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A frantic book club, a late-night search, and an unexpected coffee with a hero set off a career pivot that rewired how we think about time, collaboration, and leadership. Becky sits down with author and Enneagram expert Ingrid Stabb to explore why forcing outcomes exhausts us—and how relaxing into our real strengths expands what’s possible at work and at home.
We dig into the trap of time scarcity and the myth that productivity solves everything. Ingrid shares how a simple, receptive moment led to co-authoring a major book and how complementary strengths—hers in product and possibility, her collaborator’s in depth and artistry—created results neither could reach alone. From there, we zoom out to strengths-based leadership: stop hammering weaknesses, start leveraging what is natural and rare in each person, and let the system supply the gaps.
You’ll hear vivid team stories, including a Google search quality group where “performing the culture” hid critical talents. Once an overlooked helper’s resourcefulness was named, collaboration clicked and localized work accelerated. We also unpack Enneagram stress patterns—how type dynamics can bring needed structure or tip into criticism—and give practical tools to stay creative under pressure. Try the “three stories” exercise to counter worst-case spirals, and build a day-one plan so you’re prepared for any outcome without living in fear.
This conversation is a permission slip to lead as yourself. Name the things that feel easy and obvious to you—they’re not obvious to everyone. Ask for help, look for complements, and allow well-timed opportunities to meet you halfway. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s stretched thin, and leave a review with the strength you’re ready to lean into next.
Want to learn more about Ingrid? You can find her books here.
Visit her website at IngridStabb.com.
Connect with Beki on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/BekiFraser
Learn more about her coaching: TheIntrovertedSkeptic.com
Follow Short Story Long's LinkedIn Page: Linkedin.com/showcase/shortstorylongpod
Get her book, C.O.A.C.H. Y.O.U.: The Introverted Skeptic’s Guide to Leadership - Amazon
Short Story Long is produced by Crowned Culture Media LLC
