Local Life Leaders: Building Connections Through Community Involvement and Volunteering

5 Pillars of Everyday Leadership Part 2

In this episode, Janessa Storlie wraps up her series on the Five Pillars of Everyday Leadership, focusing on the final three pillars: acceptance, responsibility, and communication. She emphasizes that these pillars, built upon the foundation of self and social awareness, are tangible skills you can practice every day to become a more authentic and impactful leader.
First, Janessa tackles acceptance, which she admits is one of the most difficult pillars for her. She explains that acceptance is not about being a doormat, but about giving others the gift of being seen and appreciated for who they are, without judgment. This non-judgmental approach develops trust and deeper collaboration. Just as importantly, acceptance is also about acknowledging and accepting your own current reality, which is the starting point for making positive changes in your life.
 
Next, she discusses responsibility, defining it not as blame, but as taking ownership of your power and how you respond to circumstances. This mindset frees you from being a victim and allows you to be the author of your own story. Janessa uses a basketball analogy, comparing responsibility to practicing daily fundamentals to be better for your team6666. She provides a practical exercise: writing down what you can and cannot control to focus your energy on what you can change.
 
Finally, Janessa talks about communication, where all the pillars come together. It's not about being perfect, but about being authentic, honest, and real. She argues that in a "trust recession," vulnerability is key to building genuine connection. Janessa offers several tips, including using "I" statements, practicing active listening, and mirroring to clarify what others are saying.
 
By integrating all five pillars—self-awareness, social awareness, acceptance, responsibility, and communication—you can become a more confident and effective leader who serves your community in an authentic way.
 
Key Takeaways from this episode:
Acceptance is crucial. It's about accepting yourself and others without judgment to foster trust and deep relationships.
Responsibility is about ownership. It's not about blame, but about taking accountability for your actions and focusing on what you can control14141414.
Communication builds authentic connection. It’s more important to be real and vulnerable than to be perfect with your words.
The five pillars work together. When you combine self-awareness and social awareness with acceptance, responsibility, and communication, you can lead in a way that is true to yourself.
Connect with Janessa!
What small action are you taking to practice acceptance, responsibility, or communication today? Let me know!
DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janessastorlie/
Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janessajstorlie/

5 Pillars of Everyday Leadership

In this episode, Janessa Storlie introduces a new series on the Five Pillars of Everyday Leadership. She explains that leadership isn't just about a title; it's a skill that anyone can build through practice and intention. These five pillars—social awareness, self-awareness, acceptance, responsibility, and communication—serve as a practical roadmap for anyone looking to become a more impactful leader in their community. This episode focuses on the first two foundational pillars: self-awareness and social awareness.
Janessa explains that self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It's about leading yourself first by understanding your values, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. She provides several practical tools to build this skill, including journaling, talk therapy, somatic practices, meditation, and reading. By developing self-awareness, you gain the clarity and confidence to advocate for yourself and become the person you aspire to be.
She then dives into social awareness, which is defined as the ability to understand, empathize with, and interpret the emotions, needs, and perspectives of others. This pillar is about building trust and creating a safe space for others by listening without judgment. Janessa shares tactical skills for improving social awareness, such as being observant of body language, practicing active listening, and asking open-ended questions that encourage deeper conversation. She emphasizes that the more you understand others' motives and dreams, the easier it is to show up with kindness and empathy as an authentic leader.
These twin pillars of self-awareness and social awareness are the foundation of emotional intelligence and are crucial for building meaningful connections with both yourself and the world around you.
 
Key Takeaways from this episode:
Leadership is a skill, not a title. It can be developed through intentional habits and practices.
Self-awareness is leading yourself first. It's about gaining a deep understanding of your own character, values, and emotions.
Social awareness is understanding others. It is the ability to empathize with and interpret the emotions, needs, and perspectives of those around you.
The two pillars are interconnected. The more you understand yourself, the easier it becomes to understand others and become an everyday leader.
Practical tools can help. Journaling, meditation, reading, active listening, and asking open-ended questions are all ways to build self and social awareness.
 
Connect with Janessa!
What's one thing you're doing to build your self or social awareness? Share with me!
DM on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/janessastorlie/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janessajstorlie/

Happy Birthday to Me! Reflections on my past year and hopes for the future

In this special birthday episode, Janessa Storlie offers an honest and vulnerable reflection as she turns 33 on September 3rd. As a self-proclaimed Virgo who loves to have everything planned out, she shares that her past year was filled with a lot of change, transition, and disappointment. She dives into what she calls the "messy middle"—a challenging transition period where you are shedding a previous version of yourself to move on to a new one. Janessa hopes to bring more peace and forward momentum into this new year of life.
Despite the difficulties, Janessa has a lot to celebrate from the past year. She graduated with her Master's in Organizational Leadership, a big milestone for someone who grew up in a rural community. She also relaunched the podcast. She's grateful for the change and growth in her marriage and for becoming more in tune with her emotions.
The episode's core is a raw discussion about the pain and isolation of the messy middle. Janessa shares her struggles with high expectations and the desire to blame external circumstances when things don't go as planned. She's learning difficult but crucial lessons about acceptance, forgiveness, and trust, particularly the need to release control to a higher power.
For anyone else going through a messy middle, Janessa offers a powerful message of encouragement. She reminds listeners that they are not alone and that they still have the ability to learn, grow, and take small steps forward. She emphasizes the importance of using this introspective time to set healthy boundaries and prioritize self-care to protect your peace.
Key Takeaways from this episode:
Birthdays are a time for reflection and celebration. Take the time to look at what you’ve experienced and what you want to see moving forward.
The "messy middle" is a natural part of growth. It is the difficult, in-between time where you shed a previous version of yourself to move into a new one.
Releasing control is essential. Letting go of the need for an exact plan and trusting that you are being guided can provide a sense of freedom.
Pain can be a catalyst. You have the power to move forward in your desires, even while experiencing pain and emotional exhaustion.
Practice self-care and set boundaries. The messy middle is a time to become introspective and protect your peace by giving yourself the space you need to grow.
Connect with Janessa!
If this episode resonated with you and you're also navigating your own messy middle, Janessa would love to hear from you. You don't have to do this alone.
DM on Instagram: [@JanessaStorlie]
Connect on LinkedIn: [Janessa J Storlie]
 

Communicating Your Values (Values Episode Part 2)

Welcome back to Part 2 of our deep dive into values! If you haven't listened to "Values Episode Part 1," hit pause now and go back to learn how to establish your own core values – it's crucial for setting yourself up for success in your everyday leadership journey. In this episode, Janessa Storlie builds upon that foundation, exploring how to effectively communicate your core values with others.
 
Janessa emphasizes that while understanding your values empowers you to step into true authenticity, communicating them isn't always as simple as just stating them. She reveals that effective communication often comes down to embodying your values through self-advocacy and setting healthy, assertive boundaries. Janessa shares personal insights on the challenges of setting boundaries, especially for people-pleasers, and offers reminders that you can only control your own actions and reactions.
 
You'll discover how knowing your values can act as a "values decision-making framework," helping you analyze opportunities and make choices that align with what's most important to you. Janessa provides a powerful example of how her value of "growth" helped her navigate a challenging board situation. She also clarifies the distinction between assertiveness and aggression, advocating for assertive self-advocacy as a respectful way to thrive in empowering environments.
 
Finally, Janessa discusses how understanding your values can transform conflict management and relationship building within teams. By presenting concerns from a place of values, you can navigate difficult conversations in a more positive and constructive way, fostering trust and psychological safety.
 
Key Takeaways from this episode:
 
Communication starts with embodiment. Effectively communicating your values means embodying them through self-advocacy and setting healthy boundaries.
You control your actions, not others' reactions. It can be difficult when people react negatively to boundaries, but focus on what you can control.
Values guide decision-making. Use your values as a framework to say "yes" to what aligns and "no" to what doesn't, saving valuable time and energy.
Assertiveness is key. Understand that assertiveness is respectful self-advocacy, distinct from aggression, and empowers you to thrive.
Values transform conflict. Frame difficult conversations from a values perspective to bridge gaps, build trust, and foster stronger relationships within teams.
Conflict can lead to growth. Appreciate conflict as an opportunity to understand different perspectives and build solutions together.
 
Resources Mentioned:
 
"Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins: A great resource for releasing control over others' reactions.https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/
Research Paper on Assertiveness: Dive deeper into the psychological studies and origins of assertiveness: https://psyct.swu.bg/index.php/psyct/article/view/14/html
Books on Conflict Management: Essential tools for navigating disagreements in a constructive way: https://www.tablegroup.com/topics-and-resources/teamwork-5-dysfunctions/
 
Connect with Janessa!
What was your biggest "aha" from this episode? Share it with Janessa!
 
Follow on Instagram: Janessa Storlie Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn: Janessa Storlie | LinkedIn
 
Remember to save and revisit these episodes to truly understand and embody your core values. This is a key piece of becoming an everyday leader and thriving in your work!

Understanding Your Core Values Part 1

Have you ever felt a disconnect or tension in a team environment, whether at work, volunteering, or serving on a board? In this episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, Janessa Storlie dives into the crucial concept of understanding your own personal values. She explains how identifying your core values can help you show up more authentically, distinguish where to invest your time and energy, and ultimately lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. 
This is the first of a two-part series, focusing on understanding your own values.
Janessa shares her personal journey of discovering her values, inspired by experiences where she felt misalignment and tension. She introduces several resources that have helped her, including the "To Be Magnetic" program by Lacey Phillips, insights from business coach Elizabeth Rider, and the wisdom of thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Adam Grant, and Brené Brown.
 
In this episode, you'll learn a practical, step-by-step process to identify your own core values. Janessa challenges listeners to narrow down their values from an initial list of ten, to five, and finally to two core driving values, emphasizing the importance of reflection and journaling throughout this process. She encourages listeners to explore the deeper meaning of each value and recall personal stories of living those values.
 
Janessa also transparently shares her own top five core values: Freedom, Belonging, Courage, Growth, and Impact (or Contribution). She elaborates on the personal significance of each value, explaining how her life experiences have shaped them. Her top two driving values are Courage and Growth.
 
Key Takeaways from this episode:
Understanding your values is foundational for authentic living. When you feel "off" in a situation, it often indicates a violation of your values.
Identify your core values through a systematic process. Start with a broad list, narrow it down to ten, then five, and finally to your top two driving values.
Reflection and journaling are crucial. Take time to define what each value means to you and recall personal experiences where you lived out that value.
Keep your values visible. Place them somewhere you can see them regularly to serve as a constant reminder.
Test and experiment with your values. Observe how you react in challenging situations and consciously implement your values to show up authentically.
Your values help you thrive. Understanding them provides clarity, helps you overcome obstacles, and allows you to align your time and energy with what truly fulfills you.
 
Resources Mentioned:
Free Guide: Download your free "Discover Your Values" guide here to kickstart your journey: https://connect.locallifeleaders.com/corevaluesguide
To Be Magnetic by Lacey Phillips: Learn more about healing and manifestation, including their "Authentic Code" work: To Be Magnetic™ | Manifest the life you deserve for less than a dollar a day.
Elizabeth Rider: Explore her insights on building a business aligned with your values: Classes | Elizabeth Rider
Brené Brown's Podcast Episode (with Simon Sinek and Adam Grant): Dive deeper into emotional wellbeing and authentic leadership: Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part One - Simon Sinek
 
Connect with Janessa!
What are your core values? Share your insights and questions with Janessa directly!
Follow on Instagram: Janessa Storlie Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn: Janessa Storlie | LinkedIn
 
Don't miss Part 2 of this series, where we'll explore how to communicate your values with others and understand the values of your team for greater collaboration and impact!
 

The Local Life Leaders Podcast is BACK!

Welcome back to the Local Life Leaders Podcast! After a 10-month hiatus, Janessa Storlie, your host, returns to share her insights and experiences from the nuanced world of nonprofits, including lessons learned from her recent move to Fargo, North Dakota, and her Master's in Organizational Leadership. This episode emphasizes the concept of "everyday leadership" and the importance of self-care for impactful community service and sustainable growth in nonprofits. Janessa will be sharing vulnerable, real-life experiences and interviewing community heroes, aiming to inspire and provide tangible advice for nonprofit leaders.Be sure to follow Local Life Leaders on Instagram and Facebook, and don't forget to sign up for our email list at to stay inspired and access resources that will guide your path to local change.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janessastorlie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localsuccessclub
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janessajstorlie/
Join Our Email List: https://connect.locallifeleaders.com/lllpodcast
 

Challenging the "It Is What It Is" Mindset

In this heartfelt and reflective episode, Janessa Storlie delves into the dangers of the mindset that "things are just the way they are." This toxic belief can stifle creativity, hinder positive change, and discourage ambitious individuals from pursuing their visions. Janessa shares her personal experiences with this mindset and offers insights on how to navigate it, especially for those in leadership roles or involved in community work.
Key Points:- The Toxicity of "It Is What It Is": Janessa discusses how this mindset can block progress and discourage those who strive for change within their communities or organizations.- Personal Reflection: Janessa opens up about her struggles with this mindset and how it has affected her confidence and sense of purpose.- Encouragement for Leaders: She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded, optimistic individuals who are open to change and growth.- Call to Action: Janessa encourages listeners to adopt a growth mindset, challenge the status quo, and create environments that foster innovation and inclusion.
Quotes from Janessa:1. "When I hear the feedback 'it is just the way that it is,' that tells me that other individuals are not open to change."2. "Change occurs when you are willing to become uncomfortable to see that change happen."3. "You have the power to create a different reality, a sense of belonging, a sense of joy, a sense of excitement."
Connect with Janessa:- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locallifeleaders- Reach out to Janessa for support or to share your own experiences with the "it is what it is" mindset.
Tune In:Listen to this episode and be inspired to challenge limiting beliefs and embrace the power of change in your community.

Celebrating Community and Charity: The Impact of Giving Hearts Day

In this episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, host Janessa Storlie interviews Jessica Offerman, the Operational Excellence Leader at Giving Hearts Day. They discuss the history, growth, and impact of Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour giving event that supports nonprofits across North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota. Jessica shares insights into the resources and support offered to nonprofits throughout the year and how the event fosters a spirit of community and generosity. 
 
Key Points:
-  Introduction to Giving Hearts Day: 
  - Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour giving event for charities in North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota, allowing donors to support local nonprofits.
  - Participating charities raise matching funds, which helps donations go further.
 
-  Year-Round Support: 
  - Giving Hearts Day offers year-round educational support for nonprofits, including monthly learning series and a field manual guide.
  - These resources are tailored to help a wide range of charities, from large organizations to volunteer-run groups.
 
-  Evolution of Giving Hearts Day: 
  - The event began in 2008 with 40 participating charities and has grown to include over 600.
  - Innovations include early giving, volunteer pledges, and physical goods donations, making participation more accessible.
 
-  Community Involvement: 
  - The event encourages participation from individuals, businesses, schools, and churches.
  - Businesses can engage employees through matching gifts and Giving Hearts Day gift cards.
  - Schools can integrate curricula to teach students about the joy of giving.
 
-  Challenges and Adaptations: 
  - The organization has faced challenges such as technology integration and expanding training access across a wide geographical area.
  - COVID-19 prompted adaptations like lowering match requirements and introducing the Helping Hearts Campaign.
 
-  Opportunities for Nonprofits: 
  - Nonprofits interested in participating can apply via the Giving Hearts Day website.
  - The program offers resources and training to help charities maximize their fundraising efforts.
 
 Quotes from Jessica Offerman: 
“Giving Hearts Day is more than just a day—it’s a program that supports charities year-round, helping them learn and grow.”
“We love the whole feeling of Giving Hearts Day. Charities are working together towards a common goal to lift up our whole community.”
“Our dream is to have Henry the Heart, our adorable mascot, walking around and getting kids involved in Giving Hearts Day.”
 
Call to Action: 
To learn more about how you can participate in Giving Hearts Day, whether as a donor, nonprofit, or community member, visit https://www.givingheartsday.org. Stay connected and see inspiring stories from past events by following Giving Hearts Day on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/givingheartsday 
 
 Important Dates: 
- Nonprofit Application Deadline: August 15th
- Giving Hearts Day: February 13th, 2024
 
This episode provides valuable insights into how Giving Hearts Day is more than just a fundraising event; it's a movement that strengthens community bonds and enhances the capacity of nonprofits to serve their communities.

Setting Boundaries in Non Profit Leadership

In this episode of the Local Life Leaders podcast, host Janessa explores the importance of setting boundaries in nonprofit leadership. She discusses the dangers of identity crisis in nonprofits, the need for multiple board members to step up and do the work, the importance of open and honest communication, and the importance of understanding the board culture.
 
Key Elements Discussed:
The importance of setting boundaries in nonprofit leadership: Janessa emphasizes that nonprofit leaders often face the challenge of taking on too much responsibility and neglecting their own well-being. She stresses the need for leaders to establish clear boundaries between their personal and professional lives and to prioritize self-care.
The dangers of identity crisis in nonprofits: Janessa warns that nonprofits can sometimes experience an identity crisis when they lose sight of their mission and values. She emphasizes the importance of leaders staying true to the organization's mission and ensuring that all decisions are aligned with that mission.
The need for multiple board members to step up and do the work: Janessa points out that the burden of leadership should not fall solely on the shoulders of the executive director or CEO. She encourages multiple board members to take on leadership roles and to actively participate in the decision-making process.
The importance of open and honest communication: Janessa stresses the need for open and honest communication between board members, staff, and volunteers. She emphasizes that transparent communication is essential for building trust and fostering a positive work environment.
The importance of understanding the board culture: Janessa highlights the importance of understanding the board culture before joining a nonprofit. She advises leaders to research the board's values, expectations, and decision-making processes to ensure that they are a good fit for the organization.
Quotes from Janessa:
"You have two choices: you can either implement and start advocating for change or else these things are going to fall to the wayside."
"Your identity is not that nonprofit. Your identity is how you wish to show up in the world, your skills and expertise and really how you want to make impact."
"Find nonprofits with a positive and uplifting board culture. They might say it on their values, but are those individuals within that board actually doing that work?"
What Next?
Janessa invites listeners to DM Local Life Leaders on Instagram to share their thoughts on this episode and to ask any questions they may have. She encourages listeners to engage in discussions about nonprofit leadership and to share their experiences and insights.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locallifeleaders/
Check out our resources: https://whathaps.com/

Empowering Moms: Jocci Rice and the Olive Motherhood Foundation

In this episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, Janessa Storlie sits down with Jocci Rice, the founder and president of the Olive Motherhood Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Williston, North Dakota. Jocci shares her inspiring journey from being a stay-at-home mom to creating a supportive community for mothers through her foundation. She discusses the challenges she faced in establishing the nonprofit, the importance of community connections, and the various events and initiatives Olive Motherhood Foundation offers to support moms in the region.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
 
Jocci’s Background and Inspiration for Starting the Olive Motherhood Foundation:
   - Jocci Rice was born and raised in Williston, North Dakota, where she observed the strong community bonds from a young age. Inspired by her stepmother's dedication as a stay-at-home mom and her own experiences with postpartum depression, Jocci realized the need for a supportive network for mothers. This led her to establish the Olive Motherhood Foundation to help mothers find their identity outside of motherhood and connect with others in similar situations.
 
The Process and Challenges of Establishing a Nonprofit Organization:
   - Starting a nonprofit came with a steep learning curve for Jocci. She shares how she navigated the complexities of filing for an LLC, creating bylaws, and securing 501(c)(3) status. With the assistance of a local attorney, Emily Ramage Galtell, and an accountant, Jocci overcame the legal and administrative hurdles. Her story highlights the importance of seeking professional help and being persistent despite initial setbacks.
 
The Importance of Community and Creating a Supportive Network for Mothers:
   - Jocci emphasizes the value of community support in alleviating the isolation many mothers feel, especially those who have moved to Williston for the oil industry. The Olive Motherhood Foundation aims to build a village for these mothers, offering both emotional support and practical help. By organizing events and fostering connections, the foundation provides a much-needed lifeline for moms without a local support network.
 
Various Events and Programs Offered by the Olive Motherhood Foundation:
   - The Olive Motherhood Foundation hosts a variety of events tailored to meet the needs of mothers and their families. From mommy-and-me crafts and sensory bin activities to book clubs and large-scale events like the Battle of the Businesses food drive, these programs are designed to offer both fun and support. Jocci shares insights into planning these events, the experimentation involved, and the overwhelming response from the community.
 
Collaborations with Local Businesses and Community Impact:
   - Collaboration with local businesses is a cornerstone of the foundation’s strategy. Jocci discusses the different partnership levels available for businesses and how these collaborations benefit both the foundation and the business community. By integrating local businesses into their events and initiatives, the foundation not only raises funds but also strengthens community ties and supports the local economy.
 
Future Plans and Initiatives for the Olive Motherhood Foundation:
   - Looking ahead, the Olive Motherhood Foundation plans to expand its reach through newsletters and more events catering to families in need. Jocci shares her vision for increasing community engagement and support, particularly through initiatives like the food drive, which saw an overwhelming response. The foundation aims to continually adapt and grow to better serve the mothers and families in Williston.
 
Quotes from Jocci Rice:
“I knew how I was feeling and I did have people, and so it just really made me think of those who don't have people. And there is a lot, a lot, a lot because they moved from out of state for their husband's work in the oil field.”
“I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. If you would have asked me when I was seven years old what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would either tell you I wanted to be Shania Twain or I wanted to be a mom.”
“The scariest part about doing anything is just believing in yourself and that you can pull it off.”
 
Call to Action:
- Follow Olive Motherhood Foundation on Facebook for the latest updates and events. https://www.facebook.com/olivemotherhood 
- Visit their website to learn more about their mission, upcoming events, and how you can get involved or donate.https://www.olivemotherhoodfoundation.com/ 
 
Connect with Us:
- Follow Local Life Leaders on social media for more inspiring stories and community leaders.
- Subscribe to the Local Life Leaders Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others find our show.
 
Next Episode:
Join us next time as we continue to explore the stories of local leaders making a difference in their communities. Don't miss it!