Shows
Close Up RadioPart 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Leadership Coach Beki Fraser of Introverted SkepticDetroit, MI - Beki Fraser is a business and leadership coach with strong values and human resources expertise that combine to empower her clients. Her work transcends genres and can incorporate leadership development, skills training, and life coaching. Since she had already been acting in advisory and mentoring capacities, coaching was a natural flow from her career in Human Resources. In those roles, she experienced the difference it made when skills, workstyles, and personality were the right match for a specific organization and its culture, and she began to realize that her last situation wasn’t a good match. Aft...
2025-10-1432 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursEverything You Create, Promote, or Allow — Greg Stephens' StoryHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Some choices don’t arrive with fanfare—they hit like a shove out of the nest. Greg Stevens shares the moment he was on his own at seventeen and the vow that followed: choose the path that honors your gut, then move one step at a time until the dream is real. That commitment led him to Baylor without a safety net, into door-to-door sales to fund tuition, and eventually into a career coaching leaders through their toughest conversa...
2025-10-1439 min
Close Up RadioPart 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Leadership Coach Beki Fraser of Introverted SkepticDetroit, MI - Beki Fraser is a business and leadership coach with strong values and human resources expertise that combine to empower her clients. Her work transcends genres and can incorporate leadership development, skills training, and life coaching. Since she had already been acting in advisory and mentoring capacities, coaching was a natural flow from her career in Human Resources. In those roles, she experienced the difference it made when skills, workstyles, and personality were the right match for a specific organization and its culture, and she began to realize that her last situation wasn’t a good match. Af...
2025-10-0733 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursFrom Drifting to Driven: Building Career Ownership and GrowthHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Ever feel like your career is steering you instead of the other way around? We dig into the shift from autopilot to agency and unpack how development-minded leadership turns growth into a daily practice rather than a once-a-year form. Drawing on Tammy’s pivot from partnership to solo work, we explore how intentional choices, clear boundaries, and visible value help you build momentum without burning out.We walk through practical ways to invite aspirations on your team—h...
2025-10-0717 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursNo More Autopilot: Claim Your Leadership Agency — Tammy Daniels’ StoryHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.What happens when you finally take control of your career? Tammy Daniels' story reveals how one pivotal decision transformed her professional trajectory and personal understanding.After years of following the work at established law firms, Tammy found herself at a crossroads. The legal work had become "mundane and perfunctory," leaving her in a state of complacency. When faced with yet another firm transition, she made an unexpected choice: starting her own practice. This decision marked the firs...
2025-09-3057 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursLayoffs and Job Hugging: Leading Through UncertaintyHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Layoffs shatter our sense of security and challenge our professional identity in profound ways. Whether you've just received the news, survived while colleagues departed, or sense the anxiety of possible workforce reductions, this episode offers crucial guidance for navigating before, during, and after these difficult transitions.The shock of job loss often comes with confusion about what happened and what it means about your value. Let's be crystal clear: being laid off is fundamentally different from bein...
2025-09-2324 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursRedefining Success After a Layoff — Steve Jaffe’s StoryHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.When the rug is pulled out from under your career, what comes next? Steve Jaffe knows this disorienting experience all too well. After weathering four layoffs across his 25-year marketing career, he's transformed from someone devastated by job loss to someone who "sails right through it like water off a duck's back."Steve's journey reveals a profound truth about career disruptions: they're detours, not roadblocks. "The layoff experience will change you," he explains, "and it's up to y...
2025-09-1644 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursBreaking Old Scripts: The Courage to Choose Your Own Leadership StoryHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.What happens when the version of success you've been told to follow no longer fits who you really are? Chris Blount faced this question head-on, making the brave choice to honor his authentic self by leaving behind security for something unknown but true.Our lives are shaped by countless messages about who we "should" be – from parents, community members, and even strangers. These influences create stories and narratives about our identity that aren't capital-T True but built...
2025-09-0921 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursFrom Burnout to On Purpose: Rewiring Work & Life — Chris Blount’s StoryHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.What happens when the blueprint you've been handed for success starts suffocating your soul? Chris Blount's journey offers a compelling answer to this question that many of us face but few dare to confront.Growing up in a blue-collar New Orleans family, Chris absorbed the message that a man's worth was measured solely by his ability to provide. "You work until you don't. That is everything that you're worth," he recalls being taught. This belief system prop...
2025-09-0245 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursStop Doing All the Things: Get Recognized for Your True ImpactHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Ever found yourself drowning in tasks but wondering why you're not growing as a leader? You might be caught in what I call the "breadth trap" – mistaking busyness for advancement and spreading yourself too thin across responsibilities without developing true expertise.After my conversation with Shannon King about broken organizational promises, I realized how many of us tie our worth to external validation like job titles or recognition. When these don't materialize as expected, we question our ab...
2025-08-2624 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursShannon King's Story: Surviving the Fallout of Broken Corporate PromisesHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.The moment Shannon King declined a lateral position after returning from maternity leave, she knew exactly what it meant – unemployment. Yet, she felt completely at peace with her decision. After seven years of building a department from scratch and countless promises of leadership opportunities, the restructuring that happened during her maternity leave revealed a harsh truth: corporate loyalty often flows in only one direction.Shannon's powerful story explores what happens when we choose ourselves in the face o...
2025-08-1947 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursThe Mindset Shift: From Manager to Strategic LeaderHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.The leap from technical expert to strategic leader requires more than skill—it demands a shift in mindset. This episode highlights the subtle but powerful communication shifts that signal executive readiness, and the importance of creating space—for yourself and your team—to focus on what matters most. For leaders with technical backgrounds, it’s a practical look at what it actually means to “be more strategic,” and how to navigate that transition with clarity and intent...
2025-08-0504 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursAaron Wilkerson's Story: The Mindset Shift That Fueled His PromotionHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.In this episode, I reconnect with Aaron Wilkerson, a former client and thoughtful leader whose growth journey offers real insight into what it takes to move from technical expert to strategic leader. Together, we explore how leadership evolves beyond having the right answers — into building team capacity, developing others, and aligning your work with broader business strategy. Aaron shares what shifted for him during our coaching, how he built the confidence and skills to lead at a highe...
2025-07-2948 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursThe Focus Paradox: Do Less, Achieve More - Skill BuilderHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Show Notes (199 words):What’s the difference between staying busy and making meaningful progress? Focused leadership reshapes the way we work—and how we feel about that work. It’s easy to default to being available, involved, and responsive. But the most impactful leaders aren’t doing more—they’re doing what matters most. With candid insights from my own challenges staying focused, learn practical tools to help you create space for real progress: fr...
2025-07-2205 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursNamon's Story: Choosing Growth Into HR Over Going with the FlowHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.This episode explores Namon's journey from a decade in sales to a new path in human resources. Blending his creative identity as DJ Blue with a growing passion for people-focused work, Namon shares how formal education became a tool for finding focus and making intentional choices. With honesty and insight, he reflects on the shift from “going with the flow” to choosing a direction with clarity. This conversation is a thoughtful look at what it means to evolve...
2025-07-1535 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursCelebrating a Decade of Entrepreneurship: Insights and EvolutionHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.In this special anniversary episode, we’re turning the mic around! To mark 10 years of full-time coaching through my business, Focus for Growth, I’m stepping into the guest seat. My friend and podcast producer, Richard Dodds, hosts the conversation as we look back on a decade of coaching, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.Join us as I share insights from ten years of working with growth-minded leaders, building a purpose-driven business, and growing alongside my clients. We explo...
2025-07-0838 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursBoundaries for Effective Leadership - Skill BuilderHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Leadership isn't just about managing others—it's about managing yourself with intention. Drawing from a powerful conversation with Alan Heyman, this episode dives deep into two critical leadership skills: setting boundaries and creating psychological safety.Connect with Beki on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/BekiFraserLearn more about her coaching: TheIntrovertedSkeptic.com Follow Short Story Long's LinkedIn Page: Linkedin.com/showcase/shortstorylongpodGet her book, C.O.A.C...
2025-07-0105 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursAlan Heymann's Story: Reclaiming Energy Through Professional ReinventionHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.From drowning in meetings to discovering his authentic path, Alan Heyman's journey reveals what happens when we acknowledge the disconnect between career expectations and reality. This transformative conversation pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to recognize when a prestigious role isn't actually the right fit – and finding the courage to make a change.Whether you're questioning your current role, managing energy as an introvert, or supporting others through transition, this conversation offers both valida...
2025-06-2443 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursFear Doesn't Have to Run Your Show - Skill BuilderHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Let's dig into the powerful distinction between following someone else's blueprint and charting your own authentic path as a leader.This episode explores how effective leadership begins with managing your internal reactions—especially fear. When emotions rise, it's easy to take things personally or default to defensiveness. But with awareness, leaders can pause, recognize the fear underneath, and choose a more grounded response.We discuss how the brain instinctively fills gaps with self-protective stories, often...
2025-06-1705 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursToby Adamson's Story: Reimagining Who You Are When Life Forces a New PathHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.What happens when you realize you're living a life on remote control? For Toby Adamson, this revelation sparked a transformation.Her awakening triggered a series of life-altering decisions. After years of solving business problems with technology, she discovered that what truly energized her was helping others develop and grow. Her transformation wasn't just professional but deeply personal. Connect with Toby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-adamson-cpc-eli-mp/Connect with...
2025-06-1028 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursGrieving: No Permission RequiredHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Connect with Beki on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/BekiFraserLearn more about her coaching: TheIntrovertedSkeptic.com Follow Short Story Long's LinkedIn Page: Linkedin.com/showcase/shortstorylongpodGet her book, C.O.A.C.H. Y.O.U.: The Introverted Skeptic’s Guide to Leadership - AmazonShort Story Long is produced by Crowned Culture Media LLC
2025-05-2805 min
A Shot Of Inspiration75. The Secret Power of Introverted LeadersSend us a textOn this episode of A Shot of Inspiration, Beki Fraser challenges the myth that leaders have to be loud. Discover how introverts can thrive with calm, clarity, and confidence!Beki’s journey from doubt to leadership will inspire you to embrace your unique strengths. Tune in to learn how being your true self is the key to lasting impact!3 Key Takeaways:Stay Grounded in Uncertainty.Lead with Authenticity.Commit, but Stay Flexible.About Beki:Beki Fraser, MBA, PCC, is a...
2025-05-2135 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursWhy You’re Not an Imposter: Rethinking “Fake It Till You Make It”Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Episode SummaryImposter syndrome shows up when leaders question whether they truly deserve their achievements. But what if those feelings of self-doubt are actually signs of growth? In this episode of Short Story Long, Becky Fraser breaks down the myth of “fake it till you make it” and explains why you’re not faking anything when you’re doing the work.Becky shares strategies to help leaders reframe imposter thoughts, celebrate achievements, and embrace...
2025-05-2006 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursImposter Syndrome, Self-Compassion, and Redefining Success — Kris Liebau's StoryHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.Episode SummarySuccess doesn’t always look the way we expect. Sometimes it’s not the certification, the title, or even the recognition that brings true fulfillment; it’s the journey itself. In this episode of Short Story Long, host Bekitalks with leadership coach and speaker Kris Liebau about the moment she realized external validation wasn’t enough and how self-compassion reshaped her relationship with achievement.Through Kris’ story, from engineering le...
2025-05-1337 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursBrave Conversations: Preparing for Life-Changing Discussions - Skill BuilderHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.We've all faced moments when a deeply personal truth demands to be spoken, yet everything inside us screams to stay silent. These brave conversations—whether coming out to loved ones, revealing major life changes, or addressing difficult topics—represent defining moments in our personal and professional lives.Connect with Beki on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/BekiFraserLearn more about her coaching: TheIntrovertedSkeptic.com Follow Short Story Lo...
2025-05-0609 min
Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursJohn Neral's Story: How a Personal Journey Shaped a Career Coach's ApproachHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.The journey to authenticity often begins with our most challenging personal moments. In this profound conversation with career coach John Neral, we explore how his experience of coming out to his parents at age 28 shaped not just his personal life but fundamentally transformed his professional approach to leadership and coaching.Whether you're facing a significant personal transition or navigating complex professional challenges, this conversation offers valuable strategies for approaching difficult conversations with clarity, courage, and humanity. Conn...
2025-04-2931 minShort Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and EntrepreneursNetworking to Build Relationships - Skill BuilderHave a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it.We build protective stories around our awkward experiences, convincing ourselves we're simply not cut out for schmoozing in crowded rooms or making small talk with strangers. These narratives serve a purpose – they shield us from discomfort and potential rejection. What if we're missing out on valuable connections by staying safely on the sidelines? Through practical strategies, you can transform networking from a dreaded obligation into a valuable practice. The next time you feel that networking anxiety creepin...
2025-04-2215 min