404 The Unpredictable Nature of Our Stories
Like the humble ant, we go about our lives caring for those in our home, seeking new horizons, and using our natural talents to build monuments to our success. However, just like the ant, we are subject to things out of our control; be it a rainstorm that floods known pathways or a cruel child with a magnifying glass. These things can break us, they often do, but just like the ant we must settle again, rebuild, and make our home safe again.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Anne Plaisance discuss the many trials and tribulations they had faced and how they channeled it into something beautiful and powerful.
Like the humble ant, we go about our lives caring for those in our home, seeking new horizons, and using our natural talents to build monuments to our success. However, just like the ant, we are subject to things out of our control; be it a rainstorm that floods known pathways or a cruel child with a magnifying glass. These things can break us, they often do, but just like the ant we must settle again, rebuild, and make our home safe again.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Anne Plaisance discuss the many trials and tribulations they had faced and how they channeled it into something beautiful and powerful.
Highlights
How have you surprised others? With your choices, strengths, and/or stories?
How have you turned the hard parts of your story into something inspiring? How have you transformed?
When was the moment your relief finally turned to joy?
Quotes
“What you don’t transform, you transmit.”
“I’d say it’s a little bit like kintsugi, the japanese art where you fill all the cracks with gold, but here you fill your soul with love.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
My question isn’t necessarily what you’ll do with this information, my question for you today is will you take five minutes after listening to this podcast to take inventory of where you are right now in your feelings, in how you are taking action in something that you want to do, take five minutes and take inventory. What do you need now? What will put you in a better place now? And what tiny ant sized step can you take in that direction?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Anne
Internationally renowned painter Anne Plaisance has established herself as a key figure on the contemporary art scene, with over 100 exhibitions worldwide. She has been awarded numerous times, receiving major distinctions as well as grants from the prestigious Cambridge Arts Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Her work, marked by profound artistic and social engagement, has been featured in influential media outlets such as The Boston Globe, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Decoration, and Artscope, and she has been regularly invited on television and radio programs.
Her creations are part of prestigious private collections in London, Milan, Paris, Warsaw, Dubai, Kyoto, and Boston, establishing her as a widely collected and internationally recognized artist.
Founder of the transformative art exhibition Wonder Women Now, she stands out for her commitment to women’s empowerment and her bold approach to the global issue of domestic violence, making her work a true force for social and cultural change.
Be sure to check out Anne’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! As well as her website Anne Plaisance!
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!
403 Choosing Love First
It’s easy to forget that we have free will, that we can choose what we love, what we like, how we choose for others to perceive us. It takes a great deal of self reflection and growth to find the parts of ourselves that are willing to speak up and fight for what we believe in, even if we must speak up and fight against ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Edward Simberg discuss everything from how they met, to their deep love of storytelling, to the core beliefs they both hold dear.
403 Choosing Love First
It’s easy to forget that we have free will, that we can choose what we love, what we like, how we choose for others to perceive us. It takes a great deal of self reflection and growth to find the parts of ourselves that are willing to speak up and fight for what we believe in, even if we must speak up and fight against ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Edward Simberg discuss everything from how they met, to their deep love of storytelling, to the core beliefs they both hold dear.
Highlights
How do you live the stories you share? How do your stories reflect your values?
Do you put genuine human effort into reaching out to a person?
How are your self perceptions skewed? Are you conscious of how you want to be perceived?
What is something you want? And what are your next steps in getting there?
If you can have foundational love and gratitude your life will change.
Quotes
“You need to burn that candle a little bit, before you realize how big that fire really is.”
“If you want it, it’s way more likely that it’s going to happen.”
“We don’t choose our interests, that’s one of the most interesting things I’ve learned lately. We don’t really choose our thoughts, we don’t really choose our interests, they just come to us.”
“Do you think love is a choice?”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I have a few questions for you: The first is, what is something you say you’re not good at and maybe it’s time to ask yourself the question, am I not good at it or have I decided not to be good at it? Have I decided not to try? Is it something I call inauthentic when it’s actually uncomfortable or I don’t like it? The next thing I would love to hear from you about is what was your takeaway? I was thinking about the difference between love and like, and why I feel like love is a more important choice to people and things. Because that will color how you choose happiness as well. And Last, I would love to hear what you are going to do with this one precious life and having conversations -extended conversations- with people in your community. Now, Go.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
Mentioned In This Episode
About Edward
- A digital nomad who's been traveling the world for the last 5 years
- Business owner specialized in building premium websites and social media profiles
- I have exercised every day for more than 5 years (haven't skipped a day)
- Lover of dogs, philosophy books, fitness, travel, storytelling
Be sure to check out Edward’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as his website Max Capacity Agency!
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!
299 Clarity and Having The Courage to Do What You Aspire To
The constant pressure to do the best and be the best is something many of us grew up knowing. Thinking we had to have straight A’s in school, trying to be the best in our extracurriculars, and even taking up tasks that should have been given to someone who’s skills would suit the task better, whether it’s because of our own internal voices or external pressures we need to learn to seek clarity and focus on the skills that make us invaluable to our team and family.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Mandi Graziano discuss how past failures, current clarity, and future aspirations drive us and shape us into who we are today.
299 Clarity and Having The Courage to Do What You Aspire To
The constant pressure to do the best and be the best is something many of us grew up knowing. Thinking we had to have straight A’s in school, trying to be the best in our extracurriculars, and even taking up tasks that should have been given to someone who’s skills would suit the task better, whether it’s because of our own internal voices or external pressures we need to learn to seek clarity and focus on the skills that make us invaluable to our team and family.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Mandi Graziano discuss how past failures, current clarity, and future aspirations drive us and shape us into who we are today.
Highlights
Just because you failed at something in the past doesn't mean you aren’t smart. Everyone learns differently.
Feeling like you don’t fit in is a universal and normal experience.
Embrace your strengths and acknowledge when you can’t do a job outside of your field of expertise.
Quotes
“Some great sales people aren’t great leaders and some great leaders aren’t great sales people.”
“Just lead by example, just share one tip once a week in the meeting of something that has worked for you in the past: And that is mentoring without mentoring, then you’re raising everybody around you without telling people what to do.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What are you going to do with this information that you received today? This gift of a moment where you could develop clarity about what activities you really like to do, the activities that bring you that kind of passion where you can find time in your day everyday to do those things, because it’s not just at work but at work is where you spend most of your time, so find opportunities to feed that to find more satisfaction and maybe it’s time to reach out to a coach to help you find that clarity.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Mandi (From her Website)
In the early days, Facetime Coaching Company was Mandi's "side hustle" while she worked for hotels. Since 2010, her Coaching, Speaking, & Writing have grown and become a very equal part of her world.
In 2010, Mandi went to “the other side” of the hotel business and joined her long time client, HPN Global, a full service site selection & venue finding global meetings company. Here she finds hotels and venues for her clients all over the world, negotiates pricing & contracts while consulting her clients in all aspects of managing their meetings, conferences and conventions.
Mandi runs her businesses with vigor, balance and excitement.
Some people may say she has a "side hustle" Mandi believes "It's ALL HUSTLE why can't we do all the things we love?"
It’s important to Mandi that fun ensues in all her professional endeavors, even in the most serious of situations. Whether she is coaching your team to close deals OR scouting out the perfect location for your meeting, there will always be laughs and excitement.
Check out Mandi’s website Mandi Graziano, as well as her LinkedIn, Instagram, 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.
Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
Episode 66: Resilience Isn't Just About Survival
Stories of Resilience - A Series, Part 1
When we share stories, whether in our personal or business lives, how we share them makes a difference in how we remember them, and in how we’re perceived by the people we’re sharing them with.
Think about a story a stranger recently told you; what did that story say about the person sharing it? Did it demonstrate a different aspect of their character than you were expecting? How we choose to share a story - the details about the characters, our body language, our facial expression and tone of voice - all contributes to the perception our audience will have of us afterward.
When listening to this podcast, I encourage you to listen to consider your related stories, to listen and consider which stories in your life might have impacted you in a similar way, and to consider how you share your own stories, and the messages they carry for yourself and for the people around you.
For the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring the word resilience.
According to dictionary.com, resilience is defined:
the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.
ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy.
Andrea Amundson
Our first episode in this series explores that definition from the perspective of a cancer survivor, Andi Amundsen.
Though I’d never use that phrase, “cancer survivor” to describe or define this woman, it does give you a picture of the specific illness and adversity she has experienced.
I like to think of Andi as a magnificent tree, growing roots from her feet to hold her steady so she can support her many branches; her children, her grandchildren, the many who rely on her for comfort and as a resource when faced with struggle and tragedy. She is the picture of the word resilience, as far as I’m concerned, not because she has survived, or because, as the definition describes, she has bounced back to her former form. She hasn’t bounced back to her former form because cancer will never allow someone to go backward. She is the picture of the word because she continues to thrive, despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Andi has the positivity of a tree in springtime, with the reality of a future of snow and bitter cold. Her version of resilience comes from a love for super heroes, magical creatures, and her belief that she is here for a reason. She believes that when she provides support and resources for others facing a similar diagnoses, love and comfort for her family and friends, and constant encouragement for her daughters, she is serving her purpose; she is alive simply because she lives her purpose. (And maybe because she’s so damn stubborn.)
Curious? Listen to the podcast!
Visit the Lost & Foundation website to learn more about the organization and the people they serve.
Find Your Brave, Use Stories as Evidence
You were likely pretty brave as a child, I know most children start out ready to jump into an adventure, sing on a stage, and climb anything - with our without shoes. But what happens to us as we move into the higher grades? Why do we lose our sense of adventure, our sense of self, our self confidence?
Kimberly Davis is a brave leader not because she's unafraid, but because she steps forward despite the fear that could hold her back, and she's teaching others to lead with Brave in mind.
You were likely pretty brave as a child, I know most children start out ready to jump into an adventure, sing on a stage, and climb anything - with our without shoes. But what happens to us as we move into the higher grades? Why do we lose our sense of adventure, our sense of self, our self confidence?
Whatever the reasons, we must find our Brave again if we want to be happy, successful (however we choose to define it), and role models for the people around us. We have to be real for ourselves, we must bring our whole selves to every environment in order to lead authentically.
Speaking with Kimberly Davis grew up on a ranch near Kalispell, Montana, and she and her brother had a job on that ranch: To feed the cattle, even if it was -15 degrees outside. Montana raises some pretty badass, resilient souls, and Kimberly was one of those... until she started college. Somehow she lost her courage, her Brave. But she found it again, and we talked about what it takes to step into the unknown, and some strategies to find YOUR Brave.
Kimberly Davis is the author of the insightful and relevant book, Brave Leadership. She's also the CEO of On Stage Leadership, an organization devoted to helping executives lead authentically, and present themselves fully to the people they lead, in order to create teams at work, not groups.
You can learn more about her and the value she brings to her workshops, coaching, and keynotes on her website, and connect with her on LinkedIn.