A professional musician and storyteller, Sarah will guide your audience on an inspiring journey of connection, demonstrating how sharing the right stories at the right time can help them be stronger advocates for their organizations and happier in their work.
Sarah is a classically trained vocalist who became the lead singer of a 60s style rock band at age 40. She has shared stories and music in a variety of fabulous venues, performing from the historic Wilma Theater in Missoula, Montana to southern France and many places in between.
After nearly 20 years in the public sector — implementing software at federal agencies, coordinating multi-million-dollar state projects, and managing local government events — her years in every possible customer service scenario sparked an epiphany: 90% of workplace dissatisfaction and stress is caused by miscommunication. Even when we speak the same language, we often don’t speak the same language.
Sarah founded Elkins Consulting to improve communication in the workplace, reduce tension, and help people begin to like their jobs again.
To fuel that goal, she became a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach. The StrengthFinder assessment has immediate practical application, improving communication through healthy self-reflection and acknowledging the value of diverse ways of thinking. The intensive training, certification, and coaching time with more than 1,000 clients has been a game-changer for her business and personal life.
Sarah’s podcast, Your Stories Don’t Define You – How You Tell Them Will is consistently ranked in the top 10% of global podcasts, and her book of the same name has been called “A masterclass in storytelling.”
We know telling people they're wrong won't change their minds. What happens when we approach difficult conversations with curiosity? When we share a personal story that demonstrates why we believe something, we unlock the stories of the people around us, giving us an opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and open the door to possibility.
An experiential session for participants to develop a clear understanding of personal brand (or reputation), and how that relates to personal success, professional success, and healthy relationships. Sarah will demonstrate critical components of effective storytelling as a means to connect, to build confidence, and to nurture an intentional personal brand.
To ensure positive experiences in our interactions with others, we must be good ambassadors, representing our employer and community through authentic connection and be creating a welcoming environment.
How do we ourselves and others to do this?
We demonstrate these qualities. We share the right stories to build a culture of self-reflection and a focus on personal growth.
Storytelling, story sharing, is the most compelling way to connect with others, to demonstrate empathy, to be more persuasive, and to build resilience and confidence to overcome stressful situations.
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Read MoreWe’ll connect so we understand your needs to curate a selection of great speakers.
We’ll manage all the details so you will be confident with your choice.
Inform & educate your participants to ideas that transform their work & personal life.
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