350 Growing Through Failure
It is vital to our success to fail, we need to try things that are new and be comfortable in the fact failure is normal and expected. By letting ourselves be uncomfortable and fail at new things, we leave room for growth and success.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Paige Arnof-Fenn discuss the importance of trying new activities and accepting our failures as opportunities to grow.
350 Growing Through Failure
It is vital to our success to fail, we need to try things that are new and be comfortable in the fact failure is normal and expected. By letting ourselves be uncomfortable and fail at new things, we leave room for growth and success.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Paige Arnof-Fenn discuss the importance of trying new activities and accepting our failures as opportunities to grow.
Highlights
Building a community of people who know when to reach out for help and who you can reach out to.
Don't just do what you’re great at, try things that are new, especially if you suck at them at first.
Explore outside your comfort zone to learn new and amazing things about yourself and the world around you.
Quotes
“Be brave enough to start something you kind of suck at when you really haven't sucked at stuff in a long time.”
“Part of being an adult is being comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
We covered a lot of ground today, but the thing that just came back to me is that I would love to challenge you to take on something that you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Maybe you won’t be good at it, maybe you’ll find that you have a natural talent for it. Maybe it’s taking a pottery class, throwing clay on a wheel or hand sculpting things, maybe it’s taking up knitting or Tai Chi, maybe it’s something as simple as walking around your neighborhood in a way you haven’t done before, with great intention.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Paige
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.
Be sure to check out Paige’s LinkedIn, as well as her website Mavens and Moguls, their recent articles, and their speaker programs!
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!
349 Community Building
349 Community Building
How we choose to spend our time directly impacts the way we live both in our careers and in our day to day lives, however if we are spending our precious time surrounding ourselves with negativity and naysayers we are very unlikely to succeed. Which is why it is so important to find a community that encourages and supports each other.
In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the path that led her to success and satisfaction, the importance of the individuals that helped her along the way, and the community they built.
Highlights
Identifying paths and the advocates who encourage you and see the best in you.
What is your role? And are you in a place that helps you thrive in that role?
Belonging and inclusion.
Quotes
“There’s no way I could’ve known this path before I took any of the steps on it. Some people know what they want to do at a very young age, I was not one of those people. What I did have, and continue to have, are people in my life who believe in me, who often see more in me than I see in myself.”
“Feeling so supported and valued, changed the way I spend my precious time and energy.”
“Remember you can’t really build community if you don’t allow and encourage others to contribute. And that means you can’t always be the one giving, you have to be someone who can ask for help and receive it with grace.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I encourage you to take time this week to consider who is in your circle. Do you have a diverse group of friends and colleagues who support and encourage you? Who ask you the hard questions, and who believe in you, sometimes more than you believe in yourself? Are you that person to others and do you receive that help with grace? If you can’t jot down at least 3 names off the top of your head, you might have some work to do. Here’s one idea to help you find and nurture that community: Look back at the times in your life that you felt confident, when you felt like you were contributing, when you felt like you were contributing and found satisfaction in the work you were doing. Now look for local activities where you are likely like hearted, not like minded necessarily but like hearted people. Maybe that’s joining a book club, spending time at the library or a local bookstore, getting outside for walks -hikes-, or maybe take a walking tour of your community, if you’re feeling really brave maybe it’s time to join us at our next No Longer Virtual Summit.
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!
348 Artistry in Community
Art has always brought people together, even in the darkest times of human history there is always a creative trying to give the world just a little bit of light.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Al Swanson discuss how community and artistry often go hand in hand, as well as the importance of giving back to your community.
348 Artistry in Community
Art has always brought people together, even in the darkest times of human history there is always a creative trying to give the world just a little bit of light.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Al Swanson discuss how community and artistry often go hand in hand, as well as the importance of giving back to your community.
Highlights
Community.
Passion for the path you chose.
People will fall in love with the creator, not the product.
Quotes
“Though the challenges are there, … the more I’m interested in something, the more I want to talk about it.”
“Pick your medium, and you have to love it, and you’re gonna have to want to give it (to others).”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What are you going to explore today, tomorrow, the next day, in your creative outlet? What small thing can you take on, it might be picking up a coloring book and starting to color, just start to explore that. It might be picking out a recipe you’ve never tried or maybe it’s finding your community at the library, a hiking group, maybe it’s the land trust near you to help with trail maintenance, maybe it’s something as simple as volunteering to read to children or seniors. What will you do to find your community, to contribute to it, to better yourself and keep yourself in alignment?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Al (bio from his website)
A.L. grew up on a small farm in Maine, surrounded by a beautiful forest, and raised by a father who loved working with wood. Watching his father create extraordinary pieces with his own two hands, with trees harvested from their land, left an impression on A.L. and sparked a passion that continues to this day.
After spending time studying business and agronomy at respective universities, he decided to follow the passions he discovered as a boy and pursue the fine craft of woodworking. He apprenticed under several elite cabinetmakers in Maine, mastering the traditional craft.
In 2000, he packed up his tools and gave in to the lure of the wide-open spaces of Montana, where he now calls home. Today he shares the passion he discovered as a boy with the folks who enjoy his collections of fine hardwood gifts for the home, exceptional hand-crafted furniture, and his line of wooden fly boxes, landing nets, and fly rod cases.
When he’s not in the studio creating something that will last for generations, you’ll find him out on the river casting for trout, spending time with his son, and dreaming up the next big project to exceed his patrons’ expectations.
Be sure to check out his website! As well as his Twitter 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 Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure
Everything you do, starts and ends with you. From habits we try to make consistent, to our careers, everything we do comes from ourselves, and sometimes we fail which is just as important as success. Often we must fail and learn from those mistakes in order to succeed.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Charles Clark discuss the importance of the evolution of the self, accepting our successes and failure, as well as the importance of stopping to check in with yourself and ensure you are still in alignment.
347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure
Everything you do, starts and ends with you. From habits we try to make consistent, to our careers, everything we do comes from ourselves, and sometimes we fail which is just as important as success. Often we must fail and learn from those mistakes in order to succeed.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Charles Clark discuss the importance of the evolution of the self, accepting our successes and failure, as well as the importance of stopping to check in with yourself and ensure you are still in alignment.
Highlights
Show up for the one. Embody your word of impact.
Take care of yourself, find time to regroup.
You need to live what you teach, be a good example not just to others but yourself.
You need to be willing to accept when it’s time to look in the mirror and confront yourself.
Accept your failure AND your successes.
Quotes
“There’s that one person out there who really needs it and it kind of reminds me of this whole idea like; Hey just think about the one because we get so focused on the millions, the tens of thousands, the hundreds, but what about that one? Because I truly believe that one can become the million.”
“It’s painful day one, but if you do it enough you begin to love your imperfections.”
“I see myself changing, I’m not perfect but I know I’m worth it. I’m worth showing up and being consistent, I’m not there yet but look at what I’ve done.”
“Find The Hidden Prize In Failure”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I would really encourage you to think about one thing; shameful or hurtful or disappointing or painful that you experienced in your younger years, anytime pre-15 or 16. Something that happened to you, maybe it happened to you alot, you know what I mean, your traumatic childhood experiences. Many of us try to ignore them or we think because we had a generally good childhood that we don’t have any trauma to deal with - I promise you everyone has something to deal with. Think about that moment, and think about how it has impacted who you are today, and do one thing that reminds you that you have the responsibility, that you have the power to show up how you want to show up in the world. Regardless of what happened in your childhood, YOU are responsible for your behavior in this moment. What are you going to do with this critical knowledge.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Charles
From the adrenaline of the racetrack to the exhilaration of the speaker's podium, Charles Clark's journey is a testament to the power of resilience.
A three-time National Champion and ten-time All-American, Charles was once ranked the sixth fastest man in the world at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin. His athletic career was a dream in motion until a devastating injury changed the trajectory of his path forever. Overnight, Charles went from the triumphs of athletic achievement to the depths of injury-induced despair, leading to an intense battle with anxiety and depression. Yet, what seemed like a catastrophic setback became the cornerstone of a profound transformation during which Charles learned to master and sustain optimal mental well-being.
Eleven years later, Charles’ message goes further than the mere pursuit of achievement; it's about cultivating a mindset of growth, starting first and foremost with mental health. Charles is passionate about helping others become mentally strong, discover their purpose, and develop the habits that will allow them to make their dreams a reality. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that there are valuable lessons hidden in hardship that teach us exactly what we need to know to find fulfillment in life. For Charles, to truly thrive is to relentlessly push beyond the confines of failure and success, to reach unprecedented heights.
Today, Charles is a best-selling author and an award-winning speaker. His books, The 'I' in Team: The Playbook To Create A Winning Culture & A Thriving Business and Become your Ideal Self: How to Heal Through Self Therapy made the Amazon best selling list for leadership & motivation. Annually, he captivates audiences at over 50 events worldwide, ranging from educational institutions and sports teams to Fortune 500 companies. To date, his client list includes Google, Farmers Insurance, the NFL, the MLB, NCAA, Johnson & Johnson, Raymond James, Amazon, Nike, iHeart Radio, PepsiCo, and more. With his infectious energy and inspiring insights, Charles has reached and uplifted more than 600,000 people globally, instilling in them a newfound zest for life and leaving an unforgettable mark on hearts and minds alike.
Be sure to check out Charles’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Website! Order his new book!
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!
346 The Words You Use
You lead from wherever you sit, which is why it is so important to be intentional with your thoughts, words, and motives as you go through life.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Erin Diehl discuss the importance of picking the right words for yourself and being intentional with the energy we bring to any situation.
346 The Words You Use
You lead from wherever you sit, which is why it is so important to be intentional with your thoughts, words, and motives as you go through life.
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Erin Diehl discuss the importance of picking the right words for yourself and being intentional with the energy we bring to any situation.
Highlights
Picking the right mantra for yourself. Nothing is one size fits all.
Letting others voice their thoughts so they feel seen and heard.
Give yourself grace.
Quotes
“Rituals, and prayer, and mantras, and affirmations, and words mean a lot, but we have to really believe them and internalize them, in order to make a difference in our own life and then we can therefore change others once we have shaped ourselves.”
“I look back at past versions of me, that didn’t have some of the knowledge I have, and I just give her grace because she was just figuring it out and I’m still figuring it out.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What can you do in the words that you use, how can you shift to a “Yes, and” with your team, your children, your partner, with your friends, how can you support the people around you and make sure you are living in alignment with how you live in the world.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Erin
Erin “Big” Diehl is a Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, and Professional Zoombie. Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin created improve it!, a unique professional development company rooted in improv comedy, that pushes leaders and teams to laugh, learn, play, and grow.
She is the proud host of The improve it! Podcast, a Top 1% Global Podcast, which helps develop leaders and teams through play, improv and experiential learning, and first time author of the Amazon Best Seller & Top New Release: I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy.
Among her many accolades, Erin is most proud of successfully coercing over 36,000 professionals to chicken dance.
Be sure to check out Erin’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Erin’s websites It’s Erin Diehl, It’s Erin Diehl - I See You, and Learn To Improve It!
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!
345 Staying Embodied As An Artist
Like everything in existence, we change and grow and it can become difficult to stay involved in the things that make our lives fulfilling and enjoyable. Our passions can come and go which is normal, but it is always important to remember to take care of yourself and what makes you thrive in order to return to your passions.
In this episode Mary Riitano and Sarah Elkins discuss how acting has come and gone in Mary’s life and how honing numerous skills can help us return to the passions that spark joy in our lives.
345 Staying Embodied As An Artist
Like everything in existence, we change and grow and it can become difficult to stay involved in the things that make our lives fulfilling and enjoyable. Our passions can come and go which is normal, but it is always important to remember to take care of yourself and what makes you thrive in order to return to your passions.
In this episode Mary Riitano and Sarah Elkins discuss how acting has come and gone in Mary’s life and how honing numerous skills can help us return to the passions that spark joy in our lives.
Highlights
It’s normal to be terrified of something you’ve done before.
Cocktail of chemistry.
You can pick up different things to discover -or rediscover- yourself.
We all grow and change at our own unique rate, there is no deadline to spread your wings.
Create a rich tapestry of skills.
Watch Swing, the award-winning short film starring Mary Riitano and Andy Cottrell.
Quotes
“That mask we wear on the outside; we’ve got to get through this in a brave way, and you don’t want to show any of the stuff on the inside. But remembering that it’s there is what makes us real.”
“I think as a small town artist your call to the arts kind of comes in these waves and clarities, and then you go back into the fog. Because where I was at the time, there was a small theater, and then when my family moved from Minnesota to Montana there, was no theater.”
“It was the same feeling I had when I was 9. I walked onto the stage and I said, ‘oh I’m home’.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
If you’re one of those big girls sitting on a couch, thinking about that dream you’ve been holding onto, whether that’s as Mary said; starting a garden, growing your own food, maybe it’s being in a movie, maybe it’s being a guest on a podcast, maybe it’s grand, maybe it’s quiet, maybe it’s I don’t know being the next president of the United States, We have your back. You have women in your corner. So, what will you do? What’s your first step? I’d love to hear from you.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Mary
Mary Riitano recently appeared as love interest Cassie in the tv episodic “Heebuck” (currently on festival tour) directed by Michael Polish. Her work is noted for vibrant energy, strength, versatility, and is referred to as captivating.
She garnered a Best Actress for short film romantic comedy “Swing” at the WY International Film Festival + three best actress nominations for this film. Riitano is a skilled dramatic actress receiving Best Supporting Actress award for “Wuthering Heights” at the Idyllwild Festival of Cinema. Other films on Amazon Prime are "Useless" & "We Burn Like This."
Mary’s acting journey includes 19+ years of theatre, seven independent films, western series, several professional short films, and two documentaries. She's trained with some of LA’s best: Margie Haber Studio, Lindsay Frame AMAW Portland/LA, Crystal Carson LA/Atlanta, Christine Horn, BGB Studios, and Josh Pais Master Acting Series. Mary is active in Montana film communities and loves mountain time snowboarding and hiking!
Be sure to check out Mary’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as her website Mary Riitano!
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!
344 Evolving Stories
Returning for his second episode, Tom Jackobs and Sarah Elkins discuss how storytelling has changed for both of them since their last conversation, how their tools and strategies have changed, as well as how important storytelling is as a medium for both of them.
344 Evolving Stories
Returning for his second episode, Tom Jackobs and Sarah Elkins discuss how storytelling has changed for both of them since their last conversation, how their tools and strategies have changed, as well as how important storytelling is as a medium for both of them.
Highlights
It is okay to look for coaches, especially when you yourself are a coach.
Find your own strategies and tools for writing and working.
You can be good at things and not be the best at them.
Quotes
“At least I started writing, because that is the hardest part.”
“I’m not a chef, but I’m a good cook.”
“We need the ones that are going to slow us down and make decisions better.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
You’ve listened to this whole conversation about how Tom started his book, how he wrote his book, why he wrote his book, why he started his podcast, and some of the challenges he experienced in that time. What is something you want to take on that you’ve been considering for a long time that you are now ready for that maybe you weren’t ready for a year ago or five years ago. What will be your first step? Are you the kind of person that needs a template to get started or are you a person that looks at a blank page and gets inspired?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Tom
I am a Coach of Fitness Health, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Improving Sales, Customer Service.
Be sure to check out Tom’s book, Selling with H.E.A.R.T.: The Only Way to Sell Confidently, Connect Deeply, and Grow Your Business with Integrity!. And connect with him and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! As well as his podcast on Spotify and Apple podcast!
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!