Uncover Your Story

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
• Follow Lara on Instagram: @lara_shelldrake
• Book recommendation: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
• Learn more about the Profit First Method by Mike Michalowicz

Work with Sarah:

 Visit my website 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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

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

·       Instagram: @lisalong_msc

Resources and Links:

·       Follow me on Instagram: @sarahoughtonphotography

·       Join my newsletter for storytelling tips and insights: Sign up on my website

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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

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

·       Free download: 5 everyday questions to build your child’s emotional resilience

·       Follow Shilpa on Instagram: @mindsetmimiandme

Sarah’s brand stories services: 

Uncover Your Story: Your personal branding power hour

Create Joyful Content: A 3-month programme to set your brand up for success

Soulful Brand Videos: Connect deeply through your video story

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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

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
• Work With Me: Brand clarity and storytelling support

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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

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
• Instagram: @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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

What happens when you follow the breadcrumbs life lays out for you — and have the courage to trust where they lead?

In this two-part episode of Uncover Your Story, I sit down with Kelly Pietrangeli, founder of the global movement Project Me, to explore how storytelling, curiosity, and connection have shaped her journey from blogger and author to down-to-earth soul mentor.

In part one, Kelly shares how she went from writing about parenting and productivity to embracing her spiritual side, building a business that now helps women around the world find their flow, follow their intuition, and become the best versions of themselves.

We talk about the power of storytelling to grow a personal brand, why sharing vulnerably creates deeper connections with your audience, and how to write to your ideal client so they feel truly seen and understood.

Whether you’re a creative, a coach, or a purpose-driven founder, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your own story and follow the breadcrumbs toward your most authentic work.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why storytelling is the key to building trust and connection with your audience
• How to write to your ideal client so they feel like you get them
• Kelly’s journey from hiding behind the keyboard to finding her voice as a speaker and podcast host
• The role of spirituality and intuition in business — and why it doesn’t have to feel “woo-woo”
• How to overcome fear and take bold steps when pivoting your business
• The magic of following life’s breadcrumbs and trusting the synchronicities along the way

Connect with Kelly:

• Website: kellypietrangeli.com
• Instagram: @kellyprojectme
• Podcast: Project Me with Kelly Pietrangeli

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Kelly’s book: Project Me for Busy Mothers
• The Insight Timer meditation app
• Sarah Oughton’s guide to growing your brand with soulful 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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

Join me and Mo Kanjilal, the co-creator of Edge of Difference as we discuss how storytelling can be a powerful tool for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in businesses. 

Mo shares her personal experiences in the tech industry, highlighting the challenges she faced as a woman of color and how these shaped her passion for inclusion. 

We explore effective ways to integrate diverse narratives into brand storytelling and the importance of organisational culture in supporting diverse voices. Mo also takes us behind the scenes with Edge of Difference’s 'Workplace Rebellion' campaign, which is designed to inspire businesses to adopt inclusive practices. 

Connect with Mo:

• Website 
• Mo’s TEDx talk 
• LinkedIn  
• Buy The Inclusion Journey book – use code KOGANPAGE20 for 20% off via this link  

Get my free guide: Grow Your Brand Through Soulful Storytelling

00:00 Introduction to Uncover Your Story

00:33 Meet Mo Kanjulao: Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion

01:55 Quickfire Questions with Mo

03:12 Mo's Journey and Passion for Diversity

08:09 The Importance of Diverse Representation in Storytelling

11:16 The Workplace Rebellion: A Bold Stand for Inclusion

16:01 Challenges and Strategies for Inclusive Narratives

24:35 Success Stories and Impact of Inclusive Practices

30:36 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

What if the very challenges you’ve faced are the key to your confidence, your business, and your impact?

In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I’m joined by Kate Stirling — actor, life coach, NLP Master Practitioner, and founder of Club Thrive. Kate’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, and she shares how our lived experiences, no matter how messy or painful, can become the foundation of our greatest strengths.

We talk about:

• How storytelling helps us feel less alone and build true connection.
• Why self-trust is the starting point for confidence, creativity, and success.
• How to reframe limiting beliefs and use your experiences as fuel for growth.
• The power of using your voice — whether through journaling, video, or conversation — to connect more deeply with others.

Kate’s openness and honesty are a reminder that every story has value — including yours. If you’ve ever questioned whether your story is “interesting enough,” this conversation will shift your perspective.

See links below to connect with Kate, plus access a free meditation. 

Future You Visualisation Meditation  

Kate’s website & socials: www.katestirling.com + www.instagram.com/katestirling_ 

Club Thrive website & socials: www.club-thrive.com + www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

Sarah’s free guide: Grow Your Brand Through Soulful Storytelling

00:00 Introduction to Uncover Your Story

00:34 Meet Kate Stirling: Actor, Life Coach, and NLP Master

02:37 Quickfire Round with Kate

04:19 The Power of Storytelling in Personal Growth

07:57 Using Voice and Video to Tell Your Story

14:21 Tackling Societal Narratives and Personal Blocks

18:53 Harnessing Your Experiences as a Superpower

24:11 The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing

25:05 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

27:36 Overcoming Personal Challenges

28:28 The Value of Every Story

30:12 Balancing Privilege and Pain

35:39 Connecting with Dream Clients

38:22 The Joy of Helping Others

41:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

44:29 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

The stories you tell can set you apart — but only if people feel them. In this episode of Uncover Your Story, I share a personal story and break it down step by step to show how you can move from telling to showing. You’ll learn how to use structure, detail, and emotion to create stories that connect, stick, and inspire action. Plus, I guide you through a simple journaling exercise to help you uncover and shape your own story.

Journaling prompts from this episode:

1. What do I want my audience to think after hearing my story?
2. How do I want them to feel?
3. What do I want them to do?
4. What moments from my life (or my clients’ lives) bring that message to life?
5. What sensory details and emotions can I add to bring the story alive?
6. Where is the emotional heart of the story?

Ready to uncover and polish your own brand stories? This is exactly the kind of work I support clients with. Let’s create a library of soulful stories that connect and inspire — reach out if you’d like to explore working together - details on my website.

Want to see today’s story written out? You’ll find it on my blog.

Up next: I’m joined by Kate Stirling, founder of Club Thrive. Kate’s energy is electric, and the story behind her brand is just as inspiring. 

Until next time: uncover your story, own it, share it, and shine.

00:00 Welcome to Uncover Your Story

00:50 The Power of Storytelling

02:45 Personal Story: Breaking My Addiction to Chocolate

06:46 Analyzing the Story Structure

08:57 Techniques for Effective Storytelling

14:48 Journaling Exercise: Develop Your Story

17:29 Conclusion and Next Steps

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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories

What happens when we put people’s stories at the heart of change? In this episode, I speak with Sarah Hand – midwife turned international health and development leader, and former CEO of Avert – about how storytelling, co-creation, and compassionate leadership can break down stigma, shift health behaviours, and create lasting impact.

Sarah shares how personal stories can spark behaviour change and build empathy in ways data alone can’t, why co-creating with communities creates more meaningful and sustainable solutions, and what she learned from making the bold move to transition Avert’s core programmes to African-led organisations.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use storytelling to drive social change or lead with more heart and bravery, this conversation will inspire you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why personal stories are the missing piece in behaviour change communications
• How co-creation with communities leads to more impactful, culturally relevant campaigns
• What compassionate leadership looks like in action – and why it matters
• The ongoing challenges of HIV stigma and misinformation, and how stories can help shift the dial

Resources & Links:

Get the facts about sexual health and HIV on Be in the Know 

If You Enjoyed This Episode:

Please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who cares about the power of storytelling for change. It really helps other creatives and change makers find us.

00:00 Introduction to Uncover Your Story

00:34 Meet Sarah Hand: A Journey of Compassionate Leadership

02:36 Quick Fire Round: Getting to Know Sarah Hand

06:14 The Power of Personal Stories in HIV Communication

10:51 Cultural Sensitivity and Co-Creation in Storytelling

18:41 Digital Storytelling and Behavior Change

20:20 Challenges and Learnings in HIV Campaigns

27:01 The Impact of USAID Cuts on HIV Programs

39:01 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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

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
LinkedIn

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

Brand Photography

Documentary Stories