208: Have You Been Reading Books Wrong?

Avil Beckford is the host of The One Problem Podcast, breaking down current, relevant problems in under 10 minutes, one at a time. She also trains leaders to reimagine how they read books, guiding them to get the most out of their reading time.

Avil Beckford's Story: Reimagine How You Read Books

Did you know that people only remember 20% of what they read? 

Join in this latest episode as Sarah Elkins and Avil Beckford discuss the bigger picture of “just reading a book”. Sarah and Avil break down the novels that have been significant throughout Avil’s life, as well as the power in understanding the books we choose. 

If you love reading and want to reimagine how you perceive books, this is the podcast episode for you. 

“Before you read you need to be clear of the reason why you’re reading the book.”  

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

About Avil: 

Avil Beckford is the host of The One Problem Podcast, breaking down current, relevant problems in under 10 minutes, one at a time. She also trains leaders to reimagine how they read books, guiding them to get the most out of their reading time.

Avil has expressed her gratitude for reading challenges and the lessons she has been able to share with others through The Invisible Mentor. Avil has had her work included in Forbes and Medium and was featured in Investor's Business Daily. 

Visit Avil’s LinkedInTwitterPinterest, and Instagram. 

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

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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.

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207: Want to Bring Out the Best In People? Listen to Them.

Listen, Ask Questions, Give Them An Answer

Have you ever had a job working for a difficult or mean boss? Or maybe you are a boss that struggles to connect with your employees? Thomas Jackson’s most memorable bosses are the ones who listened to his ideas and either implemented them or let them know why not.

Listen to Sarah Elkins and Thomas Jackson, as they discuss the difference between an encouraging leader and a negative one. In this episode, Sarah and Thomas dive into this topic and share the memorable moments, whether good or bad, from their work experiences and the long-term effects on workers. They also talk about the No Longer Virtual event, and how you can build your professional network face-to-face. 

Join in to see how your work environment can change based on the attitudes of the people around you. 

“The difference between a nice person showing up in different ways, versus a mean person showing up the same way.” 

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret


About Thomas: 

Thomas Jackson is a UPS Driver Helper and Belt Splitter.

He enjoys writing articles for his LinkedIn profile and has over 2,000+ articles on the platform. 

Visit Thomas’ LinkedIn profile and don’t hesitate to dive into his collection of articles. 


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.

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206: The Strange Sensation of Holding Space for Conflicting Emotions

Accepting Help is an Act of Compassion

When those close to us experience tragedy, we want to step in whether it’s big or small acts of compassion. And yet, sometimes, we feel selfishness or even helplessness when aiding those in need.

Sarah Elkins image and quote for podcast cover art: "It's an act of compassion to accept help when it's offered."

Join Sarah Elkins in this latest episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will, as she shares moments in her life that lead to her understanding that sympathy is not selfishness. Sarah also dives into fighting thoughts of powerlessness while watching family and friends suffer through providing comfort. 

Tune in to learn more about the incredible gift of giving- as it is without the negative mindset of conflicting emotions. 

Sarah Elkins image and quote for podcast cover art.

“I’m realizing more & more that when we allow others to help us in our times of need, it’s an incredible gift of compassion.”

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

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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.

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205: Women Supporting Women, Featuring Harpreet Ghumman

What are you going to do to help other women amplify their voices?

Tune into this captivating discussion between Sarah Elkins and Harpreet Ghumman, Executive Coach, D & I Strategist, Business Mentor, and Speaker, about living an authentic life and helping guide other women with their own. This conversation unpacks the power behind stepping up for others, beyond listening to their stories but mentoring the ones who need us most.

Harpreet Ghumman’s purpose is clear: To guide other women toward knowing themselves, what they want, and getting there.

What are you going to do to help other women amplify their voices? 

Tune into this captivating discussion between Sarah Elkins and Harpreet Ghumman, Executive Coach, D & I Strategist, Business Mentor, and Speaker, about living an authentic life and helping guide other women with their own. This conversation unpacks the power behind stepping up for others, beyond listening to their stories but mentoring the ones who need us most. 

There’s mention of Ikigai in this episode, here’s an image to clarify what we spoke about.

“First thing is to show up. I started showing up not as a speaker, but as a participant, being one of them. I think that was the starting point.” 

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

About Harpreet:   

Harpreet is a multiple award-winning thought Executive Coach, D & I strategist, Business Mentor, and speaker. In her 20+ years of corporate experience, she has enabled large MNC organizations to become future-ready by transforming their human development strategies. She is currently based out of central coast California and founder of Unapologetically Harpreet Coaching & Consulting practice. She is specially focused on working with Senior Executives, High Potential Leaders and Women in Leadership. Her client work includes the US, India, and Dubai.

She also works with Harvard Business School to facilitate their corporate leadership programs for their Fortune -ranked clients around the world. She is very passionate about helping women leaders and entrepreneurs advance in their professional life and being unapologetically promotable/you by helping them unlock their power and influence.

Harpreet is an avid meditator. She engages in grounding for performance and centering practices such as Zen meditation.

Visit Harpreet’s LinkedInFacebook, and Instagram to learn more!

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret

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.

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Episode 201: What is Risk? And How Can Storytelling Change How We Think About It?

Telling stories is more than just passing time, stories change our viewpoints in life and help us to become risk-takers.

Jonathan Klane Knows How Stories Change Attitudes and the Science Behind Why They Work

Telling stories is more than just passing time, stories change our viewpoints in life and help us to become risk-takers.

Jonathon Klane image and quote podcast cover art

Hear from Sarah Elkins and Jonathan Klane as they dive into the science behind stories, the science behind how stories affect our perceptions of risk,  and why the stories we tell are important. 

Sarah and Jonathan discuss the importance of storytelling and the true impact it can have in your career, relationships, and more.

You'll love hearing about Jonathan’s rejection from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and the story of his father’s experience surviving an attack while serving as a sailor with the Navy in Okinawa in WWII.

“Stories are a powerful medium.”

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret


About Jonathan: 

Jonathon Klane image and quote podcast cover art

Jonathan grew up in New England, before moving southwest to work in safety at the Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. There he enrolled in a Ph.D. program for Human + Social Dimensions of Science + Technology.

Jonathan uses this Ph.D. to explore how stories affect risk and safety cultures in and around research labs, where people have been harmed and even killed due to lack of decision-making.

Jonathan Klane is the Owner/Founder of Klane’s Education Information Training Hub and Director of Risk Management and Safety Education at BioRAFT. 

In his free time, Jonathan enjoys writing fun stories about risk. 

Visit Jonathan’s website and follow him on 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."

Elkins Consulting logo and image of Sarah Elkins and her dog and Gallup StrengthsFinder logo

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.

Read More

Bicentennial Episode! An Accidental Podcaster Reaches Her 200th Episode

Hundreds of stories, people from all over the world, and life-changing conversations all have to lead to this special 200th episode of the "Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will" podcast.

Sarah Elkins and her good friend, Neil Hughes, look back to the beginning of the podcast’s creation and the unexpected moments and lessons that emerged.

Sarah Elkins and Neil Hughes:
Origin Stories of Podcasts and Friendship

Hundreds of stories, people from all over the world, and life-changing conversations all have to lead to this special 200th episode of the "Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will" podcast.

Sarah Elkins and her good friend, Neil Hughes, look back to the beginning of the podcast’s creation and the unexpected moments and lessons that emerged. 

Tune in to hear more about the happy accidents and people that contribute to something bigger than yourself. 

“If you’re open, the universe will nudge you in the right direction.”

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret


About Neil

Neil Hughes is a tech columnist, best-selling author, LinkedIn top voice, freelance writer, ghostwriter, tech blogger, podcast host, and podcast producer.

Visit Neil’s website and follow him on LinkedIn!

*podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret


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.

Read More

Episode 199: When Your Life is in Constant Disruption, You Learn to Find Your Own True North

Does your past define your future?

Check out the latest podcast from Sarah Elkins as she and her good friend, Scott Ferguson, discuss Scott’s journey from adoption, enlisting in the military, to finding what resonates in life in his current work.

Scott Ferguson: Stories of Resilience and Success

Does your past define your future? 

Check out the latest podcast from Sarah Elkins as she and her good friend, Scott Ferguson, discuss Scott’s journey from adoption, enlisting in the military, to finding what resonates in life in his current work.

*Note from Sarah: We're one week away from publishing our 200th episode! If you're a fan of the podcast, we'd love to hear from you and include your words at the beginning of that episode. Simply email your thoughts to sarahelkins@elkinsconsulting.com, or record a short voice memo on your phone and email it to me. The deadline is Fri. October 22, 2021. Thank you in advance for helping us celebrate this milestone!* 

Scott Ferguson image and quote for podcast cover art

Scott shares the moments that shaped him into who he is today: A mentor helping to guide others through their struggles, using his own experiences and all he has learned from his own endeavors, struggles, and successes. 

Listen to Sarah and Scott’s engaging talk about looking back at your past -and- forging on to uncover how that past guided you to where you are today and who you can be tomorrow. 

"If you overlap your happiness, then you can keep happiness coming in the present, which makes for an awesome yesterday."

*Show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret


About Scott: 

Scott Ferguson is the podcast host of Time to Shine Today, Managing Director at The Ferguson Real Estate Team and Investment Group, Head Coach of Time to Shine Peak Performance, Chief Rainmaker at Ask4Ferguson, and more. Scott is also a U.S. Navy Veteran. 

Visit Scott’s website and follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter to learn more!


ABOUT SARAH:

Image of Sarah Elkins and her dog in the snow with Elkins Consulting and Gallup StrengthsFinder logos

"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.

Read More