Storytelling Archives

327: Unleashing Your Authentic Superpowers

When you hear the word authenticity, you might think of it as being your true self around other people. Actually, it’s much more than that. In our conversation, Erin Hatzikostas shares her bold and refreshing perspective on authenticity in leadership and life.

As a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate, Erin opens up about her journey from a rocky start as an actuary to leading a company with a culture rooted in trust and connection. She introduces her HUMANS framework for authenticity, emphasizing the importance of humility, unexpectedness, and storytelling in building relationships and inspiring others. Erin’s unforgettable stories offer practical ways to embrace imperfection and lead with heart.

Her insights on being unexpected in communication, taking risks, and cataloging imperfect moments will leave you feeling inspired to bring more of your true self into every interaction. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to lead authentically, connect deeply, and stand out by simply being real.

Erin is the CEO and founder of b Authentic Inc, a global keynote speaker, and the author of two books, You Do You(ish) and The 50% Rule, the co-host of the podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck, and coach-sultant. Her TEDx Talk was one of the Top 20 globally most viewed TEDx Talks released in 2021.

You’ll discover:

How authenticity can transform leadership and build trust
The HUMANS framework: key elements of authentic connection
Why embracing imperfection fosters deeper relationships
The “50% rule” for breaking free from conventional thinking
How storytelling can elevate communication and problem-solving

Watch the episode:

Connect with Erin

Erin’s Resources

Related Podcast Episodes

325: Scaling Your Impact Without Burning Out

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119: Use Stories for Expert Positioning with Your Book or Presentation

How can you tell stories that draw people in, enhance your credibility and don’t send the audience running? Ann Sheybani has the answer, and she shares her wisdom in great detail in this interview. Ann excels in helping speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs write and publish books that attract their ideal clients and make them stand out from the rest. You will love her truth-telling, direct approach in describing what works…and what doesn’t.

Ann is the Founder of Summit Press Publishers and The Influential Author. She’s also the author of How to Eat the Elephant: Build Your Book in Bite-Sized Steps. Ann received a Masters degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Harvard University and is a Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach. She currently resides in rural Ireland with her husband and a former guest on my podcast, Walt Hampton. Ann and Walt together run Summit Success, a global business and personal development consultancy.

You’ll discover:

Why storytelling is such a critical component of a book or speech
Mistakes that authors and speakers often make around stories
The kinds of stories you may be reluctant to tell…but will have strong persuasion power
How one client almost lost a book deal because she was going to omit her most powerful story

Watch the episode:

Connect with Ann

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Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

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Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

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Ann’s Website

AnnSheybani.com

Ann’s Book

How to Eat the Elephant: Build Your Book in Bite-Sized Steps

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Be a guest on the Strong for Performance Podcast

Episode 005: How to Become a Revenue Rockstar

005: How to Become a Revenue Rockstar

by John Livesay

If you find yourself anxious in sales situations with potential clients, this episode is for you! My guest John Livesay explains how to incorporate storytelling into your sales conversations to become memorable and compelling. John’s insights about handling objections, dealing with rejection and asking for the business are priceless. To go deeper with his material, get his best-selling book, Better Selling through Storytelling: The Essential Roadmap for Becoming a Revenue Rockstar, and subscribe to The Successful Pitch Podcast.

You’ll discover:

Why stories trigger attention and engagement more than facts or figures
How to overcome the fear of selling by becoming a master storyteller
Questions you can ask that help you discover other needs they have so you can add more value and expand the scope of the project
How to reframe objections and rejection so you maintain a positive mindset and momentum