Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will

Change is inevitable, however it is how we view change that can be manipulated especially when it comes to ourselves. We are all constantly evolving with our strengths and skills, whether or not that evolution is to become the best version of ourselves is entirely up to us.

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Natalie Jobity discuss owning strengths and how they can shift and change over time, as well as how it is integral to seeing and appreciating every version of yourself.

Highlights

• What narrative do you still hold on to that someone else gave to you?
• You have to challenge yourself because if you become complacent and accept your limitations you will never achieve the best version of yourself.
• Be mindful of when people criticize you for your hardcore talents that make you good at what you do.

Quotes

“All of us are multi-gifted and multifaceted, we don’t have to box ourselves into “Well I can only be creative and do this” or “I can only be strategic and do that.”

“And I just went headfirst, believed in myself, I just- I look back and I’m like “What?!” What gave me the gall? What gave me the confidence, the bravado, all the words to think that I can build something from nothing. Like literally from nothing, and that’s what I did!” 

“Looking back on my life and my careers and different things, “You have always been really savvy, you have always been ahead of things.” But I used to think of when I would explain things to people they wouldn’t understand me, and I thought that’s because I was stupid or I wasn’t that smart or I’m not communicating well, and now I see it as because you were always ahead and they didn’t know what you were thinking because they hadn’t caught up yet.”

About Natalie

 Natalie Jobity is a Leadership Coach, Personal Brand Strategist, Author, and Speaker. She integrates her 25 years of marketing, image consulting, entrepreneurship and coaching expertise with her strategic prowess, creative ingenuity, intuitive sensibilities and her innate ability to spot potential to help women rise to their highest leadership echelons as the “Brilliance Unveiler.” Natalie brings an authentic, customized, intuitive approach as she helps purpose-driven women unveil their brilliance, so it becomes potent, powerful, and purposeful with ripple-making effects for years to come.

Natalie is the author of Amazon best-selling Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It, and her newly published leadership empowerment book, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. She wrote the latter to inspire women to bring their brand of brilliance to the fore so they can lead like the trailblazer, game-changer, and changemaker they are meant to be and to give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as women of influence.

Connect with Natalie on her LinkedIn and Instagram!

About Sarah

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home

Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview! 

Mentioned in this Episode

• It’s Your Time to Shine Girl by Natalie Jobity
• The Unveiled Way
• The Unveiled Way: What is Your Leadership Brand

Going into the new year is the perfect time to start expanding our circles and challenging our comfort zones in order to gather more amazing stories to share.

In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the year and how when we choose to challenge our own perceived limitations we will have more meaningful experiences that we will be able to share with friends both new and old. 

Highlights

• Surround yourself with people who will inspire you to make new memories.
• Leaving your comfort zone will be worth it once you get over the initial panic.
• The more risks you take, the more your tolerance for risks increases and the more you will enjoy your experiences.

Quotes

“If you don’t take risks you have a lot fewer meaningful stories to share.”

“How will you make the conscious decision to step into your Oh Sh*t Zone?” 

About Sarah

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home

Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

Mentioned in this episode

• Rich Gassen
• Jeff Ikler
• Charlotte Wittencamp
• Anna Kaszmierowski
• Trent Selbrede
• Kevin Strauss
• Episode 38
• The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
• Zach Messler

260 Little Droplets of Success

As we go through life we will notice small interactions, relationships that take time to nurture, and the importance of the small wins because these moments matter just as much as the big achievements. In time the droplets will accumulate and you will have a waterfall of success.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Karla Parra, an accomplished career coach and corporate speaker, discuss the importance of these moments to our story and our personal health.

Highlights

• Seeing the writing on the wall and still showing up energized and enthusiastic.
• Discerning not dismissive of internal judgment.
• You need to heal before you can help others, it’s on You.

Quotes

“It’s much easier to change when you make the choice.”

“Nothing is wasted, every single opportunity is intentional, it’s up to us to see that and to take those lessons and what we’re learning into that next phase.” 

“There’s so much that we just don’t see because we’re in it. We’re in the trees, we’re in the forest, we’re not seeing new ways of looking, new perspectives, new approaches, new possibilities, new solutions. Absolutely, I always say I have many coaches.”

About Karla

Karla is a Latina life and career coach, corporate speaker, and full-time nomad. She’s dedicated to empowering women in the workplace to push past fear, take action that serves their purpose and mission, and ultimately, build joyful careers and lives.

Karla was born in Mexico and raised in a bicultural (Mexican-American) household, which has inspired her to build, promote, and celebrate inclusive teams and leadership. Today, Karla is a frequent speaker and trainer for global teams in the areas of inclusion, innovation, and leadership development. She runs her coaching and speaking company, Vida Canvas, while traveling in an 84-square-foot camper across the United States and Mexico with her husband, Noah, and two dogs, Brisket and Lolis. She's also the co-host of "Successful: The Podcast", a show featuring the stories of women who are redefining the meaning of "success". You can learn more about and connect with Karla at www.vidacanvas.com.

Connect with Karla on her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!

About Sarah

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

259 The Challenge Can Be Just As Fulfilling As the Goal.

To get to where we want to be, we often must endure trials and tribulations and persist through these things and our emotions towards them to achieve the goals we’ve dreamed of. It can be the most challenging and rewarding thing a person can do.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Ahva Sadegi discuss the vital importance of staying true to one’s self and one’s own values in a turbulent world of change and trials, and how despite all the struggle the end goal will be worth it.

Highlights

• Adapting to change.
• Finding work that is fulfilling despite the challenges.
• Discipline rewards us when it matters.

Quotes

“I am very, very inspired by the ability to have much discipline, because when you look at instruments and music in general you often times see the finished product, and you don’t really realize that someone might have spent, like I did, maybe hours and hours practicing one measure. Over, and over, and over again until you perfect it.”

“I understand the foundation and now I can put my own spin on it because I am going to express myself and be comfortable with it. So I do think it takes a lot of time to get to that point.”

About Ahva 

Ahva Sadeghi is a passionate social entrepreneur and co-founder of Symba, an award-winning, venture-backed, and women-founded internship platform that combines program management and data analytics tools to facilitate equitable access to jobs and wealth creation. Ahva is an economist and researcher focused on remote work and workforce development. Prior to launching Symba, Ahva worked at the US Department of State in the Human Rights Bureau and completed a civil rights fellowship with Congressman John Lewis in Atlanta. She was recently named Forbes 30 Under 30 and a Global Entrepreneur Scholar by the US Department of State.

Ahva completed her graduate studies at the London School of Economics and received her BA from the University of Arizona Honors College. In her spare time, Ahva enjoys playing the cello.

Connect with Ahva on her LinkedIn! And be sure to check out her website!

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.

Mentioned in this podcast

Forbes

Entrepreneur

Distributed Teams by John O’Duinn 

258 The Highs and Lows of Personal Growth

Becoming the version of yourself you are most proud of requires consistent work, especially when it’s hard or inconvenient. It is imperative to find the things that make you grow and find the moments that serve the person you want to become.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Rudi Riekstins discuss the importance of being grateful even during struggle as well as fighting to become the person you want to be.

Highlights

• Everything is feedback.
• Be grateful in the moment.
• Being vulnerable is part of being human. 

Quotes

“If this moment is serving me, what do I have right now that I didn’t have before?”

“Every part of our story is constantly serving who we get to become.” 

About Rudi

Rudi Riekstins is an entrepreneur, international speaker, author, and coach. For more than two decades, Rudi has impacted thousands of people, who have experienced powerful transformation through his training, online courses, group and private coaching. 

LA Weekly named Rudi as a leader called upon by leaders, he was awarded Top #5 Coach by Thrive Global [alongside Tony Robbins, Jim Kwik, and Natalie Ellis] and honored by Business Insider as a Top 20 Thought Leader in 2021 [alongside Deepak Chopra, Lisa Nichols, and Dr. Joe Dispenza]. Rudi has consulted and/or coached start-up entrepreneurs, creatives, and public figures through to billionaire CEOs on living more intentional, purposeful lives.

Connect with Rudi on his LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! And be sure to check out his Website and 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.

257 Becoming Who You Want To Be

It’s one of the great challenges of life to become a version of ourselves that we are proud of, to become someone who can speak their mind and listen to others with an open mind. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Rene Rodriguez discuss the stories that shape us and how we get to decide how they define us and how to create change while helping as many as possible.

Highlights

• “Our ability to eloquently talk about a subject can create the consoling illusion that we mastered it.” Stanley Kubrick
• Being in the moment and giving yourself grace.
• Turn frustration into fascination. Choose curiosity over your initial reaction.
• Remembering you are in control of your own narrative.

Quotes

“A lot of times we can’t stop the negative thought when it comes to change, or the negative thought when it becomes a stressful moment but we can prevent the verbalization of it. You’re verbalizing a narrative, and the things we verbalize contribute to a narrative and narratives construct our reality.”

“Just because I talk about this does not make me immune to the realities of the human system.” 

“Forgiveness will happen. It’ll either happen now or you’re going to wait for someone’s deathbed.”

About Rene from his website

Considered by many as the leading authority on leadership and influence, Rene Rodriguez is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, leadership advisor, and transformational speaker coach. For the last 27 years, René has been researching and applying behavioral neuroscience to solve some of the toughest challenges in leadership, sales, and change.

As an entrepreneur and CEO of multiple companies, Rene integrates a practical business approach that inspires his audiences to take action. Through his keynote, boot camps, workshops and proprietary Amplifii™ course, he helps us own our backstory to build the frame for not only our unique value propositions but also a beautiful picture of life.

His audiences describe him as "powerful", "thought-provoking", and "authentic". They say things like, "you could hear a pin drop as everyone was so captivated."

The result: greater influence, personal transformation, and immediate results in business and life by engaging with courage and grace.

His Best Selling book AMPLIFY YOUR INFLUENCE can be found on Amazon and all major retailers.

Connect with Rene on his LinkedIn and Facebook! And check out his website here!

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.

Mentioned in this Podcast

Check out Rene’s TedX!

Be sure to get Rene’s book Here!

And be sure to check out his website!

256 The Marathon of Life

In life we are rarely if ever handed our dreams and aspirations, oftentimes we must work our fingers to the bones and burn the midnight oil just to be able to stand at the starting line. In the end or maybe even halfway through we realize that all our perseverance and determination was worth it. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and the venerable Pauline Joseph discuss the importance of staying true to one’s self despite all trials, because we know we can offer the world something amazing. 

Highlights

• Finding the perfect moment for You.
• It’s okay to take pride in your hard work.
• Leading the way for others.

Quotes

“With that one decision came other little decisions but I definitely made the right decision.”

“Chances are if I was a different shade and a different gender you’d have a different conversation.”

“I need to be happy and I have to be okay with that.”

About Pauline

I’m passionate about telling compelling stories that meaningfully connect brands with their

audiences. Stories that ignite the imagination to make people think, laugh, click and engage.

My business has a global mindset and outreach, but with a Caribbean heart and soul. As the

founder of AC Marketing Caribbean, I manage and motivate a team that creates lead-

generating content for international companies in emerging Caribbean markets.

Whether it’s getting our videos on primetime local news or tapping into the networking

power of LinkedIn, my imaginative strategies work.

Harnessing my tech experience at Microsoft, I built a digital infrastructure for my remote

working team that fosters productivity for my clients. My data-driven approach means that I

create powerful, cost-effective solutions for my clients.

I’m obsessed with live streaming.

When I bought my first camera three years ago, little did I know how my rookie exploration

into the video universe would unfold.

Today, I’m the host of the LinkedIn Local Caribbean, which allows LinkedIn users to network

via free events, and the ACMLive show, which has its finger on the pulse of digital marketing

in the Caribbean.

From creating a live show for the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago, to giving a

platform to local entrepreneurs on my shows, by embracing video, I’ve been able to

transform and elevate the profiles of my clients in the Caribbean.

Connect with Pauline on her Instagram, YouTube, 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.

Interested in NLV? Sign up here!

Be sure to check out the videos and links mentioned in this episode!

868 Triathlon

AC Marketing Caribbean

Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie

As we go through life we collect stories that we will carry with us for our whole lives, they often are evidence of the trials we have survived, but it's how we tell the story of our past that makes the difference.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Mike Coleman discuss the importance of our stories and sharing them in a way that will inspire others and give yourself peace. 

Highlights

• Find the cracks that let the light in.
• Tell your story in the way you want to tell it.
• Be international about the stories you share.

Quotes

“There are more important things than the next big story.”

“It’s incumbent upon us as storytellers to make a story interesting, and the cracks help do that and how we deal with them and how we survive them.” 

“How can you not be happy? How can you not accept the way you are? How do you get to the point where you can say ‘Yes, I wouldn’t change this about me.’ and I realized I have a lot of work to do to get to that point.”

About Mike 

A professional writer for nearly 45 years, Mike Coleman won awards for news reporting and writing for nonprofit organizations and businesses in the technology industry. He went on to launch his own branding and content development firm, which served international technology companies for more than a decade. After retiring in 2020, he wrote THE WAY FROM ME TO US, a memoir about his nearly 50-year relationship with his husband. It's a story of a couple carving out a life for themselves against a backdrop of major cultural change in attitudes toward LGBTQ people. THE WAY FROM ME TO US is scheduled for release in fall 2022 from Riverdale Avenue Books, NYC.

Connect with Mike on his LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

Interested in Mike’s book? Get it here!

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.

 Show notes by Chinook Bromlie.

254 How Action and Kindness Shape Our Legacy

A single act of kindness can shape one’s life, whether it be a kindness you give or one you receive, but it is only when we choose to act due to that kindness do we truly begin to understand ourselves and the gravity of our place in life. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins brings Chason Forehand into a discussion that centers around deciding to act and doing so with kindness and grace, to leave a legacy that consists of building bridges and helping hands. 

Highlights

• Be willing to put in the work to achieve your pursuits.
• Never give up, especially on yourself.
• Be conscious of the mark you’re leaving on the world. 

Quotes

“You put your hand up and you take the ownness for all your mistakes.”

“How do I want the world to look, and how do I want to spend the last portion of my life? What do I want to do with the last portion of my life, and how do I want to make an impact?”

“You do the things you do because you love doing them and you have crazy faith, goals that you’re going to empower people, and you’re going to find that joy in what you’re doing because you love what you’re doing and you see the value of sharing it.”

About Chason Forehand

I'm a former Chef, Retail Executive, HR guy, Entrepreneur, and recovering broken human, that is working with a group of wonderful human beings to help transform leadership behaviors towards people-centric initiatives. Our goal is to remove the roadblocks that prevent people from finding living-wage employment. When you give to your people willingly and openly, it has a rippling effect on their families and communities. We can break down the barriers of poverty, homelessness, and crime by empowering people to create the change they want to see. It starts at the top. Every leader needs to make people the number one priority.

Connect with Chase on his LinkedIn, or Facebook!

Be sure to checkout his website HR-4U, or Text GIVE to 914-281-2170 to help with a tax-deductible donation.

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.

Mentioned in this Episode

HR-4U

The Impact We Bring

How do you impact others? How do you think you are perceived by those people? These questions are explored in today’s episode with incredible insight and the emotional intelligence of people who have also asked themselves these questions and decided that they wanted to leave a positive legacy.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Neetal Parekh discuss the importance of our impact on those around us, from the home to the workplace and even to our digital footprint. Viewed through the lens of self reflection and acceptance of how -or if- we impact the people around us, this episode is sure to bring awareness to our impact on others as well as the impact they have on ourselves.

Highlights

• Warmth brings people out of their shells.
• Your impact on others can change them so make it a good one. 
• Acknowledge the people who’ve changed you. 
• We don’t know how we’re being perceived until someone speaks up. 
• The more you do something the less awkward it will be and the more you will learn.

Quotes

“You have to learn to surrender. You’ll never know the thousands of people listening, you’ll never be able to know all of them because we have no way to know. But all of these people that are listening to your voice or hearing something you said and it may impact how they go about their day or go about their life.”

“As a creator you would never know if and how it impacted people.”

“When we really own that strength, it actually draws people that make it happen.”

About Neetal Parekh

Neetal Parekh is an attorney and founder/CEO of Innov8social, which builds content, tools, and programs to make social entrepreneurship more accessible, actionable, and transformative. She is a passionate advocate for social impact ecosystem-building who believes that this field empowers us to creatively re-imagine how businesses and individuals can create meaningful impact and lasting value. Neetal is the author of Amazon bestselling book, 51 Questions on Social Entrepreneurship, host of The Impact Podcast by Innov8social, and convener of Impactathon®. She is currently working on a series of children's books to introduce a problem solving mindset to young learners. 

Connect with Neetal on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! And be sure to check out her websites Innov8 Social, Impactathon, and be sure to go to 51 Questions to get her amazing book!

About Sarah Elkins

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

Interested in NLV? Sign up here!

Mentioned in this podcast

Thinx 

The Go-Giver

She Raises Capital

Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie

252 Dealing With Trauma Through Stories

Sharing our stories and listening to the stories others tell us is the most important thing we can do in our interpersonal relationships, showing them that you understand and you care is a gift that only you can give.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her friend Lee Keylock discuss the importance of sharing our stories and carrying the stories of those we love with us so that we may heal and grow, as well as the importance of inspiring others to tell their own stories and pursue the path in life that will bring them joy and peace.

Highlights

• Caring for another’s story makes you care about yours.
• Keep the memories of those who mattered to you alive through stories.
• When you or another say something it can change everything.
• We use stories to heal.

Quotes

“Every experience you have leads you to where you’re at. If you took any one of those experiences, stories, and songs out of the equation, it changes, something has to change. So it would change the trajectory of where you are now.”

“To hold somebody’s story like that and be responsible for it is a huge undertaking, you can’t minimalize that.”

About Lee Keylock

Lee Keylock is Director of Global Programs at Narrative 4 and oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of N4’s ongoing programmatic development. Originally from Britain, Lee immigrated to the United States in 1989 and taught English at Newtown High School in Connecticut for thirteen years. He has served as an adjunct professor teaching Creative Writing and Composition at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, where he also earned his MFA in Creative Writing. 

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram! And make sure you check out his website Narrative 4!

About Sarah Elkins 

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

Interested in NLV? Sign up here!

Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie

251 Our Magic Is Limited Only By Our Belief In Ourselves 

As we grow we have a tendency to be rather ignorant of our skills and abilities, or we may even downplay just how significant our impact can be. It is only when we look inward and see that despite perceived imperfections we are capable of anything, we just need to get up and do it.

In this episode Sarah Elkins brings the esteemed Fatima Williams on to discuss the importance of your magic in every setting, from work to interpersonal relationships, and how that magic inspires not just others but yourself as well. 

Highlights

• What you do is because of them, the people who believed in you and inspired you.
• Don’t let the pain destroy your spark.
• Knowing and thinking about your contribution isn’t enough, you need to actively participate and contribute with your magic to have others see it.

Quotes

“Just thinking about it inside your head won’t get you the results you want.”

“To embrace who we are and what we can do, that is something that is instrumental to illuminating other people’s path and our path in the process.”

About Fatima Williams

 Fatima Williams is a Career Growth Strategist and a Certified CIPD HR with more than a decade of experience in the industry. She is on a mission to help 100,000 career professionals especially Women in particular to achieve DREAM CAREER MASTERY and build a career they love with the job they love waking up each morning. Her mantra is "It is in giving we receive, in receiving we learn and in learning we grow, shining a light so bright that we light up the path for everyone with and around us."

Connect with Fatima on her personal website fatimawilliams.me LinkedIn, and be sure to follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And be sure to subscribe to her Dream Career Strategies Newsletter.

About Sarah Elkins 

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

Interested in NLV? Sign up here!

Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie

250 Satisfying Relationships Are A Choice

Sometimes what we want in life are things that may not be the best fit for us, be it a new leadership position and you’re either too bossy or too shy to effectively get the job done, or maybe it’s just a car that doesn’t run as well as we hoped it would. Regardless it is important to be able to keep our companions close in these times due to the valuable insight our inner circle can give us. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on the importance of having people in your life who are willing to point out the mistakes you make with compassion, and why it is so necessary to be willing to change for the betterment of the relationships that are held dear. 

Highlights

• Being willing to change and being able to flow with change.
• Choice and Consequences will define how you want to grow.
• Find people who will call you out when you make a mistake.

Quotes

“If you want to be a leader people have to trust you, they have to know you’ll help them without judging them for needing help.”

“As a leader you have to create an environment where people will see the positive impact of being there.”

About Sarah Elkins

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home

Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie

Your Circle Is Critical To Your Success

To achieve what we want in life we often must consult with our inner circle to find support and guidance when we feel lost or confused. Conversely if these people do not encourage your personal success and drain you it is time to shed these people and seek out those who will grow with you.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jennifer Jane Young discuss the importance of one’s inner circle and how these people encourage growth and make you feel appreciated.

Highlights

• The importance of treating others like they’re human and making them laugh.
• Thoughtfulness and compassion can shape and inspire.
• Slow down and enjoy the privilege of selecting what you want.

Quotes

“We don’t realize the impact we have on others just by honoring who we are and showing up as ourselves.”

“When someone holds space for you in a way that makes you feel safe, seen, heard, understood, and with someone who can show you a path forward -your path forward- magic can happen.”

About Jennifer Jane Young

Jennifer Jane Young is an Intuitive Business Advisor, Founder of The School of Intuitive Leadership and United Nations Consultant. She help entrepreneurs & leaders find the path of least resistance, make the biggest impact and create more exponential success through right brain/intuitive leadership.

She brings together the last 12+ years of her experience, coaching, advising and managing start ups to multi-6 and 7-figure businesses, her background in Yoga therapy and experience leading a community for the United Nations of 5000+ members, in partnership with the International Trade Centre in Geneva, Switzerland.

Jennifer facilitates growth, flow, and transformation for heart-centered, impact-driven entrepreneurs and businesses. She helps her clients translate their visions & intuitive guidance into practical actions and helps them find the most intuitive and aligned solutions and path forward to success.

Jennifer is the host of her podcast "Finding Your Flow" and soon to be author of her new book "Say YES to your YES: How to trust your gut and take the leap in business (and life).

She is currently living her Caribbean dream life in Mexico with her two rescue dogs.

Check out her Instagram, LinkedIn, and her websites Jennifer Jane Young Say Yes to your Yes The School of Intuitive Leadership and her Podcast Finding Your Flow

About Sarah Elkins

"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.

Show notes by Chinook Bromlie

During life we often have to leave behind places and people, or transversely we must welcome new people into our lives in order to transform into the person we want ourselves to be. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on the importance of companionship and being selective of who is in your social circle when planning for the next steps in life. 

Highlights

Your close circle is either your biggest asset or your biggest liability

What steps will you take to support your community and shed those who don’t support you?

Embody the qualities you admire in others into yourself.

Quotes

The people you surround yourself with are critical to your success

You need someone for each of the critical aspects of how you spend your precious days.

About Sarah

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home

Show notes by Chinook Bromlie

Many times in life we do everything within our power to achieve our goal, whether that be a new job, to bring pride to others or ourselves, and to finally get over that hurdle our mental health has been lately. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come when you see how far you still have left to go, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your accomplishments now. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her good friend Megan Miller discuss the importance of allowing yourself to change and to celebrate every victory, no matter how small, because those victories are proof of your success.

Highlights

• Sharing vulnerable personal information without any intention doesn’t help you.
• Sometimes you don’t notice how much things change until you step back or get an outside perspective.
• Celebrate the wins.
• You get out what you put in.

Quotes

It’s soul, it’s about how you do it and why you do it.

The advice we give a lot of the time is advice we need to hear at that point in time. 

About Megan

Megan Miller is the CEO of Aprovechar Language Solutions, LLC, a company which acts as a bridge between English and Spanish language learners. Her personalized and small group programs take a habit-based approach, and whether it’s in class or a Book Club – you know you’ll have fun!

She also helps IT companies in Latin America and Europe tell their stories for a U.S.-based audience through translation and localization projects. Megan has a Bachelor’s in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture and is a certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language.

Check out her Instagram and LinkedIn! As well as her website, Approvechar Language Solutions! 

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.

Mentioned in this Podcast

TEDx on Imposter Syndrome by Melissa Hughes

Show notes by Chinook Bromlie

As we journey through life, conflict and confrontation of the self is inevitable, but it is how we face these challenges that reveal our most authentic selves.

In this episode, Sarah Elkins and her guest Lisa Lackey discuss this idea, as well as what authenticity means to them and how it is something that can change with time.

Highlights

• Authenticity is fluid and changing.
• We can't be everything all at once.
• Face challenges and pursue your dreams.

Quotes

Authenticity is malleable. You have to allow space for transformation, and if you have this rigid idea of your authentic self then there is no room for transformation.

We can't be everything all at once, we can be what we want to be but we can't do it all at the same time.

I didn't know where I belonged, and I still don't know where I belong, and I have to constantly give myself permission to be able to sit in that and be okay with that. I ask myself, "what do I need?" and "what do I need to make myself feel like I fit in?" and "Is it okay to not fit in?"

About Lisa Lackey from her LinkedIn profile:

After a successful career in the entertainment industry beginning in my home country of Australia and spanning over 20 years here in the U.S, along with a life changing volunteer opportunity in Ghana, West Africa, I am excited to continue my work in this new and purposeful career focusing on social impact. Based in Los Angeles, I strive to be a vehicle for change, and I look forward to many more opportunities to align myself with the those who are rethinking how we can alleviate poverty especially as it pertains to the empowerment of women, and youth, locally and internationally.

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn! Or check out her IMDB!

About Sarah Elkins

"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.

Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie

Our Authenticity Depends on Our Values, Not Our Comfort Zones

Throughout our lives we learn many lessons about ourselves and others, how we move on and grow from these lessons is how we become better versions of ourselves even if at the time it seems painful. By sharing what we’ve learned and our interests in a constructive and compassionate way, without sounding condescending or judgmental we can achieve our best selves.

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Ben Albert talk about the importance of life lessons and sharing our interests with others in a way that doesn’t sound conceited, as well as balancing our work and life in a healthy way, and through doing so learn how to reflect on ourselves in order to benefit others and ourselves by being empathetic and vulnerable.

Highlights

• Being conscious of how you speak and rewording things that can seem negative.
• Being proud of being your whole self
• There is continuity in steps that feel disconnected
• Balance is essential for a healthy life

Quotes

“To me it doesn’t matter who gets the trophy, so long as the solution is found.” - Ben Albert

“ “Should” doesn’t demonstrate care, it demonstrates judgment.” Sarah Elkins

About Ben Albert 

 Ben is the owner of Balbert Marketing LLC. He is also the curator of The “Real Business Connections Network,” where he hosts 5 podcasts, “Rochester Business Connections,” “Learn Speak Teach,” “Ben’s Bites,” “Five Minute Fridays,” and “Real Hits.” Once an underdog, now a successful entrepreneur, Ben is passionate about helping other underdogs achieve their dreams.

When Covid hit, Ben was furloughed from work. He found himself down and out, staring at an empty handle of Jim Bean Whiskey. He was unemployed, depressed, and felt unworthy.

Hesitantly, he opened his Macbook and started reaching out to strangers on Linkedin. This spearheaded his entrepreneurial journey. 

The rest is history. 

Now Ben hosts a network of 5 podcasts called “Real Business Connections,” runs a massively successful marketing firm, Balbert Marketing, and has replaced his established sales income in just over a year. Ben found his way.

Once an underdog, now a successful entrepreneur, Ben is passionate about helping other underdogs find their way and achieve their dreams.

Ben is on a mission to move the needle on one million careers, one conversation at a time.

You can contact Ben via his Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and at Balbert Marketing! Or schedule a consultation with him Here! You can also listen to his podcast Real Business Connections on Apple or Spotify!

About Sarah Elkins

"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.

The Meaningfulness of Relevant Stories

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest, Greg McDonough, an accomplished entrepeneur and finance consultant, discuss the importance of telling one's story in a meaningful and relevant way so that it resonates with the audience in a way that can be both compelling and inspiring.

Highlights from the episode:

• Your strengths are your stories.
• Sharing somthing meaningful so that it is relevant.
• People want to see that these stories are possible and achievable.

It's not about your story, it's about how your audience receives it.

Be conscious of where you are in the moment and how the moment is going to reflect in your stories going forward.

Referenced in this podcast:

• The Impactful Leadership podcast episode featuring Sarah Elkins
• The Entrepreneurs' Organization

From Greg's LinkedIn profile:

My passion is to help my clients balance the amount of sleep they have with the amount they EAT (earnings after-tax). We manage their risk-taking so they can sleep better at night while also managing their business to produce the after-tax cash flow they need. It is a tricky combination but through a team approach, we are able to achieve these goals together.

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn, subscribe to The Impactful Leadership podcast, and check out his website!

*Show notes contributed by Chinook Bromlie-Estey

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.

While Your Mindset Shifts Over Time, Your Purpose May Not

Sometimes in life we will all have moments where we think to ourselves, “Is this really who I want to be? Is this how I want my story to impact others?” and we either wonder or plan for the next steps in becoming the person we want to be. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Tony Michaelides, an accomplished Author and former Music Industry Executive, discuss the importance of being authentic in your stories and how they influence your audience in a way that is for the better instead of being outrageous and telling your stories for the glory of having a legacy.

Highlights

• It's okay to be lousy when you first try something.
• In order to pursue your dreams you have to be willing to be uncomfortable in order to learn what you need to do.
• How many people can you benefit by being your authentic self?
• The influence of being insistent on personal growth.
• Show appreciation for the road life has lead you on.

Quotes

Be true to yourself, don't find yourself being lead down a road of uncertainty.

There comes a time in your life when you stand back and say "what about me?" and that's not being selfish towards others, that's just putting yourself in the mix. 

We can be heroes if just for today.

Featured in this podcast:

• Moments that Rock Podcast
• Insights from the Engine Room Book 

About Tony Michaelides (from his website):

Having spent thirty plus years in the music industry and working with some of the world’s leading artists I could see that big changes were about to happen. It was clearly time for me to make a change too so after being labelled an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability” for services to the music and arts I was awarded a green card, packed my bags and headed out to America for the next part of my journey. As I began writing my first book it dawned on me that I had learned a lot from both the artists I had worked with together with the people I like to call ‘music industry insiders.’ I started to take ‘The Lessons Learned from Rock and Roll’ out on to the road and to numerous events internationally.

As I was writing my second book, ‘Moments That Rock’ I decided to keep the lessons separate and to release them as a series of E Books and Audio books. My ‘Moments That Rock’ became a storytelling podcast and a new dawn beckoned. If I can no longer do what I did then why not talk about it? The Lessons Learned from Rock and Roll is not exclusive and can be applied to anyone. It opens people’s eyes in to what it takes to be a real Rock Star.

Show notes by Chinook Bromlie - Estey