247: Our Biggest Obstacle Is Sometimes Ourselves
Many times in life we do everything within our power to achieve our goal, whether that be a new job, to bring pride to others or ourselves, and to finally get over that hurdle our mental health has been lately. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come when you see how far you still have left to go, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your accomplishments now.
Our Biggest Obstacle Is Sometimes Ourselves, Featuring Megan Miller of Aprovechar Language Solutions
Many times in life we do everything within our power to achieve our goal, whether that be a new job, to bring pride to others or ourselves, and to finally get over that hurdle our mental health has been lately. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come when you see how far you still have left to go, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your accomplishments now.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and her good friend Megan Miller discuss the importance of allowing yourself to change and to celebrate every victory, no matter how small, because those victories are proof of your success.
Highlights
Sharing personal, vulnerable stories without any intention doesn’t help you.
Sometimes you don’t notice how much things change until you step back or get an outside perspective.
Celebrate the wins.
You get out what you put in.
Quotes
It’s soul, it’s about how you do it and why you do it.
The advice we give a lot of the time is advice we need to hear at that point in time.
Mentioned in this Podcast
About Megan
Megan Miller is the CEO of Aprovechar Language Solutions, LLC, a company which acts as a bridge between English and Spanish language learners. Her personalized and small group programs take a habit-based approach, and whether it’s in class or a Book Club – you know you’ll have fun!
She also helps IT companies in Latin America and Europe tell their stories for a U.S.-based audience through translation and localization projects. Megan has a Bachelor’s in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture and is a certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language.
Check out her Instagram and LinkedIn! As well as her website, Approvechar Language Solutions!
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.
Show notes by Chinook Bromlie
246: How Your Authentic Self Changes With Time
As we journey through life, conflict and confrontation of the self is inevitable, but it is how we face these challenges that reveal our most authentic selves.
Episode 246: How Your Authentic Self Changes With Time
As we journey through life, conflict and confrontation of the self is inevitable, but it is how we face these challenges that reveal our most authentic selves.
In this episode, Sarah Elkins and her guest Lisa Lackey discuss this idea, as well as what authenticity means to them and how it is something that can change with time.
Highlights
Authenticity is fluid and ever changing.
We can't be everything all at once.
Face challenges and pursue your dreams.
Quotes
Authenticity is malleable, it is not this rigid thing. You have to allow space for transformation, and if you have this rigid idea of your authentic self then there is no room for transformation
We can't be everything all at once, we can be what we want to be but we can't do it all at the same time.
I didn't know where I belonged, and I still don't know where I belong, and I have to constantly give myself permission to be able to sit in that and be okay with that. I ask myself, "what do I need?" and "what do I need to make myself feel like I fit in?" and "Is it okay to not fit in?"
About Lisa Lackey from her LinkedIn profile:
After a successful career in the entertainment industry beginning in my home country of Australia and spanning over 20 years here in the U.S, along with a life changing volunteer opportunity in Ghana, West Africa, I am excited to continue my work in this new and purposeful career focusing on social impact. Based in Los Angeles, I strive to be a vehicle for change, and I look forward to many more opportunities to align myself with the those who are rethinking how we can alleviate poverty especially as it pertains to the empowerment of women, and youth, locally and internationally.
About Sarah Elkins
"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
205: Women Supporting Women, Featuring Harpreet Ghumman
What are you going to do to help other women amplify their voices?
Tune into this captivating discussion between Sarah Elkins and Harpreet Ghumman, Executive Coach, D & I Strategist, Business Mentor, and Speaker, about living an authentic life and helping guide other women with their own. This conversation unpacks the power behind stepping up for others, beyond listening to their stories but mentoring the ones who need us most.
Harpreet Ghumman’s purpose is clear: To guide other women toward knowing themselves, what they want, and getting there.
What are you going to do to help other women amplify their voices?
Tune into this captivating discussion between Sarah Elkins and Harpreet Ghumman, Executive Coach, D & I Strategist, Business Mentor, and Speaker, about living an authentic life and helping guide other women with their own. This conversation unpacks the power behind stepping up for others, beyond listening to their stories but mentoring the ones who need us most.
There’s mention of Ikigai in this episode, here’s an image to clarify what we spoke about.
“First thing is to show up. I started showing up not as a speaker, but as a participant, being one of them. I think that was the starting point.”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Harpreet:
Harpreet is a multiple award-winning thought Executive Coach, D & I strategist, Business Mentor, and speaker. In her 20+ years of corporate experience, she has enabled large MNC organizations to become future-ready by transforming their human development strategies. She is currently based out of central coast California and founder of Unapologetically Harpreet Coaching & Consulting practice. She is specially focused on working with Senior Executives, High Potential Leaders and Women in Leadership. Her client work includes the US, India, and Dubai.
She also works with Harvard Business School to facilitate their corporate leadership programs for their Fortune -ranked clients around the world. She is very passionate about helping women leaders and entrepreneurs advance in their professional life and being unapologetically promotable/you by helping them unlock their power and influence.
Harpreet is an avid meditator. She engages in grounding for performance and centering practices such as Zen meditation.
Visit Harpreet’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more!
*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.
204: Inner Voice Have You Spinning? Fire Your Narrator!
How do we overcome that powerful voice in our head that keeps us from succeeding and sharing our accomplishments?
Sarah Elkins and Valerie Gordon tackle the topics from their previous conversation, as well as new topics such as questioning the loud voice inside your head and rewriting your own story. This engaging conversation dives into the deeper meaning behind the “narrator” we experience, how do we seize those thoughts and put them into action?
Valerie Gordon Knows a Thing or Two About Stories
How do we overcome that powerful voice in our head that keeps us from succeeding and sharing our accomplishments?
Sarah Elkins and Valerie Gordon tackle the topics from their previous conversation, as well as new topics such as questioning the loud voice inside your head and rewriting your own story. This engaging conversation dives into the deeper meaning behind the “narrator” we experience, how do we seize those thoughts and put them into action?
“Another type of narrator’s thoughts that’s going to get in your way of future success, where did that story start? And how do we rewrite it?”
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Valerie:
Valerie Gordon knows how to harness the power of a story to meet a wide range of business needs. A 10-time Emmy-winning television producer with two decades producing stories for CBS News, HBO, and ESPN, she knows what makes a story meaningful and memorable. Through Commander-in-She LLC, the career and communications strategy firm she founded in 2017, Valerie helps clients take command of the power in their own stories.
Valerie works with corporations and speaks at conferences to engage employees, guide teams, and grow future leaders. She offers keynotes, workshops, virtual training, and individual coaching, providing the communication skills necessary to help clients ascend the leadership ladder, manage relationships and critical conversations, build their personal brand and create next chapter success.
Her new book, “Fire Your Narrator! A Storyteller’s Guide to Getting Out of Your Head and Into Your Life” is about the stories we tell ourselves and the impact those internal stories have on our external success.
Visit Valerie’s website and follow her on LinkedIn!
*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.
Episode 195: The Shame Doctor's Gift
John Dunia didn’t become the Shame Doctor overnight. His journey from a junior high kid discovering his love for music to releasing his first book took years, and the struggle of his 22-year-old marriage falling apart was a catalyst in his personal growth and professional career shift.
He found writing his novel was a time to self-reflect and contemplate the experiences that brought him to where he is today, and believed that sharing those experiences could guide others to find relief from self-doubt and anger.
Stories of Shame and How it Differs from Guilt
John Dunia image and quote podcast cover art
John Dunia didn’t become the Shame Doctor overnight. His journey from a junior high kid discovering his love for music to releasing his first book took years, and the struggle of his 22-year-old marriage falling apart was a catalyst in his personal growth and professional career shift.
He found writing his novel was a time to self-reflect and contemplate the experiences that brought him to where he is today, and believed that sharing those experiences could guide others to find relief from self-doubt and anger.
The moments that sparked the passion in John’s life are something we all have encountered whether we realize it or not.
John Dunia book cover image and quote for podcast cover art
For John, one of those moments was listening to Switched-on-Bach in high school, an encounter that changed the course of his life. For John, different experiences, from meeting with a therapist to listening to his friend’s older brother’s music, influenced the way he perceived the world.
Today’s podcast episode starts with John’s stories about being a band teacher. This is the beginning to the discussion about John’s life and the moments that brought him clarity.
About John:
John Dunia is the author of “Shame on Me”, a Principle at Shamedoctor.com, and a public speaker helping others find their purpose. John is also an ambassador for HumansFirst, a featured writer & columnist for BIZCATALYST 360°, and a sales representative for several companies.
John attended California State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. He also attended Pasadena City College.
Visit John's website, take his self assessment, and follow John on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn more!
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
ABOUT SARAH:
Image of Sarah Elkins and her dog, Toby, with Elkins Consulting logo and StrengthsFinder logo
"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.
Episode 168: No Longer Virtual and the Worldwide Shutdown
On this episode of the Your Stories Don't Define You podcast, I'm joined by three #NLVChicago2020 guests. Shelley Brown, Mike "Fritz" (the Fritziest) Fritzius, and Kevin Strauss shared their stories about those two days in our little #NLV bubble.
It was magical, truly, and you'll see I'm not the only one who feels that way.
When Transformation is Imminent, Know Your Resources
One year ago today (for this recording), March 12, 2020, we were at the top of the world at the Mid-America Club in Chicago on the 80th floor of the AON Center.
The No Longer Virtual Summit, limited to 50 guests, had shrunk to 20 in the room. When my husband and I left Montana at 6am on the Tuesday before, the airport was pretty quiet. I remember thinking the airplane was particularly clean that morning. We arrived at O'Hare and took the train into the city.
I had already received 5 or 6 cancelations from people who didn't feel safe to travel, or their employers were highly discouraging them from leaving the county or country (Canada).
I also received a dozen messages and calls asking me not to cancel. Since we were already there, and others were on their way, we went forward.
A moment of stress relief, wandering with Robert Downs (Photo courtesy of Robert Downs Photography)
Wednesday was brutal. It seemed the hotel was going to hold me to my contract, which meant my room attrition might cost me nearly $10,000, and that didn't include the catering bill.
The Mid-America Club was far more accommodating. With less than 24 hours notice, they allowed me to shift the final catering number in half, reducing the potential for a dramatic amount of food waste, something I couldn't tolerate on top of the rest of the stress filling my days.
Brainstorm session for NLV2021 Notes
On this episode of the Your Stories Don't Define You podcast, I'm joined by three #NLVChicago2020 guests. Shelley Brown, Mike "Fritz" (the Fritziest) Fritzius, and Kevin Strauss shared their stories about those two days in our little #NLV bubble.
It was magical, truly, and you'll see I'm not the only one who feels that way.
My intention is to have a few more of these episodes to highlight the experiences of others in the room those two days. It was different for everyone, and yet, we knew we were surrounded by the people who would help us adjust as the world around us transformed before our eyes.
If you're interested in learning more about this year's No Longer Virtual Summit in Montana on June 10, 11, 2021, click here.
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.
Audiobook cover art
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.