Uncover Your Story

#13 The Power of Story to Build Community, Purpose & Profit with Lara Shelldrake

What does it take to build a thriving, purpose-led business that creates real impact? In this episode, I talk with Lara Shelldrake — speaker, business mentor, community strategist, and founder of Found and Flourish — to explore how purpose and profit can work hand in hand to create meaningful change. Lara shares her inspiring journey of starting a business while raising a newborn, navigating burnout, and evolving her mission to support women and non-binary entrepreneurs. We dive into the mindset shifts needed to value your work, the power of storytelling in building authentic connections, and how even small actions can create a ripple effect in the world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ·       Why profit is essential for purpose-driven businesses and how more money in the hands of good people creates systemic change. ·       Lara’s personal journey — from building a community out of her own need for connection to leading a thriving platform of thousands. ·       The mindset shifts that helped her move past self-doubt and start charging what her work is worth. ·       How storytelling can build trust and connection, turning your audience into superfans and advocates. ·       Practical ways to integrate activism and social impact into your business, no matter your industry. Links & Resources: * Connect with Lara and explore Found and Flourish [https://foundflourish.co.uk/] * Follow Lara on Instagram: @lara_shelldrake [https://www.instagram.com/lara_sheldrake/] * Book recommendation: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks * Learn more about the Profit First Method by Mike Michalowicz Work with Sarah:  Visit my website [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories/uncoveryourstory] to find out about how I can support you to: * gain clarity on your brand vision, values and tone of voice * craft brand narratives so your message resonate with your dream clients * build a content marketing strategy to grow your business with confidence and joy About me: I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative. Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/stories] If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all. You can find me on: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahoughtonphotos/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-oughton-photography/] Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes. Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video: Brand Storytelling [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories] Brand Photography [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brandphotography] Documentary Stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/documentary]

#12 Be the Flamingo: Building a Midlife Business You Love with Lisa Long

In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I’m joined by Lisa Long, a behavioural psychologist, business coach, and strategist who helps midlife women build meaningful businesses they truly love. Lisa shares her incredible journey — from creating a seven-figure business at her kitchen table to selling it when life took her family to Spain, and later retraining in psychology to support women navigating the challenges and opportunities of midlife. We dive deep into: * How Lisa grew a brand that captured national media attention through the power of storytelling * Why she pivoted from therapy to combine psychology with business coaching * The importance of being authentic and disruptive in your marketing — and why it’s vital to repel the wrong clients as much as attract the right ones * Strategies for creating content that deeply resonates with your ideal audience * How to bring more humanity into your business in a world increasingly shaped by AI * Lisa’s advice for navigating the messy middle stage of entrepreneurship Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Lisa’s wisdom and no-nonsense approach will inspire you to find your unique voice, connect deeply with your audience, and build a business that works for your life — not the other way around. Connect with Lisa: ·       Website: thelisaong.com [https://www.thelisalong.com/] ·       Instagram: @lisalong_msc [https://www.instagram.com/lisalong_msc/] Resources and Links: ·       Follow me on Instagram: @sarahoughtonphotography [https://www.instagram.com/sarahoughtonphotos/] ·       Join my newsletter for storytelling tips and insights: Sign up on my website [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/stories] About me: I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative. Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/stories] If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all. You can find me on: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahoughtonphotos/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-oughton-photography/] Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes. Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video: Brand Storytelling [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories] Brand Photography [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brandphotography] Documentary Stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/documentary]

#11 Helping children build confidence through storytelling with Shilpa Jamieson

What if children grew up with the tools to understand their emotions and trust themselves from the very start? In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I chat with Shilpa Jamieson, founder of Mindset Mimi and Me, about using storytelling and creativity to help children build self-worth and emotional resilience. We talk about Shilpa’s journey from being a shy child to launching a purpose-led business, how stories can transform both kids and parents, and why authenticity in business grows through action—not perfection. Whether you’re a parent or a purpose-driven founder, this episode is full of warmth, inspiration, and practical tools. What you’ll learn: ·       How storytelling helps kids build emotional awareness ·       Ways to weave self-development into everyday parenting ·       Why values and beliefs are the foundation of your brand ·       Shilpa’s honest take on authenticity and imposter syndrome Connect with Shilpa: ·       Mindset Mimi and Me [https://www.mindsetmimiandme.com/] ·       Free download: 5 everyday questions to build your child’s emotional resilience [https://www.mindsetmimiandme.com/free-5-questions] ·       Follow Shilpa on Instagram: @mindsetmimiandme [https://www.instagram.com/mindset_mimi_and_me/] Sarah’s brand stories services:  Uncover Your Story: Your personal branding power hour [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories/uncoveryourstory] Create Joyful Content: A 3-month programme to set your brand up for success [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories/createjoyfulcontent] Soulful Brand Videos: Connect deeply through your video story [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories/soulfulstory] About me: I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative. Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/stories] If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all. You can find me on: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahoughtonphotos/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-oughton-photography/] Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes. Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video: Brand Storytelling [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories] Brand Photography [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brandphotography] Documentary Stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/documentary]

#10 The Frame We Choose: How to craft stories with resonance

Your brand story isn’t just information — it’s how people connect with you on an emotional level.  In this episode, I explore how the principles of photography — focus, lens, light, and composition — can help you craft brand stories that truly resonate. Using analogies from behind the camera, I’ll show you how to bring clarity, emotion, and intention to your storytelling. Whether you’re a founder, creative, or change-maker, you’ll learn how to frame your story so it connects deeply with your audience and inspires them to take action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why framing matters in storytelling — and how it shapes audience perception. * How to use focus to bring clarity to your message and avoid “blurry” storytelling. * The importance of perspective and whose voice you use when sharing stories. * How to align your tone of voice with your values so your message always feels authentic. * Tips for structuring your story like a well-composed photo. * The role of mindset in choosing what to share and how to edit your story with care. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode: * Free Guide: Download my guide to crafting soulful brand stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/stories] * Work With Me: Brand clarity and storytelling support [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories] About me: I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative. Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/stories] If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all. You can find me on: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahoughtonphotos/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-oughton-photography/] Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes. Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video: Brand Storytelling [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories] Brand Photography [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brandphotography] Documentary Stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/documentary]

#9 The art of storytelling for business transformation with Kelly Pietrangeli

In this second part of my conversation with Kelly Pietrangeli, earth soul mentor and creator of the Soul Explorers membership, we dive even deeper into the transformative power of storytelling — for business and life. Kelly shares how she brought her audience along when she made a bold pivot from her previous membership, Project Me, to the soulful, energy-led work she does today. Through the simple act of sharing a deeply personal dream, Kelly invited her clients to come with her on a whole new journey — and 90% of them said yes. We explore how our stories help build trust, connection, and transformation, and why the energy we bring to our business impacts everything from our relationships to our revenue. Kelly also opens up about a challenging chapter in her business where she invested in a coach who didn’t deliver, and how letting go of anger and resentment created space for new opportunities — including a life-changing invitation from her business mentor, Marie Forleo. Plus, Kelly shares one of her most magical and soulful stories: an unforgettable breathwork experience that shifted her understanding of energy forever, and how this awakening has shaped her work and the lives of those she serves. If you’ve ever faced a big change in your business or wondered how to bring your audience with you, this episode will inspire you to embrace storytelling as a tool for growth, healing, and connection. What you’ll hear in this episode: * How Kelly used storytelling to successfully pivot her business and retain her community * Why letting go of negative energy can open the door to new possibilities * The role storytelling plays in building “know, like, and trust” with clients * Kelly’s powerful breathwork experience and its impact on her life and work * Why being authentic — and even a little bit “pistachio” — helps you stand out in business * A moving retreat story about transformation and self-discovery Connect with Kelly: * Website: kellypietrangeli.com [https://www.kellypietrangeli.com/] * Instagram: @kellyprojectme [https://www.instagram.com/kellyprojectme] * Podcast: Project Me with Kelly Pietrangeli About me: I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative. Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/stories] If you’re enjoying the podcast, tap follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if you’ve got a minute, please leave a review to help more soulful storytellers find their way here. Sharing is caring, after all. You can find me on: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahoughtonphotos/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-oughton-photography/] Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes. Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video: Brand Storytelling [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brand-stories] Brand Photography [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/brandphotography] Documentary Stories [https://sarahoughton.co.uk/documentary]