419 Strengths In Storytelling
Our stories are woven into our very being, they are what make us who we are and how we show others who we are and what we are the best at.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins discusses the many iterations of her business, her newest book, and the power that lies in the art of storytelling.
419 Strength In Storytelling
Our stories are woven into our very being, they are what make us who we are and how we show others who we are and what we are the best at.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins discusses the many iterations of her business, her newest book, and the power that lies in the art of storytelling.
Highlights
Improving satisfaction and skills in yourself and others.
Core values and skills shown through our own stories.
Our stories affect those around us in unseen physical and emotional ways.
Quotes
“Your strengths are your stories.”
“That’s the thing about our stories, even when we’re not consciously aware of it we learn alot about eachother.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Have you always known the power of sharing personal stories to connect with people or is this a turning point for you in that recognition? Do you have trouble thinking of the right stories to share or do you always have a few go to options ready? You may not realize this but when you’re present in your life, you make sharable stories every single day. I’d love to hear what resonated with you on this week's episode, please send me a message via email, Instagram, or LinkedIn to let me know.
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!
411 Encouraging Change and Growth
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Rachael Bohns discuss the significance and necessity of change as well as the importance of acknowledging and catering to the strengths of yourself and those around you.
411 Encouraging Change and Growth
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Rachael Bohns discuss the significance and necessity of change as well as the importance of acknowledging and catering to the strengths of yourself and those around you.
Highlights
Doing what’s best for you even if no one knows, and especially for your own sake.
Collaboration and commitment instead of obligation.
Driving desire.
Quotes
“Most of the time change is thrusted upon us.”
“Change is individual to people.”
“Reward is individual.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
My question for you is what will you do with this information? When you think about the ADKAR framework; the Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement, what example can you come up with from your life, where you had something that needed to change and you went through that process, or what if you had gone through that process would it have changed anything in your change? Made it more successful or faster. And then think about a change that’s going on right now in your life, personal or professional or both, and use the ADKAR framework to see where you are in that spectrum. Are you at the beginning, are you at the desire stage, are you already at the reinforcement stage of your change and now you just need to consistently keep it?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Rachael (from her LinkedIn)
Passionate Industrial/Organizational Psychologist that believes in the importance of a healthy workforce. Experience in the public sector delivering training and communications for ERP implementations with vast experience in analyzing data and interpreting results for business growth. I thrive on business process reengineering and managing client relationships to deliver improved productivity and efficiency while meeting business goals and objectives. I have a strong ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment, solve problems with limited information, and multitask across several assignments. 100% open to traveling.
Top Ten Reported StrengthsFinder Assessment Strengths:
- Learner - Analytical - Individualization - Input - Responsibility - Ideation - Maximizer - Relator - Arranger - Achiever
Be sure to check out her LinkedIn!
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!
398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story
Every living breathing moment, we contribute to our own story. Every job, every interaction with another soul, every moment we reflect, we write a significant line in our story and oftentimes we must take time to truly consider what we truly want to have in our story. Do we want exhaustion or loneliness to rule our narrative? Or do we want to forge our own community based on that which brings us joy and cherish the light within us? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Tracy MacDonald discuss the importance of living as much as possible, from adventures around the globe, to taking a moment to just breathe and take in the beauty of nature. And how in doing so you create a life for yourself and those you love to be proud of.
398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story
Every living breathing moment, we contribute to our own story. Every job, every interaction with another soul, every moment we reflect, we write a significant line in our story and oftentimes we must take time to truly consider what we truly want to have in our story. Do we want exhaustion or loneliness to rule our narrative? Or do we want to forge our own community based on that which brings us joy and cherish the light within us? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Tracy MacDonald discuss the importance of living as much as possible, from adventures around the globe, to taking a moment to just breathe and take in the beauty of nature. And how in doing so you create a life for yourself and those you love to be proud of.
Highlights
Are your actions in alignment with how you want people to remember your story?
What is grounding to you?
What relationships, whether it be a place like nature or people around you, have you developed out of loneliness?
It’s never too late to change your label.
What fears did you have and how did you get through them? And would that fear have stopped you?
Quotes
“Nature is always consistent, and I can go out and I can look for the beauty. And I find it really grounding.”
“The more you practice getting outside your comfort zone, the more comfortable you become with it.”
“I think you learn so much about America by being outside of it.”
“Your skills are never wasted. Sometimes you’re tapping into skills you learned early in your career and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“It’s interesting the stories that strangers will share with each other."
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Some of the things that Tracy said that are really strong in my memory, is that when she was facing things she was afraid of and she knew she wanted to push through, she asked a lot of questions. Open to taking risks. She prepared in that way and she practiced. She talked about doing this over and over and over again, knowing that once she stepped into her stretch zone once, she could stretch even further every time she did it again. She has a limited fear of failure allowing her to learn from each thing and here’s the kicker; When she’s brave, she likes how she feels about herself. She knows she’s modeling the behavior she wants to see in people around her.
Friends it’s your turn. What are you going to do next that you’re a little bit afraid of that you can ask enough questions to feel confident enough to step into that stretch zone? And start practicing. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Tracy
Tracy, a native of Columbus, Georgia, is a dynamic Fraud and Risk Consultant, public speaker, and former Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service. With an impressive career that spans roles such as Counter-Terrorism Instructor for the Defense Intelligence Agency and Lead Associate in Counter-Illicit Finance for Booz Allen Hamilton, Tracy exemplifies what it means to break barriers and lead with resilience and excellence.
Be sure to check out Tracy’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and her blog Carpe Diem Creative!
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!
366 Fortunes For The Future
Throughout our lives we will have to wear many hats and perform many tasks on our paths toward success and personal fulfillment, sometimes these wayward paths lead us to doors that we would never expect to come across. We only need to have the courage to reach out and open the door.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Russel Rowland discuss the many different paths life leads us down and the lessons we learn on our way to fulfillment and success.
366 Fortunes For The Future
Throughout our lives we will have to wear many hats and perform many tasks on our paths toward success and personal fulfillment, sometimes these wayward paths lead us to doors that we would never expect to come across. We only need to have the courage to reach out and open the door.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Russel Rowland discuss the many different paths life leads us down and the lessons we learn on our way to fulfillment and success.
Highlights
The work we find between our desired career can open many doors you could never expect.
We need to have something or someone show us that what we’re doing matters.
We all have an edge of discomfort in putting ourselves out there, but we have to confront it in order to live a fulfilling life.
Quotes
“I’m not a big believer of hiding the skeletons. I think you have to look at your history honestly in order to keep growing and learning about how we become the people we are.”
“It’s really the main piece of advice that I think all writers need is to keep doing it. Because we all have an imposter syndrome, every single one of us.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I already gave you a really fun exercise, if you find that you’re blocked in the writing you need to do, whether that be business writing, or a blog, or journal, maybe you’re writing a book, if you’re feeling blocked in your creativity try writing a handful of fortunes that you would want to find or that you would want somebody you care about to find in their next fortune cookie.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Russel
Russell Rowland is the acclaimed author of seven books, as well as the host of a radio show, Fifty-Six Counties, on Yellowstone Public Radio. He has also hosted two podcasts, Breakfast in Montana and The State of Montana, and will soon launch a new podcast, THE SONG OF ROWLAND: American Culture at Full Volume, where he will be interviewing creative people from around the country about their process and the importance of culture in America today. Russell has an MA in Creative Writing from Boston University and lives in Billings, Montana.
Be sure to check out Russels’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! As well as his Website, subscribe to his Newsletter, and his Bluesky account!
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!
364 NLV 2025
This year in Austin Texas February 10th and 11th is the eighth annual NLV Summit hosted by Sarah Elkins. A meeting of great minds, incredible opportunities, and a sharing of impactful stories.
In today’s episode Sarah reminisces on many of these stories from the previous several NLV Summits and how they have helped her shape her path going forward.
364 NLV 2025
This year in Austin Texas February 10th and 11th is the eighth annual NLV Summit hosted by Sarah Elkins. A meeting of great minds, incredible opportunities, and a sharing of impactful stories.
In today’s episode Sarah reminisces on many of these stories from the previous several NLV Summits and how they have helped her shape her path going forward.
Highlights
Gaining perspective on life, especially when you feel hopeless.
Incorporating the lessons your friends and peers don’t even realize they’re teaching you.
Continuing to strive for the dream you want to build.
Quotes
“Something that continues to shape my work is something Melissa Hughes said when she hosted her session. She said; Sometimes you have to get up to the cheap seats. And she was using the metaphor for those high seats in the bleachers at a baseball game. So that we can gain perspective by getting to a higher view. To look at the bigger picture when we feel stuck.”
“What is it? What does it do? Why does it matter?”
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!
350 Growing Through Failure
It is vital to our success to fail, we need to try things that are new and be comfortable in the fact failure is normal and expected. By letting ourselves be uncomfortable and fail at new things, we leave room for growth and success.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Paige Arnof-Fenn discuss the importance of trying new activities and accepting our failures as opportunities to grow.
350 Growing Through Failure
It is vital to our success to fail, we need to try things that are new and be comfortable in the fact failure is normal and expected. By letting ourselves be uncomfortable and fail at new things, we leave room for growth and success.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Paige Arnof-Fenn discuss the importance of trying new activities and accepting our failures as opportunities to grow.
Highlights
Building a community of people who know when to reach out for help and who you can reach out to.
Don't just do what you’re great at, try things that are new, especially if you suck at them at first.
Explore outside your comfort zone to learn new and amazing things about yourself and the world around you.
Quotes
“Be brave enough to start something you kind of suck at when you really haven't sucked at stuff in a long time.”
“Part of being an adult is being comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
We covered a lot of ground today, but the thing that just came back to me is that I would love to challenge you to take on something that you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Maybe you won’t be good at it, maybe you’ll find that you have a natural talent for it. Maybe it’s taking a pottery class, throwing clay on a wheel or hand sculpting things, maybe it’s taking up knitting or Tai Chi, maybe it’s something as simple as walking around your neighborhood in a way you haven’t done before, with great intention.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Paige
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.
Be sure to check out Paige’s LinkedIn, as well as her website Mavens and Moguls, their recent articles, and their speaker programs!
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!