Episode Overview:

In this inspiring episode of IDKWTF I Was Doing, host David Bee sits down with Shatè Hayes, the founder of Career Steward and a strategic storyteller helping creatives and nonprofits align their messaging to win opportunities. Shatè shares how her journey as a professional dancer transitioned into a career in storytelling, how she helps others craft narratives that resonate, and her best tips for overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship.

Through engaging anecdotes and actionable insights, David and Shatè discuss:

Why storytelling is the key to unlocking career and business opportunities.
The importance of finding alignment between your passion, skills, and the message you share.
How to make sense of a nonlinear career journey and craft a cohesive narrative.
Building resilience in the face of rejection and the power of perseverance.
Strategic networking and planting yourself in communities to grow your influence.

If you've ever felt stuck in a job you hate or struggled to turn your creative passions into a profitable career, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward.

Key Highlights:

The Power of Storytelling:

Every touchpoint—from resumes to sales pages—is an opportunity to share your story.
Misaligned or unclear narratives keep people stuck. Shatè breaks down how to identify gaps and align your message with your audience.

Overcoming Fear and Rejection:

Shatè’s dance career taught her perseverance through rejection and failure, lessons she now applies in business and shares with her clients.

Finding Your Throughline:

Struggling to connect unrelated parts of your career? Shatè explains how to find common threads in your experiences and craft a compelling story that connects past roles to future aspirations.

Strategic Networking:

Networking isn’t transactional—it’s about finding communities where you feel a sense of belonging and offering value.

Creatives and Business:

Many creatives feel stuck because of societal pressures or misinformation about earning potential. Shatè shares how creatives can structure their business like any other entrepreneur and get comfortable charging for their work.

Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship:

Shatè opens up about her early mistakes in business, from premature outsourcing to overspending, and how she rebounded with a more strategic approach.

Actionable Takeaways for Listeners:

Craft Your Career Story: Identify your “throughline” to connect your skills and passions with what your audience needs.
Leverage Rejection: Use it as an opportunity to refine your approach and build resilience.
Build Community: Find spaces where your skills align with the community’s needs, and show up authentically.
Start Small and Iterate: There’s no perfect path—begin with what you have and refine as you go.

Memorable Quote:“You can. Period. Whatever it is you most desire to do—even if it’s scary, even if you don’t know how to make money doing it—you can. Give yourself permission to keep going.” – Shatè Hayes

Resources Mentioned:

LightMyCareerMatch.com: Access Shatè's free resources to craft your career narrative and overcome opportunity blocks.
The Working Dancer: Shatè’s blog and podcast for creatives building sustainable careers.

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