285 Bloom Where You're Planted
When we are first starting out in our careers it can feel like we’re lost and in a rut, constantly fighting the tide as we try to sail the seas of life. However, much like the humble dandelion, it’s through this resilience and persistence that we can grow in whatever environment we find ourselves in.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Nathalie Lussier discuss the importance of thriving and trying new things that can bring us joy and fulfillment, even if they are new and strange. Because it is only when we make the attempt that we will learn more about ourselves and the strength within us.
285 Bloom Where You’re Planted
When we are first starting out in our careers it can feel like we’re lost and in a rut, constantly fighting the tide as we try to sail the seas of life. However, much like the humble dandelion, it’s through this resilience and persistence that we can grow in whatever environment we find ourselves in.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Nathalie Lussier discuss the importance of thriving and trying new things that can bring us joy and fulfillment, even if they are new and strange. Because it is only when we make the attempt that we will learn more about ourselves and the strength within us.
Highlights
Sometimes scrapping ideas is the first step in the right direction.
Resilience can keep you afloat through all of life’s turbulence.
Growing and working hard over time on your passions, even if they’re new to you.
Quotes
“Bloom where you’re planted.”
“I think it’s when people were sharing about it with their friends. The sort of word of mouth effect, because that was like obviously I can like what we created and think it’s cool, but if other people aren’t seeing the value and aren’t sharing it with their friends because they think it’s awesome and they need to try it, then I don’t know if we created anything great. So for me that was the big thing.”
“I feel like sometimes these situations open us up for better things even though it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I started this question for you about ten or fifteen minutes into the conversation with Nathalie: What can you take on? What can you think about in terms of problem solving where you are now? What is something that you could do, maybe as a side hustle, maybe into the future as you get more experience and build the portfolio of trying it where you are now, being somebody who blooms where they’re planted, what problem can you solve? I’ll be curious to find out, please comment or send me an email, let me know what you thought of this episode.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Nathalie
Nathalie Lussier is an award-winning entrepreneur who has been making websites since she was 12 years old. She graduated with a degree in Software Engineering and a job offer from Wall Street, but she turned down this job to start her own business right out of college.
As the founder of AccessAlly, the powerful digital course and membership solution for industry leaders, she believes that access to education can help defy stereotypes and make the world a better place while providing a sustainable livelihood for enterprising teachers.
Connect with Nathalie on her LinkedIn, and Facebook! Be sure to check out her websites Nathalie Lussier, Accessally, and 30 Days List Building Challenge!
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 Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
284 Satisfaction
It is inevitable that we will encounter a person or an event that can make anything seem like a trial. From a dead car battery on a trip in another country, to a little bit more rain than you planned on during a work commute, these events can seem like thorn after thorn in your side. However when you take a step back and contemplate how you handled these situations you may just be pleasantly surprised in yourself and your abilities.
In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on her experiences on her trip to Italy, how her magic shined, even if she didn’t see it at the time, and how sometimes all it takes is a little time to see that what was a rather unpleasant experience can be a learning experience that is not only fulfilling but satisfying.
284 Satisfaction
It is inevitable that we will encounter a person or an event that can make anything seem like a trial. From a dead car battery on a trip in another country, to a little bit more rain than you planned on during a work commute, these events can seem like thorn after thorn in your side. However when you take a step back and contemplate how you handled these situations you may just be pleasantly surprised in yourself and your abilities.
In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on her experiences on her trip to Italy, how her magic shined, even if she didn’t see it at the time, and how sometimes all it takes is a little time to see that what was a rather unpleasant experience can be a learning experience that is not only fulfilling but satisfying.
Highlights
Finding meaning and inspiration in frustration when things don’t go your way.
Reframing experiences that may have not all been great but can strengthen your natural talents.
Keeping track of what makes you satisfied and using your natural skills to bring more of that satisfaction into your day to day life.
Quotes
“I had been lamenting some of the obstacles and frustrations I had experienced on my trip. Re-experiencing those disappointments, and finding the learning opportunities.”
“Once you understand your talents in this depth, the way that they’re showing up so naturally and instinctively, you can find ways to incorporate those talents with intention into your days at work and at home. Which I promise will reduce stress and conflict, while bringing your best self to whatever activities you have to do.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Think about a story you told where you might be seen as a victim or a complainer, can you think of a different perspective or framing you can take in telling that story? Ask yourself these questions: What did I learn from the experience? What might I have found satisfying about it? Who helped me in that time, who was a guide or mentor that I can focus on more than the person or situation that might be seen as the villain in my story.
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 Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
283 Cultivating Your Ideal Environment
Creativity and problem solving often go hand in hand usually in very unexpected ways, however when given the chance to bend and try things in new and unexpected ways without judging yourself or your abilities you may just find that these two vital skills can shape your strength and identity going forward.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Dr. Cyndi Burnett discuss the importance of creativity and education and how these two things can shape our identities and images of authenticity going forward.
283 Cultivating Your Ideal Environment
Creativity and problem solving often go hand in hand usually in very unexpected ways, however when given the chance to bend and try things in new and unexpected ways without judging yourself or your abilities you may just find that these two vital skills can shape your strength and identity going forward.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Dr. Cyndi Burnett discuss the importance of creativity and education and how these two things can shape our identities and images of authenticity going forward.
Highlights
Sometimes you need to do things differently than you normally would in order to connect with your audience.
You have to work with people who are different from you, you do not want to be stuck in an echochamber.
Everyone is creative in their own way.
Quotes
“That’s what teaching is, it’s all problem solving. So if you think about creativity as problem solving and not just arts and crafts and who has a nice door, then you’ll understand that all of you in this classroom are creative, otherwise you wouldn’t survive as a teacher.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to stop and say; okay hey we made it through this week, let’s celebrate that! Just finding those small things that we can celebrate in both our personal and professional lives can really help with the overall wellbeing that we’re moving forward through something.”
“I give them a baby plant with a letter that says; This plant represents your wellbeing. If you can’t keep it alive you’re not doing something for yourself. And so if it dies you need to really stop and reflect on what you’re doing wrong that you can’t even keep this plant alive, ‘cause it only takes a little bit of watering once a week. If you can’t do that you’re not taking care of yourself.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What if you took this challenge from Cyndi and the next time you found yourself judging yourself for something you do or don’t do or something you’re afraid to do or something you have an idea about and you “Should” all over yourself about, I should be happy, or I should be okay with this without implementing this new idea I have. The next time you do that, really question where that came from and just as importantly, if not more importantly, find somebody who will support your idea or who will challenge you to think about your idea and how you can actually implement it. Find the people in your life, your community, that when you say “I have this crazy idea,” they say, “Awesome, how can I help?”
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Cyndi
Dr. Cyndi Burnett is the Director of Possibilities for Creativity and Education, and the co-founder of the Creative Thinking Network for Educators. Her mission is to empower educators to infuse creative thinking into the classroom. She taught deliberate creativity and creative problem solving for 20 years at the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY Buffalo State University. She is also the co-host of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast.
Connect with Cyndi on her LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook!
Be sure to check out her podcast Fueling Creativity in Education! As well as her websites Creativity and Education, and Creative Thinking Network!
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 Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
282 Turning Points For Our Growth
Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel frightening, from massive changes to the tiniest ones can feel like the world is ending if you are not stretching and growing as a person. Traveling, whether it be a new way home from work or halfway across the world, can impact your perception on life, as can being open to the thoughts and feelings of others, and accepting what you cannot change.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Tom Jackobs discuss the importance of allowing yourself to stretch and change but also staying true to yourself and your values despite all these changes.
282 Turning Points For Our Growth
Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel frightening, from massive changes to the tiniest ones can feel like the world is ending if you are not stretching and growing as a person. Traveling, whether it be a new way home from work or halfway across the world, can impact your perception on life, as can being open to the thoughts and feelings of others, and accepting what you cannot change.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Tom Jackobs discuss the importance of allowing yourself to stretch and change but also staying true to yourself and your values despite all these changes.
Highlights
You need to set the stage for your stories.
Perceptions of yourself change over time however it’s up to you to take accountability for your actions.
Expanding your horizons is imperative to your growth and health as a human being let alone as being a storyteller.
What do I have control over and what don’t I have control over?
Quotes
“That’s part of really good story telling, is I call it color and texture. Bringing color and texture to your story because a lot of times if I would have just said ‘It was an old school that I went to,’ then everyone would have a different image of what that school would be. Even if I said, ‘Oh yeah I was driving my car,’ you have a different idea of what that car is versus what I have a different idea of what I’m saying. However by adding in that color and texture of the story, like the smell of the wood and the recital hall, or the car example it was an old beat up BMW three series. Now everybody now knows what that image is and that draws the listener in because now you’re on the same page in terms of the details of the story.”
“Has my identity really changed? And certain elements I think have changed overtime, but I think that’s apart of society in terms of kind of forcing you into a title or an identity, but what’s deep inside of me, who I really am, that hasn’t changed but that perception of how it comes across to other people I think does change over time.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
When will you take a small step out of your comfort zone, into your stretch zone so that you can take more of those steps, gradually seeing all of the improvements and the changes and the satisfaction you get from doing those small steps out of your comfort zone. Those things that scare you a little bit will scare you less and less so that the bigger things that scare you now won’t feel so overwhelming when you’re ready to take that step.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Tom
To say Tom has been through a few things in his 30+ years of being an entrepreneur is an understatement. He’s had more failures than successes, but wouldn’t have it any other way. In 2017 he sold his fitness business which he owned for 9 years to become the Impact Pilot, helping entrepreneurs generate more income through better sales conversion strategy and using stories to sell.
Tom has a BFA Degree in Theatre from DePaul University in Chicago and holds his private pilot license for single-engine airplanes and is SCUBA certified. He has licenses for Land, Sea and Air, which will come in handy during the apocalypse.
Be sure to check out Tom’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as his website Here!
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 Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
281 Perfectly Imperfect
As we go through life it is absolutely imperative to our well-being as human beings to grow and keep an open mind, to search for the fulfillment that brings us peace despite the turbulence of life, be that through a career, education, spiritualism, or family, finding that peace is possible however hard work can only take you so far if you do not give yourself grace and love.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jana Wilson discuss the importance of taking care of ourselves and those we care for in order to attain our goals, and find peace in the knowledge that you can learn to love yourself and your progress.
281 Perfectly Imperfect
As we go through life it is absolutely imperative to our well-being as human beings to grow and keep an open mind, to search for the fulfillment that brings us peace despite the turbulence of life, be that through a career, education, spiritualism, or family, finding that peace is possible however hard work can only take you so far if you do not give yourself grace and love.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jana Wilson discuss the importance of taking care of ourselves and those we care for in order to attain our goals, and find peace in the knowledge that you can learn to love yourself and your progress.
Highlights
Finding new aspects of yourself as you grow.
Practicing critical thinking to become objective.
What’s being said, what isn’t being said, and what needs to be said.
Quotes
“When you start walking down a really deep spiritual path of growth and evolution you’ve got to have Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, you have to have all your cares pretty much taken care of to really go on a journey, a deeper journey I feel.”
“We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What steps are you going to take to feed those six things we talked about? Particularly the emotional, the physical, and the spiritual well being. What can you do today to acknowledge something about yourself that you can love?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Jana
Jana is an author, retreat leader and founder of the Emotional Healing System. She is a meditation teacher, hypnotherapist, and HeartMath Facilitator. For the past two decades she has taught thousands internationally in group and private retreats.
Connect with Jana on her Facebook and Instagram!
Be sure to check out Jana’s website Here, and Emotional Healing Retreat!
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 Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
280 Learning To Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
It’s one of the inevitabilities of life that we will be thrust into situations that make us uncomfortable and nervous, but it depends on how we handle these situations and help others through situations like our own that determine how we grow as individuals.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Kari Maribal discuss the importance of stretching and growing through challenging situations and how vital it is to our growth to extend a helping hand to others in similar situations so that they too can grow.
280 Learning To Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
It’s one of the inevitabilities of life that we will be thrust into situations that make us uncomfortable and nervous, but it depends on how we handle these situations and help others through situations like our own that determine how we grow as individuals.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Kari Mirabal discuss the importance of stretching and growing through challenging situations and how vital it is to our growth to extend a helping hand to others in similar situations so that they too can grow.
Highlights
Everyone has different gifts, what matters is how you utilize them.
Where you put your energy determines what thrives.
Being a contribution to others first and overcoming fears in doing so.
Quotes
“I want to give them those tools and tips, so that they can use those strategies to help them with a variety of benefits.”
“It sounds maybe cliche but when you speak from your heart, and when you are communicating with people about common interests and so on, it’s beautiful the magic that can happen there. Versus trying to be somebody you’re not, worrying so much about coming across being interesting when you really just need to focus on being interested in what other people do.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Kari and I are challenging you to do two things this week after listening to this podcast. One thing: Reach out to someone in your network that you haven’t talked to for awhile, be curious, ask them how they’re doing, with no ambition or motivation behind it, but just to check in with them.
And the second thing: Do something that makes you a little uncomfortable that brings you into your stretch zone, maybe it’s something like planting something in your garden even though you’ve always told yourself you kill green things, or maybe it’s singing in the car while someone else is in the car. Do something that challenges you just enough that makes your heart rate go up, that makes you flush a little, and it makes a smile on your face.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Kari
Kari Mirabal, International keynote and TEDx speaker, author, and consultant shares innovative networking strategies to help professionals leverage the power of authentic connection. Mirabal shares knowledge gathered from decades of experience and whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and executive leaders across the country and abroad. Mirabal’s company develops corporate programs, products, and presentations that benefit those interested in earning new clients, increasing profits, and advancing careers through networking.
Connect with Kari on her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
Be sure to check out Kari’s website at Kari Mirabal!
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 Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
279 The Art of Conversation
Understanding what we can offer and what is needed in each situation is paramount to our success as individuals. While it is always great to connect and share our stories with others, we need to learn how to answer every question posed to us by either finding someone to teach us how or to learn what answer isn’t resonating with our audience and learning how to communicate more effectively with those around us.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Brian Glibkowski discuss the importance of conversation in all its forms and how we utilize our strengths and tools in order to communicate with others in a way that is constructive, fulfilling, and progressive to our growth and goals.
279 The Art of Conversation
Understanding what we can offer and what is needed in each situation is paramount to our success as individuals. While it is always great to connect and share our stories with others, we need to learn how to answer every question posed to us by either finding someone to teach us how or to learn what answer isn’t resonating with our audience and learning how to communicate more effectively with those around us.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Brian Glibkowski discuss the importance of conversation in all its forms and how we utilize our strengths and tools in order to communicate with others in a way that is constructive, fulfilling, and progressive to our growth and goals.
Highlights
We’re all on our own personal quests.
Procedure is just as important as storytelling, it’s the context that defines which is needed.
Honoring the questions others ask and offering details when needed.
Quotes
“I was focusing on questions but I wasn’t focusing on the answers they wanted and needed.”
“It took me a while to realize you need to ask and answer all of the questions and usually for important conversations you need balance and look at what people care about.”
“Even though we may have our strengths and preferences, to navigate the world effectively we have to be able to ask and answer all the questions.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
How are you answering the questions that people are asking you? Are you considering all the ways that they are taking in your answers? Because if you’re not, that’s kind of the opposite of active listening.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Brian (from his LinkedIn)
Dr. Glibkowski is the pioneer of Answer Intelligence (AQ)™, an approach that takes a scientific and critical examination of answers in business and life. AQ is a new science of answers (based upon his academic research) that identifies six answer types (story, metaphor, theory, concept, procedure, action) that leaders can use to increase their influence. Read the book, Answer Intelligence: Raise Your AQ (April, 2021).
Here is what one executive said about AQ:
"I know I would have been a better leader with Answer Intelligence (AQ)" - Mike Soenke, Retired SVP and CFO of McDonald's USA
Learn more at www.RaiseYourAQ.com.
Dr. Glibkowski is CEO of Semplar Science, the company to commercialize his research.
Connect with Brian on his LinkedIn! And be sure to check out his website Answer Intelligence get his book Here!
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 Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!