SPEAKER_00 0:00

This intro is being recorded from my car in the school pickup line. Um, I'm early. I'm never early, and I'm early today. I was working from a coffee shop not too far from my son's school, and I got to a stopping place with work, and I thought, you know, I'll just head on over that way. So he's gonna be shocked because I'm always like one of the last ones to come get him. So while I had a few minutes, I thought I would do the intro for an amazing interview I just had with Hannah Stringer, who um recently pivoted and now is a queer guide helping the LGGBQ community step out and get visible um uh with their true selves, with their authentic selves, both in the businesses that they run and in the lives that they live. And so she has been sharing a lot about her own coming out story, about um other people's opinions, how that's shown up for her in her business now, and um how she's been helping others um do the same. And Hannah is a type six on the Enneagrammer, identifies as a type six, and this type, their core fear is kind of fear itself, and so the thing that they are running towards is safety and security because of that. Their support systems are really important to them, they'll be looking for guidance, it's important to them, and sixes are a little unique, and I think we all have this energy, maybe a little bit about us in some way, or have had this energy where um we don't want to be told, they don't want to be told what to do, and at the same time, they are looking for that outside guidance, and sometimes it's just that validation that the ideas that they've already created themselves um are ready to go, are good enough, and um that's that's important for a type six because their message as a child, the unconscious childhood message, was that it's not okay to trust yourself. So their kind of unique identifier on the Enneagram is this concept of an inner committee. So our type one has an inner critic, and our type sixes have an inner committee. And Hannah talks about that being one of the things that most resonated with her. So I'll let you listen um to how she talks about that and what exactly um that is. But this was such a great overlap of trusting yourself, how to get out of your head and into your body and step into showing up as who you are, who you you know want to be versus who you think others want you to be. So, regardless of you know how you identify, um, you're going to get a lot from hearing about Hannah as a type six and about her recent pivot. And then also something I thought was really tangible that we can take away too for those of us who maybe are not in that LGBTQ plus community, is how to be more inclusive in our own in our own businesses, even with um the way that we market from the photos we do. So Hannah talks more about some things to consider um as we as we do that um ourselves. So, with that, enjoy this interview with Hannah Stringer. Welcome to another episode of the Enneagram MBA Podcast. This is a show for aspiring and growing entrepreneurs and company leaders who are ready to get to know themselves, who are ready to get to know and really understand their clients and their teams, and who are ready to learn how to get known as they package and promote their expertise and services in a way that truly aligns with their personality, motives, and goals. So grab your notebook or open your notes app, and I will see you in class. Okay, so Hannah, let's just let's get into it. Um, we've been just jumping into these right into talking Enneagram. And I know that you identify most as a type six on the Enneagram. And I would love just to hear about what that experience was like for you. Well, first of all, let's start off with what most resonates with you about a type six? Good question.

SPEAKER_01 4:51

I think, you know, really having that like inner committee, like there is nothing I do that doesn't have at least like half a dozen voices in there trying to cipher out all the different like options and ways that it could go right, but mostly wrong. And um, you know, for me, it was like learning how to kind of quiet them a little bit and kind of focus on that. But that is one of the things that it really, I don't know, resonated more than than anything. And then like there's that obviously the core need is like that safety and security and just you know, looking back at just growing up, like always like I wanted to be like, you know, if I was like, if you were my person, you better be my person. And any small inkling that something was off, I'm like, oh okay, are we still good? Are we still good? I don't know.

SPEAKER_00 5:45

Yeah, well, and that, you know, that makes sense. The sixes are also called the loyalist, um, the guardian, the troubleshooter, um, because they are able to see all those problems. Um, and and you know, I don't know. I'd be curious like how you experience yourself in this way. But um, sometimes others can experience sixes when they're like, oh, all these things could go wrong as like a Debbie Downer, which for sure, but also it's like you're doing it um to protect your people. It's like, well, let's have a plan in case these things go wrong. So it's not really coming from a negative place, it's more like a protective guardian type of place.

SPEAKER_01 6:25

Yeah, 100%. Because I definitely don't think of myself as like a Debbie Downer. And I try to be as, you know, positive and optimistic as I can, just you know, which can be hard, especially like nowadays where there's a lot of stuff happening. Um, but it definitely comes from that place of wanting to not only like protect myself, but the people I care most about. And so when I have plans A, B, C, D all the way to like Z, we're set.

SPEAKER_00 6:53

Yeah, yeah. Well, and that's um, I just had this conversation with somebody else around um, they think that they are type six. And um, they were talking about how like in in crisis, though, they tend to feel pretty calm, which is so surprising because typically they're like so anxiety ridden, but it's like, well, they thought of A to Z. And so when it does happen, they're like, I got this, I'm ready, let's do let's tell you. Yeah. I've been planning for this.

SPEAKER_01 7:23

I totally relate to that too, because like I thrive in kind of the high stress situations, like even though they're stressful, like that's where I'm like, okay, I got this, let's do it. And I'm like almost in my element when there's a lot of things that need to just be accounted for at any given time.

SPEAKER_00 7:43

Now, when did how long have you, you know, been working with or learning about the Enneagram? And like, how has it how has it been helpful for you in any area of your life? Yeah, I mean, it's been I don't know, a few years.

SPEAKER_01 7:59

Cause I feel like when you got into the Enneagram was kind of like when I did as well, because you started posting about I'm like, ooh, what is this? And then like with Christy, I got to following her and just learning more about it. And you know, I think the biggest thing for me was just knowing that like nothing is wrong with me and that that's just kind of how I operate. So if I like feel myself like going down like a spiral or like, you know, getting overly critical of like, why am I doing life? I'm so stupid. Like, no, you're just a six, you gotta like embrace it, or like you know, having the ways of like healing myself too, because like there's the different like levels of being in that six space. It's like, okay, like right now I'm kind of more on the low end, but like what can we do to get me back into more of that, I guess, healthy level, um, if you will. And so it's helped me just navigate life and business in a way that feels more empowering versus like, oh, well, I guess this is just how it is.

SPEAKER_00 9:06

Yeah, yeah, this is how I am. And that is what I love so much, is like the Enneagram can be so um fluid. It's not just like, oh, here are your letters, here's your type, like this is you forever. Um, there is such like growth and sometimes like a stress time where you might look like a completely different number. Um how has how has um knowing that about yourself kind of impacted how you have maybe started or are growing? And I know you recently pivoted, which is like the year of the pivot, right? I feel like. So I I know that as a six, that that safety and security is really important. And then um to pivot to do something new can be really scary. So, how did you kind of manage that knowing what you know about yourself?

SPEAKER_01 10:02

Yeah, I mean, I'll take it back a few years to when like I started um kind of my business and being an entrepreneur because I was like never like in my, you know, plans, like I'm just gonna be a cog in the wheel. Um and like like learning learning more about Enneagram too. It's like it's seeking that outside validation and not really trusting like what I innately have is gonna be enough. But I listened to a podcast with Christine McAllister, who's you know, both of our mentors, and I don't know, something clicked when because then I end up on a call with her. I'm like, oh, maybe we can do this. But I was like, it was it led to me like following the little like intuition and the synchronicities that were happening as I was trying to make this decision. And you know, so I made that leap of faith and really started my entrepreneurship, like coaching creatives, because that's my background. Um and I knew early on in that journey though that I was meant to be serving the LGBTQ plus community. And but I wasn't ready to make that leap because that's that's extra scary. Because we all know as entrepreneurs, like visibility is is this whole thing that that we all struggle with in some capacity. But when you add in like this piece of my identity, which I was still like processing and trying to, I guess, come to terms with in that self-love and acceptance based on like how I grew up. That I'm like, no, mm-mm, we ain't gonna touch that. Um but I don't know, this the last what 17, 18 months now, like with COVID, when everything just slowed down, I was able to kind of before COVID connect with a friend who we apparently go way back, like we were in the same Catholic diocese. We went to World Youth Day over in Germany and like I don't know, early 2000s. And she was she did a pivot last summer into serving the LGBTQ community. I'm like, okay, well, she can do it. Like, why can't I? And so I think just having you know that friend to kind of lead the way and show me that it's okay, and to do it with her, because you know, we both grew up in a similar environment. We both like like struggled with being more authentically ourselves. And so knowing I at least had one person who had my back, it's like, okay, we're doing this, we're gonna pivot from serving the creatives. I mean, I still work with creatives because you know, we're all creatives, um, but really focusing on serving the LGBTQ plus community and helping them to really embrace their authentic selves so they can show up in the world as their best, best versions.

SPEAKER_00 12:50

Yes, yes. Okay, so I I love what you said about that friend kind of doing this with you. And if you have any thoughts on this, I I would just love to hear your experience with authority because sixes are are interesting because they do look for that guidance and support, but at the same time, they don't want anybody to necessarily necessarily tell them what to do. So they want somebody to tell them what to do, but then not really tell them what to do. And so I think that that was like having that friend to like walk with you and not like talk at you or like you know, um tell you what to do was like so such a great way to to kind of support that that six energy, but any any like experience, any thoughts on that relationship with authority that you have?

SPEAKER_01 13:40

Yeah, I mean, I think there's been a lot of times where like because I am very like self-motivated and I'm like five steps ahead. And so I know what I want to do. I'm proactive. And so I'll be about to do something, and then like say my supervisor or like even like my parents were like, hey, could you do this for me? And I was planning on doing it, but now I don't want to do it because they told me to do it all the time, all the time. And then you get like almost this, I don't want to say resentment because it's not quite that deep, but it's like I was going to, and then it's almost like, don't you trust me to be able to do the things that like I'm supposed, you know, supposed to do in the job, or you know, to you know, help out around the house or whatever. And then it's like it can end in a little spiral about that too, because then you kind of get mad at the person. So it's fun. And like you said, so then just having my friend walking with me versus telling me, you know, what she did, and like, you know, if you just do this, you can, you know, earn six figures as well.

SPEAKER_00 14:43

Right, right, right, right. And you're like, is that is that true? Um, there goes like kind of that skeptic skepticism. Um, yeah, well, I definitely I am a type seven, but I have a I have a pretty like strong wing six. And so like I do the same thing, Hannah. Like I am 100% like happy to do it if it's my idea. Um, but if someone asks me to do it, I'm like, exactly. I was going to until you asked me. And now it feels like I have to. Yeah, so I I definitely get that. Um, the other thing that you said, and I forget exactly how you said it. So correct me if I'm I'm misspeaking, but you had said something about just kind of like starting to like trust your gut and kind of like feel it in your body. Our sixes with the the fives and the sevens are in that thinking triad, the head center. And so we are always thinking, planning, overanalyzing. Um, lots of lots is happening in inside of our heads. Um, and so that is the work of those head centers is to you know start to integrate the body and then the feelings. So how like you that happened for you in that situation? Uh how do you like what practices do you have to help you get out of your head and become more trusting of that intuition?

SPEAKER_01 16:09

It's definitely evolved over the years too. Like right now, my current therapist loves to ask me, like, where do you feel that in your body? You know, what are you feeling? Sort of thing. And so, like, it's almost gotten to the point now, like after over a year, that I'm like, I'll like, you know, get like tense or feel angry or sad or whatever, get lost up here. And I'm like, what am I feeling in my body? I'm like, oh. And then you do you notice that kind of like that tenseness that you get when like everything's just like all chaos up in your head. And one of my favorite ways to kind of shake it out is something I learned from my friend Doug, is just to dance it out. Just turn on like a fun song and just because it's that movement, that kind of shaking and just whatever um moves through that energy. And then like dancing's fun. So it gets you in that place of just like out of your head and into this just kind of flow state and fun and play. And usually once I am done, you know, you know, one song is all it really takes. Then there's like I just feel a little lighter and ready to sit down and you know, retackle whatever it was that maybe got me a little off the edge there.

SPEAKER_00 17:17

I was gonna say, if you are not following, we'll have to connect with Hannah on Instagram because she does a lot of dancing in her reels and it's so fun. It gets the gets the people going. Right. As it should. Yes.

SPEAKER_01 17:31

I mean, I also use use nature and going out on walks to like reground myself too. And you know, we spend so much time in front of screens, whether it's on our computers, our phones, you know, what have you, that uh, you know, spend even just 10 minutes outside soaking up sunshine and the fresh air, it does it does a lot for my my well-being.

SPEAKER_00 17:53

Yes, yes, yes. Um, that I I feel this thing like that's very helpful for me too, is just like to get outside in in some way. Um and you know, the thing about that I was gonna mention too for the listeners that you know, I think the Enneagram can be so beneficial. And even if you don't know the people around you, you don't know that their type, but just know that you know, some people have this relationship with being told what to do. And I know a lot of people do, but like some people are maybe more sensitive to it. Or, you know, if you were to recommend, like, oh, like, you know, dance it out or um, you know, get outside, like somebody else might be already like really in touch with their body and they might be like, that's not helpful. I'm like already doing those things. Um, and so it is, it can be so helpful to understand your type and others around you if you are a coach and kind of helping, you know, people, you know, whatever you're coaching them on, just to understand they may be looking at the world through a completely different lens than you are. Um, the other thing I want to ask you as a type six before you kind of move on to what you're doing now in this new pivot is um I just love to hear your experience around dealing with um conflict or uh disagreements or challenges, because typically, um according to Enneagram theory, sixes are in this triad where they're it's called emotional reactivity. And so they're very comfortable venting and they want others around them to feel the same level of upsetness um as they are. And there's other types that you know are talking data over drama, don't don't show me the emotions. And there's other types that are like positive outlook, rose colored glasses, you know. And so how out of those three, like is does that resonate with you as the six um energy or or like I guess just in your own experience, how do you handle those types of situations?

SPEAKER_01 19:59

Yeah, I mean, I am definitely like a verbal processor, so having a space where I can vent and just get all that out um is really helpful for me. And I never thought about like trying to get people to also kind of be in that energy, but it makes sense because there are times where like I'll say something and I'm kind of fired up about it, whether it's good or bad. And then someone's like, okay. I'm like, what? Why aren't you feeling the feels like I'm feeling? And I get so confused with it. Um but I also like I tend to avoid conflict. Um and so like it's that like wanting to be heard and sharing like these feelings and like trying to get other people and to myself to like just empathize, but then at the same time not wanting to rock any boats and to like keep everybody happy. I guess it's like the six in me wanting that safety and security, because if they're mad at me, then who knows, who knows what's gonna happen. Um, so I kind of walk this fine line of of kind of making sure I'm not like keeping things hold up too much, but not again wanting to to make any sort of massive like conflict or pair anything with it.

SPEAKER_00 21:16

Yeah, well, and you know, interesting. Um I've had a I'm trying to think, I think almost all of my clients who have thought they were a nine or thought they were a six have battled between the two. Like, am I a six or am I a nine for that reason that you just described? Because the nine is also called the peacemaker. And so they too will avoid conflict at all costs. And it's important for them to belong and not be cut off because of that conflict. And so um, that is something that will resonate um, you know, across different types. Um, but at the end of the day, the reason why. Why that is can be so scary, does come down to those different core motives and core fears. Um, okay, so as a type six, your childhood message was that, again, according to Enneagram Theory, was that it's not okay to trust yourself. And as we kind of move into this next part where we're talking about the the pivot and you becoming, you know, your LGBTQ coach and um kind of helping others in that way, you know, have you seen that message show up for you in the past? And how have you started to trust yourself? Like how how do you actually do that? Because it's one thing to say, oh, just trust yourself, just go for it, go with your gut. Um, how do you how do you do that though?

SPEAKER_01 22:53

Yeah, I mean, looking back, there's definitely like this theme of I don't know, like invalidating like what I'm feeling like, you know, you'll come to, you know, especially when you're in school, like there's a lot of things that you, yeah, sure, you're maybe overreacting, but it's very real and very valid for you. But when you have a parent being like, well, you just gotta like suck it up, you know, like you shouldn't be wallowing, like just pick you up by the bootstrap, sort of thing. Like it then validates everything you're feeling. It makes it hard then to want to express like what you thought was true for you, but maybe it, maybe it's not. Maybe you really shouldn't be feeling that way. And um, and that's like just reoccurring too, and like throughout life, like looking back, I can pinpoint a lot of you know, people like throughout life, not just my parents, too, that that just kind of have that that there. And so it really to start trusting myself and allowing myself to like feel things, it it honestly took me being in therapy and having that safe spot and having someone who's actively listening and trying to get me to dig deeper and share these things and like you know, shed the layers of you know what I should be feeling versus what I'm actually feeling, what I should, you know, be doing versus what I actually want to be doing. And it's it's so hard. Um, and I've done like journaling. I went through a while when I was journaling, now I'm not doing that too much. You know, I've done meditation and I so I go through phases depending on like where I'm at in that journey. But the theme or the common kind of threat is just that time to process it out, write it out, um, or just that quietness of like meditation, whether you are sitting or you're out on a walk or you're just doing something more mindful, like it just helps quiet all like the outside chatter and allows me in small doses to start connecting, you know, with my authentic self. And you know, my therapist like start small. Like if you're going out to dinner, like do you have a specific place in mind? Ask to go there. Like, because my default is like, where do you guys want to go? You want to go there? Okay, we're gonna go there because that's where you want to go, and we're gonna like, you know, keep with the crowd. But being like, hey, actually, can we like go here? I really want to try this place, and so it's like inconsequential, but it helps you kind of build that muscle to you know try speaking up for what you want.

SPEAKER_00 25:26

Yes. So, how did that play a role in you trusting yourself to to make this pivot? Ooh.

SPEAKER_01 25:35

I think it's really a mix of like listening to like my body and being attuned to what I feel there, and also throughout like you know, like I said, the process of journaling and meditating, all the different phases and in ebbs and flows of that. But it got to a point where you almost feel this pull and you know that that's where you have to go. But there's that fear because being out, you know, as a member of the LGBTQ plus community is scary in and of itself. But now to build my business around it, to have my visibility be like almost a hundred percent about that, um, it was a lot. But every time I thought about like staying where I was, I'd like I would get like this really just heavy feeling. And over the years I've come to know like what that means. It's like that's we gotta like not be in this space. So how can we change that? And you know, I started kind of small too when I started sharing more of my my story um with my audience, and it, you know, ended up being some of like the most engaged with post I had had. And so that then gave me that outside validation that okay, I do got people who are gonna love and support me. So now let's actually make this official and pivot into serving the LGBTQ plus community.

SPEAKER_00 27:06

That's so good, Hannah. And I think that's great advice no matter what you're pivoting into, is just to start storytelling, start talking about the things that you want to talk about, regardless if they're, you know, quote unquote off brand. And that's something I hear about sometimes, and start to see what what type of feedback do you get? How do you also feel sharing those kind of of things? Like does that energize you or does it drain you? And then yeah, absolutely, what kind of feedback are you are you getting? So how how are you helping? Um how how are you helping people now? Um, tell us a little bit about your business and what and what you have going on.

SPEAKER_01 27:46

So I call myself a queer guide. And is really to help, you know, LGPTQ plus entrepreneurs, creators, like change makers to really own their voice and to figure out a way to be out in their business and life that feels safe and good for them because it's it's a process and it's gonna look different for everyone. But you know, that empowering to really step into their full authentic selves because that's gonna create a ripple effect in life and business, like that. The more you can be you, the more you're gonna like attract the people who you're meant to help. So you're gonna increase your impact and then by default really increase your income. And so, like as business owners, you know, um, I like to work with the impact-driven people, you know. I mean, income is obviously money is important, but like that that higher mission. Um, because I feel like especially within the LGBTQ, LJ B TQ plus community, um, there is that need to really um make a difference because we know what it's like to be in, you know, a minority group and to, you know, be singled out and oppressed in different ways and not have the same sort of rights or opportunities. So we, you know, a lot of us come from this place of wanting to do more, but are obviously afraid again, because how do you be out invisible? Where there is so much just hatred in the world for people like us. And so it's really my goal is to just guide you and be with you every step of the way. So like celebrate the wins big and small, but to be that safe space to land when shit hits the fan and you get like a negative hate comment or you're really struggling with visibility one day because I do that. Like there are days where you won't see me on social media because I need to recharge, and that's okay.

SPEAKER_00 29:41

Yes, yes. Okay, so I know that you've talked about this before on social media and in other places, I'm sure, but would you give us just kind of like the highlights of your of your personal coming out story, just in case there's anybody else who's maybe at the very beginning of theirs and might get some inspiration um from just hearing about how you how you did it?

SPEAKER_01 30:06

Yeah, for sure. I mean, I grew up in a small conservative town, was raised Catholic, and we didn't really have any like frame of reference for what it meant to be gay or trans, only that it was a sin. And so it really took me until after college to even entertain that idea. Like I wasn't, I never understood the boy craze in high school, but I thought I was just too into my studies, you know, like just too studious for that stuff. But then, you know, you go into college and it's the same thing. I just dove into, you know, I studied animation, so it's all about the projects. But then you get out of school and you're like, okay, now I don't have that to fall back on. Am I just gonna get into be a workaholic now with work? Um, so it took, so I went into therapy for like anxiety and stuff. And seven years ago, my therapist asked me point blank, like, do you think you might be gay? And I'm like, no. Um, but later that day, I actually totaled my car. Like I got into an accident because I was so in my head about this. Like I was fine, they were fine. It was just the cars that got damaged. Um, but it literally stopped me in my tracks. And as I thought more about it and like looking back, like there were signs growing up that of course, like it makes sense. Of course you're gay, but that wasn't something that was acceptable. And so it took a lot of inner work and it's still, you know, to this day, to really release a lot of those stories I grew up learning. And, you know, coming from that religious background, there's a lot of stuff there. But I found reconciling that like personally with myself was way easier. Like I went out on a hike and I just had this profound sense of peace washing over me. Like, so in my like for me, that was like the kind of peace that only God can give. And in that moment that I knew that I am okay and I am loved, and like there's nothing wrong with who I am. But now it's like, you know, family and society and you know, so-called Christians that are the problem and that really make it hard to, I don't know, just navigate in that that space. And so that's still something like there's there's levels of it, like I'll be good, and then something like bubbles up, and then you know, you got to kind of process and like heal again. And so it's definitely been a journey that way. And I was maybe out for a year to myself and a few friends before I told my parents. And that, you know, that was hard. My mom took it better than my dad, although she was like, then moving to the big city make you gay. And it's like, no, mom. It yes, it like it brought in my worldview because when you go from a small town in the middle of like farm country to like a big city, like I'm in, I went to school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to an art school, nonetheless, like you were exposed to so many people. And you know, and I think that's the key is having that exposure to people outside of your small bubble that really like widened it. Um, and my dad's more on the religious side, and he's still struggling with with the fact that I'm gay and trying to wrap his head around, you know, six decades of his beliefs and his learnings. So that's that's been a struggle um for both of us. And I'm trying to learn to come from a place of of compassion too, because like it's not easy. I have had a lot of inner work to do. He has his own, and at some point, you know, we meet and try to find that common ground. But, you know, I think it almost fuels me too, in a sense, to keep doing what I'm doing because I know that the more visible I can be, I'm showing up for those who maybe can't be visible right now, but they can see maybe a piece of me in them. They can see that things, you know, do get better. Um, and hopefully give courage to do the same. Because I do firmly believe that the more people who are visible, like that's that's how the world's gonna change. That's how people's hearts and minds will change because we're just like everybody else. Like, you know, I'm sure everybody knows at least one person who is part of the LGBTQ plus community, but they don't know it because they don't look that stereotypical way or act that stereotypical way.

SPEAKER_00 34:34

Yes. Mean, um, Hannah, that was I appreciate you sharing that. I think that that's going um just like it was a really um catching, and just I didn't I hadn't heard some of that, even following you on Instagram. So that's good to know about you. Now, what about if somebody um you know doesn't identify as is being a part of the LGTBQ community? What are some ways um or maybe business practices that we can be a little bit more inclusive? Because I know even after last year, you know, we we there's you know being an ally with the people of color community and being more aware of like even just like in your marketing and you know, words that you use to attract or you know, potentially like repel. And so what about for this for your for the LGBTQ plus community, are there things that as business owners we should be thinking about to be more inclusive?

SPEAKER_01 35:34

Yeah, I think there's simple language swaps that just just simple language swaps that allow a more inclusive environment. And that's as simple as using, you know, more gender neutral language. So instead of like husband, like partner, um, you know, and because you know, then that's making not making the assumption that who you are talking to is heterosexual. Um and being, you know, and there's including like even pronouns in your bio, because that like I use that sometimes as like, oh, like they're safe, because we've all heard people who get up all they're like all weird about like pronouns, like what about pronouns? I'm like, they've been around forever, but okay. So you can kind of filter out people based on like their their use of them or asking, you know, what's someone's pronouns are when you meet them, or like if you're in a Zoom call, put that in your little name section there. And there's just you know, little ways like that. Um, and it's something I'm still working on is like, you know, using they them if I don't know someone. So I'm not trying to assume like it's hard because we spent, you know, how many years of our lives looking at things from a binary perspective. So to change your language, like it's it's a process, but I think you know, even a small bit of effort goes a long way at just being more inclusive in and showing that you you see them and you're trying to, you know, make them feel welcomed.

SPEAKER_00 37:14

Yeah, those are good. Um one that I had mentioned before this, I had just really started thinking about was even just like the images that I use and my graphics and then PDFs. And it's just yeah, looking at them. And you know, I'm I'm definitely guilty of them being like all straight white people for the most part, up until you know, I started becoming more aware and educating. And so this might be one of those things too. Yeah, if you're talking about love or relationships, it's like there are you know very inclusive images out there now and Canva or whatever you're using. And so just keen aware, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 37:54

And it's not to say that you have to go like crazy and like change everything up, um, but it's just being more mindful because I mean, there are businesses where you know maybe working with somebody who is, you know, trans or non-binary or something doesn't fit like your business model for whatever, especially if it's like health related, there's certain things that um certain part of the populations relate with and others won't. Um, but it's okay in like in how you I think market and sell your services to to put those kind of I don't know, guideposts there, but in how you approach, you know, your other messaging, like are you inclusive in other other language? So people like, I don't know, feel safe around you, but know that your services aren't for them, but you're still an ally, you still are, you know, supportive of them and affirming of them.

SPEAKER_00 38:53

Yeah, and I think I think I think you had Danielle, just like kind of being mindful and aware that not everybody's having the same experience as you, seeing the world the same way as you, which is exactly what the Enneagram does for you. And there's all different kinds of of experiences that people are are having. And so just being aware that you are one experience, and then there's other people. And I I'm kind of telling myself that too right now. So um, any any other um kind of as we wrap this up, any other closing thoughts, advice, anything else to kind of help consider this episode as complete as it as it will be for right now for anybody who um is either thinking about pivoting, about starting a business, about um sharing more of their real self, whether that is sharing the, you know, specifically that they're a part of the LGBTQ plus community with their with their community and their family, or just in anything. Um, we had talked about, and I've interviewed her and and on my social scholars podcast, but before this, we were talking about Paige Cole, who I just have the biggest world crush on her. And she used to be a manifestation coach, and then she shares her story of becoming a stripper business coach. She came out of the stripper closet and how it just like exploded her business because um she was able to like really resonate with people and it felt really good for her because then she could be her true self. And so I don't mean to go off on a tangent on that, but I know so many of us try and like be somebody because we think that that's who people in our community or people in the world want us to be. So I guess I guess my long-winded question to distill it down is any any words of wisdom for us who might be trying to be a certain way, because we think that's what the world wants from us.

SPEAKER_01 40:47

Yeah, I think if if you keep the same sort of thing keeps coming up, if you keep having that idea, like, ooh, I really want to start this business, or ooh, I like I really do want to share this, but like there's that fear because there's always going to be fear. Um, and that's also kind of a signal that maybe that's the right step. But like if you notice the same thing reoccurring and popping up, that's probably a good sign that it's time to take a leap of faith and do something. Um, even a small action, you know, in regards to like sharing stories, like with Instagram, you can share stories with just like a close friend. So you can really filter out who's gonna see that. You can share it with them. Again, get that reaction and that love and that support and that validation, and then you know, share a small part of your story within your feed. And you don't have to go into all the details, even like a small mention of it, just kind of gives people a little insight into you and gives you a little taste of what sharing your story could look like. Because as I've shared my story and stuff over the years, like it's changed and it's evolved. I'll like share pieces and then I'll dig deeper like a year later. Um, and it's just what you're comfortable with. And it's okay to to go at your own pace and to do what feels safe and good, but to also challenge yourself to step out of that comfort zone and to follow that little nudge that you keep feeling.

SPEAKER_00 42:16

I love that advice. Um, okay, before we before we get to the I have three rapid fire questions for you. Where can people find you? What should we know about getting connected with you?

SPEAKER_01 42:29

I'm all about Instagram. So you can find me on Instagram just at Hannah Stranger. And my website is also hannahstranger.com.

SPEAKER_00 42:38

Okay, Hannah. So let me ask you something. Um, what are you currently learning right now?

SPEAKER_01 42:45

Ooh. I am learning how to I think just sit and feel my emotions because I go into like distraction mode, like ooh, Instagram, ooh, Facebook, ooh, this TV shoe, ooh. But like that's not doing you anything except relieving like that short term. So I'm learning just to, you know, even if it's five minutes, just to sit, allow myself to feel and then move on. Cause that's that's what I'm learning is just that's how you process and move through it and release any of that kind of pent-up emotion that you might be holding about anything. And we know that there's a lot going on in the world right now, um, on top of our own personal struggles. So it is hard and scary to feel all the feels, but it's also necessary to move through and release them.

SPEAKER_00 43:42

I think that's gonna be such great advice for all of us, but especially those five, six, sevens who I I resonate with that so much. Like the thought of like sitting there feeling my feelings is like the most terrifying thing. Just yeah, rather not. I'm gonna go listen to a podcast or literally. Do anything besides that. Okay, what is something that you are unlearning?

SPEAKER_01 44:07

I'm unlearning like I call myself like a recovering people pleaser. Um and just unlearning that that like urge to be everything for everyone else because I've lost myself over the years of trying to do that. Um, and so I'm learning, unlearning all of the different stories that aren't serving me that aren't connected to my truth. And that's been a process I've been doing for I don't know, a few years now, but it seems to be happening at like another level, like right now, is just really taking a hard look at some of those things.

SPEAKER_00 44:47

And then last question what is a book on starting a business, becoming like leaning into your true self, personal growth, anything that um you would recommend to our listeners today?

SPEAKER_01 45:01

So I actually just finished reading um We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rogers. And that was just so good because normally, you know, you have all like these um old straight white rich men who are telling you financial advice from this place of privilege. But like Rachel just I love her language and I love her story of where she's come from literally nothing to what she's been able to build today, despite all of the obstacles in her way. And it's just a really empowering book and helps with the whole money mindset, which I know we could all probably need a little help with.

SPEAKER_00 45:39

Yes, we have an Enneagram and Money episode coming up, so that'll be a good one. But uh yeah, I saw her on I think it was Good Morning in America and talking about the promoting the book, and so that's on my list too. So I'm glad you brought that one up. Um, Hannah, thank you so much for being here. Thank you for all that you shared. And uh we will, it sounds like, see you around Instagram.

SPEAKER_01 46:01

Oh yeah.

SPEAKER_00 46:03

Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 46:04

Yeah, thank you.

SPEAKER_00 46:08

Real quick before you go, if you got anything from today's episode, whether it be an aha around the Enneagram type or a part of their story that really resonated with you, reach out and let them know. I know as a podcast guest myself, that means the world to hear from somebody who listened to the episode, got something from it, and then took the time to follow up and let me know. I'm also gonna ask you another favor. If you haven't already, subscribe and leave a review for this podcast. And when you do, because I know that you're busy as a thank you for your time and your effort to do that, I'm gonna send you a type-specific reference guide. Um, it's 25 to 30 pages all about your dominant and Eagram type, how it shows up and what to do with it. And then I'm also gonna send you an invitation to a live training we're doing at the end of the month around your CEO style, how your type shows up in leadership and building your business, building your marketing strategies, how to leverage your strengths, blind spots to watch out for. So that's gonna be really fun. If you're listening to this after August 2021, still email me and I'll send you the link to the replay. My email address is hello at Sarah Lyn Co.com. Again, that was hello at Sarah S A R A H L Y N N C O dot com. Thanks for being here, and I'm looking forward to hanging out again soon.