Short Story Long: Life Lessons from Leaders, Coaches, and Entrepreneurs
Short Story Long shares life-changing stories of growth, resilience, and reinvention from leaders, coaches, and everyday people navigating pivotal turning points. Hosted by leadership coach Beki Fraser, each episode explores the moments that shaped someone's path and the lessons we can all learn.
Every other week, Beki follows up with a Skill Builder episode that breaks down insights from the previous story into practical tools, reflection prompts, and leadership actions.
Whether you're building a business, transitioning into a new career, or learning to lead with greater purpose, this podcast offers real stories and practical strategies to help you grow. New episodes every other week.
Episodes
32 episodes
Alan Heymann's Story: Reclaiming Energy Through Professional Reinvention
From drowning in meetings to discovering his authentic path, Alan Heyman's journey reveals what happens when we acknowledge the disconnect between career expectations and reality. This transformative conversation pulls back the curtain on what ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 15
•
43:27
Fear Doesn't Have to Run Your Show - Skill Builder
Let's dig into the powerful distinction between following someone else's blueprint and charting your own authentic path as a leader.This episode explores how effective leadership begins with managing your internal reactions—especially fe...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 14
•
5:15
Toby Adamson's Story: Reimagining Who You Are When Life Forces a New Path
What happens when you realize you're living a life on remote control? For Toby Adamson, this revelation sparked a transformation.Her awakening triggered a series of life-altering decisions. After years of solving business problems with ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 13
•
28:03
Beyond the Imposter: You're Not Faking It - Skill Builder
Ever catch yourself saying "I'm just faking it till I make it" or feeling like an imposter despite your achievements? You're not alone, but you might be undermining yourself more than you realize.Those feelings of doubt, fear, and anxie...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 12
•
6:11
Kris Liebau's Story: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Redefining Personal Success
Have you ever achieved everything you thought you wanted, only to find yourself still feeling unsatisfied? That nagging disconnect between external success and internal fulfillment is exactly what leadership coach Kris Liebau confronted on her ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 11
•
37:07
Brave Conversations: Preparing for Life-Changing Discussions - Skill Builder
We've all faced moments when a deeply personal truth demands to be spoken, yet everything inside us screams to stay silent. These brave conversations—whether coming out to loved ones, revealing major life changes, or addressing difficult topics...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 9
•
9:50
John Neral's Story: How a Personal Journey Shaped a Career Coach's Approach
The journey to authenticity often begins with our most challenging personal moments. In this profound conversation with career coach John Neral, we explore how his experience of coming out to his parents at age 28 shaped not just his personal l...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 9
•
31:00
Networking to Build Relationships - Skill Builder
We build protective stories around our awkward experiences, convincing ourselves we're simply not cut out for schmoozing in crowded rooms or making small talk with strangers. These narratives serve a purpose – they shield us from discomfort and...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 8
•
15:33
Scott Fleszar’s Story: From Layoff to First-Time CEO
In this episode, we explore powerful themes of resilience, reinvention, and the importance of staying connected. Scott Fleszar shares how a sudden career disruption became a catalyst for reflection and transformation. Rather than being defined ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 7
•
34:56
The Mindset Advantage: Mastering Leadership Agility - Skill Builder
The journey of leadership often requires us to make choices with incomplete information and limited time.Drawing from my conversation with Scott Hanton about his career-defining moment when he had to decide between working for an unsuit...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 6
•
8:15
Scott Hanton's Story: The Reluctant Leap to Leadership
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves at a crossroads that prompts uncomfortable yet exciting changes. In this episode, I speak with Scott Hanton, a seasoned researcher who faced the unexpected decision of transitioning from the world of scienti...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
43:00
How Kindness Shapes Workplace Dynamics - Skill Builder
Explore the transformative power of kindness in leadership in this inspiring episode. Through real-world examples, I highlight how compassion and thoughtful communication strengthen relationships and create a more supportive team environment. S...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
6:14
Anthony Marzilli's Story: Chasing Passion, Finding Balance Through Entrepreneurship
What drives someone to leave a stable career with Detroit's top sports franchises and dive into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship? Anthony Marzilli, a seasoned video and motion graphics editor, shares his journey of chasing passion and ba...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
37:32
The Power of Choosing Your Own Career Path - Skill Builder
In this episode of Short Story Long, we explore the power of owning your career choices and breaking free from traditional corporate paths. Reflecting on Theresa’s inspiring journey from HR to sustainability, we discuss the emotional a...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 2
•
8:23
Theresa’s Story: Her Career Transition to Sustainability
What happens when a seasoned HR professional decides to pivot her career path entirely? Join us as we uncover Theresa's remarkable journey from a successful 25-year career in human resources to a burgeoning role in sustainability. Theresa share...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
34:19
Season 2 Trailer
In this new season, host Beki Fraser goes beyond her own journey to explore the defining moments that shape careers and leadership. Each episode features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who have navigated piv...
•
Season 2
•
0:54
Short Story Long Season 1 Bonus Episode
In this bonus episode, Richard Dodds -- my producer and friend -- joins me to celebrate the end of our first season and the exciting path ahead. We reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped this journey, from overcoming initial challenge...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
27:00
From Self-Doubt to Self-Empowerment: The Journey into Entrepreneurship
What if the key to unlocking your true potential lies in unraveling the complex web of self-perception? Join me, Beki Fraser, as I share my candid and transformative journey from self-doubt to self-discovery. You'll hear about the challenges I ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
14:08
Navigating Life's Curveballs: Resilience in Personal and Professional Storms (Novella)
What happens when you're caught in the crossfire of life's curveballs, wearing multiple hats and juggling personal turmoil with professional duties? Join me, Beki Fraser, on Short Story Long as I peel back the layers of resilience needed t...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
7:12
The Caregiver's Balancing Act: Love, Guilt, and Growth
Join me, Beki Fraser, as I share my journey through the ups and downs of caring for aging parents from afar. As I navigate the emotional landscape of guilt and love, you'll learn how family bonds can stretch across miles, and how respecting a p...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
19:36
From Advertising Exec to Entrepreneur: Jason's Journey of Resilience and Change (Novella)
Ever wondered how a successful advertising executive could end up molding young minds and running his own business? Join me, Beki Fraser, as I share my friend's story. Jason's life took unexpected turns that shaped him into the resilient entrep...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
7:06
Redefining Success: A Courageous Shift from HR to Coaching
Leaving the familiar shores of HR, I embarked on a transformative journey into the world of entrepreneurship. In this episode, I recount my personal story of recognizing my old role was no longer inspiring to me and the awakening call of coachi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
18:09
Choosing Change: When Staying Safe No Longer Feels Right (Novella)
What if stepping away from your current professional life could reveal the truth about who you are? Join Beki Fraser as she recounts her transformative journey post-Argentina and the somewhat unexpected challenges she faced upon returning to th...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
6:21
Argentina Bound: Leaping into Growth and Embracing Support
Feeling stuck and unfulfilled in your career? This episode will help you see dissatisfaction as a catalyst for profound transformation. Join me, Beki Fraser, as I recount a pivotal moment in my HR career when I was feeling low, only to find an ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
16:36