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

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It's not the things that happen in your life that define you, that create your identity. It's how you talk about those things.

That’s the theme behind this podcast. Research shows that the stories you tell have a major influence in how you see yourself and in how others perceive you, so it’s important to be intentional about which stories you share and how you share them.

Guests on the podcast share the pivotal moments in their lives and careers, offering keen insights and “ah ha” moments to listeners, while triggering related memories of listeners, opening up opportunities to uncover their own patterns and discover better ways to share their stories.

During this podcast, I’m asking you to listen to consider your related stories, and to listen to consider which stories in your life might have impacted you in a similar way. --- Sarah works with executives who know that story sharing makes them more compelling as speakers and leaders, and who want to improve how they connect with audiences, by uncovering the right stories and learning how to share them effectively so they can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision.

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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will.

Hosts

Sarah Elkins

Previous Guests

Mike Trugman
Mike Trugman is a Professional Life and Career Coach who helps his clients move from fear to thriving with purpose, passion, and fulfillment. He hosts a top 3% podcast, Mike's Search for Meaning, dedicated to mastering what it means to be human. As someone who used to sweat and shake at the prospect of speaking up in a small meeting, he knows that we can all achieve beyond our wildest dreams with consistency and hard work. Before coaching and podcast hosting, Mike's background was in public accounting. He has over 10 years of public accounting experience, with a focus on financial services (hedge fund and private equity) clients. Mike currently lives in the greater New York City area with his wife and son. He loves reading, learning, cooking, spending lots of time outdoors, watching his beloved but usually struggling Knicks and Jets, and connecting with his friends and family.
Jimi Gibson
Jimi Gibson is the VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency, a digital marketing firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years. He is known for his no-BS approach to helping businesses grow rather than just chasing sales. Jimi is a digital marketer, author, magician, and TEDx speaker, who views websites as living entities that should evolve to enhance business performance. He employs Thrive's rigorous 215-point Digital Health Analysis to ensure comprehensive attention to detail and opportunity maximization. As a member of the Forbes Agency Council, he contributes articles that provide valuable insights. Jimi's work emphasizes creating unforgettable experiences and fostering a people-first business culture.
Joyce Perrin
Joyce Perrin's early fascination with the 1950s Lands and Peoples book series sparked a lifelong curiosity about different countries and cultures. At age 17, she represented Canada at an international Girl Guide camp and met her role model, Lady Baden-Powell. Baden-Powell's quote, 'Happiness comes not from what we have but from what we give and what we share,' became her guiding light. Joyce's nursing career led her into hospital administration and consulting, but a life change prompted her to pack up all her belongings at age 57 and embark on a solo global journey across 187 countries and territories. After many years of amazing adventures, she settled in Panama, where she co-founded the Panama Hospice and Respite Foundation. Returning to Canada at age 80, despite several health challenges, including blindness in one eye and breast cancer, Joyce published her book 'Ants in My Pants: One Woman's Unexpected Adventures Across Seven Continents.' Now 88, she resides in Pickering, just east of Toronto, and finds purpose in supporting fellow cancer survivors, volunteering with health teams, and encouraging people, through her book and speaking engagements, to pursue their passions, no matter their age.

Topics Discussed

storytelling leadership communication self-awareness personal development coaching self-development personal growth fulfillment public speaking passion fulfilling success career paths digital marketing enjoy life community adventures life lessons
Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will.

0:00 10:58

376 The Art of Storytelling: What Makes A Good Leader?

Hosts
Sarah Elkins
Keywords
storytelling leadership communication self-awareness personal development coaching

376 The Art of Storytelling: What Makes A Good Leader?

What is it that makes a leader someone worth following? Is it the way they approach problems? Is it how they treat those who follow them or those who dont? Or is it something more unique to each individual?

In todays episode Sarah Elkins demonstrates through her art of storytelling how she has led others and helped them to lead in turn, and how important it is to follow a leader who makes you see the best in yourself, and to help others see the best in themselves.

Highlights

  • Show your qualities through your stories, dont just tell.

  • A healthy and powerful work environment is possible when everyone works together and the leader takes steps towards improving their skills.

  • Being self conscious of your skills and the room you have to improve.

  • Be confident in your abilities and find a way that is helpful and understanding to help others see them as well. Speak their language if you must.

Quotes

Why now? Because theyre growing and they dont want to sacrifice their strong culture of caring for and developing their employees.

The fact that youre asking this question makes you a good leader. The efforts youve made over the years to learn, to grow, to develop yourself, your self knowledge that you have room to improve, thats what makes a good leader.

Youve been using your own tools in your leadership style, not someone elses and thats what makes you successful to this point.

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

Its my gift to you; to be your guide in collecting, practicing and sharing your most meaningful stories, so you have the power to choose how your internal messages and your internal dialogue shape your future. So you have the tools to improve communication at work and at home. And so you have the tools to advocate for yourself and others in the form of the most effective communication and connecting authentically with the people around you. Through story.

As I mentioned I am celebrating my five year book-versary, starting today Your Stories Dont Define You was published May 31, 2020. Starting this podcast was a wakeup call for me, I realized I was coaching my guests in sharing their pivotal moment stories, and they were finding great value in our time together, way beyond any promotional opportunity the podcast was offering. The book is designed to guide readers in collecting and sharing their stories with exercises and worksheets throughout. To celebrate my book-versary, Im offering to sign and ship copies from Montana to you, and every purchase will include an offer for a 20 minute bullseye story mining session. In 20 minutes we will uncover at least one meaningful story for you to fine tune for you to use in your next interview, team meeting, speaking engagement, networking event, or maybe its a date.

I really appreciate your support over the years and this is my way of giving that back.

And, as always, thank you for listening.

Purchase Your Stories Dont Define You and get your 20 minute session, 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 Ive realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people dont realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people theyre 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 Dont 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 my Job Interview Storytelling course to make sure you nail that next interview!

0:00 --:--

376 The Art of Storytelling: What Makes A Good Leader?

Hosts
Sarah Elkins
Keywords
storytelling leadership communication self-awareness personal development

376 The Art of Storytelling: What Makes A Good Leader?

What is it that makes a leader someone worth following? Is it the way they approach problems? Is it how they treat those who follow them or those who dont? Or is it something more unique to each individual?

In todays episode Sarah Elkins demonstrates through her art of storytelling how she has led others and helped them to lead in turn, and how important it is to follow a leader who makes you see the best in yourself, and to help others see the best in themselves.

Highlights

  • Show your qualities through your stories, dont just tell.

  • A healthy and powerful work environment is possible when everyone works together and the leader takes steps towards improving their skills.

  • Being self conscious of your skills and the room you have to improve.

  • Be confident in your abilities and find a way that is helpful and understanding to help others see them as well. Speak their language if you must.

Quotes

Why now? Because theyre growing and they dont want to sacrifice their strong culture of caring for and developing their employees.

The fact that youre asking this question makes you a good leader. The efforts youve made over the years to learn, to grow, to develop yourself, your self knowledge that you have room to improve, thats what makes a good leader.

Youve been using your own tools in your leadership style, not someone elses and thats what makes you successful to this point.

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

Its my gift to you; to be your guide in collecting, practicing and sharing your most meaningful stories, so you have the power to choose how your internal messages and your internal dialogue shape your future. So you have the tools to improve communication at work and at home. And so you have the tools to advocate for yourself and others in the form of the most effective communication and connecting authentically with the people around you. Through story.

As I mentioned I am celebrating my five year book-versary, starting today Your Stories Dont Define You was published May 31, 2020. Starting this podcast was a wakeup call for me, I realized I was coaching my guests in sharing their pivotal moment stories, and they were finding great value in our time together, way beyond any promotional opportunity the podcast was offering. The book is designed to guide readers in collecting and sharing their stories with exercises and worksheets throughout. To celebrate my book-versary, Im offering to sign and ship copies from Montana to you, and every purchase will include an offer for a 20 minute bullseye story mining session. In 20 minutes we will uncover at least one meaningful story for you to fine tune for you to use in your next interview, team meeting, speaking engagement, networking event, or maybe its a date.

I really appreciate your support over the years and this is my way of giving that back.

And, as always, thank you for listening.

Purchase Your Stories Dont Define You and get your 20 minute session, 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 Ive realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people dont realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people theyre 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 Dont 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!



0:00 55:13

375 Practicing What You Preach

Hosts
Sarah Elkins
Guests
Mike Trugman
Keywords
self-development coaching storytelling personal growth fulfillment public speaking

375 Practicing What You Preach

It’s important in life, whether you are running your own business or in your daily life, to practice what you preach. Not only do you avoid being seen as hypocritical but often the best person to give you advice is you. Consult with other coaches and counselors, ask the opinions of those you love and value, do whatever you need to in order to put yourself on the path to fulfillment and success.

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Mike Trugman discuss practicing their own advice, as well as the importance of doing what you will say you will in order to put yourself in a better environment that will help you grow and thrive. 

 

Highlights

  • How do you approach your own self learning and self development?

  • What do you need to do more of to bring yourself more fulfillment?

  • Are you in a place that lets you grow and thrive? Or do you need to find somewhere new to grow?

 

Quotes

“We think we’re really sneaky, or really good at hiding these aspects of ourselves but there is no separate ‘I’m playful over here’ ‘I’m not playful over here.’ you are who you are.”

“In some capacity we have helped people with public speaking, each of us.”

“We’ve been conditioned for the most part in our society that to be successful you need to be relentlessly hard on yourself, and give up a lot of aspects of your life. And I love to work with people who are doing the courageous work of: What if I were really kind to myself? What could life look like if I was kinder and gentler to myself? And almost in a way, allowed my success to unfold, rather than something I need to grasp and control and attain. And if I lived that way, how would that make my personal relationships and the rest of my life better?”

“You can have everything you want in your life and also feel good about yourself at the same time, and it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Which is what I think a lot of us are taught and believe.”

 

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

I would love for you to think about a time when something went sideways for you. I know we all have episodes that went a little sideways. But when was a time where things really went sideways for you and someone showed up to be your guide? It might’ve been in a negative way, it might’ve been somebody who did something so bad that you chose a different path in spite or to spite this person. But more than likely, you hit a point where things went so sideways that only somebody who loves you could help guide you out of that. Think about that moment, write it down, collect that story because as Mike said; it’s not all about I did this and now I’m here, it’s what obstacles did you overcome to get here? Because that’s the story that inspires. 

And, as always, thank you for listening. 

 

About Mike

Mike Trugman is a Professional Life and Career Coach who helps his clients move from fear to thriving with purpose, passion and fulfillment. He hosts a top 3% podcast, Mike's Search for Meaning, dedicated to mastering what it means to be human. As someone who used to sweat and shake at the prospect of speaking up in a small meeting, he knows that we can all achieve beyond our wildest dreams with consistency and hard work.

Before coaching and podcast hosting, Mike's background was in public accounting. He has over 10 years of public accounting experience, with a focus on financial services (hedge fund and private equity) clients.

Mike currently lives in the greater New York City area with his wife and son. He loves reading, learning, cooking, spending lots of time outdoors, watching his beloved but usually struggling Knicks and Jets, and connecting with his friends and family.

Be sure to check out Mike’s LinkedIn and Instagram! As well as his website Mike Trugman Coaching, and Calendly to schedule an appointment!



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!

0:00 43:46

374 Passion and The Road To Fulfilling Success

Hosts
Sarah Elkins
Guests
Jimi Gibson
Keywords
passion fulfilling success storytelling personal growth career paths digital marketing

374 Passion and The Road To Fulfilling Success

 

When we were kids we all wanted to be something extraordinary. We wanted to be magicians, doctors, paleontologists, astronauts, ballerinas, but somewhere along the way some of us lose that sparkle. We get sucked into the everyday routine of work and taking care of those around us. However that spark is not lost forever, sometimes existing as a fleeting ember of ambition that only needs to be cultivated to turn into a roaring flame of fulfilling success.

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Jimi Gibson discuss the importance of trying different paths in life and how there are many off ramps and back roads full of experiences to the destinations we want to reach. 

 

Highlights

  • You will always find a way out of a situation you are in.

  • Those who care about you and believe in you will support you through the difficult times.

  • Telling your own stories and the stories of others in a way that reflects who you are.

 

Quotes

“I was going through my Strength’s Finder and I was like, ‘I wonder where that came from?’ I believe we’re all born with these innate gifts.”

“Depending on the size of the audience, you want to connect with who is in the audience.”

“Everybody has their personal Abracadabra”

 

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

Think about yourself as a six or eight year old and the thumbprint you would have left behind in a story like Jimmy’s, how would you decorate it? Would it be an artist? Would it be a musician? Would it be a nurse, or a doctor? Would it be a magician? Think back on that, and this doesn’t mean that you have to become that as a career, but what it does mean is that whatever it was that brought you satisfaction about that as a child, is what you need to be seeking now.  

And, as always, thank you for listening. 

 

Mentioned 

The Hero With A Thousand Faces

Jimi’s TEDX

 

About Jimi

Jimi Gibson isn’t your typical VP of Brand Communication. At Thrive Agency—a digital marketing juggernaut that’s dominated the Inc. 5000 for seven straight years—Jimi leads with a no-BS approach, helping businesses grow instead of just chasing sales. With 200+ sharp-as-a-tack pros, Thrive delivers strategies built on what works, not what’s pricey.

 

A digital marketer, author, magician, and TEDx speaker, Jimi sees websites as living, breathing machines that should constantly evolve to grow your bottom line. Using Thrive’s rigorous 215-point Digital Health Analysis, he ensures no detail is overlooked and no opportunity is wasted.

 

As a Forbes Agency Council member, Jimi writes articles that cut through fluff and deliver insights that matter. From his magician’s knack for creating unforgettable moments to his obsession with people-first business culture, Jimi’s work is about one thing: making sure businesses don’t just survive—they thrive.

 

Key Focus Areas:

 

Results-Driven Digital Marketing That Actually Delivers

Websites That Work as Hard as You Do

Finding Your Edge: Lessons from a Professional Magician

Thrive’s 215-Point Digital Health Analysis

Building Culture That Puts People First

Be sure to check out Jimi’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as his website Thrive Agency

 

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!





0:00 49:11

373 Making Space and Time To Truly Enjoy Life

Hosts
Sarah Elkins
Guests
Joyce Perrin
Keywords
enjoy life community adventures storytelling personal growth life lessons

373 Making Space and Time To Truly Enjoy Life

In life we will often be distracted with things we feel like we have to do: Go to University, get a normal job from 9-5, participate in every extra curricular activity that is presented to us, and in doing so we fail to take into account what we need. We need community, we need to experience the beauty of the world we live in, we need to live not just survive. 

In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Joyce Perrin discuss the many adventures they both have lived through and the lessons they learned on their journeys. 

 

Highlights

  • Even across the generations, across cultures, across the globe, we are far more similar than we think.

  • Choosing to create, contribute, and belong in community.

  • When consumed with activity, you will not know how to be at peace and love the world you share with others. 

  • Savor the moments of teaching, do not rush it, you never know how much time you have left. 

 

Quotes

“It’s not how much you have, it’s how much you share and give that really defines you.”

“I think these kinds of skills, and giving the children responsibility is a good thing. But what I’m seeing happen is the children are so busy with all their curricular activities plus their homework they have to do, they have very little time to do anything else.” 

 

Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

No matter what age you are right now, what is something that you are willing to do that you haven’t done before? What's something that’s been an itch for you that you haven’t been able to scratch? Because now is the time. Don’t wait any longer. Don’t face regret in your future. If we’re going to have the same conversation a year from now and you’re going to regret the same things you regret now, then something needs to change.   

And, as always, thank you for listening. 

 

 

About Joyce

Joyce Perrin’s early fascination with the 1950s Lands and Peoples book series sparked a lifelong curiosity about different countries and cultures. When she represented Canada at an international Girl Guide camp at age 17 and met her role model, Lady Baden-Powell, Baden-Powell's quote, “Happiness comes not from what we have but from what we give and what we share,” became her guiding light.
Her nursing career led her into hospital administration and consulting. Still, a life change prompted her to pack up all her belongings at age 57 and embark on a solo global journey across 187 countries and territories. After many years of amazing adventures, she settled in Panama, where she co-founded the Panama Hospice and Respite Foundation.
Returning to Canada at age 80, despite several health challenges, including blindness in one
eye and breast cancer, Joyce published her book Ants in My Pants: One Woman’s Unexpected Adventures Across Seven Continents. Now 88, she resides in Pickering, just east of Toronto, and finds purpose in
supporting fellow cancer survivors, volunteering with health teams and encouraging people, through her
book and speaking engagements, to pursue their passions, no matter their age.

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

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

Ratings
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4.8 rating 33 reviews
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4.8 ratings 32 reviews
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5.0 ratings 1 reviews
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