Episodes

  • 121: You Don't Have Imposter Syndrome: The Lie, the Trap, and the Reframe to Claim Instead

    121: You Don't Have Imposter Syndrome: The Lie, the Trap, and the Reframe to Claim Instead
    Dec 24 2025

    I'm done, y'all. It's time to drop the idea that you have imposter syndrome for good.

    In this episode, I'm not helping you "fix" imposter syndrome. I'm helping you challenge and discard the entire idea. You'll learn where this concept came from, why it doesn't serve you, and how to understand your feelings without pathologizing your humanity.

    We explore:

    • The real definition of "imposter" (and why it's NOT you)

    • How your environment might actually be the culprit

    • The history behind the "imposter syndrome" label

    • Inner Blocks (GAILs) and how to reframe your emotional experience

    • Five powerful reframes to replace this limiting narrative

    You're not an imposter. You don't have a syndrome.

    You're a human with gifts meant for service and this episode will show you how to come back to that truth.

    About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves.


    Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/
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    36 mins
  • 120: From Storytelling to Sense-Making: How Teams Build Meaning Together | David Hutchens

    120: From Storytelling to Sense-Making: How Teams Build Meaning Together | David Hutchens
    Dec 10 2025
    If you've ever walked into a team meeting or strategy session and felt like the stories being shared weren't shifting anything…this episode is your reframe. Today I'm talking with David Hutchens, storyteller, author, organizational consultant, and creator of some of my absolute favorite tools for leaders who want to use narrative to build alignment in their teams. David has worked with global organizations to help them move from merely telling stories to making meaning together, and that's exactly what we dive into today. David breaks down why: Storytelling is humanity's oldest sense-making technology The story itself is not the end, but the beginning of a deeper team conversation Alignment doesn't happen when one person tells a great story… it happens when the team talks about what that story means Groups who make meaning together actually become a community Story circles can transform a team's connection, coherence, and creativity "Emotional data" is just as real as any spreadsheet—and storytelling can reveal it He also introduces his beautiful "geography of meaning" framework, which helps teams explore a story from three different orientations: Behind the text – What did we notice about the storyteller, ourselves, or the room? Within the text – What images, moments, or messages stood out inside the story? In front of the text – What wisdom can we pull forward into our team's future? And the three listener roles that bring this alive: Witness. Harvester. Connector. This episode is the perfect companion to my earlier conversation with Brett Davidson, where we explored the shift from storytelling to storylistening, and how individual stories can accidentally silo us unless we build a collective narrative. If David gives you the "how" of sense-making, Brett gives you the "why" of collective storytelling for strategy. Together, these episodes are your starter kit for Reframe to Create 2.0, moving from "me" to "we," from solo creating to community sense-making, and from personal story to shared story. Because if we want to create together, we must reframe together. About my guest: David Hutchens has been exploring the intersection of narrative, leadership, and complex systems change for more than 20 years. A bestselling author, business writer and learning designer, he creates solutions for Accenture, Harvard Business Review, The Coca-Cola Company, Wal-Mart, IBM, The US Olympic Committee, and many others. His partnerships include a recurring instructor position with the globally renowned INSEAD School of Business in Fontainebleau, France. He speaks to organizations and leadership teams all around the world on the topic of storytelling as an organizational capacity. His new book is "Story Dash", was published August, 2021. It is his ninth book. He is the author of "Circle of the 9 Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makers," (Wiley & Sons 2015). He created the innovative Leadership Story Deck — an innovative, card-based resource for developing narrative driven communications. The popular resource is now available on Amazon.com. A nationally recognized developer of innovative learning products, David's work has been recognized with distinctions such as Training & Development's "Training Product of the Year" award; ASTD's prestigious "Excellence in Practice" award; Brandon Hall Gold award, and more. Contact David: Email: David@DavidHutchens.com Resources: www.StorytellingLeader.com/resources Website: www.DavidHutchens.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhutchens/ About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves. Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/ Geography of Story Download
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    41 mins
  • 119: The Secret to Storytelling and Data: One. Many. Stat.

    119: The Secret to Storytelling and Data: One. Many. Stat.
    Nov 26 2025

    Are you ready to unlock the secret of storytelling and data?

    If you are, I'm ready to share it with you so you can finally learn how to use data to tell a powerful story and how to tell a story that leverages the right data.

    In this episode, I'm sharing with you the two reframes that have absolutely transformed the way I think about data and storytelling. These are reframes I now share with leaders because they change everything about how you show up in front of a room.

    You'll hear why you are the storyteller (yes, you, not your slides, not your deck, not your one-pager), and why your real job isn't dumping numbers but bringing insights. I'm also sharing a powerful analogy that will help you rethink data completely, and you'll learn the simple storytelling with data pattern I call One. Many. Stat.

    I'm also sharing a personal example from my childhood of how to use One. Many. Stat.

    This is the way I've seen data used most effectively, and once you learn it, you'll start seeing it everywhere.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • How to transform raw data into meaningful insights

    • How to avoid "data dumping" and step into your role as the insight-bringer

    • Why PowerPoint is not a story (and never will be!)

    • How journalists and great communicators weave story and data together

    • How to choose the right data by uncovering the human story behind the statistic

    • How to use the One. Many. Stat. framework to bring your audience into the meaning behind your numbers

    If you're tired of watching people glaze over when you present your data, then this episode is for you.

    See you inside, Creating Maven.

    About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves.


    Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/
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    24 mins
  • 118: Reframing Strategy Through the Power of Collective Story | Brett Davidson

    118: Reframing Strategy Through the Power of Collective Story | Brett Davidson
    Nov 12 2025
    Picture it. You're about to dive into yet another strategy planning session with your team. You've got the flip charts, the markers, the frameworks, the best intentions… and a sinking feeling that this is going to end up just like last time—disconnected, circular, and unclear. Somewhere along the way, you've probably heard that storytelling can help. But not so fast. My guest today, Brett Davidson, is here to turn that idea on its head. He's the founder and principal of Wingseed, where he helps foundations and nonprofits around the world use narrative, storytelling, listening, and creativity for social justice. He also serves as the Narrative Lead at IRIS (International Resource for Impact and Storytelling), a donor collaborative advancing narrative strategies for impact. Brett brings a powerful reframe for how we think about storytelling in organizations—and it's one that will completely reshape how you approach strategy, identity, and meaning-making on your team. Before my conversation with Brett, I was an enthusiastic promoter of individual storytelling in organizations. But Brett helped me see the limits of that approach and the need to move from me stories to we stories—from storytelling to storylistening. 💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why individual storytelling might be keeping your team stuck in silos How to shift from isolated hero stories to a shared collective identity Why storylistening—not just storytelling—is the real key to strategic clarity How to embed collective listening into your organization's infrastructure Why story can (and should) replace your static mission statements as strategy ✨ Reframe to Create 2.0 Connection: This conversation officially kicks off our expanded focus—from me to we. Because as Brett shows us, storytelling alone isn't enough. To create anything meaningful together, we need storylistening. We need shared story. We need collective reframe. 🔗 Connect with Brett: Wingseed.org LinkedIn Substack Book a Call About my guest: Brett Davidson is founder and principal at Wingseed, where he works with foundations and nonprofits around the world interested in using the power of narrative, storytelling, listening and creativity for social justice. He is also the Narrative Lead at the International Resource for Impact and Storytelling (IRIS), a donor collaborative for philanthropy focused on strengthening civil society through narrative strategies and creative moving image storytelling for impact. Previously Brett was Director of Media and Narratives at the Open Society Public Health Program where he also co-led an OSF-wide community of practice on narrative change. He was a journalist, producer and anchor in radio news and current affairs at the national public broadcaster, the SABC during South Africa's transition to democracy and later worked with community radio stations across the country, as part of the democracy institute, IDASA. Brett has an MA in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University and an MA in interdisciplinary study from NYU's Gallatin School. He writes about listening, narrative and social change. About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves. Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/
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    33 mins
  • 117: From "Me" to "We": The Beginning of Reframe to Create 2.0

    117: From "Me" to "We": The Beginning of Reframe to Create 2.0
    Oct 29 2025

    Have you ever been part of creating something beautiful with others?

    Maybe it was a class project, a community event, or a team effort at work where everyone came together to bring one vision to life. When that happens, when everyone is aligned and moving toward a shared purpose, something extraordinary is created.

    But when that shared story breaks down, so does the ability to create together. Misaligned stories create competing identities and chaos, even among the most talented people.

    That's why it's time for a new conversation.

    For over four years, Reframe to Create has been about helping you—the individual—see your work differently: to create with your gifts, own what you create, and tell powerful stories that help you get paid to be you.

    But we don't create in isolation. We're embedded in teams, organizations, movements, and communities. And the stories we share (or don't share) shape what we're able to create together.

    So today marks a shift.

    This episode is the beginning of Reframe to Create 2.0 an expansion from me to we.

    Because now, the question isn't just about "What will I create?"

    It's also about "What will we create?"

    I'll still be talking to you as an individual and addressing your individual needs, but I'll be expanding that lens to see you as an embedded individual.

    An individual embedded in a broader community.

    Join me as we explore how reframing together allows us to create together—and how, in a world that often fractures, reclaiming "we" might just be our most creative act yet.

    💭 Your Turn:

    When was the last time you created something beautiful with others?
    What did you bring to the table—and how did it feel to create together?

    About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves.


    Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/
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    8 mins
  • 116: How to Own What You Create (Even When You Work for Someone Else)

    116: How to Own What You Create (Even When You Work for Someone Else)
    Oct 15 2025

    I bet I know one of the biggest mistakes you're making right now.

    And I'm not even trying to shame you. You mean well.
    But it's a mistake nonetheless.

    You're creating — on your job, in your side hustle, or in your collaborations — but not even thinking about owning what you create.

    Most people don't.

    We've been trained to think that being a "team player" means being invisible. That being helpful means erasing ourselves. That collaboration means disappearing.

    But that's not teamwork. That's self-erasure.

    In this episode, I'm reframing ownership — not as arrogance, not as ego, but as responsible stewardship of your gifts.

    You'll hear:

    🎧 Why not owning your work leads to resentment, burnout, and exploitation
    🎧 The personal story that woke me up to how costly this mistake really is
    🎧 What Prince, Paul McCartney, and Taylor Swift can teach us about ownership
    🎧 Two simple steps to start owning what you create — wherever you work

    You don't have to vanish in the name of collaboration. You can be generous and visible.
    You can be collaborative and responsible for your gift.

    It's time to stop flinging your creativity around without stewardship.

    Own what you create.

    Because ownership isn't about ego.

    It's about care.
    It's about stewardship. It's about responsibility.

    Your gifts deserve that kind of care.

    And so do you.

    Reference Episodes

    Reframe to Create Episode 73 - This is Why Ownership is Non-Negotiable

    Reframe to Create Episode 102 - This is Why Your Personal Brand is Non-Negotiable

    About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves.


    Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/
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    17 mins
  • 115: From Gift to Impact with the Mindful Business Paradigm (R) | Travis Lee Howard

    115: From Gift to Impact with the Mindful Business Paradigm (R) | Travis Lee Howard
    Oct 1 2025

    What if your business, team, or even your personal work rhythm could actually grow because of friction — not in spite of it?

    That's the question we dig into with today's guest, Travis Lee Howard, as he shares his powerful framework called the Mindful Business Paradigm (MVP).

    This isn't just another business model — it's a way to diagnose where things are off, whether you're a leader, creator, or changemaker trying to do mission-minded work that actually matters.

    Travis breaks down the four-part paradigm — Self → Customer → Machine → Team — and helps us understand how misalignment between any of these areas can derail your impact.

    But with the right questions and reframes, you can find your way back to clarity, connection, and creativity.

    🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:

    • How to use friction as your best diagnostic tool

    • The real reason your systems or team might be struggling (hint: it's probably not the tools)

    • How non-founders and employees can use this to find their place and amplify their impact

    • Why your most powerful leadership move is to speak your inarguable truths

    🧠 One Big Reframe

    "When things break down, don't panic — diagnose. Are you out of sync with yourself, your customer, the machine, or the team?"

    💡 Whether you're a:

    • Business leader growing your company

    • Employee searching for purpose and alignment

    • Consultant designing better systems

    • Or creative finding your path back to meaningful work...

    This episode is your invitation to pause, realign, and reimagine how your work flows from gift to impact.

    🔗 Resources & Links

    • Connect with Travis Lee Howard on LinkedIn

    • Explore more tools to create, own, and storytell your real work at reframetocreate.com

    About my guest:

    Travis Lee Howard's career is a remarkable blend of entrepreneurship, leadership, and mindful management. From his early days in technology and law to his pioneering work in the cannabis industry and his current role as a coach and consultant, Travis's journey is marked by continuous growth and impactful contributions. His dedication to fostering innovation, compassion, and strategic excellence makes him a standout figure in the modern business landscape.

    With over 20 years of entrepreneurial leadership experience, Travis coaches potential founders and entrepreneurs to reach their full potential through a simple paradigm. In teaching the mindful management pillars he works with his clients to tackle self, customer, machine, and team in a manner that aligns and inspires.

    Contact Travis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisleehoward/

    Reference Episodes

    Reframe to Create Episode 97 - Are you the Gift or the Gift-Giver | Travis Lee Howard

    About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves.

    Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/
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    39 mins
  • 114: Get Comfortable with Storytelling (4 Reframes that Unlock Your Voice)

    114: Get Comfortable with Storytelling (4 Reframes that Unlock Your Voice)
    Sep 17 2025

    You already know story matters.

    However, a few subtle hang-ups may still be holding you back.

    In this episode, I reframe four common storytelling mistakes so you can get comfortable, get practicing, and get your stories working for you.

    • Practice over theory: Storytelling is a verb. Shift the ratio from "one more book/framework" to actual reps.

    • You don't have one story: You have many. Build a Story Bank and match moments to context and audience.

    • Personal ≠ private: Tell human, lived stories (with appropriate vulnerability) without oversharing.

    • Process > product: Storytelling changes the storyteller too. Transformation happens while you craft and share, not only when you deliver.

    If after listening to this episode you feel ready to get restoried or prep a stage-ready story, then I want to hear from you!

    Explore packages: https://reframetocreate.com/restoried • Email: joy@reframetocreate.com

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Reframe to Create Episode 64 - The Why and How of Building a Powerful Personal Brand | Diane Diaz

    • Reframe to Create Episode 88 - How to Build Your Story Bank

    • Reframe to Create Episode 108 - The Real Reason Your Story Falls Flat (And How to Fix It)

    • LinkedIn Video Series: Your Guide to Storytelling Frameworks

    About: The Reframe to Create podcast is hosted by Joy Spencer, an Executive Leadership and Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Development Consultant working with professionals and leaders at all levels within organizations. Joy leverages over 17 years of experience she gained while working to champion change in social justice movements, including those related to global access to essential medicines and consumer advocacy for online privacy. This work required a dogged commitment to not merely challenging the status quo, but to reimagining and working towards creating an ideal future. It is this commitment to creating that has shaped Joy's coaching philosophy and approach today. Using her signature C.R.E.A.T.E. framework, Joy guides her clients through a process to become incomparable in work so they can get paid to be themselves.

    Follow Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer
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    16 mins