383 Your True Enemy Is Self-Doubt
Our internal messages shape who we are, whether they be positive or negative messages, shape who we are and how we carry ourselves through life, which is why it is so vital to stop and reflect on our messages and the input from those around us. We can learn alot from our personal board of directors, they encourage and guide us with their own personal experiences allowing us to grow, including when their input is critical.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins dwells on the importance of the words her own personal board has given her, the experiences that she has grown from, and how her professional and personal life have been shaped and allowed her to become the coaching powerhouse she is today.
383 Your True Enemy Is Self-Doubt
Our internal messages shape who we are, whether they be positive or negative messages, shape who we are and how we carry ourselves through life, which is why it is so vital to stop and reflect on our messages and the input from those around us. We can learn alot from our personal board of directors, they encourage and guide us with their own personal experiences allowing us to grow, including when their input is critical.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins dwells on the importance of the words her own personal board has given her, the experiences that she has grown from, and how her professional and personal life have been shaped and allowed her to become the coaching powerhouse she is today.
Highlights
Professional Storytelling
Building each other up by practicing what we teach.
How our friends inspire us.
What experiences in your past contributed to your internal messages?
Quotes
“Every professional benefits when they can share a story that demonstrates their character, their skills, and their vision.”
“I can no longer allow distant periods of discomfort and whatever caused them, reign over who I am.”
“I was acutely self conscious about my outfit, my voice, even my facial expressions and the way my body, arms, and hands moved as I sang. It has taken me years to let go of my fear of embarrassment, my fear of judgement. I really hope it doesn’t take you nearly as long. Or if you’re my age or older, that you’re learning this lesson now so you don’t bring regret into your later years.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
If you have something in your head that you really want to do, I urge you to take action right away. As May West said; “I only regret the things I didn’t do.”
Here are a few steps that I take when I’m working on something that feels new and maybe a little scary: I tell my closest friends what I want to do knowing they’re going to ask how they can help and they’ll keep me accountable. They’ll ask me the hard questions to make sure I stay clear about what I’m doing and why. I use a strategy my friend and business coach Nettie Owens taught me. I schedule 15 minutes every weekday to focus on that one thing, it’s on my calendar. Those 15 minute focus times show up at different parts of my day, not the same time every day. I’m very intentional with what I do with advice, criticism, and ideas I hear from others, especially if they’ve never done what I’m trying to do. I listen because sometimes a comment, even one that feels insulting, hurtful, or maybe even wrong, can be a catalyst toward improvement and success. Whatever it is you’re challenging yourself with my friends, I would love to hear about it, and to support you as you’re leaping out of your comfort zone.
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!
381 Rock N Roll
Authenticity and living your life in a way that reflects who you are and how you hope to be perceived is something we all strive for, however it can be easy to forget that change and growth is a constant changing cycle, even from moment we are allowed and expected to invent who we are.
In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on when she joined the rock band she is apart of and how it has helped shape her authentic self as well as how important fun and joy is to the true sense self.
381 Rock N Roll
Authenticity and living your life in a way that reflects who you are and how you hope to be perceived is something we all strive for, however it can be easy to forget that change and growth is a constant changing cycle, even from moment we are allowed and expected to invent who we are.
In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on when she joined the rock band she is apart of and how it has helped shape her authentic self as well as how important fun and joy is to the true sense self.
Highlights
What is authenticity to you?
How do you portray your authentic self?
Untangling core values from the actions we believe are authentic.
How do you want to be known and remembered for?
There is no permanent state of the self.
Quotes
“I was still not rock and roll. I was wearing a persona on stage because it was fun not because it felt like me.”
“All that would have been missed if I had decided that my authentic self was not rock and roll.”
“What opportunities have you dismissed because they didn’t feel authentic?”
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!
314 What Builds Community (Like Chickens)
Community is the life blood of our growth and success as human beings, even in the very beginning of humanity’s first steps across the globe we were hyper social creatures who relied on one another to survive, whether that be to have enough food or blankets for the cold months or maybe even knowing you could go to your local carpenter to ask for a new chair. We have always relied on one another to build ourselves and each other up, and without that fundamental part of our humanity we wouldn’t be where we are today and we will only stagnate and mold if we distance ourselves from it.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jake Cinti discuss the importance of community and helping the places we call home to thrive, true although the experience of cultivating community isn’t always sunshine and roses, it is always an important and vital process. Jake Cinti brings equal parts intelligence, awareness, and compassion to the conversation, offering an insight into the world of reality and social work that is often overlooked or unseen. His values only becoming stronger as he has continued his work with his brother Dylan, Yarrow, and Ypsilanti.
314 What Builds Community (Like Chickens)
Want to join this year’s NLV Conference? Register here!
Community is the life blood of our growth and success as human beings, even in the very beginning of humanity’s first steps across the globe we were hyper social creatures who relied on one another to survive, whether that be to have enough food or blankets for the cold months or maybe even knowing you could go to your local carpenter to ask for a new chair. We have always relied on one another to build ourselves and each other up, and without that fundamental part of our humanity we wouldn’t be where we are today and we will only stagnate and mold if we distance ourselves from it.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jake Cinti discuss the importance of community and helping the places we call home to thrive, true although the experience of cultivating community isn’t always sunshine and roses, it is always an important and vital process. Jake Cinti brings equal parts intelligence, awareness, and compassion to the conversation, offering an insight into the world of reality and social work that is often overlooked or unseen. His values only becoming stronger as he has continued his work with his brother Dylan, Yarrow, and Ypsilanti.
Highlights
Your niche is just as important as everyone else’s, take pride in that.
Holding true to your values even if you are not seen in the best light.
Caring for your community is the foundation to success.
What helps you build community with other people? What are your Chickens?
Just because you hit bumps in the road does not mean you should compromise your values and goals in the journey.
Quotes
“Space, being able to have space, in this case it was literally saving people’s lives. And so I think that's a microcosm in general for how important space can be for social impact.”
“Creating, where we can, where we can find the opportunity to create micro-communities within a piece of real estate whether it’s a one multi family building or multiple adjacent. It’s something we think is very special and very important, and also hyper local which is a big part of Ypsilanti and how we hope to continue to work for and with Ypsilanti.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What is something that you’ve been considering that you can contribute to your community? What is one small way that you can encourage somebody else to do something that you know will help within your community, will build something important? How can you support the people that you need to support in order to build a community that’s healthy and caring for eachother? It doesn’t have to have a label, it doesn’t have to be real estate, it doesn’t have to be about homes and properties, it doesn’t have to be about helping people on a scale, as what we’re talking about with Jake and Dylan, but even swapping dough with somebody who has chickens find somebody in your community to contribute, build those relationships and let me know how that goes.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Jake (From Yarrow)
Jake is devoted to helping people and organizations drive lasting change. As an undergraduate and later an MSW student at the University of Michigan, Jake learned the fundamentals of positive organizational scholarship through his work with Ann Arbor teen center The Neutral Zone and the Ross School of Business’ Center for Positive Organizations. Jake then moved to New York City to pursue a career in social impact real estate. After spending several years growing Transwestern’s nonprofit practice, Jake shifted into a leadership role at OPEN Impact Real Estate, a firm dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations flourish in meaningful spaces. Jake was recognized as one of Commercial Property Executive’s “Stars to Watch” in 2020. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his wife Emily and their assorted plants and vinyl. He also serves on the board of Bloomingdale School of Music.
Be sure to check out Yarrow! As well as Jake’s LinkedIn!
Please check out the nonprofit mentioned by Jake and if you can make a donation within your means please do so; Mobile Studio Inc!
Overdose Prevention Model from the FDA
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!
313 Rediscovering Yourself
Change is a fundamental law of nature, nothing stays the same forever. This is especially true when it comes to people, we are never the same even from moment to moment, we are allowed and expected to change, to grow, to become a version of ourselves that we can be proud of.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Michelle Cooper discuss growth, change, and the pains that come with it. Michelle brings warmth, empathy, and a depth of emotion that will make you laugh, maybe cry, but certainly bring you some hope and determination for the new year.
313 Rediscovering Yourself
Change is a fundamental law of nature, nothing stays the same forever. This is especially true when it comes to people, we are never the same even from moment to moment, we are allowed and expected to change, to grow, to become a version of ourselves that we can be proud of.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Michelle Cooper discuss growth, change, and the pains that come with it. Michelle brings warmth, empathy, and a depth of emotion that will make you laugh, maybe cry, but certainly bring you some hope and determination for the new year.
Highlights
Sometimes all you need to do is learn the rules because you already have the skills.
Acknowledging the other people who help shape your story.
Sometimes finding your voice and your purpose can cause friction in your life, but it is your responsibility to work together and remedy the strife.
Quotes
“To me whether it’s a partner or a friend or a family member, it doesn’t really matter. If they can’t support something that’s really important to you then they shouldn’t be in your energy.”
“You’ve got to have some data, you’ve got to go with your gut, and you have to come from an empowered place, not a victim, not a limited mindset, not survival. So how do we change that?”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What about this conversation really resonated with you? Was it this idea of finding community somehow in your late thirties? Was it about knowing that sometimes you need to have those hard conversations to give your partner a chance to change and to grow with you rather than leaving them behind? What will you do in 2024 cause it’s early still, to make a decision about something that maybe you committed to without fully being committed to it but you’re afraid to let it go?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Michelle
Michelle Cooper is a Business Mentor, Author, Podcast Host, and International Speaker. What began as a journey of self-awareness and healing has boomed into over a million-dollar business empire with a mission to shift the trajectory of wealth, one entrepreneur at a time.
Michelle will help you tidy up your money and the relationship you have around it so that you can run your business and life with confidence and clarity, ultimately ending the suffering around your finances.
Be sure to check out Michelle’s LInkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram as well as her website at MichelleBCooper!
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!
311 Admiration And Action
Inspiration is a necessity for growth and success, whether inspiration be drawn from daily life or from attending a keynote doesn’t change the importance, all that matters is finding it and determining whether you will admire said inspiration or take action because of it.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Seth Dechtman discuss their roles as storytellers and how hosting or participating in keynotes and similar functions have helped shape their craft and outlooks on its importance. Insightful, compassionate, and an equally wonderful storyteller, Seth makes this episode enjoyable and inspiring.
311 Admiration And Action
Inspiration is a necessity for growth and success, whether inspiration be drawn from daily life or from attending a keynote doesn’t change the importance, all that matters is finding it and determining whether you will admire said inspiration or take action because of it.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Seth Dechtman discuss their roles as storytellers and how hosting or participating in keynotes and similar functions have helped shape their craft and outlooks on its importance. Insightful, compassionate, and an equally wonderful storyteller, Seth makes this episode enjoyable and inspiring.
Highlights
We look to the past not to live there, but to move forward.
Put yourself in the shoes of another so that you can understand their story.
Do what you want to do now, there is no Someday.
Quotes
“I believe words matter and a speech can change a life and a speech can change the world.”
“I put that in a bucket called Admiration. It’s not bad, we all need it, it can be fuel, it can be validating, it can be the springboard to expand your ability.”
“You can’t be the taker as the speaker, you have to be the giver.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What key note or presentation or break out session have you experienced in recent years that fit into one of those categories or both of those categories, the admiration or the action or both. Did you take that next step, did you listen to that possibility, did it nibble at you for awhile until you decided yes or no I’m going to take that risk?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Seth
Master Curator Event Pros rely on me to book the most impactful keynote speakers | Event Strategist | Tennis Enthusiast | Pizzaterian | Globe Hopper
𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨:
✅ Find the speaker that best fits your event's scope
✅ Secure talent that works within your budget
✅ Save you time and energy
✅ Focusing on other aspects of your event
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫:
⭐ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 – I take time to understand your event & what you need from your keynote speaker.
⭐ 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 – your tailored list of keynote speaker recommendations is curated from my world-class database & global network.
⭐ 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 – I make everything more manageable for you. I take care of the speaker contract, scheduling the pre-event call with you & the talent, and double-checking all the details for a successful event.
𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡:
👔 Meeting Professionals, Conference Planners, Education Directors, Production Companies, Event Marketers & anyone involved in the keynote speaker selection process
Be sure to check out Seth’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and his Website Key Note Curators and his Podcast by the same name Key Note Curators!
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!
310 Painting A Picture Of Yourself You Can Be Proud Of
Stories. We all have them and we all share them at some point or another, those stories may make your listener laugh or they may make them cry, what is equally important in storytelling is how you tell stories about other people in your life, how you talk about others says just as much about you as your own personal stories. By exploring the world around you and experiencing the diversity and unique qualities that every place and every person has to offer, you will feel even more alive and grateful for the stories you have to share.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Peter Davis discuss the many facets of life, storytelling, and how uplifting others can lead one to a fulfilling life path. Peter brings intelligence and empathy to the conversation with thought provoking quandaries and heartfelt personal stories that are sure to leave you with some introspective questions to think about.
310 Painting A Picture Of Yourself You Can Be Proud Of
Stories. We all have them and we all share them at some point or another, those stories may make your listener laugh or they may make them cry, what is equally important in storytelling is how you tell stories about other people in your life, how you talk about others says just as much about you as your own personal stories. By exploring the world around you and experiencing the diversity and unique qualities that every place and every person has to offer, you will feel even more alive and grateful for the stories you have to share.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Peter Davis discuss the many facets of life, storytelling, and how uplifting others can lead one to a fulfilling life path. Peter brings intelligence and empathy to the conversation with thought provoking quandaries and heartfelt personal stories that are sure to leave you with some introspective questions to think about.
Highlights
Do things that make you feel alive.
Diversity and change are the fruit of life, accept it whenever it decides to show itself.
Don’t forget to let yourself dream, yes working towards success is important but don’t forget to let yourself enjoy the little things.
Are the stories you are still holding on to years later useful to the narrative of the person you are now?
Quotes
“I learned very quickly in Chicago that being good at something, they don’t care. Everyone’s good at something. You got to be great, you got to stand out, you really have to have something to offer, and you have to be tough, you have to be able to take criticism. Lots of it.”
“You’re on an L Train going downtown like everybody for work, you’re going to see people at every station of life. And they are all reading a great book.”
“The years go by, you’re propping up a story that is no longer useful and the psychic energy required to maintain that infrastructure must be exhausting.”
“You’re going to have to find a way to differentiate yourself in a way that is compelling, powerful, and accurate. And authentic.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Whatever you’re doing I hope that you can start to answer that question: I see a day when.
I have no doubt that whatever you put together you can then use to really inform how you present yourself to the world around you. Because the stories you tell say a lot about who you are, and the stories you tell about others in your community say even more about who you are. So share your stories and share them well.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Peter
Peter Davis helps leaders of small to medium-sized B2B service companies, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher learning craft and tell stories that attract their most natural audiences; people that actually want to buy from you, work for you, invest in you, fund you or volunteer for you. Performed consistently, a compelling story has the power to improve personal, organizational and brand performance.
Be sure to check out Peter’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as his website Heroes Quest Consulting and the video Business Is Theater!
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!