Reframe to Create

Some things end because they've done exactly what they were meant to do. This episode is that kind of ending. After five years and 125 episodes, this marks the completion of one chapter of Reframe to Create and the beginning of a new season. In this final episode, I share five lessons this work has revealed: • Creation begins with identity, not strategy • Reframing is the engine of transformation...

You can only go as far as who you are today. That might feel limiting… unless you remember this: You're not stuck with who you are today. In this final episode of the 3-part Narrative Identity series, I walk you through Step 3: Reframe — the intentional rebuilding of your narrative identity so you can expand what's possible for you and your team. Because you don't create from strategy alone. You c...

  In Episode 123, we talked about Reveal —the courage it takes to finally look at what's already shaping your behavior, your decisions, and your results. Today, we move into Part 2: Reclaim . Because once you can see your narrative identity, you don't get to stay neutral anymore.   Not choosing… is still choosing. And that choice always comes with consequences. In this episode, I explore why recla...

It's time for us to leave our ostrich ways behind. In Part 1 of this three-part series, I'm calling us in to stop avoiding the things we don't want to see. Because what we refuse to look at doesn't disappear. It quietly works against us—undermining our creativity, momentum, strategy, and our ability to create real impact together. This episode is about revealing your narrative identity: making the...

It all starts with and goes back to who you are. Not just who you are as an individual, but who you are together. Your team. Your organization. Your movement. If you're stuck. If progress feels slow or painfully circular. If you're working hard but not moving forward sustainably… Chances are, it's not a strategy problem. It's not a talent problem. It's not a goal-setting or execution problem. It's...

I'm done, y'all. It's time to drop the idea that you have imposter syndrome for good. In this episode, I'm not helping you "fix" imposter syndrome. I'm helping you challenge and discard the entire idea. You'll learn where this concept came from, why it doesn't serve you, and how to understand your feelings without pathologizing your humanity. We explore: The real definition of "imposter" (and why...

If you've ever walked into a team meeting or strategy session and felt like the stories being shared weren't shifting anything…this episode is your reframe. Today I'm talking with David Hutchens, storyteller, author, organizational consultant, and creator of some of my absolute favorite tools for leaders who want to use narrative to build alignment in their teams.  David has worked with global org...

Are you ready to unlock the secret of storytelling and data? If you are, I'm ready to share it with you so you can finally learn how to use data to tell a powerful story and how to tell a story that leverages the right data. In this episode, I'm sharing with you the two reframes that have absolutely transformed the way I think about data and storytelling.  These are reframes I now share with leade...

Picture it. You're about to dive into yet another strategy planning session with your team. You've got the flip charts, the markers, the frameworks, the best intentions… and a sinking feeling that this is going to end up just like last time—disconnected, circular, and unclear. Somewhere along the way, you've probably heard that storytelling can help. But not so fast. My guest today, Brett Davidson...

Have you ever been part of creating something beautiful with others? Maybe it was a class project, a community event, or a team effort at work where everyone came together to bring one vision to life. When that happens, when everyone is aligned and moving toward a shared purpose, something extraordinary is created. But when that shared story breaks down, so does the ability to create together. Mis...

I bet I know one of the biggest mistakes you're making right now. And I'm not even trying to shame you. You mean well. But it's a mistake nonetheless. You're creating — on your job, in your side hustle, or in your collaborations — but not even thinking about owning what you create. Most people don't.   We've been trained to think that being a "team player" means being invisible. That being helpful...

What if your business, team, or even your personal work rhythm could actually grow because of friction — not in spite of it? That's the question we dig into with today's guest, Travis Lee Howard, as he shares his powerful framework called the Mindful Business Paradigm (MVP).  This isn't just another business model — it's a way to diagnose where things are off, whether you're a leader, creator, or...

  You already know story matters. However, a few subtle hang-ups may still be holding you back.  In this episode, I reframe four common storytelling mistakes so you can get comfortable, get practicing, and get your stories working for you. Practice over theory: Storytelling is a verb. Shift the ratio from "one more book/framework" to actual reps. You don't have one story: You have many. Build a St...

"They get to change their mind, and you get to change yours too." When Sawida's mom dropped this nugget of wisdom into a moment of heartbreak in middle school, it was more than comfort. It was liberation. In this episode, I take you inside that story and unpack the stunning power of this reframe: the reminder that rejection doesn't strip you of your agency. You still have a choice. You still get t...

Do you struggle to create consistently in the mornings—even though you know it sets up your day for success? You're not alone. I've fought this battle for years, and I've learned something game-changing: 💡 Your morning doesn't start in the morning—it starts the night before.   In this episode of Reframe to Create , I share my candid struggle with building a solid night routine and how that impact...

Have you ever felt stuck, replaying past decisions and beating yourself up about what you "should have known"? I've been there—so much so that when I was learning to drive, I spent more time staring into my rear-view mirror than focusing on the road ahead. In this episode of Reframe to Create , I'm sharing why regrets don't have to break you or keep you stuck. Instead, they can become treasure tro...

The other day, I was devouring a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant sandwich with a friend (yes, it was as delicious as it sounds) when our convo shifted from breakfast to bilingual babies to life transitions. That's how we do. She's pregnant with her third and was wondering when to teach her kids Portuguese. I told her the answer in one word:  Now . Because you don't wait for the perfect time. You...

I spent decades believing Star Wars was set in the future. Yes, the Star Wars. Yes, the one that literally starts with "A long time ago…" No, I didn't want to believe it. 😂 But here's the thing: It made me ask, where else am I stuck in an old story? What invisible frames am I living in, the ones that keep me from seeing what's possible for me? Because you can only create out of who you are. And w...

We've all been told that storytelling is a superpower. But what if the way you've been using it is aimed at the wrong target? In this episode, I sit down with Dan Manning, who will help us reframe storytelling from something you tell to something you design—with empathy, intention, and transformation at the core. Dan Manning is a veteran fighter pilot, entrepreneur, and master story designer who w...

  "Thought leader."  What comes to mind when you hear that?  A know-it-all?  A viral TED Talk speaker?  Something you could never be? In this episode, we're breaking down that phrase and rebuilding it with purpose. And who better to help us reframe thought leadership than Carol Cox, the founder and CEO of Speaking Your Brand® and one of the original voices who pushed me to launch this very podcast...

Does weaving storytelling into your work feel like a lot?  Like a heavy lift, you don't always have time or energy for? What if I told you there's a shortcut?  A storytelling tool that's faster, flexible, and just as powerful in most situations? Spoiler alert: it's the analogy. In this episode of Reframe to Create, we're building your Analogy Bank. I can become your go-to collection of comparisons...

Sure, you can tell your story. But what happens when you're not in the room? Are people sharing a story about you that doesn't quite fit?  I bet you can see it now.  There's someone who believes in you. They love what you create. They want to advocate for you. But when the moment comes to share your story? They fumble. They either say nothing… or say the wrong thing. Now you're getting opportuniti...

Creating isn't just about what you make…it's about who you become. We're back with the brilliant Nana Brew-Hammond for her second visit to Reframe to Create, and this time, it's a full-circle moment.  In Episode 21, Nana shared "How to Stay Committed to an Imperfect Creating Journey."  And in this episode, we see how that commitment has blossomed.  Nana walks us through the very different experien...

You've probably heard a lot of people telling you that you need a personal brand but very few are showing you "how" you can build or strengthen one.  It's all well and good to say you need a thing but how do you do it? 🫤 That's the question I'm answering for you in this episode.  It's simple.  You want to become two things.  Visible and referable.   As we dive into the how of this, I want you to...

The time has come, the Walrus said… I kid 🤣 No seriously.  The time has come to settle this matter of personal branding.  Oh, I see you over there trying to hem and haw on this matter. Even if you've taken a step in the direction of building your personal brand, you're doing it gingerly and are not fully convinced. Well, in this episode, I hope to put a stop to all of that! It's time you learn ex...