Labels and judgment are an unfortunate symptom of society, more often than not people will be framed in a particular light without any chance to defend themselves or for a full explanation to be given. Because of one person saying something, one bad interaction, or one misinterpretation a person can be frozen in time under whatever label was given to them.

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on enlightening experiences that have recently occurred that have helped continue to shape her perspective on the damage of labels and unfair judgment. 

Highlights

• Art imitates life and more often than not, not for the better.

• Labels and keeping someone frozen in time can warp our perceptions of others and ourselves. 

• Work on strategies to help yourself avoid judging another and labeling them unjustly.

Quotes

“Their spouses, families, and friends are all shocked of course, and they say things like “My whole life with you is a lie!” I desperately wanted to ask those family and friends, Did you feel loved and cared for all those years you were together? Are you going to ignore all that you know to be true about this person because of something they did over twenty years ago?! I want to shake them!”

“Labels are a form of judgment and no one likes to be judged, especially from someone else’s limited information about us.”

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

Do you have cringey moments you look back on, times that when you do look back on them realize they weren’t too great? When have you been labeled and judged unfairly? Are their stories about people in your past that maybe it’s time to reconsider before sharing? 

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!

354 Amy’s Mess

Hunger, for the lucky among us, is an inconvenience, the final straw during a bad day that fuels a bad temper, or an awkward moment in a silent room. But for many in our community hunger is painful, difficult, and inescapable making it near impossible to do anything let alone attend school. Approximately 2.5 million children are homeless in the United States, many of whom somehow still have to attend school, often hungry. But we can help, whether it be through donations or time, we can help the children in our communities.

Today Sarah Elkins and Amy Adams discuss Amy’s Mess, a nonprofit organization that seeks to feed the children and families of the Helena Community and to spread awareness of the plight of homeless families. 

Highlights

• Acts of kindness can help your community.

• Doing what you can within your means. 

• Working together with your community to help eachother.

Quotes

“I realize what I’m doing is not a fix, but at the same time these kids have a lot of instability and insecurity in their lives, you know they’re living in a hotel or a camper.  Regardless of what the parent’s situation is these kids are still hungry.”

“I realize you don’t know me, but I know I can help.”

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

Amy started this just by understanding a need and figured out what she could do and what she could count on to help her make even a small difference in the lives of these students. I’m a huge believer that food and giving in this way is a pathway to reduce drop-outs, to reduce criminal activity, to reduce addiction, to reduce violence at schools. Feeding people, nourishing and nurturing them, especially students is going to make a difference in our communities. What will you do and how do you see the change and the shift? 

And, as always, thank you for listening. 

About Amy

I am just an individual who cared to start something. 

Be sure to check out Amy’s LinkedIn and Facebook!

Visit Amy’s Mess to find out more and donate to help feed hungry families.

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!

355 Create The Community You Need

Building a community can be a daunting yet very rewarding task, in order to find this community often you need to spread out and meet strangers, expanding both your world view and understanding of others. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Emily Carlson discuss the importance of building community and making your very own personal board of directors to work together for a better tomorrow.

Highlights

• Knowing what really matters to you and never compromising your values.

• What you want from life changes over time.

• Ask what someone has tried before exploring solutions to a problem. 

Quotes

“I knew I needed to do something in this world and I knew I didn't want to leave my baby.”

“Complete strangers when you begin a call can become apart of your community when you leave.”

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

You’ve heard a lot of inspiring moments in this conversation, what will you take away from it? Maybe you’ll reach out to someone you admire and respect and ask for a 15 or 30 minute conversation just to find out how you can support them and how they can support you. Will you start to build exactly the personal board of directors, the community you need to take you to wherever you plan to be in the next few years. What will you take from this conversation and what will you do in the next 24 hours to move you in the right direction?

And, as always, thank you for listening. 

About Emily

Emily Carlson is a leading executive and mentor in the Healthcare IT consulting industry. Emily’s 30-year career in Information Technology and Project Management realms has focused on supporting her passion for the healthcare industry by delivering best-in-class quality projects to aid strategic initiatives and grow revenue for her clients.

Emily is a coach and mentor to organizations, the technology industry, and throughout her community. Her podcast, Powered by Authenticity, advocates to change the trajectory of equity and inclusion for females through insightful, inspiring conversations from women who are forging ahead in careers that do not have a balanced female representation. Emily travels the country as a conference and event keynote speaker focusing on topics ranging from her technical expertise to equity and inclusion.

Among her many accolades, Emily is most proud of being chosen in 2021 as one of the Top Women Leaders in Technology, Excellence and Innovation by Consulting Magazine. In 2022 Consulting Magazine awarded her Mentor of the Year acknowledging the unrelenting work she has down in support of other females.

Be sure to check out Emily’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! As well as her 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!

353 Food Stories Revisited

Revisiting episode 292 “Food Stories” Sarah Elkins reminisces on the importance of love languages and how important it is to show those you love how much you care.

Love languages come in many different forms; gift giving, words of affirmation, and for today’s episode specifically, the act of cooking and giving a good meal to those you hold close. It is vital to the health and continuation of relationships that we discover these languages and think about how these actions impact how others view us.

Highlights

• Spending time with those you love, nurturing them and being nurtured in turn.

• Don’t wait for the perfect time to use something you love.

• Finding direction.

Quotes

“How do you want to see yourself? What do you want to see in yourself?”

“When you want people to see you in a certain way but can’t demonstrate it through your actions; What stories can you share so they experience you that way?”

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

What is your love language? What stories can you share that demonstrate it so you don’t have to say, “my love language is-” When you heard my very first story about feeding people, about the food that I lovingly created, you heard my love language in my voice, and that story tells alot about who I am at work and at home. So Listeners, figure out which stories demonstrate those qualities you want people to know about you.

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!

352 Human Curriculum

Human connection is imperative to our growth and success as people, however if we do not take time to work towards creating a community to feed our social needs we will end up stunted and spinning our tires unable to continue. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Christopher Filipiak discuss the importance of community and growth, which often comes with the fact we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable by loving and being loved in return. 

Highlights

• Growth often means vulnerability.

• Creating community and passing those skills down to those who look up to you.

• We need hugs. We need to know we are wanted and loved.

• Bringing community and love to everything you do. 

Quotes

“Being able to find the people you resonate with, and I think so much of it is getting clear and creating the life that you actually want, whatever that looks like, and being able to be honest about that.”

“It helps me to lean in to creating a community that I want.”

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

How can you flip the equation so you’re spending more time in that place where you feel connected, sometimes that can be outside by yourself, but particularly when you’re in community, when you’re not lonely. Think about how you can spend more time finding that community and choosing that community. Embracing outliers and bringing them into community so they feel it too. We need to shift that equation so more of our time is spent there instead of loneliness. 

And, as always, thank you for listening. 

About Christopher

I’m a sales coach and consultant who helps CEOs succeed at their own sales work. My experience is unique in that it combines a foundation in engineering, solid business principles, plus a focus on mindset. The result is an integrated approach that comprehensively transforms sales organizations. I have helped businesses 12x their sales growth, increase deal flow by 500%, and bring on 500% more clients.

I’m a strong believer that mastering a sales skillset helps us create the life we want. And what could be more important than that? So many CEOs dread sales work; I teach them that it’s a loving act. Ultimately, getting what you want in life is up to you.

While I work with clients all over the country, I’m based out of Asheville, NC, where I enjoy mountain biking, dancing, laughing, learning, and raising four amazing kids with my wife Karen.

Be sure to check out Christopher’s LinkedIn and Facebook! As well as his 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.

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

351 Communication Is In Everything We Do

We are always communicating in everything we do, from overtly talking to or texting someone, to smiling and nodding to strangers you pass on the street, it’s human nature to want to be seen and heard and to give that to others. 

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jim Collison discuss the importance of communication and how understanding your strengths leads to better communication not just with others but with yourself.

Highlights

• Choose to put yourself into situations where you can tell a great story afterwards.

• Live a life bigger than the one you have.

• Strengths are sometimes seen as a weakness before you learn how to use them.

• Be patient enough to let things happen.

Quotes

“You can’t take people places you’ve never been.”

“I think some people miss on Clifton Strengths, it does explain who you are, but it is also a productivity tool. How do you get better?”

Mentioned in this podcast

National Suicide Hotline, Text or Call 988

Help is available. You are cared for. 

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

This whole Clifton Strengths, any assessment, maybe this isn’t the answer to our global communication issues but it can be an answer to your individual communication. And the reality is that each of us are responsible for our own communication and how it’s received by the people and environment around us. You are communicating with everything you do; every like, every comment, every share, every honking of your horn, you are communicating who you are, your character. And when you can take responsibility with it, the world changes. So listeners, what are you going to do, today, tomorrow, over the next few days, to figure out what it is you want to work on. 

And, as always, thank you for listening. 

About Jim

CliftonStrengths Top 5: Arranger | WOO | Maximizer | Communication | Activator

I am the CliftonStrengths Community Manager for Gallup and Produce Gallup's Called to Coach and CliftonStrengths Webcasts found at http://gallup.com/cliftonstrengths. In my role I manage the global community of Gallup-Certified Coaches and help those customers who are engaged with our CliftonStrengths Assessment worldwide. In prior years I have managed IT resources, managed a high school and college internship program for Gallup and was a member of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem managing board. I have been at Gallup since 2007.

Be sure to check out Jim’s LinkedIn!

About Sarah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 I think because you are allowed to go down that path you chose, it’s 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.”

Mentioned in this episode

Sarah Yaeger

George McCauley

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. 

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.

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!