Your Stories Don’t Define You
How You Tell Them Will
A podcast to unlock your stories and uncover meaningful insights.
Episode 141: Asking the Right Questions is the Key to Great Listening
Joey Held's background is broadcast journalism, and as he has continued in his career in writing, sales, and a variety of other jobs, that background has served him well. After all, being able to ask the right questions at the right time simply opens doors.
He's a very curious guy, especially about people and the way their minds work.
A Recovering Journalist Cannot Help But Continue to Collect Stories
Joey Held's background is broadcast journalism, and as he has continued in his career in writing, sales, and a variety of other jobs, that background has served him well. After all, being able to ask the right questions at the right time simply opens doors.
He's a very curious guy, especially about people and the way their minds work.
Joey hosts a podcast, Good People, Cool Things, and is probably one of the best interviewers I've experienced. He hosted me to chat about my book, and I was completely enamored with him within five minutes of our conversation.
Highlights from this episode:
Joey's experience as a karaoke host (he knows at least 500 songs!)
How performance is different from just singing on stage
Difficult interviews, how Joey gets people to open up when they really aren't excited about being interviewed (hint: tone of voice matters!)
What to do and what not to to when calling someone out for saying something insulting
Calvin & Hobbs still holds up, 25 years later
Asking about the worst gig a musician had can open up all kinds of opportunities for connection and fun stories
During our conversation, Joey asked me about the worst gig I remember, and I told him about a not-so-great performance of the National Anthem, which I wrote about here. In response, Joey shared the story of this performance of the National Anthem (Maurice Cheeks, coach of the Portland Trailblazers comes to the rescue of this lovely singer):
During this conversation, I mentioned Brene Brown’s reference to the Theodore Roosevelt quote about the man in the arena, here’s the article.
Connect with Joey on LinkedIn, visit his website to see all the outstanding services he provides, and be sure to follow him on Twitter.
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Sarah Elkins loves to guide individuals and teams to improve communication, using storytelling as the foundation of her work. She is a Gallup certified Strengths coach and uses that tool to coach her clients to improve their communication in all relationships, and to find more satisfaction at work and at home.
Her book, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is available on bookshop.org (supporting independent booksellers), and on Amazon. The audiobook will be available in fall 2020.
Episode 140: Your Style Story Isn't Just About Appearance
Renée Lindo found her calling after many years of corporate life, working her way up through the ranks as a sales and marketing professional.
She realized that her personal sense of style, and the way she intentionally presented herself was a big part of her confidence. And if she could help other women see their beauty and build their confidence, she could make a difference in their lives.
Your Image Isn’t Just About Your Looks, What Stories Does That Image Convey?
Do you ever wonder how your appearance impacts the perceptions of the people around you? What about how your appearance impacts your confidence?
I know when I’m dressed in a way that makes me feel good about myself, I carry myself differently than when I’m in pajamas. I also know the way I appear reflects my character in many ways, and that’s why I’m so intentional about what I wear and how I wear it.
Renée Lindo found her calling after many years of corporate life, working her way up through the ranks as a sales and marketing professional.
She realized that her personal sense of style, and the way she intentionally presented herself was a big part of her confidence. And if she could help other women see their beauty and build their confidence, she could make a difference in their lives.
If you’ve ever considered how your image might be holding you back from bringing your best, most confident self to negotiations, interviews, and even first dates, you’ll love this conversation.
Be sure to connect with Renée on LinkedIn, and visit her website to learn more about the services she provides, which go way beyond appearances.
Episode 139: A Silent Retreat, an Adirondack Chair, and an Open Field: A Story of Letting Go
Sabrina Woods is a typical Type A personality. She thrives on setting goals and smashing them out of the park. For most of her life she pushed and climbed, and spent almost every moment DOING.
At some point, though, she started to feel tired. She started to question the constant doing, and began thinking more about being.
She was in between jobs thanks to a reorganization in the higher education institution she was working with, a couple of car accidents, and other stressful events, when she invested in herself by going on a silent retreat over a long weekend.
Pushing Ahead Rarely Leaves Room for Unusual Opportunities
In my years guiding clients in improving communication techniques, whether that's for keynote speaking or simply presenting themselves and their work, I've found that when we uncover pivotal moments in their lives and career, their most meaningful stories, they become more comfortable and confident to speak - anywhere.
As you listen to this podcast, consider the stories you share and how you share them. Think about how those stories build your personal brand, and how people perceive you based on the stories you share.
You'll hear me ask specific questions, revealing details that create an image in the minds of both the storyteller and the listener. This is a key to improving relationships with yourself and others: Being able to share your story in your voice with your genuine intent to connect with those around you.
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Sabrina Woods is a typical Type A personality. She thrives on setting goals and smashing them out of the park. For most of her life she pushed and climbed, and spent almost every moment DOING.
At some point, though, she started to feel tired. She started to question the constant doing, and began thinking more about being.
She was in between jobs thanks to a reorganization in the higher education institution she was working with, a couple of car accidents, and other stressful events, when she invested in herself by going on a silent retreat over a long weekend.
Sitting on an Adirondack chair, looking out over an open meadow, Sabrina became attached to the idea of letting go, allow for flow and openness, and take a break from pushing so hard, from beating herself up over the situation she found herself in.
As often happens, within a few months of "letting go", a perfect part time position dropped into her lap.
If you've been in that tough spot, or you're in it now, worried for the future and listening to the external voices about what you should do, it might be time to let go. Consider the worst-case-scenario, and the true likelihood of that situation occurring.
Sabrina walks us through an example of this strategy during this insightful episode, full of insights, entertainment, and of course... stories.
We touched on how our strengths show up as we make career decisions and in the projects we take on. I promised to reference our strengths here.
Sabrina's top 5: Maximizer / Activator / Ideation / Positivity / Connectedness
Sarah's top 5: Strategic / Activator / Ideation / Command / Adaptability
To learn more about the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment, click here.
When discussing our strengths (Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment results), I mentioned how I describe the theme Maximizer, using This Is Spinal Tap, the movie, as an analogy. Here’s the scene I referred to:
Connect with Sabrina on LinkedIn, and visit her website to learn more!
From her website:
Sabrina Woods has been helping individuals for 20 years to look more closely at their interests, skills, values and desires to help them discern what really matters and take the next steps to refocus their lives.
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Sarah Elkins loves to guide individuals and teams to improve communication, using storytelling as the foundation of her work. She is a Gallup certified Strengths coach and uses that tool to coach her clients to improve their communication in all relationships, and to find more satisfaction at work and at home.
Her book, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is available on bookshop.org (supporting independent booksellers), and on Amazon. The audiobook will be available in fall 2020.
Episode 138: One Family Story Can Shift Our Identity
Being Jewish was always part of his identity, but it didn't seem particularly meaningful until that moment. He and his sisters started to ask questions, and learned more about the incident and the events that took place afterward. It was those stories that shifted Alan's perspective about hate, about racism, and about bigotry of every kind.
Stories of Family History Can Shift How We See Ourselves, and How We Show Up in the World
Well into his adulthood, Alan Samuel Cohen heard a family story that shifted his sense of self, his identity.
While sitting together at a family dinner with his adult siblings and aging aunts, one of those older women mentioned a specific violent incident that occurred before the family moved to America. She spoke of it clinically, historically, without anger or emotion, though it involved a violent murder that her father, Alan's grandfather, had witnessed.
Being Jewish was always part of his identity, but it didn't seem particularly meaningful until that moment. He and his sisters started to ask questions, and learned more about the incident and the events that took place afterward. It was those stories that shifted Alan's perspective about hate, about racism, and about bigotry of every kind.
In this episode of Your Stories Don't Define You, Alan and I discussed the story, how it affected him, and how he's showing up differently now, when it comes to racism and hate.
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From his website: "For over three decades Alan Cohen has worked with business leaders as an executive coach, senior marketing professional, and human resources consultant. As a sought-after speaker, author, leadership instructor and executive coach, he has helped and inspired senior-level executives and teams to become more connected to their lives and business goals, resulting in greater performance and highly improved business results."
Connect with Alan on LinkedIn, and be sure to order his recently published book.
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Sarah Elkins delights in guiding individuals and teams to improve communication, using storytelling as the foundation of her work. She is a Gallup certified Strengths coach and uses that tool to coach her clients to improve their communication in all relationships, and to find more satisfaction at work and at home.
Her book, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is available on bookshop.org (supporting independent booksellers), and on Amazon. The audiobook will be available in fall 2020.
Episode 137: The Art of Leadership Starts with a Thoughtful Process
Errol Doebler's Leadership Journey Started at 6 Years Old
He was designated captain of his hockey team - at 6. Errol Doebler's father had a chat with him just before their first game.
"Errol, you're the Captain. Your team needs you to say something encouraging to them."
...And that was his first leadership lesson. He felt the pressure to lead, but also a keen sense of responsibility - and pride.
He attended the US Naval Academy and as he worked through a career that spans many industries, one thing was very clear to him, effective leadership begins with a process, and requires a combination of art and science to truly connect, motivate, and inspire.
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Connect with Errol on Linkedin, visit his website, and be sure to order his outstanding book, The Process, Art & Science of Leadership: How Leaders Inspire Confidence and Clarity in Combat, in the Boardroom, and at the Kitchen Table.
Episode 136: An Evolving Caveman: Self Reflection and Anger Management
Dr. John Schinnerer almost gave his podcast the title The Reluctant Podcaster. Similar to my own journey, starting a podcast wasn't at all on his radar. It was a vivid vision at a retreat that included workshops with Dan Millman (author of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior), spa massages, and a drum circle.
Intrigued? Listen in?
Stories of Reaching the Emotional Connections Necessary for Happiness
Dr. John Schinnerer almost gave his podcast the title The Reluctant Podcaster. Similar to my own journey, starting a podcast wasn't at all on his radar. It was a vivid vision at a retreat that included workshops with Dan Millman (author of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior), spa massages, and a drum circle.
So much of this conversation comes back to me as I consider the "ah ha" moments throughout. My favorite? The Bradley Whitford quote about receiving feedback or criticism:
I go through three phases when I hear feedback or criticism,
Fuck you.
I suck.
Wait... what?
Intrigued? Listen in!
John mentioned the availability of a replay of the Surviving to Thriving event in May, 2020, visit this site.
Be sure to reach out to connect with John via LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, visit his websites for Anger Management, Guide to Self - executive coaching, and Divorce Support for Men, and check out his terrific podcast, The Evolved Caveman.
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Sarah Elkins delights in guiding individuals and teams to improve communication, using storytelling as the foundation of her work. She is a Gallup certified Strengths coach and uses that tool to coach her clients to improve their communication in all relationships, and to find more satisfaction at work and at home.
Her book, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is available on bookshop.org (supporting independent booksellers), and on Amazon. The audiobook will be available in fall 2020.
Episode 135: Obstacles Can Be the Key to Building Resilience and Self Love
It's not unusual to have a "Series of Unfortunate Events" in our lives, those multiple years of trauma, grief, and struggle, that can either make us bitter, or help us develop resilience in a positive way, to become even more compassionate toward others.
Kerrian Fournier went through two of those phases, once in her early career, and again years later.
What is the Lesson? Your Life's Stories Create Your Identity
It's not unusual to have a "Series of Unfortunate Events" in our lives, those multiple years of trauma, grief, and struggle, that can either make us bitter, or help us develop resilience in a positive way, to become even more compassionate toward others.
Kerrian Fournier went through two of those phases, once in her early career, and again years later.
I often wonder what people see as their source of resilience, and Kerrian's is most definitely the motivation and determination to live a full life, and to demonstrate qualities of resilience, persistence, compassion, and courage for her highly intelligent daughter.
To learn more about Kerrian, visit her outstanding website, and connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Sarah Elkins delights in guiding individuals and teams to improve communication, using storytelling as the foundation of her work. She is a Gallup certified Strengths coach and uses that tool to coach her clients to improve their communication in all relationships, and to find more satisfaction at work and at home.
Her book, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is available on bookshop.org (supporting independent booksellers), and on Amazon. The audiobook will be available in fall 2020.