419 Strengths In Storytelling

Our stories are woven into our very being, they are what make us who we are and how we show others who we are and what we are the best at. 

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins discusses the many iterations of her business, her newest book, and the power that lies in the art of storytelling.

419 Strength In Storytelling

title card for episode 419 a monologue by Sarah Elkins, titled Strength In Storytelling

Our stories are woven into our very being, they are what make us who we are and how we show others who we are and what we are the best at. 

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins discusses the many iterations of her business, her newest book, and the power that lies in the art of storytelling. 


Highlights

  • Improving satisfaction and skills in yourself and others.

  • Core values and skills shown through our own stories.

  • Our stories affect those around us in unseen physical and emotional ways. 


Quotes

“Your strengths are your stories.”

“That’s the thing about our stories, even when we’re not consciously aware of it we learn alot about eachother.”


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

Have you always known the power of sharing personal stories to connect with people or is this a turning point for you in that recognition? Do you have trouble thinking of the right stories to share or do you always have a few go to options ready? You may not realize this but when you’re present in your life, you make sharable stories every single day. I’d love to hear what resonated with you on this week's episode, please send me a message via email, Instagram, or LinkedIn to let me know.  

And, as always, thank you for listening. 


About Sarah

Quote card featuring a photo of Sarah Elkins, the quote reads "Your strengths are you stories."

"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!

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243: While Your Mindset Shifts Over Time, Your Purpose May Not

Sometimes in life we will all have moments where we think to ourselves, “Is this really who I want to be? Is this how I want my story to impact others?” and we either wonder or plan for the next steps in becoming the person we want to be.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Tony Michaelides, an accomplished Author and former Music Industry Executive, discuss the importance of being authentic in your stories and how they influence your audience in a way that is for the better, instead of being outrageous and telling your stories for the perceived “glory” of having a legacy.

While Your Mindset Shifts Over Time, Your Purpose May Not

Episode 243 podcast cover art featuring Tony Michaelides

Sometimes in life we will all have moments where we think to ourselves, “Is this really who I want to be? Is this how I want my story to impact others?” and we either wonder or plan for the next steps in becoming the person we want to be.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Tony Michaelides, an accomplished Author and former Music Industry Executive, discuss the importance of being authentic in your stories and how they influence your audience in a way that is for the better, instead of being outrageous and telling your stories for the perceived “glory” of having a legacy.


Podcast cover art for episode 243 featuring Tony Michaelides with a quote as listed in the show notes.

Highlights

  • It's okay to be lousy when you first try something.

  • In order to pursue your dreams you have to be willing to be uncomfortable in order to learn what you need to do.

  • How many people can you benefit by being your authentic self?

  • The influence of being insistent on personal growth.

  • Show appreciation for the road life has lead you on.

Quotes

Be true to yourself, don't find yourself being lead down a road of uncertainty.

There comes a time in your life when you stand back and say "what about me?" and that's not being selfish towards others, that's just putting yourself in the mix. 

We can be heroes if just for today.


Featured in this podcast:


About Tony Michaelides (from his website):

Having spent thirty plus years in the music industry and working with some of the world’s leading artists I could see that big changes were about to happen. It was clearly time for me to make a change too so after being labelled an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability” for services to the music and arts I was awarded a green card, packed my bags and headed out to America for the next part of my journey. As I began writing my first book it dawned on me that I had learned a lot from both the artists I had worked with together with the people I like to call ‘music industry insiders.’ I started to take ‘The Lessons Learned from Rock and Roll’ out on to the road and to numerous events internationally. As I was writing my second book, ‘Moments That Rock’ I decided to keep the lessons separate and to release them as a series of E Books and Audio books. My ‘Moments That Rock’ became a storytelling podcast and a new dawn beckoned. If I can no longer do what I did then why not talk about it? The Lessons Learned from Rock and Roll is not exclusive and can be applied to anyone. It opens people’s eyes in to what it takes to be a real Rock Star.


ABOUT SARAH:

Image of Sarah Elkins in straw hat with podcast title, You Stories Don't Define You

"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.


Show notes by Chinook Bromlie - Estey

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242: The Stories We Start Are Not Always The Stories We Complete

How does everything we’ve done and gone through lead us to who we are today?

Join in as Sarah Elkins and the very talented, Claudia Noriega-Bernstein engage in a conversation about the power of stories within our family dynamics, our self-reflection in our own lives, and the effectiveness of coaching.

Featuring Claudia Noriega-Bernstein

How does everything we’ve done and gone through lead us to who we are today?

Join in as Sarah Elkins and the very talented, Claudia Noriega-Bernstein engage in a conversation about the power of stories within our family dynamics, our self-reflection in our own lives, and the effectiveness of coaching.

Check it out today!



“We often times try to fit into what we think everybody else wants from us, or what everyone else thinks we should do.” -Claudia Noriega-Bernstein

Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!

 

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

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About Claudia Noriega-Bernstein:

Claudia is an artist, writer, TV director, philanthropist, abundance coach, mentor, mother, and wife. During her career as a journalist, she has worked for magazines and television in South America and the US, touching subjects from parenting, forgiveness, and growth to political issues. "Helping others achieve self-confidence, good relationships, their life purpose and becoming authentic leaders, brings so much joy to my life; especially when I help them stand in their own power and have clarity about who they are and where they want to be, so they can ultimately become the best version of themselves." She has dedicated the last twelve years of her life to empowering people, especially children, and women. As a life/abundance coach, she has helped people from different backgrounds to discover and implement the full potential of their own.

Check out Claudia’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.


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.

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241: Finding Balance: Is Your Identity Tied to Your Job?

Is your identity tied to your job? Listen in as Sarah Elkins is joined by the Director of Quetico Career and Leadership Coaching, Jeff Ikler, in a riveting discussion about internal and external identities and relevance. Jeff also shares his personal journey and the revolving identification around work life.

Featuring Jeff Ikler

Is your identity tied to your job? Listen in as Sarah Elkins is joined by the Director of Quetico Career and Leadership Coaching, Jeff Ikler, in a riveting discussion about internal and external identities and relevance. Jeff also shares his personal journey and the revolving identification around work life.

Check it out today!


“My identity has always revolvedaround work.” -Jeff Ikler

 

Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!

 

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

— 

About Jeff Ikler:

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.

Check out Jeff’s Website and Blog

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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.

 

 

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Episode 104 Revisited: Self-Reflection for Uncovering Satisfaction

For the past few episodes of Your Stories Don’t Define You, we’ve focused on a theme of self-reflection as a tool for inspiring leadership and finding greater satisfaction at work and at home. Episode 104, published in December 2019 with Rajkumari Neogy is a perfect addition to the theme, so we thought we’d bring it back for another look. Check it out today!

For the past few episodes of Your Stories Don’t Define You, we’ve focused on a theme of self-reflection as a tool for inspiring leadership and finding greater satisfaction at work and at home. Episode 104, published in December 2019 with Rajkumari Neogy is a perfect addition to the theme, so we thought we’d bring it back for another look. Check it out today!

During our conversation about resilience and the impact of genetics on trauma, Rajkumari mentioned two scientists well-regarded in the field of epigenetics, Rachel Yehuda and Moshe Szyf

From an interview with Dr. Yehuda: “Rachel Yehuda is a pioneer in understanding how the effects of stress and trauma can transmit biologically, beyond cataclysmic events, to the next generation.”

Also mentioned was a book by Sarah Peyton, Your Resonant Self, which you can find here.


“Based on our environment, based on the behavior that we experience both to ourselves and others, it directly impacts how our genes express themselves.” -Rajkumari Neogy

 


Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

— 

About Rajkumari Neogy:

‘Rajkumari Neogy, MA has spent 25 years at the intersection of technology and culture.

She is the creator of the epigenetic coaching framework and the author of The WIT FACTOR: Shifting the Workplace by Becoming Your Optimal Self.

She sits quite comfortably at the intersections of Interpersonal Neurobiology, Culture, Technology, and Empathic Language for Business.

A rare blend of techno-babble and touchy-feely invites her keen insights to transform individuals and organizations organically.’

Check out Rajkumari’s Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

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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.

 

 

Read More

240: How Do We Find Relevance in Life? What Happens When We Don't?

Finding Meaning in YOUR Life


Have you thought about what kind of person you are right now vs. who you were, or who you want to be in the future? Join in with Sarah Elkins as she discusses the journey of finding relevance in YOUR life and how stories can have a lasting contribution.

In this episode, Sarah references a video about the movie Spirited Away. If you’re curious, watch that video below.

Video essay, movie Spirited Away.

Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!


“Maybe it feels a little morbid to think like this, and maybe, just maybe, by taking the time and making this effort at finding clarity, you’ll make adjustments to how you spend your time, the energy you put into relationships, and avoid future regret.” - Sarah Elkins

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret


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.

 

Read More

239: Stories of Relationships: Family, Feelings, & Baggage

How Do Our Relationships Frame Our Psyches? Ft. Traci Ruble


How do relationships with our siblings and significant others impact our lives? What stories play a role in framing our personality? Listen in as Sarah Elkins and licensed therapist, Traci Ruble, discuss the compelling stories of our most important relationships. Check it out today!



Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!

 


“Use all these stories, lessons, and mistakes I’ve made in my Sidewalk Talks… It all comes down to how we feel.” - Traci Ruble

 

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

 



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ABOUT TRACI RUBLE:

“I am a candid, clever, licensed California therapist living and working from Heidelberg, Germany. I am a no-BS couples therapy veteran. For 18 years I have been helping couples who have failed with multiple couples therapists before me to get some new growth points. I also listen on public sidewalks as a practice, to strangers, around the world.” 

Check out Traci’s Website, Sidewalk Talk, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

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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.

 

Read More