250 Satisfying Relationships Are A Choice
Sometimes what we want in life are things that may not be the best fit for us, be it a new leadership position and you’re either too bossy or too shy to effectively get the job done, or maybe it’s just a car that doesn’t run as well as we hoped it would. Regardless it is important to be able to keep our companions close in these times due to the valuable insight our inner circle can give us.
In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on the importance of having people in your life who are willing to point out the mistakes you make with compassion, and why it is so necessary to be willing to change for the betterment of the relationships that are held dear.
250 Satisfying Relationships Are A Choice
Sometimes what we want in life are things that may not be the best fit for us, be it a new leadership position and you’re either too bossy or too shy to effectively get the job done, or maybe it’s just a car that doesn’t run as well as we hoped it would. Regardless it is important to be able to keep our companions close in these times due to the valuable insight our inner circle can give us.
In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on the importance of having people in your life who are willing to point out the mistakes you make with compassion, and why it is so necessary to be willing to change for the betterment of the relationships that are held dear.
Highlights
Being willing to change and being able to flow with change.
Choice and Consequences will define how you want to grow.
Find people who will call you out when you make a mistake.
Quotes
“If you want to be a leader people have to trust you, they have to know you’ll help them without judging them for needing help.”
“As a leader you have to create an environment where people will see the positive impact of being there.”
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.
Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home
Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie
243: While Your Mindset Shifts Over Time, Your Purpose May Not
Sometimes in life we will all have moments where we think to ourselves, “Is this really who I want to be? Is this how I want my story to impact others?” and we either wonder or plan for the next steps in becoming the person we want to be.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Tony Michaelides, an accomplished Author and former Music Industry Executive, discuss the importance of being authentic in your stories and how they influence your audience in a way that is for the better, instead of being outrageous and telling your stories for the perceived “glory” of having a legacy.
While Your Mindset Shifts Over Time, Your Purpose May Not
Sometimes in life we will all have moments where we think to ourselves, “Is this really who I want to be? Is this how I want my story to impact others?” and we either wonder or plan for the next steps in becoming the person we want to be.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Tony Michaelides, an accomplished Author and former Music Industry Executive, discuss the importance of being authentic in your stories and how they influence your audience in a way that is for the better, instead of being outrageous and telling your stories for the perceived “glory” of having a legacy.
Highlights
It's okay to be lousy when you first try something.
In order to pursue your dreams you have to be willing to be uncomfortable in order to learn what you need to do.
How many people can you benefit by being your authentic self?
The influence of being insistent on personal growth.
Show appreciation for the road life has lead you on.
Quotes
Be true to yourself, don't find yourself being lead down a road of uncertainty.
There comes a time in your life when you stand back and say "what about me?" and that's not being selfish towards others, that's just putting yourself in the mix.
We can be heroes if just for today.
Featured in this podcast:
Moments that Rock Podcast
About Tony Michaelides (from his website):
Having spent thirty plus years in the music industry and working with some of the world’s leading artists I could see that big changes were about to happen. It was clearly time for me to make a change too so after being labelled an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability” for services to the music and arts I was awarded a green card, packed my bags and headed out to America for the next part of my journey. As I began writing my first book it dawned on me that I had learned a lot from both the artists I had worked with together with the people I like to call ‘music industry insiders.’ I started to take ‘The Lessons Learned from Rock and Roll’ out on to the road and to numerous events internationally. As I was writing my second book, ‘Moments That Rock’ I decided to keep the lessons separate and to release them as a series of E Books and Audio books. My ‘Moments That Rock’ became a storytelling podcast and a new dawn beckoned. If I can no longer do what I did then why not talk about it? The Lessons Learned from Rock and Roll is not exclusive and can be applied to anyone. It opens people’s eyes in to what it takes to be a real Rock Star.
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 - Estey
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.
203: Is It Truly Possible For People To Change? Featuring Lester Young
At the age of 19, Lester Young was convicted of murder. Today, he has transformed his life and utilizes his gifts to fulfill his purpose.
Enjoy this riveting discussion between Sarah Elkins and Lester Young, Executive Director for Path2Redemption, as they delve into how mistakes of the past don’t define who you are today. From learning “how to plant the seed” and cultivate your unique gifts, to giving back to others and changing their perceptions of you, this is an episode that will truly inspire your inner want for growth.
A Convicted Murder Believes in True Redemption
At the age of 19, Lester Young was convicted of murder. Today, he has transformed his life and utilizes his gifts to fulfill his purpose.
Enjoy this riveting discussion between Sarah Elkins and Lester Young, Executive Director for Path2Redemption, as they delve into how mistakes of the past don’t define who you are today. From learning “how to plant the seed” and cultivate your unique gifts, to giving back to others and changing their perceptions of you, this is an episode that will truly inspire your inner want for growth.
“I’m not tied to my story. I’m showing you the evolution, the transformation that I went through.”
Books Discussed:
James Allen’s As A Man Thinketh
Bob Burg’s The Go-Giver
Lester Young’s The Five Stages of Incarceration
Lester Young’s The Five Stages of Growth
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Lester:
Lester Young, Jr is a native of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. At the age of 19, Lester was given a life sentence (with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years). Entering prison without education was indeed a struggle, but he did not allow this to stop him from educating himself as well as others. With the support of family and friends, Lester was able to obtain his G.E.D and later enroll in Business Management Courses, via mail, as a student at Ashworth College. Lester began drawing attention and was constantly rewarded for his interest in helping others. With permission and no hesitation from the warden, Lester along with the prison chaplain began meeting to create templates, outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor fellow inmates. This is where the idea of him establishing his own non-profit organization “Path2Redemption” got its start. After his release, on May 15, 2014 (22 years and 5 months) the outlines of his programs are still being taught in prison. Mr. Young is the author of two books The Five Stages of Incarceration and The Five Stages of Growth. Lester is also a proud father of a 6-year-old daughter.
Visit Lester’s website and follow him on LinkedIn 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.
202: Becoming a Scientist: Why Do Stories Matter?
Indulge in this engaging conversation with Sarah Elkins and Scott Hanton, Editorial Director for Lab Manager Magazine and former Industrial Chemist and business leader for 30 years. They explore the beginning of his interest in becoming a chemist, as a young 13-year-old listening to a random man share his work stories, a moment that would instill a life-long passion for him.
Scott Hanton Has Firsthand Experience in the Power of Stories In His Journey to Becoming a Chemist
What do you want to be remembered for when you leave this world?
Indulge in this engaging conversation with Sarah Elkins and Scott Hanton, Editorial Director for Lab Manager Magazine and former Industrial Chemist and business leader for 30 years. They explore the beginning of his interest in becoming a chemist, as a young 13-year-old listening to a random man share his work stories, a moment that would instill a life-long passion for him. This was Scott’s “lollipop memont”, and was only the start - flash forward to Scott’s career today as he and Sarah discuss how managers treat their employees, as well as how our work and stories change others' perceptions of us.
Don't miss this great TED talk, where Drew Dudley talks about "lollipop moments" in the context of everyday leadership. This was a game-changer for Scott.
*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret
About Scott:
Scott attended Michigan State University and received his Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry, before earning his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scott was an industrial chemist and business leader for 30 years. His titles included General Manager, Laboratory Operations Manager, and Chief Scientist for Intertek Allentown. Scott also held the roles of research scientist, laboratory supervisor, and section manager. Currently, Scott is the Editorial Director for Lab Manager Magazine.Due to these positions, Scott has developed expertise in analytical characterization, people leadership, and business management. Scott is an active member of ACS, ASMS, and ALMA.
Visit Scott’s page on Lab Manager Magazine and follow him 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.
194: There are Three Parts to Our Lives, and One is Undercover
She grew up in a solidly middle class household with little exposure to the underbelly of her community. As an undercover cop posing as a prostitute, Diane Halfman got a quick and unlikely education about that world.
She had to learn to trust her instincts and own her space, her power, and her current coaching clients get the benefit of her knowledge and experience doing just that.
Diane Halfman: Stories from Undercover
Diane Halfman quote and image, podcast cover art
She grew up in a solidly middle class household with little exposure to the underbelly of her community. As an undercover cop posing as a prostitute, Diane Halfman got a quick and unlikely education about that world.
She had to learn to trust her instincts and own her space, her power, and her current coaching clients get the benefit of her knowledge and experience doing just that.
Our conversations shifted between her experience tracking a serial killer undercover to her "ah ha" moment with a former boyfriend as she navigated a kidnapping ordeal with a friend. Diane shared intimate stories of how she became the powerful, insightful coach she is today, and why what she does matters not only to her clients, but to the circle of community her clients will influence.
Diane Halfman image and quote, podcast cover art
When you've listened to this episode of Your Stories Don't Define You, it may take a few days to fully process what you've heard. And when you do, you'll want to follow her work, subscribe to her podcast, and connect with her through her social media platforms.
Consultant, Trainer and Podcaster, Diane Halfman, utilizes her survival instincts from her work as an undercover prostitute to empower business leaders to move through crisis, manage boundaries and to not second guess yourself. She is the host of the Live Your SPAlife podcast. The SPA in SPAlife stands for Seek Power Always - that power within you to do your deeper work in the world.
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 94: Using Personality Assessments as Tools for Self-Reflection & Self-Improvement
Joy Gabriel was an awkward kid. She struggled to understand social context and constructs, and had a hard time building relationships with other kids. Her time with adults was usually okay, and as an only child, she benefited from the focus of her parents on her development, academically and in relationships.
If They’re Accurate, Assessments Can Help You See Where You’re Getting in Your Own Way
Joy Gabriel Olson
Joy Gabriel was an awkward kid. She struggled to understand social context and constructs, and had a hard time building relationships with other kids. Her time with adults was usually okay, and as an only child, she benefited from the focus of her parents on her development, academically and in relationships.
Because she has always been cerebral, she spent a lot of time by herself, nose in a book, and gazing out windows and at artwork as she processed whatever she happened to be reading, philosophy, scientific theories, and at one point, anything Anime.
Though she has always seemed pretty comfortable in her skin, at least to outsiders, she often wondered whether there was something wrong with her. To address her worries, Joy had a way of taking on the characteristics of characters in her books and favorite movies and tv shows that she admired and respected, in our conversation she called them the “influencers I was imitating.”
As she worked through her late teens and early 20s, trying on different jobs, identities, and relationships, she discovered the Enneagram. Joy is one of those intensely self-reflective, curious people who loves to find and apply tools for more self-discovery and to use to help others, and the Enneagram was a game-changer for her. After participating in the training and becoming a trainer herself in that assessment, she realized her calling was to be a coach, and that she wanted to dig into another assessment to add to her toolkit. Now she’s fully certified in DiSC as well.
Our conversation was full of great insights about how the Enneagram, DiSC, and Strengthsfinder assessments provide interesting ways to present the complexities of personality, and methods to apply the results to improve communication and relationships.
Now, as a life coach, she’s putting her gifts to use, focusing her insightful applications of assessments to help “the imploders, the self-sabotagers, and the people-pleasers out there. Whatever you do in life, I want it to be your call— not someone else’s!”
Connect with Joy on LinkedIn, and check out her website, Read Your Own Mind, and Fighting Fair blog to learn more.