Storytelling and effective leadership go hand-in-hand. If you’re still on the fence about that — or you’re wondering how to tell the perfect story — listen to this episode.  Karen Eber is an author, international leadership consultant, professional storyteller, and keynote speaker. Her talk on TED.com: "How your brain responds to stories – and why they’re crucial for leaders", has almost 2 million views. As the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, Karen helps Fortune 500 companies build leaders, teams, and culture one story at a time. Karen is also the author of the book THE PERFECT STORY: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire. In this episode we discuss why leaders and professionals should take the time to tell stories and improve their storytelling skills. Plus, we dive into common questions and challenges that many leaders and communicators face, and explore how anyone can level-up their storytelling skills to make a bigger, better impact.  Topics we cover include: → What you should know if you think you’re not a good storyteller: Karen offers inside knowledge, hope, and practical tips if you aren’t good at storytelling (yet). → How to navigate the personal, the professional, and the private when it comes to storytelling. And how to bring enough vulnerability into your storytelling without revealing “too much”. → The difference between David Bowie and Sting, and an easy way to connect better with your audience. (Hint: share more than just the songs.) → How to get started when you don’t know who your audience is.  → Tips on public speaking for introverts – how to manage your energy and wellbeing when you’re in the spotlight. → Communicating data – why you need storytelling when sharing data, and why storytelling is more than just data visualization. → When you shouldn’t tell a story; when being straight up and to the point is more effective. → How to handle your fear of disappointing others or not being good enough, and a simple way to move forward if you’re afraid of falling short.

The term “thought leadership” isn’t new, but it feels more like a buzzword than ever.  What does thought leadership actually involve? How do you become recognized and respected as a true thought leader in your space?  And how do you ensure your efforts actually make a difference, so you’re not just wasting your time? In this “Coaching with Cam” episode, Camille breaks down the two essential elements of thought leadership: both the thoughts, and the leadership.  Then, she walks you through a series of thoughtful questions that will help you build an effective strategy for your thought leadership communications.  By exploring these foundational considerations you’ll ultimately save time and, more importantly, achieve better, more meaningful results from your communications.  Grab a pen because this episode is more like a mini-workshop than a podcast. Make notes as you listen and you’ll be well on your way to developing your own thought leadership strategy — or upgrading your current approach. 

It’s easy to get stuck in the same-old, same-old.  If you’re like many people these days, you might feel like you have to put your own creative, playful leanings aside for the sake of business or all the responsibilities of adult life.  Maybe somewhere along the way, you put your passion projects on the shelf. Or you started playing within your comfort zone, just doing things you’re good at, rather than branching out and trying something new.  If any of this rings true for you — or if you simply want a dose of creative inspiration — check out today’s podcast episode.  Fair warning, this episode is a bit unusual: rather than a traditional interview, it brings together a group of old friends who explore the lessons they learned from the ‘90s hardcore punk scene.  What can a niche subculture (and a group of aging punks) teach us? Turns out, quite a bit.  While also covering a bit of ‘90s nostalgia (big pants! Mix tapes!), Camille and her friends explore topics like: The power of community and collaboration, and why it’s often better to build something together rather than entirely solo. Why the “if you build it, they will come” approach is often true; you might be surprised who shows up to support you if you put yourself out there. Inclusivity, and how to make a community feel more inviting. (Including prompts to help newbies feel included.) A great mantra and approach for starting anything new. (And how one person used it to turn their attic crawl space into an actual B&B with virtually no resources… well before Airbnb was a thing.) Why centering your life and work around your values can give you motivation and purposefulness (and how to avoid “teenage aimlessness” at any age.) Why DIY and amateur culture are so powerful; why you should embrace the things you suck and why you shouldn’t feel pressure to monetize something you love if you don’t want to. The magic that can happen when you find “your people” and choose to spend your time with people you genuinely love. (Plus, the proper length for any mixtape!) In this episode, you’ll hear from host Camille DePutter, along with Colleen Burgess, Megan DePutter, Paul Hammond, Lukas Neville, Matt Nish-Lapidus, and Kim Walters. 

Do you ever wish you could wave a magic wand and get other people to change?  Dr. Rachel Miller did.  She initially got into medicine to help people, but wound up feeling frustrated by the lack of leadership training and skill development within the healthcare industry.  One day, from within her bathroom with the shower running, Rachel had a realization: maybe she could be the change she was looking for.  Today, Dr. Rachel Miller, a distinguished board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist, expertly combines her medical expertise with her passion for leadership development.  As a Certified Executive Coach and author of “How to Succeed as a Healthcare Leader,” Dr. Miller is dedicated to empowering healthcare leaders to drive meaningful change within their organizations and their private practices. She offers transformative guidance to physician executives and front-line leaders through her company, Pocket Bridges. And, she has an award-nominated podcast, Life, Love, and Leadership for Physicians, where she shares her expertise and interviews experts, including myself.  In this podcast, Rachel and I explore how you can positively channel your frustration into impact. We explore how you can positively influence and impact the people around you, including this nugget of wisdom: start with yourself. In our discussion, Rachel comments on the American healthcare system, but there’s wide applicability here for anyone who wants to be a better leader or effect change around them. We explore: Why “start with yourself” is always good advice when you want to create change – and why understanding *yourself* makes understanding *other people* easier Why personal development will also help you with professional development (and vice versa) The problem with “all or nothing” thinking and other common blindspots, plus how to shift your brain to explore more creative possibilities Why human connection and trust is at the heart of impactful leadership Tips for building stronger connections and trust in a virtual or hybrid work environment How thought leadership can help you channel your frustration into something positive and make a difference. (Hint: If you’re frustrated and want to foster change in your business or industry, this is a great place to start.) ^ This part of the interview is my favourite bit of the show, by the way! If you’re frustrated AF right now, tune in around 39:00 and you’ll get right to the part where we talk about how expressing yourself (through things like writing or podcasting) can help you turn your frustration into something productive and meaningful.  When you’re done listening, check Rachel out at  wwwpocketbridges.com. You can also find her  on LinkedIn – Linkedin.com/in/rachelmillermd – and Instagram as @drrachelmillermd

Do you want to become a more impactful leader, while staying true to your values, your vision, and yourself? Be sure to check out this interview with Jayson Krause. Jayson Krause is a leadership strategist, executive coach, award-winning author, speaker, and the founder of Level 52. He works with leaders running billion-dollar businesses from Singapore to Silicon Valley, helping them to develop strong cultures of innovation and meaningful leadership.  Before his career in leadership and coaching, Jayson won four national championships as a Canadian bobsleigh athlete. Much of what Jayson learned about growth and development as a high-performance athlete shapes the work and methodology of Level 52 today through an award-winning framework he developed called The Science Behind Success™. In this episode, we unpack ALLLLLL the business and leadership buzzwords, examining topics like:   Employee engagement (and why employees are becoming more disengaged even while companies are spending more money than ever on employee engagement.) Leadership coaching (and why we should use it as preventative medicine rather than a tool reserved for crises and disasters.) Authenticity (and why leaders need to earn the right to be authentic) Culture (and why it does matter how brilliant you and your people are if your culture sucks) Relationships (and why leaders need to actively engineer integrous relationships) Goal setting (including how to approach it in a way that is more inspiring and engaging Collaboration (and how to ask questions so you foster collaboration and input, rather than getting shut down) Empathy (and how to ‘get in the heads’ of your audience so they actually care about what you have to say) Feedback (and the value of 360 reviews, plus why negative feedback is probably the best, most useful feedback you’ll ever get.) Plus, the everlasting question… If a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound? ← Yes, Jayson actually provides an answer to this… 😂 And it’s a really valuable message for leaders! When you’re done listening, be sure to learn more about Jayson and Level52 at www.level52.ca

Have ever thought that if you just put your head down and do great work, eventually you’ll be recognized for your talents? Have you ever felt squeamish about marketing, self-promotion, or talking about yourself? Do you want to get more recognition, more opportunities, and more influence – but you don’t want to spend more time on social media or just “add to the noise”? Enter Lisa Bragg.  Lisa Bragg is an author, speaker and advisor who helps leaders navigate savvy self-promotion that is authentic and gets results.  She helps high-achievers of all sorts be seen, heard, and share their value with the world. Lisa then takes it a step further to show leaders how to help less visible people on their teams to do the same. Lisa’s book, Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion, launched as a best seller in May 2023. Bragging Rights is based on insights from Lisa’s career as an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and consultant, as well as an extensive international research study on bragging and self-promotion. In this episode, we explore how leaders can embrace purposeful self-promotion to make a bigger impact while staying true to themselves.  Topics we cover: Why we all need to feel seen and heard, no matter who we are or what we do. Common myths (like, “if you’re good enough, people will eventually recognize / reward you”) and why these are false. The difference between purposeful self-promotion and narcissistic megaphone-ing. Why self promotion does not require social media! Easy, everyday, non-gross tips for getting more attention and promoting yourself. The importance of developing your own point of view, and what you want to be known for. Why you don’t need to keep re-inventing stories or making new content… and why you should re-tell your signature stories again and again The value of a professional brand – why you should have one, regardless of your role, and how to get started. Why you DO deserve credit for your work, even in a team situation, and a key phrase you can use to help other people see your value. How leaders can (and should!) help others advocate for themselves. Don’t miss this energizing and inspiring episode! And, when you’re done, check out this FREE tool Lisa offers exclusively for podcast listeners: https://www.lisabragg.com/listener-love  Be sure to find Lisa at www.lisabragg.com, and follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

In “Coaching with Cam”, Camille takes a break from interviewing guests to share lessons, tips, tricks, and other communications guidance with listeners.  In today’s Halloween-themed (but actually timeless) episode, Camille (aka Cam) tackles the scary side of storytelling.  Cam explores how fear and vulnerability can stop us from telling our best, most impactful stories — but they don’t have to.  She then walks listeners through some simple methods to move through the fear so you can build stronger connections with your audience, and actually enjoy the process. This episode is geared towards Halloween but is relevant to any time of the year, offering some timeless principles for embracing fear and expressing yourself with bold authenticity. 

Have you ever wondered whether your personal story could help you professionally?  Could sharing your own story help you differentiate yourself, stand out, connect better with people, overcome imposter syndrome, or simply grow as a person?  Yes – all of the above, says  Coach Jon McLernon. Jon is a nutrition coach who struggled with PTSD, depression, binge-eating, and poor health after a traumatic incident. After recovering and transforming his life, he went on to share his stories—and differentiate himself as a coach.  Jon says his story became his biggest asset in business. Since then, he went on to launch Between the Before & After, a podcast that shares inspiring real life stories of remarkable people overcoming significant adversity in their life.  On his podcast, Jon has interviewed over 100 individuals about their stories, never shying away from the gritty and vulnerable details that make us messy and human. In this episode, Jon opens up about his own story, how it’s helped him in business and life, and what he’s learned from other people’s stories.  We explore: How a traumatic event sent Jon into a deep spiral of shame, binge eating, and depression—and how he turned his life around. Why forgiveness, self-compassion, and self care were at the heart of his journey (and his coaching practice.) How sharing his own story helped Jon grow personally AND professionally  — why his story has become his “biggest asset” in business. How Jon got over imposter syndrome and his fear of not looking like other “typical” fitness professionals. Why simple “before and after” narratives aren’t always useful, and why it’s worth exploring the “messy middle” of stories. Why Jon started a podcast instead of hustling on social media, and why he pivoted his podcast in a different direction. The value of listening to other people’s stories, including those who are very different from you. Why it’s worth letting go of your professional facade and opening yourself up to real, unscripted conversations. (And how to put your self consciousness aside.) Tips for both interviewing people and being interviewed. Hint: If you’re guesting on podcasts  or want to “give good interview”, there’s some really useful stuff here.  Find Jon and Between The Before And After Podcast here: https://freedomnutritioncoach.com/between-the-before-and-after-podcast/

What does it mean to work (and live) in alignment with your true self? What do the words “authentic” and “heart centered” look like in practice? … And what happens if the things you’re doing, saying, or writing about no longer feel like you? In this episode, I go deep into these concepts with Drima, aka Amir Ahmad Nasr, a multifaceted writer, musician, speaker, and coach.  Drima is the founder and head coach at Assertive & Co., where he facilitates a values-based method for awakening creators, coaches and experts to their true voice, so they can grow and lead with more purpose, freedom and fulfillment. Under his given name (Amir Ahmad Nasr), Drima’s writing has been featured and reviewed in over 13 languages including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The Economist, The Guardian, WIRED, and dozens more telling stories about faith, spirituality, human rights, and human flourishing. Drima brings a human, heart-centered perspective to all of his work and storytelling. In this interview, I ask him to share his thoughts on concepts like authenticity, conviction, vulnerability, and heart-centered. We explore what these words mean in practice, and how to tell stories that deliver not only better results, but also greater satisfaction, meaning, and fulfillment.  In this conversation, we explore:  What does “heart centered” actually mean, and why does it matter? Implications of AI and why words matter less these days (and what matters more.) Why you should be wary of “plastic vulnerability” and how you can be genuine and vulnerable, even when you’re following a script. Heartbreak as a portal into meaningful storytelling, and why your most heartbreaking moments can lead to your most powerful stories. (And how to navigate this without triggering past trauma.) Why veering away from controversial subjects like politics is in itself a political choice, and why you might want to engage in these kinds of topics. (Or why you should at least be deliberate about your choice.) What we can learn from musicians, songwriters, writers, actors, and other types of storytellers… including common traps and pitfalls to avoid. The importance of developing your marketing materials, communications, and product offers from a place of alignment with who you are. (And why you should be ready to adjust them if they are no longer are a good fit for you.) The importance of growing and evolving your personal brand, especially if it doesn’t feel like “you” anymore.  If you want to challenge the status quo and work and communicate in a heartfelt way that feels true to you, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about Drima and Assertive and Co here: https://assertive.co

Want to become a recognized authority in your area of expertise? Then you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode with Rochelle Moulton. A leading voice in the independent consulting space, Rochelle Moulton helps soloists build vibrant authority businesses.   Rochelle earned her consulting stripes by leading introverted brainiacs at two powerhouse consulting firms and turning around the failing consulting arm of a Fortune 500 company. She built three professional firms from scratch—including selling one to Arthur Andersen.  Rochelle is a champion of independent professionals, aka soloists. She hosts “Soloist Women”, co-hosts “The Business of Authority” podcast, and wrote the book The Authority Code: How To Position, Monetize And Sell Your Expertise. I am delighted to have Rochelle on the show since I’ve been reading and listening to her stuff for years! In this episode we dive into what it means to build authority and reputation, along with authenticity and satisfaction.  Topics we cover include: How to operate in your “zone of genius” (and what that actually means.) The importance of vision, and how to develop and refine your vision as a leader and business-owner. How to stay committed to your vision while also giving yourself room to grow and change. Why just doing what you’re good at and playing to your strengths isn’t always the path to success (or happiness). Potential pitfalls of getting too attached to your personal brand and how to avoid them. The value of publishing your ideas and publicly sharing your work, not just once but again and again. The importance of choosing projects and initiatives that align with you, your values, and your joy (and how to course correct when they don’t.) Why authority goes hand-in-hand with authenticity and humanity. How to stand out in a crowded marketplace. And so much more.  And be sure to check out Rochelle Moulton at rochellemoulton.com.

Do you have habits you want to change… stuff you want to get better at… self doubt you want to overcome? In this episode, Karin Nordin shows us what’s possible.  She provides compassionate, science-based guidance for personal and professional growth, while debunking myths about behavior change along the way. Karin Nordin is a PhD expert in behavior change and mindset theory.  After graduating with her doctorate, Karin had a striking realization: The typical self-help and productivity approaches of the personal development industry were shockingly inconsistent with the actual research on change. That inconsistency became the fuel for her business Body Brain Alliance, where she’s on a mission to teach compassion-first change techniques that actually work.  In this episode, we cover: Why you shouldn’t stress if you struggle with change (hint: the struggle is universal.) Why a lot of common “self help” advice is misleading, inadequate, or just plain wrong. The multi-step process that is essential in order to get better at just about anything How to get better at something quickly using something called Deep Practice. (Note: the book Karin references here is the Talent Code by Daniel Coyle) Why you should publish your work before it feels “ready”. Why consistency is overrated, and what to focus on instead as you aim to build habits or behaviors Why you should embrace the struggle of doing things you suck. (There’s real neuroscience behind this! Plus, what you can learn from Big Brother and Survivor.) What you should know if you have ADHD – or other forms of neurodivergence – when it comes to behavior change The truth about growth mindset. (Hint: It’s widely misunderstood. Karin explains what we need to know if we want to cultivate more of a growth mindset in ourselves.) A secret trick to help you feel more confident as you pursue goals and challenges. The #1 thing leaders and coaches should consider before trying to get someone else to change What the whole “caterpillar and butterfly” metaphor gets wrong, plus a healthy reminder for anyone who is pursuing improvement ← This is my favourite part of the entire interview, don’t miss it! This is a fantastic episode, full of both practical and compassionate advice.  And be sure to find Karin at bodybrainalliance.com, and on Instagram: karinnordinphd and bodybrainalliance.

In “Coaching with Cam”, Camille takes a break from interviewing guests to share lessons, tips, tricks, and other communications guidance with listeners.  In today’s episode, Camille (aka Cam) reveals five fundamental communications principles.  Here’s the big question: are you communicating effectively with your audience?  Many leaders wrestle with what to say and how to say it. Especially when the stakes are high and you’re communicating big ideas or complex issues.  You might find that you’re not really sure exactly what to say. How do you define what your key messages are?  And, even if you do know what you want to express, how do you say it in a way that is clear and genuinely compelling for your audience? Furthermore, how do you connect with people, and help your audience feel seen and inspired?  And what if you seem to be saying “all the right things” but still feel a sense of dissonance or dissatisfaction, either from your audience… or yourself?  If any of these concerns strike a chord with you—or you just want to be a better communicator—be sure to listen to today’s episode.  Camille explores some of the common traps we can fall into when communicating, and then reviews five principles that are essential for any leader striving for influence and impact.  Work on improving / adopting any of these principles and you will start to get better results (and more satisfaction) from your communications.  If you are using AI-type tools to help you write, this lesson is even more important, as it will help you remember the basics even as you use technology to help you generate words.  At the end of this lesson, Camille also gives you advice on how to begin putting these principles in place.  If you want to be a better writer or speaker, or a more persuasive and impactful leader, don’t miss this episode!

The path to leadership (including thought leadership) is never a straight line.  Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build a business — and a reputation — around the thing you’re most passionate about? Are you curious about what the journey to thought leadership looks like for someone else? Have you considered writing a book, creating a course or certification, or dreamed of building a mission-driven business or community?  This episode will give you insight into all of this, through the lens of someone who has done it. Molly Galbraith is the co-founder of Girls Gone Strong (GGS), the world’s largest platform providing evidence-based health, fitness, nutrition, pregnancy, and menopause education for women and the health and fitness professionals who work with them—including industry-leading certification programs and coaching. Through her GGS Academy, she has certified thousands of professionals in over 125 countries, helping them become the go-to coach for women in their gyms and communities. She's also the author of “Strong Women Lift Each Other Up,” a book dedicated to helping women create a better life for themselves and a better world for women and girls through lifting women up. I’ve been working with Molly and GGS for a number of years. I’ve worked on all of their current certifications including their newly released Menopause Coaching Specialist Certification. And I served as Molly’s storytelling partner in her book Strong Women Lift Each Other Up.  In this episode, we give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to make a name for yourself as a thought leader, to become a published author of non-fiction, to create courses and certifications, and to build a business around your passion and your values.  Topics we cover include: Why collaboration is the best kept secret of avid authors and content creators – and why (and how) you should try it for yourself. Why vulnerability is an essential ingredient in becoming a thought leader. How a single blog post kick-started Molly’s journey to becoming a global leader, and her words of wisdom for people who are just getting started. The conversation that changed the game for Molly’s business and leadership. (Hint: The game-changing question was, “What do we do better than anyone else?”) What’s involved in creating a certification product (and the kinds of roles you may need to hire or employ to get it done.) How Molly turned a keynote speech into a bestselling book, and why it was worth all the effort. How to get clear on your personal and professional values. Molly walks us through a three step process, and shows us how to use those values to make decisions in your life and business. Why you should expect judgment and criticism as a leader, and how to prepare yourself for it. Learn more about Molly Galbraith and Girls Gone Strong at https://www.girlsgonestrong.com and check out the GGS Menopause Coaching Specialist Certification at https://go.girlsgonestrong.com/menopause-pre-sale-list2

Donna Lichaw is an executive coach, speaker, and author of the Amazon bestseller, The User's Journey and her new book, The Leader’s Journey. Her mission is to help startup founders, tech executives, and senior leaders unlock their leadership potential so that they can make a greater impact and a difference at work and in the world. Donna works with superheroes at companies like Adobe, Amazon, Disney, Google, Logitech, Mailchimp, Twitter, and Trello as well as a ton of non-profits, startups, and scale-ups. And she has taught at technology and innovation programs at New York University, Northwestern University, Parsons School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts.  I love the storytelling-based approach Donna takes with her work. If you’re in a leadership position – or growing into one – you’re going to love this episode.  Topics we cover include: How to find out what your strengths REALLY are. (Hint: They might be different from the things you’ve come to believe about yourself.) Why self doubt and insecurity is so common, including among highly successful people, and how to move through them. Why the thing you *think* is the problem or weakness, might not be the problem at all… and how to figure out what ACTUALLY needs fixing. How to build on the strengths and characteristics that have already been serving you in your life and work. How to balance thinking about other people AND your own need to speak up and feel like a hero. (Hint: It starts with you.) Why more leadership skills aren’t necessarily the answer — what you should do instead of developing more leadership skills. Why your energy matters and how to regain it if you feel drained or burned out. And so much more.   Learn more about Donna (and check out her new book, The Leader’s Journey) at https://www.donnalichaw.com/

Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? Ever fantasized about seeing YOUR name on the shelves of your favorite book store?  Linh Nguyen did. In fact, at a young age, she wrote a letter to her future 30 year old self that said, “congratulations on your first book.” Young Linh was right to have faith in her dreams, because she did it. If you can relate to the dream of writing and publishing (especially if your sights are set on writing children’s books or YA), you’re going to want to listen to this.   Linh Nguyen (she/her) is a Vietnamese-Canadian immigrant and writer who specializes in children’s literature and creative non-fiction. Her debut middle-grade fantasy novel, No Place Like Home, was released with HarperCollins Canada in March 2023.  Prior to working as a full time author, Linh was working a more “typical” full time job. In this interview we explore how she found time to write, got her book published, and is now living her dream of living and working as a full-time author. In this episode we cover: How Linh made time to write her first novel while working a full time job — and how she makes time to write now, as a full time author. Why you should embrace the messy first draft … and why your draft doesn’t have to be perfect (far from it) to get published. Why you should be prepared for rejection, but also know that getting published IS possible! How Linh changed her original draft to make it deeper, more relatable, and more true to her real life experience, including her experience as an 11 year old in Canada as a Vietnamese immigrant. How Linh grappled with self-representation, including how she worked to dismantle her own socialized assumptions about who her characters should be; how she navigated her sense of responsibility towards representing her community; and how she put herself in her own story without losing her characters. Why fiction can work just as well (or better!) to communicate big, complex ideas and get your message across. What it’s like to market a book, and Linh’s tips on how to choose your promotional tactics. (Hint: Focus on what brings you the most joy.) Linh’s writing process: how she gets words on a page, how she balances the combination of inspiration and discipline… and what Linh and I agree is THE most important part of the writing process. What it’s actually like to live and work as a full-time author — Including the big, common misconception about being an author that Linh would like to clear up. Linh’s work can be found at www.linhsnguyen.com or more frequently on Instagram @linh.s.nguyen.

If you want to get better at talking about what you do, presenting, selling, marketing, public speaking, writing, or sharing stories of any kind… listen to this episode!  Michel Neray is a professional speaker, consultant, creator of Inside-Out storytelling, and the founder of momondays -- a monthly storytelling event that pre-pandemic was in 16 cities.  Michel has helped thousands of individuals and organizations to drill down to their core message, become category leaders and craft more impactful stories to become more effective leaders, salespeople, coaches, teachers, trainers, speakers, and influencers of all types. He also uses the Inside-Out approach to differentiate, position, and brand organizations in the market. I know Michel because back in the early 2000s he gave me my first “real” job out of University by hiring me at his boutique marketing/messaging agency called The Essential Message. Michel mentored me and provided me with a ton of experience that allowed me to leapfrog ahead in my career. I routinely apply many of the things he taught me to this day. Years later, I spoke at momondays, in which I delivered a speech that catapulted my business and brand.  Many of the concepts Michel taught me remain relevant and timeless — and we cover a number of them in this discussion. In this episode, we explore:  The value of storytelling, and why human beings are wired for story. How to discover (and tell) your “origin story”. The event, and personal story, that changed both of our lives and our careers for the better. Why you should share personal details in your stories. (Hint: the more personal the story, the more universal the message.) The role of curiosity in feedback and mentorship, and the questions you should be asking your colleagues, students, clients, mentees. How to take feedback, and the importance of developing your own critical thinking about your work. The problem with elevator pitches and what you should say / do instead. How to become better at whatever you do by becoming a student of your own impact. Why you should go out and engage with other people about your writing and work rather than keeping it to yourself. When you’re done listening to this episode, be sure to check out Michel Neray at  https://neray.com (where’s he got lots of useful free resources) and https://momondays.com/

Connection is at the very heart of storytelling… and our lives.  What does it really look like to create meaningful connections with other people—including friends, teammates, colleagues, employees, community members, and the audience you want to reach? If there’s a go-to expert on this subject, it’s Kat Vellos.  Kat is a trusted name on the power of cultivating meaningful friendships.  In her former career, Kat made software more user-friendly at large companies you’ve heard of, but these days she makes life more friendly for the thousands of people and work teams who use her guidance to cultivate fulfilling friendships and colleagueships. Kat’s a speaker, facilitator, and author of the book, We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships. Her writing is read in over 100 countries and she’s been interviewed by The New York Times, NPR, Communication Arts, The Good Life Project, and many more.  I met Kat years ago at a conference (UX Week) when she attended my workshop on storytelling for designers, and in 2022 she presented as an expert guest at my Storytelling Mastery Summit. When I started this podcast I *knew* I had to have her on as a guest.  In our discussion, we cover… The three little words you should probably use WAY less often. How to carve out a niche or specialty for yourself simply by asking questions… and why it’s better to follow your curiosity rather than “follow your passion”. Why friendship matters, both in and out of the workplace. What healthy teams and “colleagueships” look like, and how to cultivate healthy relationships in the workplace. Why bonds among people and healthy colleagueships are essential for teams and businesses to thrive. Why it really is “lonely at the top”, why leaders often suffer loneliness in silence, and how to get support.  What to do if you feel lonely or disconnected at work. How to walk the line of connecting authentically, while still remaining professional and reserved "enough" in a leadership role.   For introverts: How to connect with other people — and even market yourself! — AND protect your energy and battery life.  All that and more! If you want to connect with other people authentically and effectively, be sure to listen to this episode.  And, be sure to find Kat at www.Katvellos.com or at www.weshouldgettogether.com

In “Coaching with Cam”, Camille takes a break from interviewing guests to share lessons, tips, tricks, and other writing wisdom with listeners.  In today’s episode, Camille (aka Cam) walks you through three common writing mistakes that she sees people making ALL THE TIME.  These mistakes can prevent your writing — such as your newsletter, blog, article, social content, educational product, speech, you name it — from hitting home. They can be the difference between people “getting” what you have to say, or not.  Plus, these mistakes can really interfere with your writing process. If you feel frustrated or overwhelmed every time you sit down to write, chances are one of these mistakes has something to do with it.  Even seasoned writers and editors make these errors. They’re that common. Luckily, you can learn to recognize these common mistakes, avoid them, and correct them when they happen.  Do this, and your writing will improve. Plus, your writing process will become less arduous and more fun. (Especially if you avoid mistake #1!) If you…  Tend to get overwhelmed by all the things you have to say Spend hours trying to sort through all your ideas and feel like it’s all a big jumble Feel like people aren’t “getting it” or your message isn’t hitting home Are hesitant to publish and share your work because you aren’t entirely confident in it, or aren’t sure your message will be properly understood Aren’t sure how to put your ideas into terms other people will understand Feel like you aren’t quite “nailing it” Are annoyed by how arduous, complicated and time consuming writing is Want to write better and with less effort … This episode is for you. 

What if you could achieve your goals by playing more? In this episode, I chat with Janet Omstead, master health coach and play expert, about how to bring a playful approach to various aspects of life, ranging from exercise to thought leadership.  In this podcast, Janet reveals how a near-death experience changed her life, and ultimately led her to become the coach, speaker, and published author she is today.  We cover many aspects of her journey including her mission to end the inactivity crisis by playing more, her experiences with book publishing, how she found her niche, how she sets herself apart in a crowded marketplace… and the four letter word she has tattooed on her wrist.  We explore: How she found her calling as a health coach and play expert after her first brush with death. Why it’s worth remembering how you loved to play as a kid—and how to bring that energy back into your life.) A playful approach to setting yourself apart and defining your own brand. (Hint: Don’t be afraid to make up a title for yourself!) Janet’s experience writing a self-published book and how it’s helped her in unexpected ways. (And why you should plan to have patience when writing!) How you can play more and bring more playful energy into everything you do: your movement/exercise, your work, and life in general.  This is an uplifting episode that will fire you up to take on whatever goals you have for yourself. Prepare to be inspired! Check out Janet and her book, The Play Book: How to Get in the Habit of Good Health here: https://janetomstead.com/ Could more playfulness change your life? Have a listen and find out!

Could your mindset be your biggest untapped asset?  If you have things you want to get better at… challenges you want to overcome… goals you want to achieve… or things you’d simply like to enjoy a little more (and struggle with a little less)… your mindset could help you do it.  Steve Mesler is a master at mindset. Not only does his non-profit organization Classroom Champions teach kids social emotional learning skills (including growth mindset), he is also an Olympic Gold Medalist, a 3-time Olympian in the sport of bobsled, and a previous member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Board of Directors.  In this podcast episode, Steve explores the mental reframes and mindset shifts he’s used to get where he is today.  In particular, we unpack the beliefs and assumptions Steve had about himself and writing in general that held him back from communicating for years, and how he has since become a stronger fundraiser, leader, thinker, and writer.  We cover: Why Steve credits his Olympic success to a fundamental mindset shift. How Steve went from hating fundraising to loving it… and bringing in nearly 3X the dollars as a result. A simple reframe you can use anytime to turn something you loathe into something you love. (Try this if you hate sales, marketing, or writing!) How our thoughts can help us or hurt us, and how to recognize the difference. The beliefs and assumptions about writing that prevented Steve from expressing himself for years… and the realization that changed his entire approach. Why you don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) try to do everything by yourself, and the value of coaching and mentorship. How to get over paralyzing questions like, “what if nobody reads what I wrote,” or “who am I to do this?” and embrace your potential. Why writing involves a degree of risk-taking, and how to mitigate that risk. Why you should see your writing and ideas as a gift for other people rather than a selfish indulgence. Steve naturally inspires everyone he talks to (including me!), all with a good dose of humility, practicality, and humor.  Read and subscribe to Steve’s newsletter here: www.stevemesler.org/ And check out Classroom champions here: classroomchampions.org If you need a shot of motivation or a fresh perspective, don’t miss this episode!

Do you struggle with feeling burned out and overwhelmed?  Maybe you’ve tried productivity hacks or time management systems but still can’t seem to feel calm, centered, or on top of things.  Katelyn Steven may have the answer.  As an embodiment coach, Katelyn helps people bring more balance, stability, pleasure, and groundedness into their lives. By helping them better connect with their bodies, and build resources and rituals that support their own needs, Katelyn’s clients finally get off the hamster wheel of overthinking, overworking, and burn out. In the process, they establish more self trust, care, and ease. (As a previous client of Katelyn’s, I can vouch for this personally.) If any of this resonates with you, you’ve got to have a listen to this episode! We cover:  Why more thinking, strategizing, or analysis is not the answer. Practical tips on how to make small adjustments to your day so you feel less exhausted, burned out, anxious, depleted, or stuck in analysis-paralysis. How to resource yourself before, during, and after difficult or important life events so you can feel less drained (and more awesome.) How to make your days a little bit nicer, more enjoyable, and more pleasurable – without overhauling them. How to connect more with your body, and what a daily embodiment practice looks like. Three steps to turn small daily habits into rituals that will leave you feeling restored.  Through this conversation you’ll notice that Katelyn is a fierce champion of enjoying life and making time for small pleasures and acts of self care. If you tend to put yourself last or spend your days rushing through your to-do list, this is for you! Katelyn Steven is a feminist embodiment coach who helps humans of all genders reclaim their pleasure and power by helping them build unshakeable trust in themselves and their own wisdom. She provides powerful one-on-one and group coaching services and facilitates welcoming community events.  Be sure to find Katelyn here: http://katelynsteven.com and here: https://www.instagram.com/thekatelynsteven/ Grab a cup of coffee or tea, get cozy, and check out this fantastic episode!

Have you ever wondered what an art curator does – or what you might learn from one?  If you have (or even if you haven’t!) it turns out there are TONS of things thought leaders can learn from a professional curator, like:  How to bring together multiple voices; for example, if you’re putting together a conference line-up, or writing a book with multiple authors, or curating content for your blog. How to collaborate and co-create (and why it’s worth doing) Why it’s worth taking the time to enjoy consuming content, not just making your own. (Yes, this might just give you permission to watch reality TV!) How to build time for thinking and reflecting into your day How to get people to come out to your event or see your work How to make complex ideas accessible and understandable, without dumbing them down How to recognize and give due credit to the people who have influenced your work How to deal when you DON’T get the response you want from the thing you’ve made How to speak up about difficult subjects (and help other people do the same).  … and so much more In this episode, I chat with Lillian O’Brien Davis — a curator and writer currently based in Toronto, ON.  Lillian is the Curator of Exhibitions and Public Programs at Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography. She has curated projects at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto, Susan Hobbs Gallery, the MacKenzie Art Gallery, SUPPORT Gallery and the School of Art Gallery at the University of Manitoba. Her writing has appeared in RACAR, BlackFlash magazine, Canadian Art online, C magazine, the Brooklyn Rail, Peripheral Review and Insight Magazine.  In this conversation we discover a great deal of cross-over between thought leadership and curation!  Towards the end of the conversation, we also get vulnerable – we talk about the struggles of working behind-the-scenes, and what it was like for Lillian to publish an article that had the impact to alter the course of her career.  There’s a ton of stuff in this episode to help you think about storytelling in new ways.  Listen now!

When it comes to writing / publishing / thought leadership, do you ever feel bogged down by what you “have to” do?  For example, you “have to”... 👉🏻Write consistently.  👉🏻Keep up a steady schedule. 👉🏻Figure out a clear strategy. 👉🏻Create “content” (whatever that is.) 👉🏻Have a clear and cohesive brand (ditto ^^). 👉🏻Develop customer avatars (ditto again ^^). HOLD UP. 🖐🏽 What if you didn’t actually HAVE TO do any of that? 🤯 What if you could write, develop a reputation, grow as a thought leader, express yourself, and make a difference with your words and ideas… AND do it your own way? 🎉 Enter Kate Solovieva. Kate Solovieva (aka Solo) is the Director of Community Engagement at Precision Nutrition, an experienced coach who’s worked with over 1000 clients, and an expert in behavior change with two psychology degrees to her name. She has also been writing her own blog and e-newsletter for years at solovieva.com, and is the author of her self-published book, Half Pregnant.  In this episode, Kate brings both her experience as a coach and a writer to the conversation. She shares how we can overcome perfectionism and get better at the whole writing and publishing thing — without getting hung up on all the stuff we “have to” do.  Kate even challenges some of the “rules” I myself recommend. 😳 If you: Love to break the rules / go your own way Struggle to stick to schedules or rigid plans Tend to feel intimidated or overwhelmed …. This podcast is for you. 💝 Topics we cover:  🕰️The real reason it’s HARD to get in the habit of writing and publishing, and why you should be patient with yourself. 💜What the phrase “personal brand” really means, and how to figure out what your brand is WITHOUT the need for logos, clever phrases, or a $$$ marketing agency. 🏋️How to get started writing regularly and find the “manageable lift” for you… even if you’re starting from absolute scratch. 🗓️An alternative to writing consistently → If you hate rigid schedules you’re going to love this tip! 🌟Why you DON’T need a beautifully formatted newsletter or blog template, PLUS a super simple, stealable concept you can use to write your own newsletter without too much effort. ✍️A trick for improving your writing. (Hint: it’s all about the detail.)  ❤️‍🩹The surprising things that can happen when you get vulnerable and share your messy, real-life stories. Don’t miss it!

Imagine you could serve people better by sharing more (not less) of who you are. Imagine you could accomplish your biggest goals, regardless of where you are today, by simply taking one step at a time.  Imagine you could use all the little experiences of your life to teach, inspire, persuade, and make a difference.  It really is possible. In fact, this is what heart-centered marketing is all about. Enrika Greathouse is the founder of Small Gorilla, a creative content company that helps entrepreneurs use storytelling to increase their revenue and reach online, while making the change they wish to make. (Enrika also serves as a coach at Akimbo—Seth Godin’s alternative learning platform—which is where we first met.) Enrika’s systematic approach to storytelling helps entrepreneurs and innovative businesses improve their marketing — including their branding, videos, websites, testimonials, content, media, products, and more. But her marketing approach is different from many you may have encountered before: it’s grounded in storytelling, authenticity, generosity, community, and personal evolution.  Enrika was an established dancer and choreographer before pivoting into marketing. Today, she weaves together her love for creating stage experiences, her curiosity about human beings, her natural appreciation for stories, and her uplifting energy into everything she does. In our conversation, we explore:  Three key questions you should consider before creating any marketing asset (Enrika calls this your DNA.) Why you should think of your personal brand as an evolution rather than a single story or marketing “copy”. Why personal stories can be useful even in a professional context — to build trust, demonstrate your brand, teach concepts, and more. How to figure out which stories to tell and how to make them effective for your audience. The two commonalities Enrika sees amongst the successful entrepreneurs she works with and coaches. (Hint: these don't involve “leaping into your destiny” but rather small steps anyone can take.) How to handle the inner critic (we all have one!) and keep going when you fail. The danger of making your brand too polished and professional, and the value of living and working authentically — i.e. showing up as you. If you need a dose of encouragement and inspiration, or want a better understanding of how marketing and storytelling get along like ham and eggs, listen to this.

Have you ever wondered how to build a business and a reputation based on your own interests? How you can become widely known and respected for your ideas, even as an introvert? How to make your writing 10x better, so it stands out, gets attention, and supports your business? If so, this interview is for you. Dr. John Berardi is the co-founder of Precision Nutrition, and he’s known within the health and fitness industry as a true thought leader. He’s radically influenced the industry for the better, has a rock solid reputation, and he built a business — which he eventually sold for hundreds of millions of dollars — based on his thoughts, ideas, and natural curiosity. I’ve worked closely with John for nearly ten years on some of his biggest and best projects including the award-winning, world-class Precision Nutrition Coaching Certification textbook, his book Change Maker, and more articles than I can count. In this discussion, we explore the more personal side of John’s journey, and what it really takes to become an industry leader. We discuss: How John went from secretly writing alone in his childhood bedroom to becoming a renowned writer and published author — and how growing up as a shy, introverted kid was ultimately beneficial. Why following your own curiosity and personal interest is key How to create remarkable content that stands out and builds an audience Simple methods you can use to significantly improve your work, including a super simple template you can use to turn any idea into a purposeful story.  What it takes to create award-winning, industry leading content like John has done (with my help) at Precision Nutrition.  If you’re a fan of John Berardi (or JB as I call him) you may have heard him talk about nutrition and exercise science before… but I promise you that you haven’t heard these stories yet.  If you want to know what a  journey to successful thought leadership really looks like, listen to this. 

Have you ever wondered how you can communicate your ideas more effectively? How you can change minds, and have a positive impact on the culture in which you live or work? How you can speak your mind while preserving relationships and professional integrity? The answer to these challenges may lie here: Learn to ask better questions In this interview, Megan DePutter — an expert in leadership coaching and training — explores the value of challenging our own assumptions, asking better questions, and speaking our mind (without being overbearing or aggressive.) Throughout this conversation Megan shares useful prompts, questions, and scripts you can apply to your own conversations. Along the way, she opens up about her own struggles with assertiveness and reveals some key mistakes that helped her grow. We cover: How to avoid making costly or damaging assumptions (even when you’re pretty sure you’re right.) The #1 thing you should do before creating a course or other communications project. One simple question to make your communications resonate much more with your audience. Handy, “hip pocket” questions you can use to get a more accurate understanding of any situation. Why assertiveness is not the same thing as aggression, and how to be respectful and professional while still speaking your mind. How to handle the fear of making a mistake or saying the wrong thing. Megan DePutter is an Organizational Development Consultant with over 20 years of experience in health care and non-profit organizations including HIV/AIDS. Her work involves solutions-focused coaching and training to help support the retention and effectiveness of leaders; she helps people get to dialogue when the stakes are high. Throughout her career Megan has actively worked to dismantle stigma, champion harm-reduction, and change damaging cultural narratives around HIV – while also discovering the power of assertiveness and crucial conversations. Megan is also my twin sister and it was a pleasure getting to know her better in this interview. I learned a lot and I think you will too. Enjoy!