In this episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Toombs delves into the essence of authentic storytelling and personal branding with guest Ethan Braden, Vice President and Chief Marketing Communications Officer at Texas A&M University. They discuss the impact of compelling storytelling on sorority recruitment, personal branding, and leadership. Ethan emphasizes the importance of authenticity, understanding your audience, and the power of consistent, emotionally driven content. Liz and Ethan also share practical tips for leveraging social media and understanding your unique value proposition. Tune in for valuable insights on how to elevate sorority life and personal narratives through strategic communication.

Key Episode Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Sorority Chat Podcast

00:39 Welcome and Episode Overview

01:20 The Power of Storytelling

01:47 Guest Introduction: Ethan Braden

02:54 Building Emotional Brands

04:25 Sorority Recruitment and Storytelling

07:48 Authenticity in Personal Branding

12:11 The Role of Visuals in Branding

15:30 Hiring Creative Storytellers

18:14 Crafting a Personal Story

18:42 Understanding Personal Value and Impact

20:04 Everyone Has a Story

21:47 The Power of Feedback

24:12 Storytelling in Leadership

26:59 Social Media Strategies

31:36 Rebranding and Storytelling for Sororities

33:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

34:12 House Hot Take: Layered Textures

35:05 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Connect with Ethan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertethanbraden/

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠ 

📷 ⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of the Sorority Chat podcast, host Liz Toombs welcomes Tyler White, Vice President of Operations at Lusk Commercial Contractors in Alpharetta, Georgia. Tyler shares insights about his role at Lusk, the company’s range of construction projects, and his journey into the construction industry. The conversation delves into the unique challenges and rewards of working on sorority housing, the importance of timing and planning in construction, and advice for young professionals considering a career in construction. Additionally, Tyler emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in completing construction projects.00:00 Introduction to Sorority Chat Podcast01:08 Meet Tyler White: VP of Operations at Lusk Commercial Contractors01:39 Overview of Lusk Commercial Contractors03:05 Understanding Task Order Work04:48 Tyler's Journey into Construction07:29 Challenges and Rewards of Sorority Housing Projects12:54 Renovation vs. New Build: Key Differences18:24 Common Misconceptions in Construction21:50 The Importance of Early Planning22:37 Challenges with Material Availability23:15 Impact of Tariffs on Construction24:28 Navigating Price Fluctuations27:20 Advice for Sorority Renovations30:21 Encouraging Careers in Construction33:58 The Value of Communication Skills38:40 Connecting with Lusko39:51 Liz's House Hot Takes40:43 Closing Remarks

📌 Connect with Tyler:

🌐 https://www.luskco.com/

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠ 

📷 ⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of the Sorority Chat podcast, host Liz Toombs chats with Kelly Taylor and Beth Bell of Taylor Bell Consulting about women's growing financial power and the unique aspects of fundraising for sororities and women's nonprofit organizations.

The discussion covers innovative strategies for engaging alumni, the importance of relationship-building in fundraising, and how generational differences affect philanthropic approaches. Kelly and Beth share insights into their firm's hands-on, detailed approach to consulting and highlight some of their most successful projects, such as their extensive campaigns for various Greek and nonprofit organizations.

Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Sorority Chat01:09 Meet the Guests: Kelly Taylor and Beth Bell01:32 The Story Behind Taylor Bell Consulting03:11 Innovative Fundraising Approaches06:34 Building Strong Client Relationships08:06 Challenges and Opportunities in Women's Fundraising11:37 Strategies for Enhancing Fundraising Efforts17:45 Engaging Alumni in Fundraising Campaigns19:03 The Public Phase of Fundraising20:40 Overcoming Fundraising Challenges23:45 Success Stories and Achievements27:19 Generational Differences in Fundraising31:03 Connecting with Us32:53 Liz's House Hot Takes33:47 Closing Remarks

📌 Connect with Taylor Bell Consulting:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taylorbellconsulting.com/

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

📷 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠⁠⁠

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to home renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you genuine conversations, thoughtful insights, and entertaining stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of the Sorority Chat podcast, host Liz Toombs speaks with artist and entrepreneur Kayla Weber Nord.

Kayla shares her journey from being an elementary art teacher to becoming a full-time artist and entrepreneur. They discuss her initial career in art education, the leap to full-time artistry, and experiences with notable collaborations like Keeneland Race Course and Anthropology. Kayla gives valuable advice for young adults decorating their spaces and emphasizes the importance of artwork in interior design.

The episode also highlights Kayla's workshops, her distinct artistic style, and her plans, including another painting retreat in Italy in 2027.

Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Sorority Chat01:16 Meet Kayla Weber Nord: Artist and Entrepreneur02:43 From Art Teacher to Full-Time Artist07:07 Building a Studio and Hosting Workshops13:57 Collaborations and Partnerships18:37 Designing with Art as the Focal Point20:34 Tips for Selecting and Placing Artwork25:05 Budget-Friendly Art Solutions for Students26:55 DIY Art and Frame Hacks28:52 Advice for Aspiring Artists32:09 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations35:04 Where to Find Kayla's Work

📌 Connect with Kayla:

Website: ⁠
www.kaylaweberart.com/links

Insta: https://instagram.com/kaylaweberart

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠⁠ 

📷 ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠⁠

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to home renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you genuine conversations, thoughtful insights, and entertaining stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of the Sorority Chat podcast, host Liz Toombs welcomes Kristen Gwinn-Becker, founder and CEO of HistoryIT.

Kristen shares her journey from academia to tech and how her unique background in tech and humanities led her to create HistoryIT, a company dedicated to preserving historical content through digital transformation. Kristen discusses the importance of making historical content accessible and engaging, the processes involved in digital preservation, and the specific ways they help sororities and fraternities. She also highlights the educational and engagement benefits of digital archives and shares a personal story about becoming an alumnae initiate of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Liz and Kristen discuss the challenges chapters face with preserving composites and historical materials, and the innovative solutions HistoryIT provides to make these treasures accessible while protecting them.

Key episode moments:00:00 Introduction to Sorority Chat Podcast01:17 Meet Kristen Gwinn-Becker, Founder of History IT02:01 The Mission and Services of History IT03:04 Kristen's Journey from Academia to Tech04:59 The Importance of Digital Preservation06:27 History IT's Work with Various Organizations13:21 Digitization Process Explained19:21 The Importance of Digital Storytelling19:48 Digitizing Gamma Phi Beta Archives20:11 Engagement Through Digital Museums21:12 Challenges with Chapter House Composites22:05 Preserving and Accessing Composites25:06 Interactive Composite Touch Screens27:01 Fundraising and Educational Benefits28:17 Success Stories and Emotional Discoveries29:52 Accolades and Company Growth32:00 Joining Kappa Kappa Gamma34:13 How to Work with HistoryIT36:14 Liz's House Hot Takes37:24 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

📌 Connect with Kristin:

Website: https://historyit.com/

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ 

📷 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to home renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you genuine conversations, thoughtful insights, and entertaining stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Toombs welcomes Maria Maldonado Smith, Chief Empowerment Officer at MMS Consulting Firm. Maria shares her journey from a 16-year corporate sales leadership role to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the impact of vision boards in manifesting life goals. She delves into the science behind vision boards, shares practical steps for college students to create their future vision, and recounts a success story of a couple who met and married after setting their intentions through vision boards. Maria also reflects on her personal experiences with the Miss America organization and how it shaped her leadership skills and passion for servant leadership.

Key Episode moments:

• 00:00 Introduction to Sorority Chat Podcast
• 01:17 Meet Maria Maldonado Smith
• 02:10 Maria's Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
• 05:06 The Power of Vision Boards
• 08:53 Science Behind Vision Boards
• 14:54 Creating a Vision for College Students
• 23:20 Embracing Change in College
• 23:56 Personal Journey and Family Expectations
• 25:32 Karaoke and Sorority Events
• 26:36 Miss America Experience
• 27:50 Leadership Lessons from Pageantry
• 33:05 Overcoming Roadblocks and Setting Goals
• 37:09 Vision Boarding Success Stories
• 41:29 Connecting with Maria Maldonado Smith
• 43:00 Liz's House Hot Takes
• 44:01 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

📌 Connect with Maria:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠ 

📷 ⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of the Sorority Chat podcast, host Liz Toombs welcomes Deanna Talwalkar, the owner of Mirabelle Creations, an artist, certified Enneagram coach, and author. They discuss the Enneagram as a personality tool and compare it to Myers-Briggs and DISC profiles. Deanna shares her journey from being a lawyer to becoming an Enneagram coach and author. They discuss the applications of the Enneagram in self-understanding, relationships, and career choices. Deanna also highlights her book, 'The Illustrated Enneagram,' and its approach to discussing self-care, communication, and growth through the lens of Enneagram types.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Welcome to Sorority Chat
• 01:16 Meet Deanna Talwalkar
• 01:56 Understanding the Enneagram
• 04:55 Deanna's Journey with the Enneagram
• 13:18 The Illustrated Enneagram Book
• 23:24 Greek Life Reflections
• 28:41 Liz's House Hot Takes
• 29:48 Closing Remarks and Outro

📌 Connect with Deanna:

IG: @mirabellecreations

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠ 

📷 ⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Toombs welcomes Dr. Daryl Appleton, a wellness expert for high performers. They discuss the importance of alignment and self-awareness in relationships and personal growth. Dr. Appleton shares her journey from mental health to coaching executives and athletes, emphasizing the necessity of working smarter and not harder. They also touch on the role of physical spaces in promoting wellness, the challenges of various life stages, and the impact of communal support through initiatives like Alpha Gamma Delta's online resources. The episode concludes with Daryl offering practical advice for current students and those supporting them, along with a lighthearted discussion on personal interests such as fashion and games.

00:00 Introduction to Sorority Chat

00:59 Meet Dr. Daryl Appleton

01:41 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Alignment

04:06 Dr. Appleton's Journey and Career Shift

06:20 The Role of Design in Mental Wellbeing

09:30 Decision-Making and High Performance

12:20 Connecting and Supporting Sorority Alumni

16:28 The Need for Community and Belonging

22:34 Defining Success and Personal Growth

24:40 Fact-checking our Emotions

25:35 Redefining Words in Relationships

26:06 The Importance of Alignment and Communication

27:30 Introduction to the 'Feelings and Other F Words' Podcast

28:55 Podcast Success and Content

33:43 Advice for College Students

35:23 Advice for College Supporters

39:22 The Joy of Mahjong

41:17 Connecting with Dr. Daryl Appleton

43:04 Liz's House Hot Takes

44:06 Closing Remarks

📌 Connect with Dr. Daryl:

Website: https://www.Drappleton.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drdarylappleton/

Podcast: Feelings and other F-words

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠ 

📷 ⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

In this episode of the Sorority Chat podcast, host Liz Tombs welcomes Scott Fussell, a coach, consultant, and advocate for mental health and wellness.

Scott shares his journey from education to sales and finally to his current role, where he combines coaching, consulting, and advocating for mental health. The conversation delves into Scott’s background, his work with fraternity and sorority organizations, and his insights on the importance of mental health. Scott emphasizes the transformative power of staying true to one’s purpose and creating spaces that foster genuine connections. The episode also discusses the necessity of mental health resources for students and how the physical environment can support mental wellness. Tune in for thoughtful discussions on mental health, leadership, and the unique challenges that today's youth face.00:00 Introduction to Sorority Chat Podcast01:23 Meet Scott Fussell: Coach, Consultant, and Advocate03:57 Scott's Journey: From Educator to Coach07:24 The Pressure on Today's Youth10:23 The Importance of Genuine Conversations14:16 Scott's Mission: A New Brand of More19:56 Scott's Speaking Engagements and Impact25:13 Growing Up in a Small Town25:26 Connecting with Different Demographics25:55 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness29:22 Fraternity and Sorority Experiences31:03 Basketball Memories at Kentucky35:25 Mental Health in Design and Organizations39:30 Concluding Thoughts on Mental Health48:31 Final Remarks and Contact Information49:43 Liz's House Hot Takes50:35 Closing and Call to Action

📌 Connect with Scott:

Website: https://scottfussellcoaching.com/

IG: @scottfussell

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ 

📷 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠

• Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directoalumsumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings honest conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife 

Today on Sorority Chat, Liz welcomes Nikki Johnson, House Core President at the Delta Beta chapter of Delta Gamma on the University of Kentucky campus. Nikki shares her journey from volunteer to interim house director, overseeing a massive renovation project. Learn about the challenges they faced, like fluctuating material costs during the pandemic and the importance of alumni support. Nikki also discusses her extensive volunteer work within Delta Gamma and Phi Kappa Psi, offering invaluable advice for anyone embarking on similar projects.

📌 Connect with Nikki:

[email protected]

IG: @ukdeltagamma

📌 Connect with Liz: 

🔗 ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠ 

📷 ⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors

• Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!
• If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!

Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Toombs hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

#sisterhood #sororitylife  #podcast  #WomenEmpowerment  #greeklife  #sororitysisters #Leadership  #SororityAlumnae #collegelife