 Don’t get discouraged because you are different and don’t get discouraged because your idea doesn’t fit the mold that your industry has set out for you.” - Girija Patel Meet Girija Patel, GBP Law Girija is a lawyer, a mom, a wife, podcaster, educator, and a business owner in Houston, Texas. Her law practice, GBP Law, specifically focuses on helping creative entrepreneurs and on-line business owners build their business’ legal fundamentals so they can move forward confidently and do what they love! Her goal is to help make legal a line item and not a panic attack. In 2020, Girija launched Your Contract Buddy (www.yourcontractbuddy.com), an online contract template shop, and also founded her podcast, Law Chat with Girija. From her days of being a prosecutor to now managing her own law practice, Girija’s core value to serve her community remains at the center of all her endeavors. Connect with Girija Her podcast: Law Chat with Girija Her website: GBP Law Girija on Instagram Connect with Stacey On LinkedIn On Instagram Website Show Notes The importance of reaching out to people to get what you want (:45) What Girija wanted to be when she grew up and how that plays out today (4:00) Moving from formal litigation to more creative law (7:25) Starting City Tattler and Girija' first taste of creativity (21:00) Heart AND mind; pausing is a formality most of us need to shed (25:00) The importance of standing out to get people to pay attention (32:00) What holds creatives back from a legal perspective? (36:30) Final thoughts: shift your perspective about law to protect your business and ideas (43:00) 

Engaging Voices Podcast

Make Legal a Line Item Not a Panic Attack - Girija Patel

 “There will always be people who want to tell you how to run your business.” - Katie Corbett Meet Katie Corbett - Writer Specializing in Case Studies Katie Corbett is a writer specializing in customer case studies. She is blind, and has used her disability as a jumping off point to shed many formalities to get to where she is today. Please include a longer bio (2 to 3 paragraphs) for use in the podcast post (can be fun and show your personality) Katie Corbett is a writer specializing in customer case studies. She has written for technology companies, coaches of all types, and educational companies. In her free time, Katie enjoys baking, reading fantasy novels, and going on road trips with her husband. She lives in Wisconsin and thinks that cheese should be its own food group. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.   Show Notes: What Katie wanted to be when she grew up and how that plays out today (1:10) Making the leap from employee to business owner (2:50) Challenges/formalities Katie had to overcome in starting her business including people pleasing, boundary setting, experimentation and perfectionism (6:30) What keeps people from asking for client/customer testimonials (12:45) Questions to ask for a testimonial or case study (14:44) Career Change and how Katie created her business writing case studies (18:00) Why and how customer case studies work for the long term and Katies advice for people who think they can write the case study on their own. (28:30) It's a constant battle to make sure boundaries are set so that I’m not trying to please people who aren’t paying me.” - Katie Corbett Connect with Stacey LinkedIn Instagram Newsletter

Starting a Business That Works for You with Katie Corbett

 Every single I’ve done worth doing in life is because I said yes and figured it out after the fact. - Kim Miles Meet Kim Miles, Event Strategist What do you call a successful businesswoman with a vibrant financial advisory practice, 25+ years of sales experience, a performance background, and serious shoe habit? Kim Miles! A highly sought-after emcee, panel moderator, creative collaborator and event strategist, Kim partners with her clients to deliver critical messaging to their key audiences in fresh, entertaining ways through her company, Miles in Heels Productions. Kim is widely known as a powerhouse problem solver, kick-a** content creator, and hilarious humorist. When not working, Kim’s been known to take off her signature heels only to hit the links…that is when she’s not singing with her band!   Be sure to check out all things Miles in Heels at: www.milesinheels.com And get social with Kim at: Email: info@milesinheels.com Facebook: Miles in Heels Productions LinkedIn: Miles in Heels Productions Instagram: @kimmilesinheels “There is a difference between bragging and proudly promoting yourself.” - Kim Miles Show Notes: What Kim Wanted to be when she grew up and how that plays out today.  (2:44) From wanting to be on stages and perform to a career as a financial planner (7:45) Creative vs analytical minded and the struggles that come with one vs the other (14:00) Virtual vs in person - it’s not the tool, it’s you (20:00) Getting past hello, what keeps people from talking to each other and how to know the connection is worth cementing. - (24:00) Networking is 90% listening and 10% talking. 10% of talking better be the best damn weaving in of your ideas and why they should help you and talk to you. Promoting yourself in a male dominated industry and how to stand out and be genuinely you in business (like financial services) (31:00) How Kim takes care of herself and her energy and her commitment to her work (38:00)  

Episode 90 - Creative Entrepreneurship with Kim Miles

 "Tact and empathy are your best friends when delivering negative feedback." - Laura Foley Meet Laura Foley Laura Foley is a communication strategist who works with business owners, speakers, and sales professionals who want their marketing communications to drive business results and close sales. She works with them on presentation development and design, conducts detailed audits of marketing communications, and provides focused skills training to make them more confident communicators. A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a BFA in printmaking and graphic design, Laura has over 25 years’ experience in presentation design, marketing, and copywriting. She lives in Central Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. And while she presents as a confident grown-up, Laura has a playful side that she's only too eager to unleash once you get to know her. Connect with Laura Her website On LinkedIn Show notes: What Laura wanted to be when she grew up and how it plays out today. (2:40) The problem STEM folks have with giving presentations (5:30) Laura's biggest communication struggles and how she shed them (7:30) How labels that stifle us and keep us from sharing ourselves and our personality and being more personable  (14:30) The importance of practice to improve presentation skills and drop what’s holding you back.  How to be more tactful - personally and professionally. (20:00) So many elements that go into making a presentation work. What is a formality to drop to make your presentations better? (32:55) 

Episode 89: Communicate with Empathy & Tact with Laura Foley

 “It’s impossible to be an expert on everything.  You only have to be one step ahead of people to add value.” - Stacey Shipman Meet Katlynn Pyatt, Host Startup Marketing Podcast Katlynn Pyatt, owner of Authentic Branding & Marketing, is professionally certified in Marketing Management by the American Marketing Association and holds two certifications from Cornell University; one in business strategy, the other in marketing analytics. After twelve years of corporate marketing, she began her own business as a marketing coach for small business and corporate marketing teams to help them be strategic and organized in their marketing efforts. She believes in being brave, not perfect and in community over competition. Katlynn is also the host of the Startup Marketing Podcast.   Follow Katlynn on Instagram!     At the very least you have to be genuine. - Katynn Pyatt Shownotes: What Katlynn wanted to be when she grew up and how it plays out today (2:50) Making the move from corporate to business owner (6:00) On getting out of your own way and feeling comfortable not knowing. (20:15) What is an authentic brand and what keeps people from creating an authentic brand? (24:50) Maintain the core of who you are even when you switch careers or job roles and having an easier time talking about your work. (32:00) Katlynn's best tip for authentic branding (40:00) 

Authentic Marketing with Katlynn Pyatt

 You want to get people to think and react. You want to say things that are provocative so you can open people’s minds. - Beth Knaus Meet Beth Knaus - Copywriter Beth Knaus is a content writer, workshop leader and owner of That’s A Spade Copywriting Services (www.thatsaspade.com). Her initial background is in business and the beauty industry, giving her the ability to get things done and look good doing it. She has been writing since before the millennium was a thing, from teenage angsty poetry to published stories and essays. As a writer she’s passionate about writing content that nails her client’s voice to the page with candor and confidence so they can stand out from the masses and attract the audience they want to make money serving. Beth is also a Pepperlane networking leader, and an active member at the WeBreathe Wellness Center in Walpole, where she holds creative writing classes. Now partial empty nesters, she lives in Norwood, Ma. with her awesome husband and their chubby spoiled cat. In her free time she likes to read, cook and laugh. A lot. Her personal short stories have been published online and in print. Stacey & Beth talk about... Playing it safe in your writing, sounding the same or standing out (3:10) Writing formalities that keep people stuck in a sea of sameness (8:30) How to deal with the fear of standing out (11:50) Difference between writing an elevator speech (that is spoken) vs written post (may never get spoken) (14:30) Importance of hiring an outside writer to hear what we say over and over again. (18:18) Free writing as a practice (25:50) Honoring our originality vs conforming to what others think (30:00) You think I’m too much for you. But maybe you’re not enough for me. - Beth Knaus 

Writing with Candor with Beth Knaus

 It’s easy to avoid the hard things by doing the routine things. - Amy Goober About Amy Goober Amy Goober’s newest program Drive Your Life ™ helps women put themselves back on the To Do List and get into action. Drive Your Life ™ is a signature talk, small group coaching program, vibrant Facebook group and soon to be published book. Amy’s program supports women to get into the driver’s seat of their own lives using a unique 5 step process to start moving forward. Women are finding success in so many areas: career, health and wellness, love relationships, parenting, friends and activities. Amy received her B.S. in psychology from Cornell University. She opened The Icing on the Cake, a Boston cake bakery, at 26 in 1986. She has since sold it, but it continues to be one of the top bakeries in the Boston area. As a C.O.P.E. Certified Health Coach, through the Villanova School of Nursing, Amy has helped over 600 clients in her 7 years of health and wellness coaching. She has reached the level of Global Director at Optavia, being one of only 2% of all 35,000 Health Coaches at the company. She leads, supervises and mentors a team of 70 coaches. Amy has moved from bakery founder to stay at home Mom, seasoned health coach, and now founder of her newest program Drive Your Life ™. She speaks on leadership, health and wellness and personal motivation topics. Connect with Amy Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/driveyourlife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amygoober.driveyourlife Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-goober-21a36253/ FREE OFFER: Hit The Reset Button 5 Day Dare: https://www.driveyourlife.me/reset.html Stacey & Amy talk about... What Amy wanted to be when she grew up and how it plays out in her work today (2:30) Career transitions: From Secretary to Advertising to Baker to stay at home mom to coach for women  (4:40) Making the shift from promoting a product to a service based on your own ideas & thoughts/Amy Goober. (18:30) Create to create and enjoy a hobby not to always produce. (27:00) Dealing with low motivation, avoiding burn out, and the importance of having the right support system (33:00) Biggest formality Amy had to shed to get to where she is today (43:00) Watch your own behavior. And when you’re not doing what you should be doing [for your life or business] try to figure out why. - Amy Goober 

Drive Your Life with Amy Goober

 "I don't speak at people. I try to speak with people." - Stefano McGhee Meet Stefano McGhee - Community, IT, & Military Leader Stefano McGhee has worked in the Information Technology field for more than 25 years. In addition, he retired from a leadership role in the Military after 21 years of service. In each of these roles, people became the foundation of solving problems. He learned that by getting to know decision-makers on a human level, he was more successful at influencing them. Stefano is committed to boosting the confidence of his teams through constructive feedback while aligning personal & organizational goals. As a result, individuals see how their unique contributions make the organization better. More recently, Stefano received his Private Pilot and Remote Pilot certificates, and is currently working towards his Instrument rating. He imagines becoming an evangelist on aviation, encouraging young adults and mid-career adults to take on the wonder of flight. Connect with Stefano on LinkedIn On this episode Stacey & Stefano talk about: What Stefano wanted to be when he grew up and how that plays out today (5:20) Bringing energy to leadership and getting people on board (12:25) Struggles & challenges with leading with personality (18:25) Doing things your way and putting yourself out there in different settings (25:25) Curiosity and getting others invested in your vision or ideas (35:15) Biggest formality Stefano had to drop to get to where he is today (40:00) Links Mentioned Toastmasters International

Bringing Personality & Respect to People Interactions - Stefano McGhee

A Note From Stacey Shipman Today we have a special episode. In addition to hosting Shed The Formality, I’ve been putting myself out there as a guest on other marketing, entrepreneurship & personal development podcasts. I’m a believer in practicing what I preach and had a recent realization that I’m not putting MY ideas out there as much as I’d like. One way for me to do that more is to guest on other people’s podcasts. It's been a blast. So, today’s episode is a replay of a recent podcast where I sat in the guest seat. The podcast is called The Energy Within and it is hosted by Kerri Jokala, a Reiki Master, Fitness Trainer, singer and overall cool person. Kerri and I connected via a podcast FB group. Kerri is a generous and likable host. So tune in to her podcast, too! I’m sharing this episode here, with Kerri’s permission, because we talk about formalities that hold people back. And in this episode specifically we talk about about the formality of “waiting for permission”.  Permission is a concept that has been coming up a lot in conversations I’m having with colleagues and in my client workshops and networking events. I’ve heard more than once: You gave me permission to… (insert action here - speak up, be more myself, leave a networking conversation, etc.) I even wrote a blog post about permission, you can find that at engagetheroom.com/permission. Connect with Me Connect on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/staceyshipman Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/engagetheroom Get her email newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/engagetheroom/newsletter A Note From Kerri Jokala Have you ever felt uncomfortable in a networking situation, or at a party with people you don't know, or even just meeting new people in general? We tend to behave and believe that we need to put on our "professional" persona when we're at work, running our business, etc., and that we can't be the same person we usually are in our daily lives. Stacey Shipman is here to blast all of that thinking away for you. Her mission is to help you shed the formality, and feel more comfortable being yourself in ALL situations. Of course, you can still be professional, especially in situations where you should be, but that doesn't mean pretending to be someone different than who you really are. I LOVE this episode, and my FAVORITE part is our chat about realizing you already have permission to be and do what you want to do with your life. Share this one, tag us, and let us know what YOUR favorite part was! Connect with Kerri Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kerri_jokala Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerriKER Kerris website: https://kerrijokala.com Remember, the world needs you and your ideas. Keep shining!

REPLAY: Stacey on The Energy Within Podcast with Kerri Jokala

 I had to shed the belief that in 1 darn hour, if my client wants A, B, C, or D, I had to give it to her. - Laurie Schloff Meet Laurie Schloff, Speech & Communication Coach As a lifelong communication coach, Laurie Schloff helps people achieve outstanding relationships and results through communication. After earning her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology from Rutgers University, and her graduate degree in the same field from Columbia University, she worked as a clinical instructor at Northeastern University, training graduate students in speech and language pathology before going out on her own. Laurie has a particular interest in adding to human well-being and justice and works with the Anti-Defamation League, Oxfam America, and Room to Grow. Laurie’s expertise, along with her intelligence, warmth, humor and creativity add to communication excellence and outstanding business results. You haven’t earned the right to cut yourself some slack if you haven’t put 2 ounces of thinking into the event, situation or meeting where people NEED your expertise and planning. - Laurie Schloff Connect with Laurie Partners in Communication Laurie's Public Speaking Course On this episode Stacey and Laurie talk about... What Laurie wanted to be when she grew up and how it plays out today (2:15) Her from speech pathology to speech coach/communication (4:45)) Formalities Laurie had to shed to get to where she is today (7:15)) How to adapt to your clients’ needs without losing who you are. (9:40) Importance of setting boundaries, people pleasing, and enough is enough (15:30) Practical communication perspective - what people need to shed to communicate ideas with impact (19:15) Being human, making mistakes, drop perfection, acting vs natural (24:15) Oral image (vocal image), the sound of your voice and why it matters (28:30) 

Communicate with Impact with Laurie Schloff

 You have to know your workplace, the environment you’re operating in and you need to know yourself. You may not be funny. So if you’re not funny, find someone who is. - Cyn Epler Meet Cyn Epler Raised in suburban Ohio, Cynthia Epler grew up interested in foreign adventures and at 18 years old, boldly crossed the northern border to attend the University of Michigan without a passport. After completing her highly marketable degree in German and French, she purchased a one-way ticket to Austria where she taught English, American history, and US pop culture as part of the Fulbright program until landing a Euro-dot-com job in London. After sufficiently mildewing, she finally traveled to Washington DC where she found the lowest paying job possible working on international democracy development at the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES). Since joining the Defense Department, Cyn completed six tours in Afghanistan, advised four-star generals, and otherwise found life with the military rewarding work. The hardship tour in Hawaii, where she learned how to surf, didn’t suck either. Based out of Florida since 2011, Cyn enjoys writing humor, torturing her Midwestern friends with how awesome the Sunshine State is, and beaching it with her beloved, fuzzy sidekick Fiona. Fiona and Cyn are available for Bar/Bat Mitzahs, family reunions, and other events, which might result in a Jerry Springer-like mayhem. Connect with Cyn: LinkedIn Instagram On this episode, Stacey & Cyn talk about... What Cyn wanted to be when she grew up and how it plays out today (3:00) Working for the government and department of defense/defense intelligence after 9/11 (6:01) Bringing comedy and humor into her life and work (11:08) The struggle of bringing humor to her job and dealing with serious people (20:08) What to know and look for as an emerging or established leader when using humor at work (24:58) Cyn's current side gig teaching people how to use levity in the work place and how she unlocks the humor muscle in other people (29:00) Biggest formality Cyn had to shed to get to where she is today (35:15) 

Bringing Humor to Work & Business Relationships with Cyn Epler

 "I had to integrate who I am with the work I put into the world. - Larissa Haynes Meet Larissa Haynes In 2020 Digital Influence Media named Larissa Haynes the #6 Executive Coach in Boston. A coach and consultant, Larissa understands the landscape of business and what it takes to lead people through growth. She brings the theory and foundation of her MBA, the experience of over 20 years in business, and the practice of 10 years in coaching and consulting to her work. She's worked with over 200 companies and their leaders to help create efficiency and growth at all organizational levels. If you are ready to grow, Larissa is ready for you. Connect with Larissa Quivet Consulting Larissa on LinkedIn Stacey & Larissa talk about... What Larissa wanted to be when she grew up and how that plays out today (1:30) Formalities that kept her from being who she is (5:28) Making a shift from finance to coach (9:00) Separating personal from professional or integrating who you are with the work you do (13:18) Taking up space and allowing others to do the same (16:20) Going back into the corporate as a coach and the sales conversation (25:20) Using LinkedIn to grow your business and make connections. It’s a conversation! (36:30) 

Leadership From the Inside Out with Larissa Haynes

 It’s the common experiences that link us. Not the stories about climbing Everest. - Michael Davis Meet Michael Davis When you hire a coach, trainer or speaker, do you want someone who has experience and expertise? Michael Davis’s work is focused on helping you attract more clients, create more efficient teams and increase your influence through more effective speaking, business storytelling and online presentations. He helps experienced speakers, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals deliver memorable and meaningful talks of any length, even on short notice. He currently lives in Blue Ash, Ohio with his family, and the overlords of their house, Sky the Super Chihuahua and her underling, Riley the Mini-Chihuahua. Connect with Michael & Speaking CPR Free resources: Free Report: Avoid ZOOM Burnout 52 Storytelling Tips sign up Website and social media links: Michael on LinkedIn YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpeakingCPRYouTube Speaking CPR on Facebook Speaking CPR website On this episode, Stacey and Michael talk about... What Michael wanted to be when he grew up and how that plays out today in his work as a presentation skills coach (1:20) Using Intrinsic Motivation to build speaking skills and becoming a public speaking coach ( 6:45) It is natural for human beings to be afraid of speaking (8:50) Beliefs and behaviors Mike had to drop to feel more comfortable speaking. (12:00) “Don’t fall into the trap of familiarity with your own topic that you forget that most people have no clue what you’re talking about and they need that information.” (14:58) Recording yourself and watch it (If you’re not willing to watch/listen to yourself, why would anyone else watch you (15:44) How to ask for feedback on a speech or presentation (17:50) Importance of putting presentations together (22:14) Public speaking formalities that keep us stiff and stuffy (i.e., gestures, lack of emotion, etc) (26:15) Speaking for free or speaking for fee? (36:00) Importance of having mentors/coaches (40:00) What if people own’t like my style (42:00) 

Taking the Guesswork Out of Speaking & Presentations with Michael Davis

 Give yourself permission to experiment, fail and learn. - Scott Stolze Meet Scott Stolze In today's connection economy, nothing matters more than the ability to communicate well and build healthy relationships with those you work with. This is what Scott helps people do. Scott spent 18 years in corporate roles, including several middle management positions, in 2017 he pivoted into coaching and consulting, inspired by the mission to help people in their personal development and in becoming Great Communicators not just once in awhile, but every single day. Download his new Guide: 13 Laws of Communication: How to Communicate Effectively in Today's World Need help communicating better? Reach out to Scott: Scott on LinkedIn By Email: scott (at) teaching2lead (dot) com Stacey & Scott talk about... What Scott wanted to be when he grew up and how it plays out today (2:05) Making the move from asking people about themselves to getting people interested in him (5:25) Transitioning from telling someone else’s story to telling your own (8:25) Is passion overrated? (11:50) Overcoming a fear of public speaking turning the fear into fuel and purpose (17:00) The more you verbalize your thoughts and ideas, the more clear your truth becomes (21:45) Permission to experiment, fail, learn and digging into permission (23:30) Instead of focusing on you, focus on the problem you solve for others (31:10) You can only serve others when you have your own clarity on who you are (34:25) How Scott maintains his wellbeing as a business owner (37:10) The biggest formality Scott had to shed to get to where he is now (42:45) 

Purpose, Communication & Owning Your Life with Scott Stolze

 When you know your values it’s a lot easier to make choices you are happy with. - Julien Fortuit Meet Julien Fortuit, Business & Career Developer When Julien was younger, he knew he wanted to work in luxury goods. So as a student in business school, he found his way into Chanel with a friendly conversation and a pack of Dunhill Light cigarettes. Over the years, Julien transitioned from operational marketing to finance control to high-end distribution to customer experience and business development. His resume is pumped with industrious concepts like “exports,” as well as the delicate work of forming partnerships, throwing events with artists, and building the invisible web of his international network. He's worked all over the UK, Europe, North & Latin America, Japan, and most of Asia. His work as a developer of organizations and careers involves taking stock of what is, so his clients can reach for what could be. All the while pointing to the opportunities right in front of them, so they have no choice but to leap. Connect with Julien Julien Fortuit Agency Find Julien on LinkedIn Follow Julien on Instagram To fill your cup with new stuff, you have to empty your cup [of the old] - Julien Fortuit On this episode Stacey & Julien talk about... What Julien wanted to be when he grew up and how that plays out today (1:25) The formality & creativity of working for a luxury brand (5:45) How having a son and turning 40 shifted his work beliefs (10:20) On starting a coaching business and the formalities he had to shed (15:00) What he kept and what he let go of when moving from Chanel to Coach (23:10) Importance of values in decision-making (26:40) The difference between promoting someone else’s brand vs promoting your own business or ideas (30:00) Biggest formalities Julien needed to shed to start his coaching business and finding a support network (36:14) If you want people to invest in you, you must make an investment in yourself. - Julien Fortuit 

Values Based Decision-Making with Julien Fortuit

Engaging Voices is a podcast about the people side of business. Host, Stacey Shipman engages Boston area solo professionals, startups and small businesses in conversations about courage & vulnerability, emotional well-being and relationships, communication and leadership, entrepreneurship and company culture.

hubhopper

Engaging Voices Podcast

hubhopper