372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time
Time makes a folktale of the storyteller, and yet even hundreds if not thousands of years later, the stories that mattered -that we connect with- endure. To tell a story effectively means you need to connect with the person who is listening to you.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss the importance of genuine connection over persuasion in the art of storytelling, and how it is far more meaningful to build a bridge between one another, rather than forcing them to choose one side of the river.
372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time
Time makes a folktale of the storyteller, and yet even hundreds if not thousands of years later, the stories that mattered -that we connect with- endure. To tell a story effectively means you need to connect with the person who is listening to you.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss the importance of genuine connection over persuasion in the art of storytelling, and how it is far more meaningful to build a bridge between one another, rather than forcing them to choose one side of the river.
Highlights
What is something you can do to further your goals that relies on your strengths and your toolsets?
Who inspired you recently to continue your work?
What stories are you carrying with you? And what do you have that reminds you of that story?
Quotes
“Everybody was being vulnerable, they were telling deeply personal stories and it was like they were letting us in before we had really been introduced.”
“If you persuade, fine, but it’s more important to connect.”
“And I am privileged to have sat at that dining room table.”
“I loved feeding you at that dining room table.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What stories can you tell to make a meaningful connection? What objects or unknown facts about yourself are you willing to share to strengthen the bonds of fellowship between you and another? Try to tell your next stories, not with the intent to persuade, but with the intent to make a meaningful connection with the person in front of you.”
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Jeff
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.
Be sure to check out JEff’s LinkedIn as well as Quetico Coaching and Consulting!
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!
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
238: Belonging is a Critical Part of Identity & Purpose
How Do You Belong to Yourself and to Others While Building Your Own Identity? With Paul Haury
Listen in as Sarah Elkins is joined by Paul Haury in an engaging conversation about the journey in self-belonging and Paul's story. Check it out today!
Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!
“Every single one of us is born without self belonging…somewhere along the way our self belonging forms in that space” - Paul Haury
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
Mentioned:
Brown bottle flu reference.
Belonging by Owen Eastwood.
Brain Rules by John Medina.
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About Paul Haury:
“I guide people to experience belonging, in self-belonging, in their own brilliance, and within their company tribes, to really live & perform better than they ever imagined. In my most recent endeavors, I've served as VP of people & culture and as a professional coach, specializing in belonging and optimal performance for individuals and OrgDev. I believe we perform at our highest when we belong, and believe in shared purpose together. There, we simply fear less and aspire more.”
Check out Paul’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
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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.
237: Few Things Scare Me. Regret is One.
Create Stories Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For
“If you don’t take a few small steps each week toward what you really want, we’re going to be having this exact same conversation a year from now, two years from now, five years from now. It breaks my heart to think of you in five years, looking back and being filled with regret that you didn’t start now.” Join in as Sarah shares how to avoid future regret by creating stories today with intention.
Check it out today!
Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!
”Take small steps every. Single. Day. To avoid future regret.
Take small steps every. Single. Day. That your future self will thank you for.” - Sarah Elkins
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
Mentioned:
The Morning High Five, hosted by Amanda Lund
The Impactful Leadership Show hosted by Greg McDonough.
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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.