432: The Power of Kindness featuring Joe Emery

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Joe Emery discuss the importance of dispelling misconceptions, serving our communities, and  elevating voices of kindness and positivity.

432 The Power of Kindness featuring Joe Emery

Title card for episode 432 titled The Power of Kindness featuring Joe Emery

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Joe Emery discuss the importance of dispelling misconceptions, serving our communities, and  elevating voices of kindness and positivity. 


Highlights

  • The beauty of visiting places we’ve only seen in pictures or film.

  • Misconceptions about places and people and learning the truth to be able to see the world for the better.

  • Emotional storytelling and the importance of making people see the humanity behind the story. 

  • The importance of being kind, patient, and empathetic in a world that is becoming more jaded.

  • Remember that there is a human on the other side of the screen that doesn’t deserve to be treated poorly because you don’t like a post. 


Quotes

“That’s something I really like doing, helping people who really need it.”

“We all see things everyday that we’re not interested in, and it’s amazing how many people stop to take time out of their day to comment.” 


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

What is it that drove you to be a fan of something? What is your obsession? Have you ever thought about where that could lead you or how it has contributed to where you are now? I think about a lot of the things in my childhood that made me want to meet people or to learn something or to read more and I’m curious what that is for you. And the other thing I want to know is what are you doing when it comes to seeing the one comment that is mean or one boss that treated you badly, are you still holding on to that or are you starting to see it for exactly what it is, that those people who are cruel have their own reason for being that and when you give them the greater voice over the people who are kind you’re giving them this power  and you’re taking away and reducing the power of people who are doing good in the world.          

And, as always, thank you for listening. 


About Joe

Quote card featuring a photo of Joe in a sharp blue and black plaid button up shirt. the quote reads “That’s something I really like doing, helping people who really need it.”

Senior & Lead Digital Copywriter | Brand & Messaging Specialist | Tone of Voice Consultant

Be sure to check out his LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!


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.

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353 Food Stories Revisited

Revisiting episode 292 “Food Stories” Sarah Elkins reminisces on the importance of love languages and how important it is to show those you love how much you care.

Love languages come in many different forms; gift giving, words of affirmation, and for today’s episode specifically, the act of cooking and giving a good meal to those you hold close. It is vital to the health and continuation of relationships that we discover these languages and think about how these actions impact how others view us.

353 Food Stories Revisited

Revisiting episode 292 “Food Stories” Sarah Elkins reminisces on the importance of love languages and how important it is to show those you love how much you care.

Love languages come in many different forms; gift giving, words of affirmation, and for today’s episode specifically, the act of cooking and giving a good meal to those you hold close. It is vital to the health and continuation of relationships that we discover these languages and think about how these actions impact how others view us.


Highlights

  • Spending time with those you love, nurturing them and being nurtured in turn.

  • Don’t wait for the perfect time to use something you love.

  • Finding direction.


Quotes

“How do you want to see yourself? What do you want to see in yourself?”

“When you want people to see you in a certain way but can’t demonstrate it through your actions; What stories can you share so they experience you that way?”


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

What is your love language? What stories can you share that demonstrate it so you don’t have to say, “my love language is-” When you heard my very first story about feeding people, about the food that I lovingly created, you heard my love language in my voice, and that story tells alot about who I am at work and at home. So Listeners, figure out which stories demonstrate those qualities you want people to know about 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!

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351 Communication Is In Everything We Do

We are always communicating in everything we do, from overtly talking to or texting someone, to smiling and nodding to strangers you pass on the street, it’s human nature to want to be seen and heard and to give that to others. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jim Collison discuss the importance of communication and how understanding your strengths leads to better communication not just with others but with yourself.

351 Communication Is In Everything We Do

We are always communicating in everything we do, from overtly talking to or texting someone, to smiling and nodding to strangers you pass on the street, it’s human nature to want to be seen and heard and to give that to others. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jim Collison discuss the importance of communication and how understanding your strengths leads to better communication not just with others but with yourself.


Highlights

  • Choose to put yourself into situations where you can tell a great story afterwards.

  • Live a life bigger than the one you have.

  • Strengths are sometimes seen as a weakness before you learn how to use them.

  • Be patient enough to let things happen.


Quotes

“You can’t take people places you’ve never been.”

“I think some people miss on Clifton Strengths, it does explain who you are, but it is also a productivity tool. How do you get better?”


Mentioned in this podcast

National Suicide Hotline, Text or Call 988

Help is available. You are cared for. 


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

This whole Clifton Strengths, any assessment, maybe this isn’t the answer to our global communication issues but it can be an answer to your individual communication. And the reality is that each of us are responsible for our own communication and how it’s received by the people and environment around us. You are communicating with everything you do; every like, every comment, every share, every honking of your horn, you are communicating who you are, your character. And when you can take responsibility with it, the world changes. So listeners, what are you going to do, today, tomorrow, over the next few days, to figure out what it is you want to work on. 

And, as always, thank you for listening. 


About Jim

CliftonStrengths Top 5: Arranger | WOO | Maximizer | Communication | Activator

I am the CliftonStrengths Community Manager for Gallup and Produce Gallup's Called to Coach and CliftonStrengths Webcasts found at http://gallup.com/cliftonstrengths. In my role I manage the global community of Gallup-Certified Coaches and help those customers who are engaged with our CliftonStrengths Assessment worldwide. In prior years I have managed IT resources, managed a high school and college internship program for Gallup and was a member of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem managing board. I have been at Gallup since 2007.

Be sure to check out Jim’s 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!

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347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure

Everything you do, starts and ends with you. From habits we try to make consistent, to our careers, everything we do comes from ourselves, and sometimes we fail which is just as important as success. Often we must fail and learn from those mistakes in order to succeed. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Charles Clark discuss the importance of the evolution of the self, accepting our successes and failure, as well as the importance of stopping to check in with yourself and ensure you are still in alignment. 

347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure

Everything you do, starts and ends with you. From habits we try to make consistent, to our careers, everything we do comes from ourselves, and sometimes we fail which is just as important as success. Often we must fail and learn from those mistakes in order to succeed. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Charles Clark discuss the importance of the evolution of the self, accepting our successes and failure, as well as the importance of stopping to check in with yourself and ensure you are still in alignment. 


Highlights

  • Show up for the one. Embody your word of impact.

  • Take care of yourself, find time to regroup.

  • You need to live what you teach, be a good example not just to others but yourself.

  • You need to be willing to accept when it’s time to look in the mirror and confront yourself. 

  • Accept your failure AND your successes.


Quotes

“There’s that one person out there who really needs it and it kind of reminds me of this whole idea like; Hey just think about the one because we get so focused on the millions, the tens of thousands, the hundreds, but what about that one? Because I truly believe that one can become the million.” 

“It’s painful day one, but if you do it enough you begin to love your imperfections.”

“I see myself changing, I’m not perfect but I know I’m worth it. I’m worth showing up and being consistent, I’m not there yet but look at what I’ve done.”

“Find The Hidden Prize In Failure”


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

I would really encourage you to think about one thing; shameful or hurtful or disappointing or painful that you experienced in your younger years, anytime pre-15 or 16. Something that happened to you, maybe it happened to you alot, you know what I mean, your traumatic childhood experiences. Many of us try to ignore them or we think because we had a generally good childhood that we don’t have any trauma to deal with - I promise you everyone has something to deal with. Think about that moment, and think about how it has impacted who you are today, and do one thing that reminds you that you have the responsibility, that you have the power to show up how you want to show up in the world. Regardless of what happened in your childhood, YOU are responsible for your behavior in this moment. What are you going to do with this critical knowledge.

And, as always, thank you for listening. 


About Charles

From the adrenaline of the racetrack to the exhilaration of the speaker's podium, Charles Clark's journey is a testament to the power of resilience.

A three-time National Champion and ten-time All-American, Charles was once ranked the sixth fastest man in the world at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin. His athletic career was a dream in motion until a devastating injury changed the trajectory of his path forever. Overnight, Charles went from the triumphs of athletic achievement to the depths of injury-induced despair, leading to an intense battle with anxiety and depression. Yet, what seemed like a catastrophic setback became the cornerstone of a profound transformation during which Charles learned to master and sustain optimal mental well-being.

Eleven years later, Charles’ message goes further than the mere pursuit of achievement; it's about cultivating a mindset of growth, starting first and foremost with mental health. Charles is passionate about helping others become mentally strong, discover their purpose, and develop the habits that will allow them to make their dreams a reality. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that there are valuable lessons hidden in hardship that teach us exactly what we need to know to find fulfillment in life. For Charles, to truly thrive is to relentlessly push beyond the confines of failure and success, to reach unprecedented heights.

Today, Charles is a best-selling author and an award-winning speaker. His books, The 'I' in Team: The Playbook To Create A Winning Culture & A Thriving Business and Become your Ideal Self: How to Heal Through Self Therapy made the Amazon best selling list for leadership & motivation. Annually, he captivates audiences at over 50 events worldwide, ranging from educational institutions and sports teams to Fortune 500 companies. To date, his client list includes Google, Farmers Insurance, the NFL, the MLB, NCAA, Johnson & Johnson, Raymond James, Amazon, Nike, iHeart Radio, PepsiCo, and more. With his infectious energy and inspiring insights, Charles has reached and uplifted more than 600,000 people globally, instilling in them a newfound zest for life and leaving an unforgettable mark on hearts and minds alike.

Be sure to check out Charles’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Website! Order his new book!


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!

Read More

344 Evolving Stories

Returning for his second episode, Tom Jackobs and Sarah Elkins discuss how storytelling has changed for both of them since their last conversation, how their tools and strategies have changed, as well as how important storytelling is as a medium for both of them. 

344 Evolving Stories

Returning for his second episode, Tom Jackobs and Sarah Elkins discuss how storytelling has changed for both of them since their last conversation, how their tools and strategies have changed, as well as how important storytelling is as a medium for both of them. 


Highlights

  • It is okay to look for coaches, especially when you yourself are a coach.

  • Find your own strategies and tools for writing and working.

  • You can be good at things and not be the best at them. 


Quotes

“At least I started writing, because that is the hardest part.”

“I’m not a chef, but I’m a good cook.”

“We need the ones that are going to slow us down and make decisions better.”


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

You’ve listened to this whole conversation about how Tom started his book, how he wrote his book, why he wrote his book, why he started his podcast, and some of the challenges he experienced in that time. What is something you want to take on that you’ve been considering for a long time that you are now ready for that maybe you weren’t ready for a year ago or five years ago. What will be your first step? Are you the kind of person that needs a template to get started or are you a person that looks at a blank page and gets inspired?

And, as always, thank you for listening. 


About Tom

I am a Coach of Fitness Health, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Improving Sales, Customer Service.

Be sure to check out Tom’s book, Selling with H.E.A.R.T.: The Only Way to Sell Confidently, Connect Deeply, and Grow Your Business with Integrity!. And connect with him and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! As well as his podcast on Spotify and Apple podcast!


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!

Read More

342 The Best Teacher Is Life

Throughout life we all have to learn some difficult lessons, some lessons are harder than others, but if you persist and remember your core values you will succeed with more knowledge of yourself and your capabilities than you started with. 

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Gail Harris discuss the importance of learning the harder lessons in life and coming out the other side to share these experiences with others.

342 The Best Teacher Is Life

Throughout life we all have to learn some difficult lessons, some lessons are harder than others, but if you persist and remember your core values you will succeed with more knowledge of yourself and your capabilities than you started with. 

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Gail Harris discuss the importance of learning the harder lessons in life and coming out the other side to share these experiences with others.


Highlights

  • Loss strengthens us by how we move through it. 

  • Turn your sorrow into art, so that others will know they aren’t alone.

  • Divine timing, even if you can’t see the full plan in the moment, some things are meant to be.

  • Life is your teacher.


Quotes

“I’m more than my human self.”

“I just let myself feel it, because I did believe that that was a forked road. Because if you don’t feel it and you become numb to it, then you hang onto it forever. It’s not that we ever don’t feel the grief -feel the loss- you will always feel the loss but the grief I think can transform.”


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

I would love to hear from you. When you think about your own life stories, it’s not just one event and it’s not a timeline of events. I would love to hear what you’re thinking about and as you’ve listened to this episode in terms of holding space for other people’s grief, what you would write about if you were to write your story, and what would you include? Which characters, which part of your life?

And, as always, thank you for listening. 


Mentioned in this episode

The Art of Holding Space

Finding Zoe


About Gail

Gail Harris is a certified ghostwriter specializing in women’s memoir and an IPNE Book Award Finalist for the memoir FINDING ZOE. She collaborates with women who have risen above life’s challenges and are ready to share their journeys personally and professionally. She enjoys the cathartic nature of storytelling both for the author and those who read her story; the healing is universal. Her company is called Golden Ghostwriting. Gail finds the gold in an author’s story or what sets it apart from other stories to make it marketable.

Be sure to check out Gail’s LinkedIn and Golden Ghost Writing!


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!

Read More

340 Unity in Connectedness 

How we present ourselves with our intentions and energy is as important as a freshly pressed suit when building community and connection in both our work and personal lives. In helping others and accepting help, by being positive and allowing positivity to thrive, in accepting ourselves and others we can build true connectedness.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sophie Lechner discuss the importance of connectedness in our lives and how building true meaningful relationships can shape our lives.

340 Unity in Connectedness 

How we present ourselves with our intentions and energy is as important as a freshly pressed suit when building community and connection in both our work and personal lives. In helping others and accepting help, by being positive and allowing positivity to thrive, in accepting ourselves and others we can build true connectedness.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sophie Lechner discuss the importance of connectedness in our lives and how building true meaningful relationships can shape our lives. 


Highlights

  • Connectedness unites us. Real connectedness can’t be found online. 

  • Don’t forget to take time for your business and connection when you worry about others. 

  • If you keep yourself in a positive mindset you are bound to enjoy whatever you do.


Quotes

“We need to plant seeds for potential relationships, and harvest whatever ones come out.”

“It’s better to have a little bit of a pause, think it through. Thoughtfulness is one of the things I want to be known for so I need to remember to do that.”


Mentioned in This Episode

Exactly Zero 


Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

What is the vibe, the energy, that you want people to feel when they’re around you? Whether it’s an interaction in a post on social media, face to face, a phone call, your next podcast interview, and especially the next job interview or the time you need to interview somebody else for a job. Do you want to be welcoming, do you want to be somebody who feels like they belong? Because those contributions are absolutely in good health. I encourage you to write down what you want to be perceived as and what your vibe is today. 

And, as always, thank you for listening. 


About Sophie

Sophie Lechner helps mission-driven entrepreneurs find their audience on LinkedIn and build relationships with them so they can spread their message and grow their business.

Her 20-year presence on LinkedIn has led to speaking engagements, podcast invitations, clients, and a Forbes interview.

With The MAGNET Model, entrepreneurs stop chasing clients and instead enjoy sharing their gifts with dream clients they attract like a Magnet.

For different bio lengths and more headshot options, go to https://themagnetmodel.com/mediakit 

Be sure to check out Sophie’s LinkedIn, The MAGNET Model, as well as this quiz on what kind of LinkedIn User You Are!


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!

Read More