Local Life Leaders: Building Connections Through Community Involvement and Volunteering

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 episod...

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...

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 unde...

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 ...

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 s...

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...

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 ...

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 importanc...

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...

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In this episode of the Local Life Leaders podcast, host Janessa Storlie discusses the relevance of board applications in today's evolving landscape. With a focus on community engagement and in-person interaction, Janessa challenges the traditional reliance on resumes and applications, advocating for a more personalized approach to boar...

In this episode of Local Life Leaders, host Janessa Storlie addresses a common mistake among nonprofits and small businesses—unclear messaging. Janessa shares a straightforward formula to help organizations clarify their message, ensuring they can effectively advocate for their cause and attract their ideal audience. Whether you're running a nonprofit, a small business, or a community project, this episode offers valuable insights ...

In this episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, host Janessa Storlie dives into the essentials of local marketing and advertising. Janessa shares her journey of growing her platform, "What's Happening," organically and offers valuable insights into effective marketing strategies that can help small businesses and nonprofits connect with their communities. Learn about the "Core Four" focuses that can drive your marketing success ...

In this inspiring episode of Local Life Leaders, Janessa Storlie sits down with her husband, John Geyerman, to discuss his extensive journey in volunteering and community involvement. From his early days in Phoenix, Arizona, to his current roles in Williston, North Dakota, and the North Dakota Council on the Arts, John shares his insights on making a difference in the community, the importance of arts, and maintaining a balance to ...

In this episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, host Janessa Storlie shares her insights on the crucial steps to take after an event concludes. Drawing from her recent experience with two major events, Janessa discusses the importance of post-event activities to ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for future successes. Tune in for a detailed checklist, personal anecdotes, and actionable tips that every event planner sho...

In this impromptu and heartfelt episode, Janessa Storlie dives deep into the rollercoaster of emotions experienced during event week. With two major events on the horizon, Janessa shares her personal journey, the stress and anxiety involved, and offers valuable insights and strategies to manage the mental, emotional, and physical challenges that come with organizing events.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Reality of Event Week: J...

In the fourth episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, host Janessa Storlie dives deep into the topic of leadership. She challenges traditional notions of leadership, emphasizing the evolving nature of leadership roles and the importance of servant leadership. Janessa provides insights on how everyone can be a leader by leveraging their unique skills and serving others. She also discusses the connection between leadership and res...

In the third episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, host Janessa Storlie explores the definition of positive change and how small, consistent actions can lead to significant impacts in our communities. She shares insights from her own journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, connection, and perseverance. Janessa provides practical tips for identifying and implementing actions that align with one's passions and skill...

In the second episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, host Janessa Storlie delves into the concept of a holistic approach to community involvement. Drawing from her extensive experience in volunteering and community leadership, Janessa discusses the importance of self-care, aligning volunteer efforts with personal passions, and the benefits of efficiency. She provides actionable tips for both new and seasoned volunteers to help ...

In the inaugural episode of the Local Life Leaders Podcast, host Janessa Storlie introduces the purpose and mission of the podcast: to equip listeners with the knowledge and tools needed to positively impact their local communities. Janessa shares her personal journey of community involvement, from the growing pains of Williston, North Dakota, to the establishment of her platform, What's Happening in Williston. She emphasizes the i...