343 Incremental Improvements
Our environments influence how we function and how we are able to deal with the things in our life mentally and emotionally so that we can choose to rearrange or shed the stories or things that no longer serve us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Mark Ainley discuss the importance of giving everything our own style, facing the parts of ourselves we hold onto that need to be reframed or allowed to rest, and finally how we all collect little trophies of our adventures and that these “imperfections” should be treasured.
343 Incremental Improvements
Our environments influence how we function and how we are able to deal with the things in our life mentally and emotionally so that we can choose to rearrange or shed the stories or things that no longer serve us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Mark Ainley discuss the importance of giving everything our own style, facing the parts of ourselves we hold onto that need to be reframed or allowed to rest, and finally how we all collect little trophies of our adventures and that these “imperfections” should be treasured.
Highlights
Give your own style to whatever you do. Make it unique, make it You.
What part of your story that you aren’t dealing with needs to be reframed so that you can move on?
How your environment shifts your roles.
What are your adventure dimples?
Quotes
“When we have that resistant, usually there’s something behind that resistance. There’s a reason for that, And if we cannot push but follow through with shall we say gentle persistence, we can get to the root and that expression can change.”
“We’re so busy trying to change behavior, trying to change the face of things, rather than the root.”
“Clutter is the sign of a nonintegrated relationship of how something expresses.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What will you do, which room will you start in, where you stand there for 60 seconds. Close your eyes for a moment, sense what you’re feeling or hearing in that room. Are there any noises? Is there a hum, do you have wind chimes outside? What are you hearing? Are these sounds that are agreeable, do they light you up, do they inspire? Then open your eyes, look around you, does that room make you feel good or does it make you feel dizzy and heavy? What can you change today, in that room, something small, that will inspire you to make more changes. Incremental improvements.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Mark
A professional Feng Shui consultant since 2001, Mark Ainley of Sense of Space has consulted and taught all over the world, particularly in Japan, where since 2003 he has had an active practice both in person and on Zoom. Well-known and respected for his practical, easy-to-grasp approach to Feng Shui principles (which he refers to as Contemporary Feng Shui), he writes, teaches, and consults internationally, bridging the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui with common sense and aligned insights from the latest environmental psychology research.
Be sure to check out Sense of Space! As well as Mark’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
342 The Best Teacher Is Life
Throughout life we all have to learn some difficult lessons, some lessons are harder than others, but if you persist and remember your core values you will succeed with more knowledge of yourself and your capabilities than you started with.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Gail Harris discuss the importance of learning the harder lessons in life and coming out the other side to share these experiences with others.
342 The Best Teacher Is Life
Throughout life we all have to learn some difficult lessons, some lessons are harder than others, but if you persist and remember your core values you will succeed with more knowledge of yourself and your capabilities than you started with.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Gail Harris discuss the importance of learning the harder lessons in life and coming out the other side to share these experiences with others.
Highlights
Loss strengthens us by how we move through it.
Turn your sorrow into art, so that others will know they aren’t alone.
Divine timing, even if you can’t see the full plan in the moment, some things are meant to be.
Life is your teacher.
Quotes
“I’m more than my human self.”
“I just let myself feel it, because I did believe that that was a forked road. Because if you don’t feel it and you become numb to it, then you hang onto it forever. It’s not that we ever don’t feel the grief -feel the loss- you will always feel the loss but the grief I think can transform.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I would love to hear from you. When you think about your own life stories, it’s not just one event and it’s not a timeline of events. I would love to hear what you’re thinking about and as you’ve listened to this episode in terms of holding space for other people’s grief, what you would write about if you were to write your story, and what would you include? Which characters, which part of your life?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Gail
Gail Harris is a certified ghostwriter specializing in women’s memoir and an IPNE Book Award Finalist for the memoir FINDING ZOE. She collaborates with women who have risen above life’s challenges and are ready to share their journeys personally and professionally. She enjoys the cathartic nature of storytelling both for the author and those who read her story; the healing is universal. Her company is called Golden Ghostwriting. Gail finds the gold in an author’s story or what sets it apart from other stories to make it marketable.
Be sure to check out Gail’s LinkedIn and Golden Ghost Writing!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
341 Cycles of Relationships
Growth, change, and accepting that sometimes we are just as much at fault as anyone else, are vital to the health and longevity of the relationships we build. It is only through growth, change, and acceptance that we become the best version of ourselves.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Hope Marshall discuss the natural courses of relationships and how they affect us even after they’ve ended.
341 Cycles of Relationships
Growth, change, and accepting that sometimes we are just as much at fault as anyone else, are vital to the health and longevity of the relationships we build. It is only through growth, change, and acceptance that we become the best version of ourselves.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Hope Marshall discuss the natural courses of relationships and how they affect us even after they’ve ended.
Highlights
It’s okay to pick up something to try and then leave it behind. It’s part of what makes people interesting.
You need to work towards a goal and take measures towards that goal actively to achieve it.
Miscommunication is a killer for any and all relationships.
Quotes
“I’m kind of like the Jane of some trades. Not all, just some. ”
“Most people are just trying to get through their own lives, meet their own personal goals and sometimes we’re a part of that, sometimes we’re a priority, and sometimes we’re not but either way it has nothing to do with us. In people’s growth sometimes you’re not a part of their journey.”
“Sometimes we’re the anchor in people’s lives, sometimes we’re the one that people need to cut off.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What part of your path are you thinking of in terms of regret that you can reframe to better understand that that part of your path is a big important aspect of who you are today. And if you hadn’t experienced exactly that path you would not be the same person you are today bringing the joy and the wisdom and the experience every single day now and into your future to wherever you sit.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Hope
My name is Hope Marshall: author, facilitator, and contentment hub cultivator for quirky women over 40.
As a child, I loved reading and writing. This was further confirmed after I’d come across my old diary from middle school that said I wanted to be an English teacher.
By day, I am a learning and development strategist, with over 10 years’ experience designing and facilitating training within an array of industries - not too far from my childhood aspirations.
My flagship book Corny Girl Chronicles and, Affirmations for Women cards were born out of my early childhood aspirations, coupled with a genuine passion for leveraging and sharing my triumphs, lessons, and insights with others who are like me: looking to make the most of our 3rd act of life.
Be sure to check out her LinkedIn and Instagram! As well as A Hope Inspired!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
340 Unity in Connectedness
How we present ourselves with our intentions and energy is as important as a freshly pressed suit when building community and connection in both our work and personal lives. In helping others and accepting help, by being positive and allowing positivity to thrive, in accepting ourselves and others we can build true connectedness.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sophie Lechner discuss the importance of connectedness in our lives and how building true meaningful relationships can shape our lives.
340 Unity in Connectedness
How we present ourselves with our intentions and energy is as important as a freshly pressed suit when building community and connection in both our work and personal lives. In helping others and accepting help, by being positive and allowing positivity to thrive, in accepting ourselves and others we can build true connectedness.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sophie Lechner discuss the importance of connectedness in our lives and how building true meaningful relationships can shape our lives.
Highlights
Connectedness unites us. Real connectedness can’t be found online.
Don’t forget to take time for your business and connection when you worry about others.
If you keep yourself in a positive mindset you are bound to enjoy whatever you do.
Quotes
“We need to plant seeds for potential relationships, and harvest whatever ones come out.”
“It’s better to have a little bit of a pause, think it through. Thoughtfulness is one of the things I want to be known for so I need to remember to do that.”
Mentioned in This Episode
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What is the vibe, the energy, that you want people to feel when they’re around you? Whether it’s an interaction in a post on social media, face to face, a phone call, your next podcast interview, and especially the next job interview or the time you need to interview somebody else for a job. Do you want to be welcoming, do you want to be somebody who feels like they belong? Because those contributions are absolutely in good health. I encourage you to write down what you want to be perceived as and what your vibe is today.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sophie
Sophie Lechner helps mission-driven entrepreneurs find their audience on LinkedIn and build relationships with them so they can spread their message and grow their business.
Her 20-year presence on LinkedIn has led to speaking engagements, podcast invitations, clients, and a Forbes interview.
With The MAGNET Model, entrepreneurs stop chasing clients and instead enjoy sharing their gifts with dream clients they attract like a Magnet.
For different bio lengths and more headshot options, go to https://themagnetmodel.com/mediakit
Be sure to check out Sophie’s LinkedIn, The MAGNET Model, as well as this quiz on what kind of LinkedIn User You Are!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
339 Help Is Not A One Way Street
Our personal narratives and clutter can take up a lot of mental bandwidth, often leading us to hold on to the stories and labels that no longer serve us and keep us living in the past with a version of ourselves that has changed drastically. It’s incredibly important to take time to assess what in your life no longer serves you, thanking it for the time it did serve you, and letting go.
In this episode Sarah Elkins reminisces on her backpacking trip to Utah and how it inspired her to give and accept help, as well as how organizing her family’s collection of books inspired her to take a long hard look at the other stories she still carries with her.
339 Help Is Not A One Way Street
Our personal narratives and clutter can take up a lot of mental bandwidth, often leading us to hold on to the stories and labels that no longer serve us and keep us living in the past with a version of ourselves that has changed drastically. It’s incredibly important to take time to assess what in your life no longer serves you, thanking it for the time it did serve you, and letting go.
In this episode Sarah Elkins reminisces on her backpacking trip to Utah and how it inspired her to give and accept help, as well as how organizing her family’s collection of books inspired her to take a long hard look at the other stories she still carries with her.
Highlights
Less clutter, more calm.
Offering and accepting help does not change how mighty you are.
You have to share vulnerability with people you trust in order to build and strengthen relationships.
Quotes
“We all need to declutter, especially our stories that no longer serve us.”
“When we say yes to someone that wants to help, we strengthen our relationship with them. When we consistently say ‘No thank you’, we make it less likely someone will ask us for help or to accept what we offer.”
“To truly deepen relationships, we also have to be able to receive.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What are you holding on to that maybe it’s time to discard or reframe? What new labels and stories will you choose? I know some of mine; Badass, strong, outdoorsy, receptive to receive.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
338 Potential Prospect
Throughout our lives as we work towards our goals, whether that be in a company or in our own personal pursuits, we often need to reflect on whether or not what we are doing is in alignment with our values and what we want to do in the future. Then we take the steps to ensure that our actions are in alignment and working in tandem without desire for a better future.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Bryce Arii discuss the importance of self reflection, legacy, and staying in alignment with your values as you work towards your future.
338 Potential Prospect
Throughout our lives as we work towards our goals, whether that be in a company or in our own personal pursuits, we often need to reflect on whether or not what we are doing is in alignment with our values and what we want to do in the future. Then we take the steps to ensure that our actions are in alignment and working in tandem without desire for a better future.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Bryce Arii discuss the importance of self reflection, legacy, and staying in alignment with your values as you work towards your future.
Highlights
What legacy are you leaving behind?
Finding what matters to you, your team, and keeping that in alignment.
Use your words, people cannot read your mind.
Self reflect on the reasons you are doing things, is it in alignment.
Quotes
“You know what matters to you, you know what matters to the business, and you know what matters to your team, and you’re in perfect alignment.”
“Well why do I want it? And that kicked off this whole series of self reflection, self transformation where it was really about ‘well I want to do that because of the unlimited potential of the people that I’d be leading’, to go and do really transformative things.”
“It really came down to Why am I doing this.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I’m really curious where you will take the messages that you got from this conversation with Bryce Arii and me, and if you’re a leader who are you missing their potential and why? Is it because you are only seeing them as one component of who they are and what they do, or are you seeing them from the past, an experience that you’ve had in the past that they’ve transformed since then and you might be missing something important for their impact in your organization. Are you that person? You can’t expect someone like Bryce to swoop in and save the day and propel you to stardom, it doesn’t work like that most of the time. So I’d really encourage you to share your competency and the why behind it through your stories, that will help people see you beyond what their direct experience has been so far
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Bryce
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
336 Personal Brands Just Got More Personal
In life there is a point we all must choose how we want to be perceived and how we want people to feel around us, and we need to make the conscious effort to keep the energy we want to be known for not just in our private life but in our work lives as well, so that through living each day aware of our impact we can grow and help others to do the same.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Portia Obeng discuss the importance of our personal brand and how they affect others, while reflecting thoughtfully on how other people’s personal brands have affected them.
336 Personal Brands Just Got More Personal
In life there is a point we all must choose how we want to be perceived and how we want people to feel around us, and we need to make the conscious effort to keep the energy we want to be known for not just in our private life but in our work lives as well, so that through living each day aware of our impact we can grow and help others to do the same.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Portia Obeng discuss the importance of our personal brand and how they affect others, while reflecting thoughtfully on how other people’s personal brands have affected them.
Highlights
Be yourself proudly and unafraid, and you will thrive in your environment. You will get in what you give out.
What are the tests you put people through to learn about them?
Be conscious of how you treat people so that they will want to return to you and your organization.
We keep learning lessons through life so be sure to be aware of those lessons and take them to heart.
Quotes
“That’s a good way for me to weed out if a company is good for me or not, is by showing up exactly as myself.”
“You should have said no but when I operate in fear things don’t go my way. I got to get out of that state of fear and just operate in abundance, in that if I say no to one person a greater opportunity will come.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What are you going to be doing differently now that you’ve heard this conversation? Are you thinking about what it feels like to be welcomed into your home or your office space or your business, how do you want people to feel when they walk in? It’s not just the location, what energy are you giving off? Are you as a person sensing judgment as they walk in? Or are they sensing belonging? How do you want this to look because your personal brand is what people are experiencing of you, not what you think you’re putting out there.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Portia
Portia Obeng is a social media strategist and LinkedIn coach with over 10 years of experience in social media strategy and content management.
She helps people level up on LinkedIn, gain clarity, and make more money. She also helps organizations turn their employees into LinkedIn superstars who advocate for the company, amplify brand messaging, and attract the best talent
Be sure to check out her LinkedIn! As well as her website Portia Obeng!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!