275 Staying In Alignment Despite Chaos and Negativity
Biases and skeptics exist in everything, however it’s how we deal with this negativity that defines who we are and how we are going to grow. How we address these perceptions and skepticisms is what defines who we are as individuals.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Crystal Whiteakre discuss how important it is to act with compassion and stay in alignment with your values even in the midst of chaos, or the perception of chaos.
275 Staying In Alignment Despite Chaos and Negativity
Biases and skeptics exist in everything, however it’s how we deal with this negativity that defines who we are and how we are going to grow. How we address these perceptions and skepticisms is what defines who we are as individuals.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Crystal Whiteakre discuss how important it is to act with compassion and stay in alignment with your values even in the midst of chaos, or the perception of chaos.
Highlights
How do you deal with Skeptics?
Acknowledging that certain people won't give you the support you need and seeking it out.
The perception of chaos in a room despite there being no chaos and working together to address perceptions using healthy communication.
Quotes
“Just pause. Start there. And in that pause that should give you the space to tune into your awareness. So when you're tuning into your awareness, what are you aware of around you that's happening, what are you aware of that's happening within you, and how you are being impacted or activated in any way- Or excited. Whatever that looks like. And that third piece is compassion, so whatever comes next after that pause and after you tune into your awareness, whatever comes out after that needs to be done with compassion even if it's just for yourself.”
“Give yourself compassion and do the same thing for other people.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Where will you disrupt bias in your life? How can you do this work to understand what your values are and making sure you’re in alignment with them with all of your actions and behaviors. Because as we talked about already throughout this podcast episode, if you are not acting within the values that you profess to have then you are not going to be satisfied with your relationships and you are going to find yourself not knowing why you’re dissatisfied and unhappy in your life. So go for it, figure this out, jot down some words to describe how you want to be known, and start to make sure that whatever actions you’re taking, the words you’re using are actually going to demonstrate those words.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Crystal Whiteaker
Crystal Whiteaker (pronouns: she/her) is an Inclusive Branding and Leadership Development and Consultant specializing in coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Crystal brings over 15 years of creative, relational, process driven experience across multiple industries. She is a self-described "corporate trained, creative hippie” who puts a strong focus on core values to help people elevate their community connections to communicate and lead with clarity and confidence. Crystal is an advocate for leaders and organizations that provide resources and support for healing, particularly in relation to trauma. When she's not working, Crystal enjoys spending time at the beach, connecting with people, and exploring new places.
Fun fact: Crystal LOVES animals and will stop to show them affection any chance she gets. She is that person who will always ask to pet your fur-baby.
When you choose to work with Crystal Lily Creative, you’re helping to support organizations that provide resources for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, as a portion of profits and services are donated annually.
Be sure to buy a copy of Crystal’s book Brave Leadership is A Choice, and be sure to check out her website Crystal Lily Creative!
Connect with Crystal on her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!
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!
274 How Stories Shape Our Perception Of Self
The stories we carry tend to shape us for as long as we carry them. Whether these stories are helpful or harmful, it is our perception of them as we go through life that changes our sense of self into either our authentic selves or a false self.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Amir Fathizadeh discuss the importance of authenticity, and modeling ideals that are in alignment with our authentic self for those around us and to create an environment where people can be empowered to become their own authentic selves.
274 How Stories Shape Our Perception Of Self
The stories we carry tend to shape us for as long as we carry them. Whether these stories are helpful or harmful, it is our perception of them as we go through life that changes our sense of self into either our authentic selves or a false self.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Amir Fathizadeh discuss the importance of authenticity, and modeling ideals that are in alignment with our authentic self for those around us and to create an environment where people can be empowered to become their own authentic selves.
Highlights
Becoming the person you need to be despite not having that person modeled for you.
The stories we tell ourselves to justify our actions and why it is so vital to unlearn these harmful behaviors.
We can’t protect ourselves or our loved ones from the world, which is why it’s so important to ensure that your loved ones and yourself have healthy supportive relationships and open lines of communication.
Quotes
“Being able to see something for themselves that they couldn't see before, and when they see it something new opens up. A new possibility opens up.”
“When you are coaching you really have to be in deep listening, and putting myself in the other person's shoes to really get their world. And sometimes I just ask, which way will be most productive, or the best way to route this, because in coaching you don't really have a specific direction to go and it's all inquiry. And it's amazing, something always comes to me when I put myself there and I always have the answer.”
“When you're authentic there is no pretense, there's no attachment, this is to know who you are, you are free to talk, you're free to express, you're free to be yourself.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What stories are you holding onto that are creating negative patterns in your life? And who is in your life that you can share those stories with where they can ask you those questions, maybe to reframe them and also to find the evidence that contradicts the cycle? I hope you find your story today and make a change tomorrow.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Amir
Amir Fathizadeh, author, speaker and program leader who has led life changing programs in North America and Canada to thousands of people. He devotes his unique approach and methodology with a commitment to make a difference for business owners, managers and CEOs. Amir is a certified professional business coach, personal and life coach and is also certified in emotional intelligence. Amir has delivered programs in Leadership, Relationships, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, 6 Myths, and How to win in business with great rate of success for the last 20 years. With his extensive background, Amir is able to guide CEOs, business owners and managers discover their blind spots and take their businesses to a new level. Amir’s focus has been on Communication, Relationships and Leadership and often speaks at the high schools, training and empowering students to overcome their views and how to become a better leader in their family, school, social life and the leaders of tomorrow.
Amir has been board member for many organizations. His book Gossip, The Road to Ruin has been receiving lots of attention:
Stop the spread! Gossip…..Amir Fathizadeh, prominent personal and business improvement expert discusses how to stop gossip before it builds up a head of steam and sows its seeds of destruction. A genius on the topic, his methods works wonders in fostering an atmosphere of positive interpersonal communication within business environment, families, circles of friends, social groups and organizations. His new book, Gossip, The Road to Ruin is a must read if you want to know how to end the vicious cycle.
Check out Amir’s website Coaching Collaborative!
Connect with Amir through his LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!
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!
273 The Hero’s Journey
Heroes and dragons can take many different shapes, and it is vital to remember that we are the heroes of our own stories and that it is our duty to fight the dragons in whatever form they take. Only through these trials can we learn and grow into who we want to be.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Nettie Owens discuss the importance of our personal journeys and mastering ourselves so that we can become better leaders for the people around us.
273 The Hero’s Journey
Heroes and dragons can take many different shapes, and it is vital to remember that we are the heroes of our own stories, and that it is our duty to fight the dragons in whatever form they take. Only through these trials can we learn and grow into who we want to be.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Nettie Owens discuss the importance of our personal journeys and mastering ourselves so that we can become better leaders for the people around us.
Highlights
Be proud of your growth and the growth you inspire others to accomplish.
It’s your job to be a better person for the people you lead.
Be aware of your emotions and self reflect to see where you are getting in your own way.
Everything starts with you and if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you cannot be the best version of yourself.
Quotes
“I really like this idea of self mastery over self care. I think self care has a different tone and feel to it even though we might be describing some of the same things. When I see self care, it’s been used in such a way these days it elicits massages and bath tubs, and that’s great but what we’re talking about is sort of this full scope of your wellness, your well being, your relationships, and your professional development. The full package and how can you be that best version of yourself and bring that to the role in your company.”
“They don’t always realize what that means and what weight it carries, that they are the hero of the story and that they are required to go through the trials and tribulations that are part of the hero’s journey, and to face the dragons both physical and emotional, and that their job is to take this learning and bring it back to the village -back to the employees- and guide them.”
“No matter what, we’re all a leader somewhere.”
Listeners, it’s your turn,
When you think about your hero’s journey and the role you play in other people’s journeys, how do you want to be remembered? What are the things you want people to know about you at the end of the day, and how are your actions and behaviors aligning with what you want people to know about you?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Nettie
Nettie Owens, CPO-CD® is an internationally recognized and award-winning expert, author and sought-after speaker on accountability and productivity. Owens’ methodologies are brain-based, researched and backed by science. Through training, speaking, coaching, writing, and more than 100 video interviews on “What Businesses Need To Know Right Now,” She brings over 19 years worth of ideas on productivity, accountability, leadership, and entrepreneurship to the community and beyond. She seeks to create an environment of success where all voices are heard.
Text FREEDOM to 411321 for a guide from Nettie called “How To Succeed In Business For High Achievers”!
Check out Nettie’s website Sappari Group! As well as Momentum CEO Network, and be sure to get her book What Businesses Need To Know.
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!
272 The Importance of Differences
As we grow and meet people we come to find that how we portray ourselves and our stories is immensely important to how we are perceived and how we build connections within and outside of our communities.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeanette Jergens discuss the importance of our stories and cultures, even from county to county. Without differences and uniqueness among one another there wouldn’t be many differing stories and that would be quite boring.
272 The Importance of Differences
As we grow and meet people we come to find that how we portray ourselves and our stories is immensely important to how we are perceived and how we build connections within and outside of our communities.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeanette Jergens discuss the importance of our stories and cultures, even from county to county. Without differences and uniqueness among one another there wouldn’t be many differing stories and that would be quite boring.
Highlights
You don’t waste good in any form, even if you can’t see it at first.
The difference of cultures and stories even in our own country.
Even if your lifestyles are different, you can still be centered with your values and the value of the friendship you share.
Quotes
“To hear her struggles and my struggles are so different, but yet they’re the same.”
“To know that something that you do and your lifestyle makes a difference.”
“Sometimes we get locked in our worlds and, like, I compare my world to a baseball. It’s kind of beat up after a long time, but yet kids will come and pick it up, and it becomes a gem to them. And then you know sometime you’ll be put on a shelf for someone to treasure.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What stories are you telling that you don’t even realize how meaningful they can be to others? What stories are you telling to represent your life, your beaten up baseball, so that others can value them and treasure those stories?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Jeanette
Jeanette Jergens is a furrier and rancher in Shelby Montana who knows firsthand what hard work and determination is. After discovering her passion for being a furrier, which is when one is creating costumes or heirlooms out of fur, Jeanette has made not only a living but priceless connections between other people from all over the country. After meeting Sarah at the Montana Farmers Union Women's Conference, her stories had such an impact on the Chief Storymaker that Sarah had to have Jeanette on the podcast.
Be sure to check out Jeanette’s Instagram!
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!
271 There Is Still Room For You
It’s human nature to envy another for what they can do or bring to the table, however it is the next thought of appreciation and acknowledgment that you also have important and valuable skills that matter.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Lynn Rivest discuss the importance of utilizing our most valuable tool, our humanity, to not only propel our own work forward but to inspire others to do the same.
271 There Is Still Room For You
It’s human nature to envy another for what they can do or bring to the table, however it is the next thought of appreciation and acknowledgment that you also have important and valuable skills that matter.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Lynn Rivest discuss the importance of utilizing our most valuable tool, our humanity, to not only propel our own work forward but to inspire others to do the same.
Highlights
You can love and value something without having to be in it.
We don’t know how important anything is until time passes.
What will make this day matter to you?
Quotes
“You don’t have to make it something more, it can just be what it is.”
“You can’t grow when you’re trying to control something.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
When you think about the purpose in your work, and why you do what you do, do you need to spend some time decluttering? I know I do.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Lynn
Lynn is the founder of minimalist biz where she works 1:1 with micro business owners to help them work on what matters most so they can create a mighty micro business that fuels the life they want for the long term.
She was a digital strategist and marketer for over 20 years and has coached hundreds of online entrepreneurs to help them grow their online businesses and she was the right-hand to a founder for 6 years scaling the business from $100k to multiple-seven figures.
She's a single mom of 2 who will both be in university this fall and that freaks her out a bit.
She considers herself a cozy minimalist - Experiences over stuff but you can never have too many pillows, blankets, and books.
Be sure to check out Lynn’s website Minimalist Biz!
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!
270 Mindset Agility
Changing, growing, self reflecting, and adapting is an integral part of life. If we don’t hone these skills we will inevitably miss out on the amazing opportunities life has to offer, whether it be a trip to a country you need to learn a language to explore, or meeting new people and listening to their stories. Our agility and flexibility in any circumstance is what determines whether we grow or stagnate.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Wendy Ryan discuss the importance of the aforementioned skills and how exemplifying these traits can inspire others to follow a similar path that will make way for similar healthy and happy habits.
270 Mindset Agility
Changing, growing, self reflecting, and adapting is an integral part of life. If we don’t hone these skills we will inevitably miss out on the amazing opportunities life has to offer, whether it be a trip to a country you need to learn a language to explore, or meeting new people and listening to their stories. Our agility and flexibility in any circumstance is what determines whether we grow or stagnate.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Wendy Ryan discuss the importance of the aforementioned skills and how exemplifying these traits can inspire others to follow a similar path that will make way for similar healthy and happy habits.
Highlights
External advice is invaluable when given in a constructive and compassionate manner.
Hold up the mirror in a way that is safe and nonjudgmental.
There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable, honest, trusting and making progress.
Quotes
“Being humble, being forgiving of yourself and your own learning curve, and every place is different and nuances matter.”
“I’ve also found as a practitioner that it can sometimes do more to disrupt, in a healthy way, some of the energy that’s going on and help us reset and remind us that we’re all human and that some of this frankly is funny. And sometimes when we do that it’s like we can take that big scary monster who seems 15 feet tall and all the sudden, no it’s only the size of one of those spiders in Australia, we can deal with that.”
“This will relate, in part, to the identities we hold.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What kind of healthy self reflection can you do today to make yourself a better leader no matter where you sit.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Wendy
Wendy Ryan (she/her/hers), MHROD, is the CEO of Kadabra. With over 25 years of combined experience in
human resources, organizational development, nonprofit leadership and executive coaching Wendy has
partnered with hundreds of individuals and organizations throughout the U.S. helping front-line
through C-suite leaders and board members achieve success as individuals and in teams.
Wendy is the author of the award-winning bestseller, Learn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act, and Inspire Your Way to Greatness and has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo News! Business Digest, Authority Magazine, CEO Magazine and Thrive Global. Wendy is also an active mentor, strategic advisor and angel investor in early stage, BIPOC, LGBTQ++ and women-led companies and an advocate for expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the investor and business ecosystem.
Check out Wendy’s website We Are Kadabra, and be sure to get a copy of her book Learn, Lead, Lift.
Connect with Wendy on her LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook!
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!
269 It Starts With Belief In Yourself
Inspiration and independence often go hand in hand as we go through life, often making us feel that we are alone while trying to claim our own personal slice of life. However to try and do this alone is not only a daunting task but can nearly be impossible, which is why finding community and a helping hand can be the defining factor between success or failure.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and the esteemed Jenn Donahue discuss how important it is to find community and self belief as we go through life, in doing so we inspire those around us and make the road of life less lonely and easier for others.
269 It Starts With Belief In Yourself
Inspiration and independence often go hand in hand as we go through life, often making us feel that we are alone while trying to claim our own personal slice of life. However to try and do this alone is not only a daunting task but can nearly be impossible, which is why finding community and a helping hand can be the defining factor between success or failure.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and the esteemed Jenn Donahue discuss how important it is to find community and self belief as we go through life, in doing so we inspire those around us and make the road of life less lonely and easier for others.
Highlights
Adapting to uncontrollable circumstances and finding joy in them.
Find a mentor for whatever it is you want to learn and be passionate about, go to different ones until you find what resonates with you.
Striving to inspire someone so that the next person’s journey will be easier.
Quotes
“I’m just one of those really headstrong or independent people that just sort of throws myself into something, which is not necessarily the right thing to do and now I tell people, “Go find a mentor.”.”
“It’s so much easier to believe that you can be someone whenever you’ve actually seen someone in that position before.”
“There are others that are like you. You don’t have to be an island, go find the other islands and make an archipelago.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What evidence are you going to start pointing to that shows that you are resilient, that you are a badass? Collect a couple of stories tonight, the moment that you think about it, anytime something pops into your head, something you’ve accomplished, write it down. Collect the evidence so that that belief in yourself really starts to solidify.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Jenn
Jenn Donahue PhD is a retired US Navy Captain and former Commodore for an 1,800 personnel Regiment. She is also a civil engineer who works on large scale, high profile geotechnical projects. Over her 27-year military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates River in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-personnel Battalion in Afghanistan, and constructed combat outposts in the middle of deserts filled with insurgents.
Jenn has led earthquake and tsunami reconnaissance missions in places like Samoa and Japan; designed the seismic plans for a bridge over the Panama Canal; and built roads by blasting and drilling in the coldest climes of Ketchikan. Astonishingly, Jenn has even served as the seismology expert at no fewer than five nuclear power plants.
Along the way she mentored scores of young leaders. Today Jenn has founded JL Donahue Engineering, Inc. and Dare to Rise. She also lectures at UC Berkeley and UCLA.
Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn and Instagram!
Be sure to check out her website at JennDonahue.com!
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.
Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home
Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!