428 Building Bridges Through Kindness and Compassion
In being human we are able to connect more authentically with people not just in the workplace but in everyday life, by allowing them to see us for who we truly are and what we are capable of.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Neal Foard discuss the importance of compassion and connection.
428 Building Bridges Through Kindness and Compassion
In being human we are able to connect more authentically with people not just in the workplace but in everyday life, by allowing them to see us for who we truly are and what we are capable of.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Neal Foard discuss the importance of compassion and connection.
Highlights
Being present and aware of your actions on others and the world around you.
Building trust and genuine connection that lasts lifetimes as opposed to a quick and easy contract.
The importance of working in a diverse environment.
Quotes
“What I have been taught again and again is to try as much as possible to really wait for their personality to emerge, to wait for the real person to emerge. Don’t hurry it along and don’t make any judgments.”
“Knowing as much as you can about somebody's personhood as opposed to their professional attributes is a marvelous thing to communicate well. Any time you can speak from personal experience and people can get a sense of what your experience was, it will help them react to you in a human way.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I am really curious about what you will do with what you picked up from this conversation maybe it’ll be from the very beginning of this conversation when you realize that a really good test for the people you want to spend time with is watching how they interact with other people. People that can’t serve them, people that can’t help them, people that can’t do something for them. Maybe it’s somebody on the autism spectrum, maybe it’s someone who acts or behaves differently than you do, maybe it’s a server at a restaurant, or someone in retail. How we treat each other is a really good indication of if you want to spend time with them.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Neal
Neal Foard is a master storyteller and branding expert who spent 25 years shaping award-winning ad campaigns for global icons like Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony. For his international work on Toyota, he was listed among the top ten most decorated creative directors in the world. As Worldwide Director of Creative Learning for advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi, Neal authored a program to teach professionals to sell their work more effectively. Today, he consults with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and governments on the art of persuasive messaging. A sought-after speaker with multiple appearances on the TEDx stage, Neal is known to millions for his viral videos celebrating everyday human kindness.
Be sure to check out Neal’s LinkedIn and Instagram! As well as Supercharge Your Leadership Skillset and The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders!
About Sarah
Sarah is a Montana based workplace communication trainer, TEDx speaker, DisruptHR speaker, public speaking coach, professional storyteller, musician, and podcast host. Her workshops and coaching packages with teams and their leaders are known to address and reduce miscommunication – the most common cause of tension and stress in the workplace. Using the team’s results from the StrengthsFinder assessment, she guides teams in learning to speak each other’s “language”, learning to value each other’s strengths and connecting with each other through enhanced self-reflection and effective listening.
Sarah’s nearly 20 years working in government agencies inspired her to complete her MBA and to achieve her StrengthsFinder certification to improve work environments for others, guiding teams toward increased satisfaction, productivity, and happiness.
Visit her website to purchase her book, Your Stories Don't Define You in paperback or audiobook.
417 Being Fully Present
Being present for those in your life can be a difficult matter at times, yes we can be in the same room as them, but it is far more meaningful to be there for them emotionally which can triple the difficulty of a situation. Which is why it is important to take a step back and to take stock of your emotions before responding, so that you can be your best self and not one that lectures or reacts with anger.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Phil Friedman discuss the importance of patience, empathy, and seeking one’s one fulfillment in life that is not tied to a career nor who we associate ourselves with.
417 Being Fully Present
Being present for those in your life can be a difficult matter at times, yes we can be in the same room as them, but it is far more meaningful to be there for them emotionally which can triple the difficulty of a situation. Which is why it is important to take a step back and to take stock of your emotions before responding, so that you can be your best self and not one that lectures or reacts with anger.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Phil Friedman discuss the importance of patience, empathy, and seeking one’s one fulfillment in life that is not tied to a career nor who we associate ourselves with.
Highlights
Do you tie your identity to others?
At times, understanding and gentleness is far better than a lecture.
Are you an observer of your own life?
How do you treat yourself when you aren’t at your best?
How do you find satisfaction day to day?
Quotes
“It’s one thing to observe emotion in somebody else, for me I can’t observe it that same way in myself.”
“There are so many things to write about and so little time.”
“If I worried about everything that could go wrong, since half of the things that could go wrong don’t go wrong, then I’ll spend my life being worried about things that half the time will never happen.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
When have you had an experience where you didn’t recognize your emotion until after the fact? Is there something you can do, a strategy you can use to try to be more aware in the moment of where your emotions are coming from? Maybe it’s an angry reaction, an angry response to something that should have been a more empathetic response, but in the moment you were fearful for the safety or the health of the person in front of you.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Phil
As a former university professor and college instructor, I spent years helping students think clearly and write with purpose. I also created and led North America’s first fully certified two-year post-secondary program in boatbuilding and boatyard management, experience that honed my skills in curriculum design, educational program development, and mentoring learners at every stage.
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Alongside my teaching, I’ve written, edited, and published more than 2,000 feature articles for major print and digital media channels. That experience helps me guide writers not just to overcome resistance, but also to approach their craft with the mindset and skills that lead to real publication.
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My coaching style is supportive and judgment-free. I meet writers where they are and help them silence their inner critic, build strong writing habits, and trust their unique voice. Whether you’re writing for personal fulfillment, launching a blog, or aiming to get published, I’ll help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
During 30+ years in the marine industry, I’ve worn numerous hats — as a marine marketer and ghost writer, boating magazine writer/editor, yacht designer, boatbuilder, marine operations and business manager, marine industry consultant, yacht surveyor, and industry educator.
I’m also trained and experienced in interest-based negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution for parties in the marine business sector. In a prior life, I taught logic and philosophy at university.
Be sure to check out Phil’s LinkedIn and Facebook! As well as Port Royal Group, Port Royal Marketing, and Social Philosophy and The Art of Boatbuilding!
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!
416 The Right Tool For The Right Job
Having the necessary toolset to build others and yourself up is something most of us continue to build and collect our entire lives. How we choose to interact with another, how we teach, learn, and grow with them is how we hone these tools in order to achieve excellence in our chosen life.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on one of her former students, and how the lessons and tools she’s experienced now have made her a better advisor and teacher, by taking into account everyone’s personalized skillset.
416 The Right Tool For The Right Job
Having the necessary toolset to build others and yourself up is something most of us continue to build and collect our entire lives. How we choose to interact with another, how we teach, learn, and grow with them is how we hone these tools in order to achieve excellence in our chosen life.
Thanks to episode 411 featuring Rachel Bohns, Sarah’s adding another tool to her toolkit. In the episode, she and Rachel realized the potential impact of layering two tools to maximize organizational and individual change success: ADKAR framework for organizational change with StrengthsFinder for individual readiness and ability.
Today’s episode comes from one of Sarah’s inspiring hikes as she reflects on her experience with a former student, and how the lessons and tools she’s experienced now have made her a better advisor and teacher, by taking into account each person’s natural perception of their experiences, their intuitive approach to projects, problems, and people.
A very cold hike in Helena, Montana
Highlights
Applying new understanding of the tools you’ve collected to help others and yourself.
Everyone has different talents, which is why it is so important to learn to work with them as opposed to against them.
ADKAR and Strengths Finder working hand in hand to create meaningful change.
Quotes
“The thing is my talents are the opposite to the ones I’m describing here so if I want to teach someone or help them move through the ADKAR change framework, I have to meet them where they are, I have to be able to speak their language.”
“If we can learn to bring people along for the ride with these tools; Strengths Finder and ADKAR, we can move forward into that uncertainty with improved and inspired resilience, persistence, and grit.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Are you curious to learn more about this ADKAR Framework and the layering nuance of Strengths Finder for individual and institutional change? Check out Episode 411 featuring Rachel Bohns, and send me your questions and ideas that pop into your head I’d love to hear from you.
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!
414 Following Your Own Star
There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it’s more than just one thing, perhaps you’re just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Professor KD Frick discuss the importance of that specific personal growth, as well as the importance of believing in others and yourself even when you aren’t sure where your own star is leading you, and especially to greet the world with open arms.
414 Following Your Own Star
There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it’s more than just one thing, perhaps you’re just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Professor KD Frick discuss the importance of that specific personal growth, as well as the importance of believing in others and yourself even when you aren’t sure where your own star is leading you, and especially to greet the world with open arms.
Image of stones mentioned in episode. Provided by KD Frick
Highlights
Finding the right words for where you are in your life right now.
Leading with compassion and empathy.
Position yourself to be able to understand.
Don’t immediately dismiss someone, you never know where their combined ideas may lead. Everyone has their own North Star they follow.
Quotes
“Empathy leads to approachability.”
“Look as long as I’m here and unless you tell me otherwise, I’m planning on reading names. Because it’s the last connection students have with us.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What did you hear in this conversation that struck you as something that resonated? Maybe it was about not knowing what you want to do next, maybe it was I do know what I want to do next but I’m not being consistent enough to make it happen. I am so curious to hear your thoughts, please share them either in the comments or wherever you see this shared or send me an email.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About KD
KD Frick was originally trained as a health economist and began a career at Johns Hopkins as a faculty member at the Bloomberg School of Public Health; after a bit more than sixteen years in that role, with responsibilities like associate department chair and faculty senate president, a move was made to the Carey Business School as vice dean for education. The eight and one-half years spent in that role were a time of growth and expansion of opportunity. With colleagues encouraging a return to research, challenging decisions around COVID, a focus on ranking academic programs that was not of interest, and a lack of visible opportunities for advancement in administration, a decision was made to return to just a faculty role. The result has been great fulfillment, a change in teaching, and a focus on leading by teaching others to lead artisnally toward aspirational narratives for themselves and those they are developing. There is still room for work on the economics of eye care where Professor Frick has the opportunity to apply the leading with values approach that is taught in the classroom.
Be sure to check out Professor Frick’s LinkedIn, thoughts on tHERSday newsletter, as well as Business and Economics of Eye Care and Health!
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!
408 Changing For Good
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Judit Piros discuss the importance of change in one's self, how healing often needs to be sought out and made active strides to achieve. From the highs and lows of being a parent, to the life of an artist, as well as the deep intrinsic self learning that comes from our unique walks of life that we must share with those around us. In doing so, we find we aren’t that different after all.
408 Changing For Good
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Judit Piros discuss the importance of change in one's self, how healing often needs to be sought out and made active strides to achieve. From the highs and lows of being a parent, to the life of an artist, as well as the deep intrinsic self learning that comes from our unique walks of life that we must share with those around us. In doing so, we find we aren’t that different after all.
Handmade Raku Clay Whale Light Sculpture – Unique Ceramic Art, One piece only, available on Etsy.
Highlights
Shifting perspective to see scenarios differently, especially if it is a scenario you didn’t expect to not work out.
Taking time for yourself to heal, find your counterweight, take whatever is thrown at you and still stand up. Especially for yourself and those you love.
Proportional responses and how necessary they are to healing.
Try to be gentle with yourself.
“The way you were born has very very much defined how you lived and how you experience life.”
“All life begins in darkness.”
“You need suffering in order to transform, and this is when you learn your own strength and your own capabilities.”
Handmade Raku Clay Whale Light Sculpture – Unique Ceramic Art, One piece only
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I have two things that I would like for you to consider over the next few weeks after listening to this episode.
1 - If you are a person who has given birth to a living child or living young adult, what is the birth story you share in front of them? What is the birth story you tell people? Is it traumatic? Have you figured out a way to share the story in a way that feels beautiful and meaningful, regardless of what actually happened that day, regardless of the pain you experienced and the fear. How can you tell this story so that when your child hears it, they hear the joy and gratitude that they are there with you now. That’s my first question.
2 - What is it that is your tell? What is the signal your body gives you when something isn’t right? I encourage you over the next few weeks to try to identify what that is. In Judit, she said that its a twitch in her hip, in the muscles around her hip. For me, it’s usually some sort of effect from my essential tremors, starting to shake badly enough that it’s very noticeable. So when you feel uncomfortable or something is making you anxious or angry, take inventory of your body, figure out where you’re feeling it. And make a choice, a conscious choice, to notice whenever that is the warning you need to change something.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
Mentioned in this episode
Download Judit’s free guide: Imferpect Design.
Do you remember the Weebles collectibles of the 1970s?
About Judit
I am an Atlanta based Hungarian artist... right now artist, because my life was full of twists and turns before I reached to this point, calling myself this way. Economist by degree, designer by interest, mother of three by love, bellydance teacher, phorographer and doula by femininity and the deepest connection is about mental help, coaching and exploring the fields of Birth and Death.
I have a never fading excitement toward the pre- and perinatal traumas and more importantly: how to heal from this traumas. It took me ten years to get more or less over my own and opening that Pandora's box turned my whole life upside down, but worth it. Even the losses, because on this journey I found myself and this new self is a much more relaxed company for... well... for me :)
Be sure to check out Judit’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as Imferpect Design for a free guide!
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!
402 Freedom in Healing
In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Holli Tabren McEachern discuss the importance of growth, healing, and the honesty that comes with self reflection. Honesty not just with the world, but with yourself and what has happened to make you feel the way you do, and how it triggers you.
402 Freedom in Healing
Throughout life we may make decisions, or be subject to decisions made involving us. Whether it’s first or second hand, inevitably we begin to believe in a pattern in the behavior around us, oftentimes leading to self doubt and worse. However, if we keep moving forward, actively choosing to make the best of a situation, to learn and grow in order to better ourselves for ourselves, we will find our freedom in healing.
In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Holli Tabren McEachern discuss the importance of growth, healing, and the honesty that comes with self reflection. Honesty not just with the world, but with yourself and what has happened to make you feel the way you do, and how it triggers you.
Highlights
Empathy in a world of cruelty is the bravest rebellion.
How have you been programmed?
Have you ever encountered favoritism?
What choices are you making that reflect your behavior? Do you feel like you have to justify these choices?
Quotes
“I think it’s because we look at society, and we look at the grandma with the grandkids and the grandma always spoils the grandkids. You have this program, like your program, program from the way things are. Program from the way everybody does things.”
“And God, he prepares you for what’s next. You don’t know it’s preparation. You don’t realize that all these things that happen in your life, even the bad choices you make, will prepare you for the next thing.”
“You have to change you before anything in the situation can change.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Where are you incarcerated? What are you choosing not to see in your own decisions? That maybe with a little light on them can help you find more satisfaction and happiness in your life. It’s a simple question, but the answer might be tricky.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Holli
Holli Tabren is an author, speaker, mentor, and reentry specialist dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives and reclaim their power after incarceration. Once sentenced to 25 years in prison, she served 10 years before her case was overturned transforming her pain into purpose. Holli now leads the Becoming HER Framework—Healed, Extraordinary, Resilient—through workshops, books, and her soon-to-launch app, equipping justice-impacted women with tools for healing, entrepreneurship, and resilience. She is the author of Blood Ain’t Thicker, The Path2Redemption Anthology, and her newest release, Becoming HER. Featured on national stages and news outlets, Holli shares her story of transformation as living proof that freedom isn’t just about release; it’s about rebuilding. Be sure to check out her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! And be sure to check out her website Holli Tabren!
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!