Podcast Summary: "This Can't Be That Hard" Episode 291 – Enneagram x Photography with Ellie McKinney

Introduction and Overview

In Episode 291 of This Can't Be That Hard, host Annemie Tonken engages in an insightful conversation with Ellie McKinney, a renowned wedding photographer based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The episode delves into the profound impact of the Enneagram—a personality typing system—on both personal development and the operational aspects of a photography business. Released on November 19, 2024, this episode offers valuable perspectives for photographers at all stages of their careers, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in building a sustainable and fulfilling business.

Understanding the Enneagram

Annemie opens the discussion by highlighting her initial skepticism about owning a small business, a sentiment shared by many non-entrepreneurs. She emphasizes that success in business requires diverse personality types and, crucially, a high degree of self-awareness. This sets the stage for exploring how the Enneagram facilitates this self-awareness.

“Running a small business requires an extreme amount of self-awareness... recognizing what your strengths are, what your shortcomings are...”
— Annemie Tonken [00:00]

The Enneagram serves as a tool for understanding one's personality type, motivations, and behaviors. Annemie reveals her personal revelation upon discovering her Enneagram type, which provided her with deeper insights into her professional and personal life.

Personal Stories and Experiences

Ellie McKinney shares her journey with the Enneagram, describing how her fascination began in childhood. Growing up with a psychologist father, she was exposed to various personality tests from a young age, fostering a deep interest in understanding herself and others.

“I have been Enneagram obsessed... it impacts every part of my life, from my marriage to how I interact with clients.”
— Ellie McKinney [07:31]

Both Annemie and Ellie identify as Enneagram Type 3, the Achiever. They discuss the initial discomfort of recognizing their type and the subsequent journey towards embracing their traits. Ellie humorously recounts her desire to hide her Type 3 characteristics, such as striving for achievement, and how understanding her type led her to leverage different aspects of her personality for personal growth.

“If it doesn't hurt, then it's probably not your Enneagram.”
— Ellie McKinney [06:44]

Enneagram in Business and Photography

The conversation shifts to the practical application of the Enneagram in Ellie's photography business. She describes how self-awareness of her Type 3 tendencies—such as the drive to achieve and meet deadlines—led to challenges during critical moments like family photo sessions at weddings. Recognizing these tendencies allowed her to make conscious changes, improving both her workflow and client experience.

“I realized that my personality type can be so quick to get something done and not necessarily understand the pieces of how it's affecting individuals along the way.”
— Ellie McKinney [15:16]

Ellie explains how she adjusted her approach by delegating specific tasks to her second photographer, enhancing the overall quality and authenticity of the family photos. This shift not only alleviated her frustration but also enriched the clients' experience by fostering genuine interactions.

“Calling people by their name for those family photo interactions and then having the second photographer build their confidence makes it go so much smoother.”
— Ellie McKinney [18:02]

Annemie echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of identifying friction points in business operations and addressing them through strategic outsourcing or automation.

Mentorship and Community Impact

Ellie expands on her role as a mentor within the wedding photography community, where she integrates Enneagram insights to help other photographers overcome personal and professional barriers. Through her platform, Psych Society, she facilitates open conversations about personality types, leading to transformative mentoring sessions.

“People immediately felt like they could take a deep breath... It was something that led to a better understanding of their inner self.”
— Ellie McKinney [22:44]

She observes that certain Enneagram types—particularly Twos (The Helper), Threes (The Achiever), Fours (The Individualist), Fives, Sixes, and Sevens—are prevalent among photographers and videographers. This clustering suggests that specific personality traits resonate within creative entrepreneurial communities.

“Twos were the ones who I saw the most, and that's the helper. There's so many things that I think this is why the Enneagram is just so substantial in my life.”
— Ellie McKinney [24:58]

Enneagram in Personal Life and Relationships

The discussion transitions to the application of the Enneagram in personal relationships and family life. Ellie shares how understanding her and her husband's Enneagram types has enhanced their communication and parenting strategies. She emphasizes the importance of adapting behaviors to accommodate different personality needs, fostering a harmonious household.

“Having conversations in a healthy way to help him overcome his challenges based on his personality type has truly been beneficial to him.”
— Ellie McKinney [26:39]

Annemie reflects on her own parenting experiences, acknowledging the benefits of adopting Enneagram insights to better support her teenagers. She notes the transformation from a problem-solving approach to a more empathetic and listening-based method, which aligns with the Enneagram's emphasis on self-awareness and personal growth.

“It was like being aware and self aware in that way was really helpful.”
— Annemie Tonken [30:23]

Conclusion and Resources

As the episode concludes, Annemie and Ellie summarize the transformative power of the Enneagram in both business and personal contexts. They encourage listeners to explore their own Enneagram types to gain deeper self-understanding and improve their interactions with others.

Ellie provides information on how listeners can connect with her and access her workshops, further emphasizing her commitment to integrating Enneagram principles into photography education and business growth.

“You can find me on Instagram, Ellie McKinney Photography. And then I also have Ellie McKinney Education, which is where I put a lot of my workshop information.”
— Ellie McKinney [34:42]

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Awareness: Understanding your Enneagram type fosters greater self-awareness, essential for personal growth and business sustainability.
• Business Application: Utilizing Enneagram insights can identify and address friction points in business operations, enhancing client experiences and workflow efficiency.
• Community and Mentorship: Incorporating Enneagram knowledge into mentorship programs can significantly aid in overcoming mindset barriers and achieving professional development.
• Personal Relationships: Applying Enneagram principles in personal life improves communication, empathy, and relationship dynamics.

Resources:

• Ellie McKinney Photography: EllieMcKinney.com
• Ellie McKinney Education: Information on workshops and mentoring can be found at EllieMcKinney.com
• Podcast Website: ThisCantBeThatHard.com

For more insights and resources mentioned in this episode, visit the podcast’s website or follow Annemie and Ellie on their respective social media platforms.