance and entrepreneurship. Sarah has consulted for over 60 organizations, founded seven start-ups, five brands, two-non-profits, and co-founded four start-ups in her professional career. Currently she is a senior consultant in talent management at a government consulting firm and top voice in Training and Development (HR) on LinkedIn and shares content regularly.
Sarah lives in the mountain West of the US, splitting her time between the Mile High city of Denver and the quiet pace of a rural mountain town in Montana. She spends her days away from the computer enjoying the outdoors, volunteering her time with animal rescue groups and traveling. If you’re looking to take the leap into self-employment, land the job of your dreams you don’t even know exists yet, or expand your business portfolio, contact Sarah to get the nudge you need and the tools to help you make that career transition in your life.
Be sure to check out Sarah’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!
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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
326 Giving What You Get
Skills and talents -our “magic”- manifest differently in everyone, but what matters is how we use these abilities to achieve our dreams and to lift up others around us. In helping others we will often find ourselves more fulfilled and happy in our daily lives.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Alicia Branham discuss the importance of loving what you do and giving yourself the same grace you give others while also continuing to strive for the future you want.
326 Giving What You Get
Skills and talents -our “magic”- manifest differently in everyone, but what matters is how we use these abilities to achieve our dreams and to lift up others around us. In helping others we will often find ourselves more fulfilled and happy in our daily lives.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Alicia Branham discuss the importance of loving what you do and giving yourself the same grace you give others while also continuing to strive for the future you want.
Highlights
See every facet of an individual, do not pigeonhole them.
Take a chance on others and let others take a chance on you.
Give back to your team.
It’s normal to doubt yourself, imposter syndrome is very real.
Quotes
“That is one thing that I do with the people that I serve is that I try to be that sounding board, and that support system that you typically wouldn’t find in a marketing firm. Because I really, really care about people and I care about people’s happiness, and if I know you’re frustrated or stressed out about something and there’s something I can shed light on for you to help you see things more clearly, then I’m going to do it. Because that’s what I’m compelled to do, that’s how I serve. I want everyone to be happy and be at their best, so it’s important to me that I actually give back in that way to the people that I work with.”
“I can’t be the only woman on the planet who doesn’t see our worth.”
Mentioned in this Podcast
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What is your magic? Maybe it’s time to ask somebody who knows you, that you trust, that really sees the best in you. Ask them what you bring to the table that’s different from other people, find a way to use that every single day. Because the more you work on that the more that gift, biologically, environmentally, psychologically, that was given to you becomes an actual talent. That’s where you find the most meaning and purpose in your days is by using them.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Alicia
Meet Alicia Branham, the marketing powerhouse with a story beyond business savvy.
Her journey reflects adaptability and determination, traits cultivated during her formative
years when her parents uprooted her to Uruguay.
Navigating the challenges of a new language and culture, Alicia not only embraced the
unfamiliar but thrived in it. This early experience laid the foundation for her ability to
connect with diverse audiences and approach marketing from a truly global perspective.
Alicia's journey from navigating the streets of Uruguay to conquering the digital
landscapes of marketing is a saga of resilience and cultural fluency.
It's this unique blend of personal growth and professional triumph that sets her apart in
the marketing world. As a speaker and influencer, Alicia not only shares groundbreaking
marketing strategies but also imparts the invaluable lessons learned from her multicultural
upbringing. Prepare to be captivated not just by her marketing prowess, but by the
remarkable journey that shaped Alicia Branham into the visionary marketer she is today.
Be sure to check out her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as her website Alicia Branham!
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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
320 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.
320 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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
316 Community In The Age of Social Media
Throughout our careers we will all need to make decisions to benefit ourselves and others by being a good leader and building up our teammates. In the age of social media and technology it is easy to focus on progress and monetization over the health of your community and your team. It is vital to your growth as a person and a business owner to choose community and growth for the betterment of your business, your community, and your team.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and the equally accomplished Eric Elkins discuss the importance of community and teamwork in our current age, how taking the time to listen to others and hold yourself and them accountable can lead to growth and change in the world around you. Eric also shares the skill of storytelling and brings awareness, compassion, and mindfulness to the conversation.
316 Community In The Age of Social Media
Want to join this year’s NLV Conference? Register here!
Throughout our careers we will all need to make decisions to benefit ourselves and others by being a good leader and building up our teammates. In the age of social media and technology it is easy to focus on progress and monetization over the health of your community and your team. It is vital to your growth as a person and a business owner to choose community and growth for the betterment of your business, your community, and your team.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and the equally accomplished Eric Elkins discuss the importance of community and teamwork in our current age, how taking the time to listen to others and hold yourself and them accountable can lead to growth and change in the world around you. Eric also shares the skill of storytelling and brings awareness, compassion, and mindfulness to the conversation.
Highlights
Sometimes you shouldn’t care what people think, especially if it’s something that makes you happy.
Oftentimes growing means change, don’t be afraid to spread your wings.
Community builds each other up, don’t be afraid to accept help and help others.
Turn conversations that are hard into something positive for you in the long run.
Value your team, without them you and your business can’t grow or make meaningful connections.
Quotes
“We could build a sense of community by building a sense of place.”
“For me it’s always about connecting people so that they can be more successful and be happier and do what they need to do.”
“I often say when you get a negative comment or a negative review: Your response has two audiences and two functions, the first audience is the person who wrote the comment, the negative comment or the negative review, and the first thing you need to do there is deescalate and hopefully get that conversation offline or into a private venue so that you can work through the situation and solve the problem. But that second audience is everybody else who’s watching what you’re gonna do, and so that’s why it’s always important to respond, take responsibility, and then to actively in that response move that conversation elsewhere.”
“We all go to work. We all have to deal with the vagaries of the workplace, and the slog that is even a job that we love, and the one thing that keeps us coming back day after day is the connection we have to the people there.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
It’s time to hold up that mirror in front of yourself, what behavior are you continuing in your management or your conversations within your community and the people who care about you that maybe you didn’t like when other people did those behaviors towards you. I know it’s hard to be a manager, especially if you’re new to that, so make sure that you’re paying attention to what you didn’t like in your experience with managers and not continuing those behaviors with your people. Listeners, I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Eric
Eric Elkins is a strategist, author, professional speaker, and CEO of WideFoc.us Social Media (http://www.widefoc.us/), a Denver-based agency he founded in 2007. Using organic and paid social strategies along with full-service community management, his team drives tangible results for B2B tech/SaaS companies, B2C brands, the home services industry, nonprofits, and global corporations. For more than 25 years, Eric has helped companies grow their visibility and increase revenue. He writes the occasional novel, hosts Denver food faves at denverlicious.com, and loves to share his eating and travel adventures on Instagram as @ericelkins.
Be sure to check out Eric’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! As well as his website Wide Focus and his food blog Denverlicious!
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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!