432: The Power of Kindness featuring Joe Emery
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Joe Emery discuss the importance of dispelling misconceptions, serving our communities, and elevating voices of kindness and positivity.
432 The Power of Kindness featuring Joe Emery
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Joe Emery discuss the importance of dispelling misconceptions, serving our communities, and elevating voices of kindness and positivity.
Highlights
The beauty of visiting places we’ve only seen in pictures or film.
Misconceptions about places and people and learning the truth to be able to see the world for the better.
Emotional storytelling and the importance of making people see the humanity behind the story.
The importance of being kind, patient, and empathetic in a world that is becoming more jaded.
Remember that there is a human on the other side of the screen that doesn’t deserve to be treated poorly because you don’t like a post.
Quotes
“That’s something I really like doing, helping people who really need it.”
“We all see things everyday that we’re not interested in, and it’s amazing how many people stop to take time out of their day to comment.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What is it that drove you to be a fan of something? What is your obsession? Have you ever thought about where that could lead you or how it has contributed to where you are now? I think about a lot of the things in my childhood that made me want to meet people or to learn something or to read more and I’m curious what that is for you. And the other thing I want to know is what are you doing when it comes to seeing the one comment that is mean or one boss that treated you badly, are you still holding on to that or are you starting to see it for exactly what it is, that those people who are cruel have their own reason for being that and when you give them the greater voice over the people who are kind you’re giving them this power and you’re taking away and reducing the power of people who are doing good in the world.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Joe
About Sarah
Sarah is a Montana based workplace communication trainer, TEDx speaker, DisruptHR speaker, public speaking coach, professional storyteller, musician, and podcast host. Her workshops and coaching packages with teams and their leaders are known to address and reduce miscommunication – the most common cause of tension and stress in the workplace. Using the team’s results from the StrengthsFinder assessment, she guides teams in learning to speak each other’s “language”, learning to value each other’s strengths and connecting with each other through enhanced self-reflection and effective listening.
Sarah’s nearly 20 years working in government agencies inspired her to complete her MBA and to achieve her StrengthsFinder certification to improve work environments for others, guiding teams toward increased satisfaction, productivity, and happiness.
Visit her website to purchase her book, Your Stories Don't Define You in paperback or audiobook.
428 Building Bridges Through Kindness and Compassion
In being human we are able to connect more authentically with people not just in the workplace but in everyday life, by allowing them to see us for who we truly are and what we are capable of.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Neal Foard discuss the importance of compassion and connection.
428 Building Bridges Through Kindness and Compassion
In being human we are able to connect more authentically with people not just in the workplace but in everyday life, by allowing them to see us for who we truly are and what we are capable of.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Neal Foard discuss the importance of compassion and connection.
Highlights
Being present and aware of your actions on others and the world around you.
Building trust and genuine connection that lasts lifetimes as opposed to a quick and easy contract.
The importance of working in a diverse environment.
Quotes
“What I have been taught again and again is to try as much as possible to really wait for their personality to emerge, to wait for the real person to emerge. Don’t hurry it along and don’t make any judgments.”
“Knowing as much as you can about somebody's personhood as opposed to their professional attributes is a marvelous thing to communicate well. Any time you can speak from personal experience and people can get a sense of what your experience was, it will help them react to you in a human way.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I am really curious about what you will do with what you picked up from this conversation maybe it’ll be from the very beginning of this conversation when you realize that a really good test for the people you want to spend time with is watching how they interact with other people. People that can’t serve them, people that can’t help them, people that can’t do something for them. Maybe it’s somebody on the autism spectrum, maybe it’s someone who acts or behaves differently than you do, maybe it’s a server at a restaurant, or someone in retail. How we treat each other is a really good indication of if you want to spend time with them.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Neal
Neal Foard is a master storyteller and branding expert who spent 25 years shaping award-winning ad campaigns for global icons like Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony. For his international work on Toyota, he was listed among the top ten most decorated creative directors in the world. As Worldwide Director of Creative Learning for advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi, Neal authored a program to teach professionals to sell their work more effectively. Today, he consults with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and governments on the art of persuasive messaging. A sought-after speaker with multiple appearances on the TEDx stage, Neal is known to millions for his viral videos celebrating everyday human kindness.
Be sure to check out Neal’s LinkedIn and Instagram! As well as Supercharge Your Leadership Skillset and The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders!
About Sarah
Sarah is a Montana based workplace communication trainer, TEDx speaker, DisruptHR speaker, public speaking coach, professional storyteller, musician, and podcast host. Her workshops and coaching packages with teams and their leaders are known to address and reduce miscommunication – the most common cause of tension and stress in the workplace. Using the team’s results from the StrengthsFinder assessment, she guides teams in learning to speak each other’s “language”, learning to value each other’s strengths and connecting with each other through enhanced self-reflection and effective listening.
Sarah’s nearly 20 years working in government agencies inspired her to complete her MBA and to achieve her StrengthsFinder certification to improve work environments for others, guiding teams toward increased satisfaction, productivity, and happiness.
Visit her website to purchase her book, Your Stories Don't Define You in paperback or audiobook.
421 The Lives We Live
421 The Lives We Live
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Kuti Mack discuss their unique experiences in being selected for a TED talk, the process in getting to their own important story they needed to tell, as well as the people who supported them along the way.
Highlights
The benevolence of somebody else and admitting when you need help going hand in hand with not assuming people are capable when in reality they need help. Knowing we are all human and we all need somebody to lean on and to let ourselves lean on others as well.
You need to try things out of your comfort zone in order to grow.
Even if you’re nervous, even if you’re scared, do it anyway.
Quotes
“There is still a self belief that you have to have to believe that you can do these things.”
“Having them understand that you don’t have to be a great speaker, as a matter of fact when you are a little tense or nervous, just that that little bit of vulnerability is probably going to fly so well for your talk.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What is one thing you’ve been wanting to do that you’ve been hesitant to do? What is one thing that when you think about if you have the right people in your circle that could support you in your goal, in your idea in sharing something important to you. What is that? And I really encourage you to think about what your idea would be if you were to share something on a stage, like a TEDx stage. What do you bring that’s unique? What are your talents? What matters deeply to you, deeply enough to put yourself in this extremely uncomfortable position? Stretch out of that comfort zone, reach out to either Kuti or me and we will gladly share our experiences directly and offer whatever we can to help you try to do that next big thing because the people that you surround yourself with are either your greatest assets or your biggest liability.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Kuti
From selling millions of records to pushing kale juice, KUTImack. is a master of reinvention and the living proof of his Be Your Best Daily[image] philosophy. A former top music executive turned sought-after personal trainer, nutrition expert, and TEDx speaker, he turns complex science into simple, actionable strategies that transform wellness and productivity peaks. Creator of the 6-Week SuperYou[image] and BYBD™.
Bedtime Blueprint, he’s earned the nicknames “Fitness Philosopher” and “Rockstar Professor” for his unique ability to fuse entertainment-world experience with science-backed inspiration that connects with every audience member.
Be sure to check out his Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! Also be sure to watch Kuti’s TEDx Talk, 6 Week Super You, and his Speaker Site KUTImack!
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!
414 Following Your Own Star
There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it’s more than just one thing, perhaps you’re just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Professor KD Frick discuss the importance of that specific personal growth, as well as the importance of believing in others and yourself even when you aren’t sure where your own star is leading you, and especially to greet the world with open arms.
414 Following Your Own Star
There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it’s more than just one thing, perhaps you’re just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Professor KD Frick discuss the importance of that specific personal growth, as well as the importance of believing in others and yourself even when you aren’t sure where your own star is leading you, and especially to greet the world with open arms.
Image of stones mentioned in episode. Provided by KD Frick
Highlights
Finding the right words for where you are in your life right now.
Leading with compassion and empathy.
Position yourself to be able to understand.
Don’t immediately dismiss someone, you never know where their combined ideas may lead. Everyone has their own North Star they follow.
Quotes
“Empathy leads to approachability.”
“Look as long as I’m here and unless you tell me otherwise, I’m planning on reading names. Because it’s the last connection students have with us.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What did you hear in this conversation that struck you as something that resonated? Maybe it was about not knowing what you want to do next, maybe it was I do know what I want to do next but I’m not being consistent enough to make it happen. I am so curious to hear your thoughts, please share them either in the comments or wherever you see this shared or send me an email.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About KD
KD Frick was originally trained as a health economist and began a career at Johns Hopkins as a faculty member at the Bloomberg School of Public Health; after a bit more than sixteen years in that role, with responsibilities like associate department chair and faculty senate president, a move was made to the Carey Business School as vice dean for education. The eight and one-half years spent in that role were a time of growth and expansion of opportunity. With colleagues encouraging a return to research, challenging decisions around COVID, a focus on ranking academic programs that was not of interest, and a lack of visible opportunities for advancement in administration, a decision was made to return to just a faculty role. The result has been great fulfillment, a change in teaching, and a focus on leading by teaching others to lead artisnally toward aspirational narratives for themselves and those they are developing. There is still room for work on the economics of eye care where Professor Frick has the opportunity to apply the leading with values approach that is taught in the classroom.
Be sure to check out Professor Frick’s LinkedIn, thoughts on tHERSday newsletter, as well as Business and Economics of Eye Care and Health!
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!
393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations
It can be far too easy to let yourself be passive in conversations, whether it be to let another person make a decision or to avoid conflict. However in doing so we rob ourselves and others of deep meaningful connection, which is why it is so important to be direct and intentional with your words.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins talks about these points while also bringing up times in her life where she was passive and direct in conversation, and why it is so important to her to be direct and intentional.
393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations
It can be far too easy to let yourself be passive in conversations, whether it be to let another person make a decision or to avoid conflict. However in doing so we rob ourselves and others of deep meaningful connection, which is why it is so important to be direct and intentional with your words.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins talks about these points while also bringing up times in her life where she was passive and direct in conversation, and why it is so important to her to be direct and intentional.
Highlights
Be direct and honest with your words, don’t leave room for doubt or miscommunication.
Don’t leave a conversation completely up to one person. Communication goes both ways.
Being intentional in conversation, as well as understanding and compassionate.
Quotes
“I realized a lot of miscommunication and unintended injury happens when we’re passive in our language.”
“I also remembered a few people from my past who were especially difficult, insulting, and actually cruel in their communication with me. I thought about how I interacted with them – things I could have handled differently - for the purpose of learning, not regret, and thoughts about”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I encourage you to listen to last week’s short episode and then try using a less passive voice in your communication. What will you do differently so you can move past injury and grow into better, safer, more satisfying relationships?
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!
391 Stories and Connection
It is vital to our own communities that we remember our stories and share them with one another, not to dwell on regrets and what ifs, but to reach out and connect with one another so that we all can learn and grow together, and hopefully create more grand stories on the paths we walk together.
In this revisited episode, Sarah Elkins and Lee Keylock discuss their own stories and how they have healed through sharing stories and listening to the stories that others share with us.
391 Stories and Connection
It is vital to our own communities that we remember our stories and share them with one another, not to dwell on regrets and what ifs, but to reach out and connect with one another so that we all can learn and grow together, and hopefully create more grand stories on the paths we walk together.
In this revisited episode, Sarah Elkins and Lee Keylock discuss their own stories and how they have healed through sharing stories and listening to the stories that others share with us.
Highlights
Connecting with people through sharing stories.
Healing from trauma through stories and the community that sharing those stories creates.
The changing paths our decisions create and how we should live in the moment and not dwell on what ifs.
Greet the world and the challenges offered with open minds and a willingness to learn.
Quotes
“No regrets. Life is sliding doors right? If it’s meant to be, it's meant to be.”
“We’re perpetual students, right? I’ve never approached anything I’ve ever done as an authority on anything.”
“It’s not enough to just hear stories. That can be brilliant and beautiful and life changing and you can have those moments, but when we work with youth we want them to think about how they can use stories to think about themselves, their communities, and the world and their place in it, and how they can become agents of change.”
About Lee
Lee Keylock is Director of Global Programs at Narrative 4 and oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of N4’s ongoing programmatic development. Originally from Britain, Lee immigrated to the United States in 1989 and taught English at Newtown High School in Connecticut for thirteen years. He has served as an adjunct professor teaching Creative Writing and Composition at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, where he also earned his MFA in Creative Writing.
Connect with Lee on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram! And make sure you check out his website Narrative 4!
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!
206: The Strange Sensation of Holding Space for Conflicting Emotions
Accepting Help is an Act of Compassion
When those close to us experience tragedy, we want to step in whether it’s big or small acts of compassion. And yet, sometimes, we feel selfishness or even helplessness when aiding those in need.
Join Sarah Elkins in this latest episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will, as she shares moments in her life that lead to her understanding that sympathy is not selfishness. Sarah also dives into fighting thoughts of powerlessness while watching family and friends suffer through providing comfort.
Tune in to learn more about the incredible gift of giving- as it is without the negative mindset of conflicting emotions.
“I’m realizing more & more that when we allow others to help us in our times of need, it’s an incredible gift of compassion.”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
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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.