382 Images of Ourselves
It’s a sad fact of life that we internalize narratives that are made for us at an early age, we are told we are too emotional, that we’re too bossy, that we’re too big, and if we do not actively try to reframe or unlearn these narratives made for us, we are forced to live out a story someone else made up for us. It is our duty to reach out and take the power back for ourselves, to wield the pen as a mighty sword, and write our own narrative for the sake of our growth and inner peace.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Lindsey A. Lee, discuss the importance of becoming the person you want to be, showing up for yourself and those you love, and how vital it is for our growth as human beings to sit with the narratives we have about ourselves and decide for ourselves if these narratives are our own genuine thoughts and beliefs or if they were a planted idea.
382 Images of Ourselves
It’s a sad fact of life that we internalize narratives that are made for us at an early age, we are told we are too emotional, that we’re too bossy, that we’re too big, and if we do not actively try to reframe or unlearn these narratives made for us, we are forced to live out a story someone else made up for us. It is our duty to reach out and take the power back for ourselves, to wield the pen as a mighty sword, and write our own narrative for the sake of our growth and inner peace.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Lindsey A. Lee, discuss the importance of becoming the person you want to be, showing up for yourself and those you love, and how vital it is for our growth as human beings to sit with the narratives we have about ourselves and decide for ourselves if these narratives are our own genuine thoughts and beliefs or if they were a planted idea.
Highlights
Is the person you became, the person you wanted to be or the person you needed to be to survive?
How do you show up for the people who need you?
What stories and perceptions from others are you still holding onto?
Quotes
“My greatest performance was pretending to be okay.”
“There was emotion in my home, it just didn’t look like mine. It looked like yelling, fighting, and shutdowns.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
The thing that I want to ask you, you remember every time at the end of these conversations I’m asking you to consider something for yourselves. My dear friend Netty Owens asked me one time: What is the object in your image of yourself that you would like to hold on to? And I talked about the Hanukkiah, the Jewish candelabra that we use for Hanukkah. And there’s one candle that’s separated from the rest, so there are 9 holders, 8 for the 8 nights of Hanukkah, and the one is the leader candle or the Shamash. That candle is the one we light first, we say the first prayer and then we light all the other candles with that candle. And I like to think of myself as a Shamash, someone who knows that by lighting other candles I am in no way diminishing my own light and that when we light other candles we bring more light. And for that brief moment when we connect like Lindsey and I did, for two and a half minutes our flames were together which made that an entwined hyper bright flame, even for that one moment, and it changes the energy and dynamic in a room. Guaranteed. So I am asking you listeners, what is your image of yourself? Just like Lindsey wants to be radiant and exudes that radiance when she owns that language, what will be yours?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
Mentioned in This Episode
About Lindsay
Lindsay is a wellness mentor, educator, and founder of Honeydew U—a lifestyle platform helping women embrace authenticity, align with purpose, and heal through spiritual growth. She’s also the host of Honey, Do You!, a soulful podcast exploring wellness, spirituality, and womanhood. With a background in education, business, and holistic wellness, Lindsay empowers women to break free from expectations and live with intention. Through mentorship and transformative storytelling, she creates spaces where women feel seen and supported.
Be sure to check out Lindsay’s Facebook and Instagram! As well as her podcast Honey, Do You!
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!
381 Rock N Roll
Authenticity and living your life in a way that reflects who you are and how you hope to be perceived is something we all strive for, however it can be easy to forget that change and growth is a constant changing cycle, even from moment we are allowed and expected to invent who we are.
In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on when she joined the rock band she is apart of and how it has helped shape her authentic self as well as how important fun and joy is to the true sense self.
381 Rock N Roll
Authenticity and living your life in a way that reflects who you are and how you hope to be perceived is something we all strive for, however it can be easy to forget that change and growth is a constant changing cycle, even from moment we are allowed and expected to invent who we are.
In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on when she joined the rock band she is apart of and how it has helped shape her authentic self as well as how important fun and joy is to the true sense self.
Highlights
What is authenticity to you?
How do you portray your authentic self?
Untangling core values from the actions we believe are authentic.
How do you want to be known and remembered for?
There is no permanent state of the self.
Quotes
“I was still not rock and roll. I was wearing a persona on stage because it was fun not because it felt like me.”
“All that would have been missed if I had decided that my authentic self was not rock and roll.”
“What opportunities have you dismissed because they didn’t feel authentic?”
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!
223: How do you receive praise? How do you offer it?
Join in as Sarah Elkins is joined by author and employee-ownership advocate, Ahad Ghadimi, as they discuss the vulnerability and power of accepting and giving praise. From struggling with thoughts of criticism of the past to highlights in Ahad’s book, Turnaround Artists: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps, this episode reveals the foundations of building trust in relationships. Listen to the latest episode today!
Highlights from this episode include:
Ahad’s story and book.
Personal growth and transformation.
Strengthening praise and acceptance.
Ahad Ghadimi Shares Stories of Turning Around Companies by Turning-Around Relationships
Join in as Sarah Elkins is joined by author and employee-ownership advocate, Ahad Ghadimi, as they discuss the vulnerability and power of accepting and giving praise. From struggling with thoughts of criticism of the past to highlights in Ahad’s book, Turnaround Artists: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps, this episode reveals the foundations of building trust in relationships. Listen to the latest episode today!
Highlights from this episode include:
Ahad’s story and book.
Personal growth and transformation.
Strengthening praise and acceptance.
Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!
This episode of the Getting Unstuck podcast was mentioned, the hosts interviewed the authors of The Art of Possibility. Also mentioned in this episode are the books The Go Giver, and Brave Leadership by Kimberly Davis.
“You have something to offer that nobody else in this room does.”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Ahad:
Ahad is a member of the Young President's Organization (YPO) and the Membership Engagement Officer for Global One, a member and workshop leader at the Soho House and the National Center of Employee-Ownership. Ahad is Vice-Chairman of the board of the Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (RMEOC) and sits on the Colorado Ballet's YP Board.
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.
222: Peeling The Layers of Personal Growth
What Will You Do With Your Own Awakening?
In the latest episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You, Sarah Elkins and Joel Morgan discuss the journey during personal growth and transformation and Joel’s story. During this special conversation, Joel and Sarah dive into peeling back the layers in finding satisfaction- to bring about change in YOUR life. Listen to the latest episode today!
Highlights from this episode include:
Joel’s story.
Personal growth and transformation.
Navigating relationships.
Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!
“One of the things that I couldn’t figure out was, “Why can’t I ever just be happy?” Now when I’m discontent I can look at my strengths. What is going on? What can I work on? I can sort of be more content in the discontent.”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Joel:
Born in the Midwest, Joel grew up feeding calves, milking cows, and working the land. After graduating high school, Joel made several decisions that sent his life into a tailspin. Since then, Joel has rebuilt his life, passions, and self. Joel has coached people of all ages and backgrounds and helped forge leadership culture in nonprofit and for-profit enterprises.
Joel is an Executive & Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Inspirational Speaker, and Author based in Richmond, VA. He is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and holds their Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation. Joel is also a Courage & Renewal Facilitator prepared to use the Circles of Trust® approach (as described in Parker J. Palmer's book, A Hidden Wholeness) to enable people to reconnect who they are with what they do. (www.courage renewal.org)
Joel likes to say that his superpower is perspective. Now, Joel uses all of his experience, training, and passion to help others design and live a life of purpose.
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.
221: One Person Can Influence an Entire Career Trajectory
Join in as Sarah Elkins and Industry Advisor, Philip Wilkerson, dive into Philip’s journey in finding his future career and guiding young people to find their own.
Philip Wilkerson Knows How One Person Can Influence a Lifetime Career Choice
Join in as Sarah Elkins and Industry Advisor, Philip Wilkerson, dive into Philip’s journey in finding his future career and guiding young people to find their own. Philip shares the most pivotal and memorable moments that have stood out to him in his life and the impact that has had on himself and others. Listen to the latest episode today!
Highlights from this episode include:
Philip’s story.
Discovering purpose.
Important self-discovery moments.
Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available and sign up for the No Longer Virtual 2022 Conference.
“They [former students] have inspired me in ways that they didn't know. I feel like that was a pivotal moment...”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Philip:
Philip Wilkerson is an Industry Advisor at GMU Career Services. He is also the current VP of Engagement for the GMU Black Alumni Chapter. He oversees all industries that fall under the Creative Industries umbrella. Examples of this at Mason include Media, Arts. Entertainment, Journalism, Public Relations, and Graphic Design. This role serves both student and employer stakeholders, meaning Philip both collaborates with employers to make them aware of the talented students at Mason through invitations to visit the campus for fairs, workshops, and unique events and meets with students to market their creative skills through personal branding (resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, etc.). He recently was awarded "Employee of the Month" for GMU in September 2019 and was also included on the “Forty under 40” list for GMU Black Alumni as well as being a recipient for the "Pillar Award" which is for a GMU staff member who supports Black students. He is also the faculty advisor for the Iota Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and the GMU NAACP chapter. He is a husband to Maggie Wilkerson, LSCW, (JMU Class of 2007, Social Work), and father to two boys Bennett and Miles.
Visit Philip’s LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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.
220: What Will You Do When Your Future Calls You
Kendria Countee Knows Technology Implementation Is Best When It's About People
In today’s episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You, Sarah Elkins and Kendria Countee discuss Kendria’s past and work experience. As well as the moments and people that stood out throughout her career. Listen to the latest episode today!
Highlights from this episode include:
Kendria’s story.
Prioritizing people.
Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available and sign up for the No Longer Virtual 2022 Conference.
"At that moment it sat with me that the work that I did mattered. And that the experience I gained up to that point, and the focus that I had put on prioritizing people and understanding the bigger picture of society/work I was doing had such an impact on me.”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Kendria:
Coach, Consultant and Leader, Kendria Countee, harnesses the power of human connection to humanize technology, human resources, and the intersection between the two. She is the CEO of Abnormal Logic and has worked with organizations, ranging from 500 to 60,000 employees, facing challenges realizing the full value of Workday®, struggling to improve Human Capital management services, and struggling to drive adoption of new processes and ways of working. She started Abnormal Logic to have meaningful conversations with organizations about what areas of opportunity exist, what problem(s) they are trying to solve and how to drive change.
When not working with humans, she spends time with her 3 fur babies, traveling (pre-pandemic) and listening to music.
Visit Kendria’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and the Abnormal Logic website and LinkedIn.
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.
219: The Best Teachers Continue to Learn
Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available.
Kimberly Davis on Self-Reflection & Personal Growth
Tune in as Sarah Elkins and founder of the Brave Leadership University, Kimberly Davis, discuss the tools to grow as a teacher and person. Sarah and Kimberly dive into overcoming roadblocks and the journey of mindfulness in every situation to achieve clarity. Listen to the latest episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You today!
Highlights from this episode include:
Kimberly’s story of finding clarity through self-reflection.
Understanding mindfulness.
Learning to count on yourself.
“I was my own biggest roadblock. Since then it has become so much better.”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Kimberly:
Kimberly Davis is the founder of the Brave Leadership University through which she shares her inspirational message of leadership, personal power, responsibility and impact world-wide.
Kimberly teaches for SMU Cox School of Business' Executive Education Program and their Latino Leadership Initiative; as well as for the Bush Institute's WE Lead program (empowering female leaders from the middle east). Kimberly is a TEDx speaker and her award-winning book, Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Authentic, and Powerful Self to Get the Results You Need was named the #1 book to read on Inc. Magazine’s “The most impactful books to read in 2018.”
Visit Kimberly’s LinkedIn and the Brave Leadership University Website to learn more!
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.