Checkbox Other with Nikki Innocent: Recent Episodes
Nikki Innocent
Checkbox Other is the podcast for people who don’t fit in any defined box. In a time when our society is so hung up on labels, categories and taking sides, this podcast is celebrating those of us who live in the in between, those of us who don’t fit into predefined categories and don’t just “follow the party line” in our thoughts, actions and work that we do.
The magic of sharing our "otherness" stories is that we become more connected with how we are all, as humans, more the same than we are different.
We’re welcoming you behind the scenes in this season finale of sorts as we head into a hiatus! Catherine, one of Checkbox Other’s podcast producers, joins Nikki to talk all things CBO – its origin story and evolution over the years, the strategy behind choosing guests, conducting vulnerable, impactful interviews and intentionally bootstrapping the podcast while dancing with perfectionism and self doubt. They discuss the transformative power storytelling has to heal deep wounds and bridge gaps between people who believe they have nothing in common. In this episode, we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and chart an expansive course forward towards an amazing future for Checkbox Other.
Our listener community plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the podcast, so we urge you to connect with us, share your thoughts and get VIP perks, updates and invitations as we nurture the podcast to its next level.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/behindthecurtain
The topic of disability can sometimes bring up feelings of discomfort or avoidant silence, but the reality is that it’s something that many of us will face at some point in our lives. Today’s guest, Nichole Beiner Powell-Newman, shares her journey from being a successful lawyer to fighting for equitable healthcare while navigating the challenges of a mysterious neurological disorder and seeking a diagnosis and treatment for this chronic illness. She discusses how the combination of her personal and professional background and this battle for self advocacy paved her path forward as an entrepreneur focused on social justice. In this episode, we talk about how feeling rejected at a young age shapes us, the importance of embracing the changing tides of life, and how standing up for yourself as an adult can heal your younger self while leaving a legacy of deep impact for the collective.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Perfectionism is a survival response to a society that has us all looking at each other like competition so it’s no wonder almost all of us are plagued by it. In this approach, perfection equals acceptance → acceptance equals belonging → belonging equals safety and survival. But here’s the deal, we are humans, not robots. They call it human error for a reason, we are not built to be “perfect” and neither is the world around us. But giving yourself permission to show up imperfectly or share something before it’s perfectly polished can be terrifying for so many of us. Leaning into and witnessing our humanity, especially in our stumbles, is the secret sauce – finding opportunities and spaces where the imperfection is celebrated, fostered and supported. In this episode, we talk about what perfectionism is, how it shows up, real-life examples of it, and how to work through it. We talk about starting before you’re ready, valuing curiosity over certainty, and embracing progress over perfection.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/perfectionism
Workplace burnout has so many of us in survival mode as the norm in our careers. "CYA" is a workplace acronym that stands for "Cover Your Ass”, and it encourages you to take actions or document things to protect yourself from potential blame, liability, or negative consequences. It prioritizes the importance of self-preservation and avoiding any potential repercussions or misunderstandings in the workplace. That CYA energy has seeped outside of the workplace showing up in key societal influences, i.e. the rise of fear, bullying and division on social media and in politics. CYA energy leads to disconnection, mistrust, and a lack of genuine connection.
In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into this concept of "CYA" by:
- shedding light on its meaning and implications on the job,
- demystifying how it affects our relationships with coworkers, our sense of self and overall workplace culture,
- discussing practical strategies for both individuals and teams to navigate CYA culture and foster a more authentic and connected work environment, and
- sharing insights on building trust, fostering open communication, and reclaiming your sense of humanity in the workplace.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/cya
In a world that constantly bombards us with expectations related to our physical appearance, today we’re combatting body shaming! Our guest, Lisa Zahiya, joins us to share her story of going from a corporate marketer to a professional belly dancer, ultimately establishing her own successful belly dancing studio to now being a business coach. Lisa sheds light on the crucial topic of how negative messaging and beliefs in the world around us, both IRL and virtually, impact our body image and ways to embrace the parts of our bodies that need the most love. In this episode, Nikki and Lisa discuss coming back to your childhood passions, setting healthy online boundaries, leaning into the power of the feminine, giving yourself permission to take up space, and reclaiming your relationship with the vessel that will be with you until the end.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/lisazahiya
When things start to feel like they are falling apart in life, any chance you find self care near impossible to prioritize? Today’s guest, Ada Chen, talks about how surviving a whirlwind of events in 2019 and 2020 – the pandemic, leaving a toxic workplace that caused burnout, abruptly moving to a new state on the last plane out as lockdowns tighten, unexpectedly caretaking and losing a parent – led to her completely changing her life and career path to embrace her unique leadership destiny. Ada is the founder and CEO of Chuan’s Promise, a natural skincare line focused on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Nikki and Ada discuss Ada's grief and healing journeys and the impact they have had on her personally and professionally, how her experiences of finding belonging in her younger years helped ground her in adulthood and on her relationship to self-care. Ada also shares the story of how the 2021 spa shootings in Atlanta inspired her to build a hub for AAPI social justice advocacy in an unexpected place, her sewing community, through a podcast that aims to foster healing, conversation, and amplify AAPI voices and issues.
For show notes and more info, visit www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/adache
Ever felt on display yet invisible at the same time? For many mixed race, racially ambiguous people, especially women, this experience at the intersection of objectification and being ignored is very familiar. Andrea Forsht, the Chief Consulting Officer at Hummingbird Humanity, joins as a guest to share stories of her journey towards self discovery, fitting in and personal growth while also dropping nuggets of wisdom around how leaders and companies can approach culture building and inclusive employee experience work. Andrea and Nikki talk about the impact that the larger cultural awakening and conversation about racism in 2020 has had on their personal development, professional paths and their friendships/relationships in both progressive and challenging ways. They also discuss the importance of experiencing an internal sense of physical safety, belonging and empowerment in your own body, as a woman, a person of color and a mother when the world around you can leave you feeling like a vulnerable target.
For show notes and more info, visit https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/andreaforsht
When we’re doing the work of embracing our authentic selves and healing our past wounds it can feel lonely or like you’re unsure if all the hard work is worth it. This episode is all about trusting that all your efforts around your personal and professional development are making an impact. Imposter syndrome can get in the way, self doubt can have you feeling like you should quit, but oftentimes you won’t be aware of the ripple effects of this healing work until you least expect it. In the same way so many people have influenced your life without knowing it, you are doing the same for others, especially as you step more into the fullness of who you are and give yourself permission to take up space and live out loud. The world truly needs what you are uniquely able to bring into being during your time here.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
“I want to be rich!” We’ve all heard it, and many of us have said it ourselves. We have been taught from a young age from our caretakers to our society at large what it means to be “successful,” but in reality everyone’s version of abundance looks different. In today’s economic landscape and our ever-changing world, there are a lot of uncertainties and opportunities to consider. Have you taken a moment to really define what financial abundance looks like to you? In this episode, Nikki encourages you to try an exercise where you ask yourself what being “rich and successful” actually means for you and what that path forward looks like.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Finance has historically been seen as the boy’s club. But what if we embraced a vision of abundant leadership through fierce feminine finance instead of the transactional “winner-takes-all” energy encouraged in many finance bros? In today’s episode, Luisa Alberto, Founder & CEO of People First Finance, a finance advisory firm that eases the financial burden and overwhelm that holds too many ambitious, enterprising women back from achieving financial autonomy. Join Nikki and Luisa in a conversation about approaching personal and professional finances from a non-oppressive, non-patriarchal lens on wealth management, legacy building and sustainable success that encourages women to lean into their feminine strengths to embrace their financial potential.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
We all know the saying “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” but what if it’s not true? While the intention of that turn of phrase might be good, it has pushed so many into silence in the face of dysfunction. Only looking at or acknowledging the bright side limits us from being able to see the full experience of and opportunity in being human. Learning to glean wisdom from the dark side of things is a secret sauce to an inclusive, sustainable and innovative path forward. In this episode, we’re diving into the significance of having a platform to process, communicate, and work through the aspects of your work environment that aren’t working well.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
How much does stress or being in a rush dictate your life? Urgency is so woven into the fabric of our society, it can be hard to not only name it, but separate ourselves from it. Even after the pandemic, the cult of busy, FOMO and the ever-present pressure to have finished yesterday are so pervasive they shape so much of how we view ourselves and interact with one another. A silent assassin, urgency oftentimes can make us feel flawed, like something is fundamentally wrong with us. This episode aims to shine a light on what urgency is, how it often leads to anxiety, separates us from our authenticity and ways to separate ourselves from it.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
“How do I know when it’s time to leave my job?” — a popular question host, Nikki, gets from clients, friends, even random people she meets. While there’s no one magic solution, getting to know yourself, trusting your intuition, and assessing your relationship with risk are a big part of the process. Remember: you are a human being whose identity is not your job. In this episode, you will gain a framework for how to approach leaving a job as well as tips on finding alignment in your next one.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
“Authenticity” and “vulnerability” are words that are commonly thrown around in both the personal and professional development space. Can you have one without the other? The world is rapidly changing, and so is our societal use and consumption of these words. In this episode, Nikki emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference in yet relationship between these words, tapping into your own sense of discernment and exercising your critical thinking skills to find how these current overused and sometimes misused buzzwords align and resonate with your values.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
In the job hunt, there’s so much pressure on reaching the ultimate goal of getting an offer for every role we apply for that oftentimes we forget to assess if the job is really a fit for us. We become overly attached to the outcome and the process, even at its earliest stages, has become so heavy – whether that’s due to salary anxiety, uncertainty about work culture, or a foreboding sense of rejection. We’ve been conditioned to overachieve and “be the perfect candidate” when applying for jobs. But what if your job search could be full of ease and aligned with what you bring to the table and are uniquely suited for? In this episode, Nikki explores a tactic inspired by dating professionals to stay present, embrace authenticity and keep your stress levels down as you find your next position.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
“I’m a terrible test taker!” “I’m no good at math.” “I’m just not school smart.” “School was not for me.” These are things so many of us say in response to our learning journey within traditional schooling that taught us there was only one right way to be a “good student”. What if you were smart all along? In reality, there are infinite ways to grow your wisdom and understanding of the world around you. In this episode, Nikki discusses the process of unlearning limiting beliefs around your capacity and capability to learn new things or achieve in the face of past “failures.” From the example of NBA champion J.R. Smith’s recent docuseries to a recent New York Times article about businesses using personality tests to hire new employees, have a listen to explore your unique learning style.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
If you ever find yourself reacting to something like you did when you were a kid and wondering why or you find yourself stuck in a loop of dysfunctional behaviors that you can’t seem to find your way out of, this episode is for you. Today’s guest, Annie Wright, is a licensed psychotherapist, EMDR-certified clinician, and founder of a trauma-informed therapy center and tackles these very real situations. Annie & Nikki discuss how humans adapt to their childhood environments, experiences and how these learned patterns can impact their adulthood. They also discuss the collective pandemic trauma we’re experiencing and the resulting burnout so many of us are in.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
We’ve been taught to curate our resumes from a young age. But now in the modern world, only about 5% of resumes even reach a human being thanks to applicant tracking systems and AI. In this episode, Nikki discusses how we can approach the job search and hiring process differently to avoid ghosting and burnout by reconnecting with our humanity and our shared goals. Moving beyond feeling obligated to fully demonstrate our past skills and experience on one sheet of paper, what if we prioritized seeking compatible working styles and potential growth in an interview? As technology continues to change the hiring landscape, both job seekers and hiring managers alike can adapt the hiring process to hone into the key indicators of modern, sustainable workplace success vs the traditional criteria that has created a burnt out culture of sameness detached from belonging.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
So often when we hear about our veterans, we hear about their brave service, their healthcare access or their mental health needs, but we don’t often talk about their incredible entrepreneurial potential and ways to tap into it. Today’s guest, Meghan Ogilvie, grew up in a military family and is the CEO of Dog Tag Bakery, an organization focused on empowering veterans, military spouses and caregivers to tap into their entrepreneurial spirit. While a traditional military career wasn’t her path, Meghan’s business background and desire to serve the military community blend perfectly at Dog Tag Bakery. Nikki and Meghan discuss what it means to embody your authentic leadership values and ethos while creating a safe, inclusive space for your community to be seen and thrive.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
HR folks have been through the ringer the last few years, and it’s important that we shine a light on it. They’ve been the go-to for all sorts of problems, especially ones that have been a result of COVID. Balancing remote work, the pandemic, societal shifts, mental health, technology, and prioritizing humanity in the workplace brings its own challenges but can be achieved through expanding education and allowing our employees to be fulfilled, valued, and productive without sacrificing their sense of humanity. Having strong “soft skills” and championing diverse perspectives are vital as we reevaluate our expectations of the role HR plays and how we work together in the modern workplace.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Most Gen Zers and Millennials were living on their own before the pandemic, but almost a third moved back home as COVID struck for many reasons, and two-thirds of those who moved home are still there, trying to find a new normal between child and roommate. Today’s episode features Tanya Barrett, a first-generation Jamaican-American, who shares her wisdom on finding herself in the face of life's challenges. Tanya talks about recently moving back home, rebuilding relationships with her parents in her thirties, discovering new versions of herself, and healing old wounds. All this while also navigating the challenges of interpersonal conflicts and change in the workplace. This episode shows how storytelling creates space for us to tap into the transformative power of vulnerability and shared humanity while cultivating inclusive wisdom.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Did you know women make 85% of travel decisions and two-thirds of all travelers but are still considered a niche group in the travel industry? Today’s guest, Beth Santos, talks about her journey to creating Wanderful, her company focused on closing the gender gap in the travel market by reaching over 45,000 women each year centering an international community of travelers and content creators through a thriving online membership network, local chapter events in 50+ cities, global summits and small group trips on a mission to improve travel for all women. Nikki and Beth discuss how traveling alone can unearth the most personal discoveries, challenge preconceptions and foster an inclusive society.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Life is fragile. It’s something we hear a lot but so often we glaze over or brush past the impact of a sudden, abrupt reckoning that death brings. In this episode, Nikki discusses the complicated feelings that come with losing someone unexpectedly and far too soon. She honors her friend Jemail who passed away. In this difficult time, Nikki reminds us of the importance of feeling all our big feelings and in times of loss, reaching out to a loved one to ask for help is valuable in the process of healing.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Imagine staring in the eyes of people who see you and those who look like you as a threat and asking them to discuss their fear. Our guest, Bushra Amiwala, did just that. She’s the youngest Muslim elected official in the United States and talks about the key moments of her political journey in the face of opposition so far including her experience running for office as a college freshman. She shares what it’s like to rebound after a political defeat, what goes into being a Board of Education member, the experience of being discounted because of your age, why representation matters and holds the potential to connect us despite difference. Bushra offers wisdom for those who don’t feel represented and shares her framework for everyday leadership.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Layoffs seem to be happening day after day with each wave leaving people feeling more lost. In this episode we share a live conversation between Nikki and Kt McBratney, previous guest and co-founder of Owntrail to talk about how to cope with an abrupt layoff. Nikki offers concrete tips and tools, mindset reframes and unconventional tactics to regain your sense of confidence after the emotionally, mentally and professionally complex rollercoaster of job loss.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
How often have you heard about slavery from the perspective of the enslaved people who were forced to be there? In this episode, Brigette Janea Jones joins Nikki to talk about her experience of being the first Black tour guide at the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, TN. She chronicles her journey from being a visitor to tour guide to program creator to Director of Equitable Partnerships focused on intentional reparative action in the community as a result of the impact of chattel slavery. Can you imagine what our understanding of the human experience would be like if we had the opportunity to witness history from multiple perspectives? Jones’ pivotal Journey to Jubilee program humanizing the African American enslaved experience on the plantation gives us an idea. Brigette shares wisdom on how reframing and sharing a more full story of history has the unique ability to activate empathy across identity, generation and background.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
“Where are you from?” is a question that so many of us who don’t fit the mold are met with in a white-centric society. But what if you are from, influenced and impacted by so many people, places and cultures around the world? In this episode, Lilly Bekele-Piper talks about her experiences of being born in Ethiopia, immigrating at a young age to the US and then in her adulthood moving back to East Africa to plant her roots while also growing her global presence through her work with the US Government and in her own passion project of amplifying the stories of folks on the African continent and the diaspora through her podcast Selam and Hello. In this episode, she shares wisdom about the importance of viewing the world through a lens of humanity, connection and critical thinking.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
In our current culture, death isn’t a topic that we spend much time understanding. More often than not, the topic of death results in a subject change, a tidal wave of emotions or a sense of detachment. Last week, Damar Hamlin, a professional football player collapsed on live TV during the NFL’s Monday Night Football game and millions of people around the country and the world had a real time experience of having to grapple with how fragile our lives are. After years of the pandemic, we have been surrounded by the very real impact of death, grief and loss at levels most of us have never experienced. And as one year closes and another begins, we are honoring the rebirth of the calendar while also honoring the passing of last year. In this episode, Nikki talks about how important it is for us to reclaim our relationship to death, grief and loss in order to live more freely in the time we have while we’re alive.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
As you step into the potential and planning for 2023, there can be a lot of pressure to have everything figured out or a perfect step-by-step process mapped out to achieve your goals flawlessly. This episode invites you to reframe your relationship to resolutions and rather than seeing them as a mountain top or a rigid finish line, allowing them to be a directional nudge to explore with the focus on bearing witness to yourself in the present moment. Goal setting is important, but so often we set goals and blindly strive for them without understanding whether or not the path we’re taking is working for us or if the goal is truly what we want when we are in the process of moving towards it. Nikki discusses some resources that might help you as you chart your forecast for 2023. Also, she shares a bit about how the fact that Haitian Independence Day and the New Year fall on the same date have impacted her life and how she looks at working towards a more inclusive, authentic future for both herself and the world around her.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
The holiday season usually comes with a mixture of emotions and experiences, add that to closing out the year and there’s often even more to juggle. In our culture that centers productivity and achievement, this a great time to give yourself permission to release the death grip the illusion of control and hustle culture has on you and create space for judgment-free reflection, releasing and reframing for the new year to come. Easing up on the to-do lists, the jam packed schedules and trying to make the “perfect” holiday happen, offers you the gift of being open and available for the awe of the present moment while also granting you the restorative experience of rest and a reset.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Ever gone shopping and no matter what you choose, nothing fits? For so many women who have a large chest but a small frame, this is all too familiar. We know when systems, structures and options aren’t available for you, it impacts your sense of belonging and value. In today’s episode, the founder of PerfectDD, a fuller bust sustainable clothing company, Alice Kim joins to talk about creating a business to serve a gap in the fashion market that is much larger than initially expecting while also offering a bit of fashion therapy in allowing so many women to release the weight of body shame. Alice and Nikki also discuss the unique dynamics of being an entrepreneur as a single woman of color and navigating the intersection of sexism, racism, ageism and much more.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
When you think of the phrase “Be a man”, do you think about showing your emotions, asking for help, being vulnerable, or making deep connections? Probably not, but what if we adjusted our belief of what the “man box” should include? In today’s episode, Devan Standiford, visionary storyteller from the Gates Foundation and The Moth, joins Nikki to talk about the true transformative power of vulnerable storytelling, the imperative for men to be able to live as full emotional beings and how healing work has an intergenerational impact to process trauma and encourage love, joy and liberation. This one is a must listen!
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
There’s a generational shift that’s been happening for years as Boomers hit retirement age, Gen Xers are in positions of seniority and the Millennial generation is now the largest demographic in the population and workplace. However, the expectations of the passing of the torch aren’t matching reality. And if Boomer retirement is indeed happening, the power isn’t being passed to the next generation in the same ways it has been in the past. Why? Well there are many factors. This episode dives into some of the generational characteristics and identity-based dynamics that are important to understand as Gen X and Millennials step into more senior leadership positions. The future of positions of power and leadership both in the workplace and beyond will depend on our ability to create space for the nuance of these power and identity shifts.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Imagine if we could completely reinvent the education system. What would it look like? Well in today’s episode, Dr. Adrian K. Haugabrook joins us to talk about a new approach to education that puts the learner at the center and creates systems and structures that are focused on that individual’s success. Dr. Haugabrook talks about his viral TED Talk that offers a three step process to reimagining the next frontier of education and how we as individuals have the opportunity to reclaim our relationship to time, success, value and achievement to thrive in their educational experience. What would it look like if your lived experience could be seen as credentials for job opportunities? What if you could get your degree in half the traditional time because you already have the knowledge you need to succeed? How might technology be an equalizer and a tool for democratizing education? All of these questions and more are covered in this episode!
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Layoffs are happening left and right lately and yet when it happens to you, it can feel so disorienting, upsetting and isolating. While for most it is an abrupt and disrespectful experience as many leaders are fumbling significantly in their delivery and communication, this episode is a space to create clarity and talk about the many emotions, realities and struggles that you navigate when you lose your job in a layoff cycle — and the opportunities on the other side!
If you are feeling lost or looking for support, we’ve got you covered. You are not alone in this.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
“Use your privilege” is something we hear a lot, especially lately, but often we aren’t given concrete examples of what that looks like. Today’s episode with Mercado Global co-founder Ruth Alvarez-DeGolia is a deep dive into what it looks like to own your privilege and activate it as a platform for those who have often been marginalized or cast in the shadows. Ruth changed her life and career plans after spending time with indigenous women in the rural Guatemalan highlands who were rebuilding after a civil war. Her organization provides education, tools, and access to international markets so these artisans can build their own businesses and invest in their own communities – with the goal of eradicating poverty. The empowerment goes both ways, Ruth discusses how the resilience, innovation and wisdom of her partners in Guatemala have transformed the organization in the face of the pandemic and beyond.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
If you feel powerless in the job search process, this episode is for you. Whether you are in the resume building, application, interview or offer phase of the process, there’s so much indecision and pressure to do everything “just right.” But what if there’s no such thing? In this episode, Nikki discusses the importance of being in the driver’s seat in taking the next step in your career path, understanding the impact of the pressure of the traditional company-first, transactional, urgency-driven model of hiring and the value of cultivating trust and confidence in yourself as you determine where you want to go next and how you want to show up in your work life.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
What does learning mean to you? Do you have a practice for unlearning too? Today’s episode is a special one because we’re sharing a conversation that Nikki had with OwnTrail founder Kt McBratney about the value or the purpose of having a practice of continual learning and unlearning to navigate an ever-changing world with authenticity. Originally a video livestream, this conversation dives into giving yourself permission to evolve, be wrong and ask questions; to understanding how different people are impacted by the traditional approach to “learning” in our society and offers guidance on how to align with the most resonate ways to learn and unlearn while also stretching you outside of your comfort zone.
What’s something you learned or unlearned lately that has changed your perspective around you?
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Sharing your story can be a truly healing process but for so many of us, the practice of stepping into vulnerability to share aspects of our experience that are outside of our comfort zone can be scary and discouraged. In a world of social media where everyone can have a digital platform in moments, it might seem like the barriers to telling your story have vanished. But with filters and trending memes, authentic storytelling isn’t the go to. In this episode, Nikki dives into some of the systemic barriers, limiting beliefs and experiences that can stand in the way of storytelling and some tips and tricks on how to begin your storytelling journey.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
The summer of June 2020 activated so many people to speak out, march and take a stand against oppression, but as time has gone on, we’ve seen the energy and participation around social justice efforts lose steam. But what if taking action only took 60 seconds a week? This week’s guest, Mariangela Anzalone, talks about her newsletter, Actionable Activism and the importance of identifying the issues and embracing actions that align with your values and lifestyle. She and Nikki also discuss the practice of maintaining hope in the midst of depressing times.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
As more of us are being more fully represented in media coverage, storytelling and in positions of power, there has been pushback in the form of disinterest, disengagement, and even destruction – whether it be conscious or unconscious, it’s resistance to change, for things to “go back to the way things were”. For folks who have grown accustomed to seeing one particular version of a main character, hero or leader, it can be difficult to make space for the reality that others of different backgrounds can also occupy the spotlight. In this episode, Nikki talks about a series of examples of how the exposure to the unfamiliar offers opportunity for connection, discovery and change rather than division, fighting and the fear of extinction.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Feminism is a word we hear alot but often times without a clear definition of what it means and what it looks like. Sometimes it even gets used as a badge of honor that is used as a veil to distract from oppressive behavior, beliefs and actions in direct contradiction to feminist theory. In this episode, Amelia Hruby, PhD feminist author, educator, podcaster, and the founder of Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio, joins Nikki to dive into the nuances of how feminist principles and practices show up in today’s world, how breaking up with oppressive beliefs and systems is possible (specifically they dive into diet culture, fatphobia and social media) and specific steps to find your own path to liberation.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
Representation Matters. It’s something we hear a lot but we aren’t always encouraged to notice it or bask it in when it happens. This episode is all about soaking up the beauty of bearing witness to representation through the pop culture moments that played out over about a week’s span to illustrate the power of representation – from The Little Mermaid trailer with Halle Bailey to Ms Marvel to a sneak peek of the upcoming Frida Kahlo broadway musical to the Obama official portraits to an incredibly powerful evening at the Emmys topped with Sheryl Lynn Ralph’s epic acceptance speech. Get ready to soak in the power of belonging!
If you have a representation story, we want to hear about it: www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Multiracial people make up the fastest growing demographic in the United States but there’s little research that’s been done to understand the unique dynamics of living in the inbetween in a society that has for so long been segmented by race. In this episode, Shawna Gann, certified diversity professional and PhD candidate joins Nikki to talk about the importance of creating space for deeper understanding of the multiracial experience and Shawna’s pioneering research around the experience of Black multinational women in the workplace. They discuss how Shawna’s lived experience of growing up in Alaska and her life’s d career as a trailing spouse in the military have offered her a unique perspective on the impact and importance of representing the nuance of our collective diversity.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
If capitalism and the state of the current economy don’t feel like they align with your values, the way you interact with the world and how you envision a more expansive future, this episode is for you! Sacred Commerce Priestess Asha Ramakrishna joins Nikki to talk about what a soul centered approach to trade and commerce looks and feels like. Asha shares her story and her incredible work of reconnecting us with the true essence of what it is to be wealthy, worthy and honoring your full value through pilgrimages, intentional community care, Human Design and other sacred practices. She talks about focusing on “re-indigenizing” ourselves and connecting to the wisdom and power of our ancestors to thrive as we move forward to a more inclusive tomorrow.
For show notes and more info, visit nikkiinnocent.com/podcast
If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go? And why? What if you could let your heart lead the journey? If you’ve been feeling the itch to make a move over the last few years, this episode is right up your alley! Nikki shares her journey of twists and turns, stops and starts to her new “heart home” in New York City. This process wasn’t for a job or for another person, it was intentionally a process of tuning into the frequency of her heart, building a deep trust in their intuition and leaning into the potential for expansion. She talks about the steps she took to feel out different locations and tune out the noise to follow her most aligned path forward.
If you’re looking to make a move or witness yourself in a new environment, we want to hear about it. Let us know where your heart desires to go at nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation.
Black history has been systemically erased for centuries. For so many, our family history and lineage have been hidden from our understanding, but today’s guest is telling those erased stories while creating space for collective healing. Portugal was the birthplace of the Trans Atlantic slave trade and Naky G takes folks on a walking tour back through time to bear witness to the humanity and stories of those who were kidnapped from their homeland and forced into labor and an oppressed life in a new land. With the rise of the extreme threat of white supremacy and how dehumanizing it is for us all, Naky’s work brings us back to our shared humanity and invites us all to gain a more nuanced understanding of how we got to where we are and how we can come together to make the future a better more inclusive place. His tour, the African Tour of Lisbon, showcases the incredible impact that Black people have had on the modern world, culturally, economically, socially and beyond.
How many times in your life have you heard “trust your gut” and felt like “cool, great but what does that mean!?” After the last couple years of survival mode, gut feeling or intuition can easily be confused with a fear response, but it’s not the same thing. In this episode, the final installment in this 6-part series on surviving burnout, Nikki talks about what it means to trust your gut/intuition/inner knowing; why for so many of us, a relationship with our gut has been underdeveloped, discouraged or punished; how to determine what’s your gut vs what’s fear; and exercises tips and tricks to build a stronger relationship with your gut.
If you’re looking for additional support in building your relationship with your intuition, join Nikki for a session nikkiinnocent.com/coaching.
Layoffs, talk of an impending recession, employee burnout, and job search exhaustion have so many of us feeling like we’ve made the wrong moves, it’s unsafe to make a change or that we have failed in some way. Failure is a scary word for so many of us. We’ve been brought up to believe it is the worst outcome and we should avoid it at all costs, but what if that is false? It’s time to flip the fear of failure on its head. What if failure holds the clue to the wisdom we most need to learn? What if failure is a faster way to finding the solution?
In this episode, we dive into the importance of acknowledging failure as separate from yourself and your worth, the power in owning and honoring the stumbles you’ve experienced and how failure oftentimes is a key component on the path to living and leading authentically. There’s also a bit of advice for managers in how they can create a more productive and inclusive performance review process.
Share your failure stories with us: www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
The world around us is going through so many growing pains that naturally we’re having to make a lot of new decisions about how we want to show up in the world and where we want to put our energy. But with so much uncertainty it can be hard to feel confident. The power of positive thinking, the importance of being open and receptive, the need to keep your cool and have a smile on your face are all things we’ve been told lead to success, but in order for those tactics to work, first we must have authenticity. Authenticity in our yeses and our nos. In this episode, Nikki dives into the vital tools of discernment and self trust and the power of honoring that many times no can be a complete sentence.
What do authentic yeses and nos look and feel like to you? We’d love to hear from you www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
You’ve done so much work to get where you are, after the last few years no doubt your relationship with yourself and the world has evolved, but does your personal style match how you feel inside? In this episode, Elsa Issac, professional stylist and image expert, joins Nikki to share how her story from a near death experience at 4 months old to a surprise invitation to style a music video to finding her own unique path in the fashion industry has shaped how she shows up in the world. Elsa dives into how, as a stylist, she works with powerful women to unlock levels of confidence and power by matching their appearance with the unique and beautiful magic they have within themselves.
If you are coming out of quarantine looking at your closet and style like it’s for a past version of yourself, this episode is for you!
Whether people know it or not, they react almost reflexively when you tell them you are taking a risk to do something outside of what is expected of you. The “Oh, I could never do that!” or “I’d be too scared” or “that’s crazy!!” responses are all too common especially when you are putting yourself and your needs first after long periods of neglecting them. This episode dives into what Nikki views as the most important reframe for anyone who is taking a leap to make a big change in their lives and why it’s helpful to gain clarity on what is happening before you're in the middle of the vulnerability of it all so it doesn’t derail your confidence and courage.
Get access to our free burnout guide: www.nikkiinnocent.com/burnout
Being right, being certain, being perfect, being confident and unwavering. These are all things that we’ve been told are the penultimate goal in life and are what make you a successful winner or leader. But with the world changing so rapidly, being stuck in your ways or fixed on the old will create more problems for you than solutions.
In this second episode of a six-part series from Nikki’s keynote “Surviving & Thriving after Burnout” the focus is on the importance of shifting your perspective from seeking certainty to accepting that chance is inevitable and there is so much power in embracing curiosity and all of the awe that comes with it. Allowing yourself to be a sponge in the face of uncertainty and change and truly using the knowledge we talked about in the previous episode about getting to know yourself or doing your “mesearch” to inform how the new pieces of information you are able to gather lead you in a new more sustainable, modern direction forward.
We want to hear from you! How have you been embracing curiosity in your life? Tell us at www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
If you’re feeling burnout big time right now, you’re not alone. Feelings of worry, anger, and sadness are at a new high. Employee well-being numbers have dropped in half from their levels in May of 2020 when we were in the height of pandemic uncertainty. Almost half of employees say they experienced stress a lot during the previous day. We get it, it’s rough out there, but what can be done about it? How can you reclaim your energy and power?
This episode is the first of a six-part series inspired by a classic keynote of mine “Surviving & Thriving after Burnout” and it centers why it’s important to prioritize mesearch (research about me, or you in this case) to ease the exhaustion and pressure of burnout by getting to know how you learn, communicate and operate through diagnostics and guided reflection while at the same time exploring how you authentically shine in the world.
Check out our free Burnout Guide for more tools, tips and exercises to help you reframe your relationship with stress, exhaustion and burnout: www.nikkiinnocent.com/burnout
With the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v Wade, the news media, social media and healthcare spaces are buzzing with outrage, emotion and extreme reactions. So many of us are grappling with our role in participating in a society that is now being ruled by a select few willing to rob people of their own bodily autonomy. In this episode, Nikki offers prompts to explore how to operate authentically to build a more representative and inclusive future while under the destructive influence of oppressive leadership.
If you find yourself stuck in fear, operating in nonstop survival mode and stress, there are steps you can take to create more ease and expansion in your life. Nikki shares three accessible tips for how to adjust your relationship to fear to create opportunities for expansion and abundance to enter into your world. She also shines a light on the dynamics of our society that have upheld the systems of oppression that have so many of us, especially those who are underserved and underrepresented in positions of power, living in a near constant state of anxiety. The goal isn’t to avoid, deny or reject fear, but to adjust our relationship to it so it isn’t driving all of our decisions and can serve as a clue for how to approach a challenge in alignment with your values.
Where in your life do you feel like fear has taken the wheel?
What’s your relationship to social media like? Are you on too much or feel like you don’t do enough? Do you find yourself falling into doom scrolling holes that are hours long? You are not alone. In this episode, social media strategist Allie Mason joins us to dive into what it means to be authentic on social media and the ways that you can feel more empowered in your interaction on it. We talk about virality, accountability, bullying, and the mental health impacts of our current social media culture. Allie shares how she works with clients across industry and business life cycles to show up genuinely on social media, and the tactics she uses herself to keep her feed and interactions in alignment with her values to avoid burnout and overwhelm.
Host Nikki Innocent made it over two years COVID-free only to get it in Portugal, a country with over 94% vaccination rate after being fully vaccinated and boosted. She talks about navigating the recovery experience in a foreign country while at the same time processing the concurrent tragedies happening in the world as a result of other crises of oppression, white supremacy and gun violence. Also, Nikki talks about the transformative experience of participating in the African Tour of Lisbon and the power of learning about erased, forgotten and white-washed history through storytelling and community healing. If you are interested in learning more about the origins of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, this discussion and walking tour is a must!
If the last couple years have you looking to change your work situation, it makes so much sense. Whether you’re a new hire or you’ve been working for decades, times of unrest cause all of us to reassess things. You don’t have to do it alone or know it all. Listen to this episode with career coach, Nikki Innocent, who specializes in showing up authentically in today’s modern workplaces to thrive without burning out.
With an increasing shift away from organized religion in our culture and a global crisis testing people’s faith, it makes sense that there are a lot of questions about how religion and spirituality will evolve as our society continues to change and become more diverse. We often hear about religion used as a reason for maintaining oppressive or exclusionary policies, behaviors and systems, but with an ever diversifying population, we’re seeing record numbers of people opt out of religion altogether.
Today’s guest, Reverend Kelly Jane Caesar of the First Congregational Church of East Hartford, discusses how she very intentionally leads her congregation with open arms to welcome those who have been left behind or historically harmed in religious settings. She talks about her experience of embracing her calling to ministry while not necessarily fitting in the old-school, traditional mold of a church leader. Rev. Kelly Jane also shares her approach to stepping into her power and privilege to create and hold spaces of love and healing for others in exploring topics like race, religion and so much more.
If you find yourself grappling with your spiritual beliefs at this moment in time or are curious as to where modern organized religion has the opportunity to evolve into, this episode is for you.
With record numbers of people quitting their jobs and considering career changes, and so many businesses who have had to make the difficult decision to close their doors or let employees go as a result of the economic turbulence from the pandemic, there’s a lot of breaking up happening in the workplace. The thing is we’re never really taught how to leave a job in a healthy, reciprocal, human way. All of the attention is on the getting of the new job that often it can feel really confusing how to handle the more emotionally charged experience of the breakup. In this episode, Nikki talks about common business departure scenarios and provides guidance and insights about how to handle them in alignment with your values, with authenticity.
Your gut feeling, your intuition, your inner knowing, that thing you just know but can’t say why or show the proof – that’s what we’re talking about today. Modern mystic, business strategist, psychic channel, new paradigm entrepreneur and energy and light worker, Lindsay Pera joins us to talk about the new landscape of business, leadership and human existence altogether as we navigate the civilization shifting moments that are colliding together all at once right now. Lindsay shines a light on the importance of understanding that we are navigating a crisis in our relationships, our health and in our financial wellbeing, from an individual level to a collective level and beyond.
Our climate is in crisis, our ways of governing and leading are being tested all around the globe, our ability to feel safe around one another and the air that we are surrounded by has taken a toll on our relationships to others and to ourselves. Lindsay shares her experience of using the wisdom from years of managing chronic illness to heal through the uncertainty of the coronavirus and COVID-19, she talks about the shift in ideology and the vulnerability of misinformation in the wellness industry and the importance of curiosity, grace and discernment as we step into the new frontier of forming the building blocks for our civilization in the years to come. Get your pen and paper ready for this episode, Lindsay offers frameworks and blueprints to sort through the chaos of the current moment to find resonance with your inner wisdom and unique contributions in this life. If you are looking for an episode to productively think about how you are going to show up in the “after times” this is it!
Climate change is a conversation that so often is met with talk about fossil fuels, plastic straws and inevitability. But today environmental engineer, Ashley Stewart, joins us to talk about the human-centric view on how we have an opportunity to shape, reconnect with and repair our Earth. Ashley talks about the importance of understanding the impact of our insufficient environmental systems and structures on real human beings and the disproportionate harm on urban Black communities. She shares her approach to address the need for policy change not just by looking at the things we can start doing now, but understanding the full life cycle of our actions to address once in a lifetime catastrophic weather events that are now happening multiple times a year without systems in place to withstand their impact. She also talks about the importance of building your own relationship with the outdoors, especially the nature around you, in your neighborhood.
Cultivating not only an understanding of the wisdom of the natural elements around you but the importance of being represented as someone who has the right and responsibility to be one with the world around you. By leaning into the wonders of nature around you, you also have a unique opportunity to build community. Ashley shares her experience with the organization Outdoor Afro and offers guidance on ways to get involved in your community as well.
In a world with 24/7 breaking news stories, burnout and outrage exhaustion are inevitable. With the algorithms, our shortened attention spans and the whistleblower provided evidence that social media sites prioritize and amplify emotionally volatile content, it’s no wonder it feels like a nonstop media barrage on our sense of safety and stability.
In today’s episode Nikki is joined by licensed clinical psychologist and previous guest, Dr. Adia Gooden, to talk about tips for taking care of yourself amidst information inundation, how to take meaningful action when the world feels like it's on fire and guidance for navigating performative activism/action when looking to make a difference.
What does the current outrage landscape feel like to you? How has your mental, emotional, psychological or relational health been impacted?
If you’re looking for additional burnout support, check out our burnout resource guide: nikkiinnocent.com/burnout
If you’re interested in the video version of this conversation watch the recording of this livestream event on Nikki’s LinkedIn, Facebook and Youtube pages.
There are millions struggling to care for an elderly parent or relative, while also stepping into their careers, raising children, and being present in their lives, but no one really talks about it. We hear about working mothers, but we don’t talk about working daughters, though the populations are about the same size and at times overlap — Hello Sandwich Generation! 👋🏽 A working daughter is a woman who is navigating the intersection of eldercare and career. If you are the person responsible for taking care of your parents or the elders in your life, you already know a caretaker in eldercare differs significantly from childcare. The invisible labor, the overwhelming emotional experience, the shifting roles and the lack of societal support take the already challenging experience of caretaking to another level.
In childcare, people talk about, have guides and groups to dive into the challenges, discoveries and nuances of youth and growing up, but with eldercare, people shy away from talking about the realities of death, illness and grief.
This episode features Liz O’Donnell, the founder of Working Daughter, a community for women to have these conversations, offer advice, resources and support to one another. Nikki and Liz discuss the current eldercare landscape, the societal taboo associated with aging and chronic illnesses (like cancer and dementia, etc), the demographic shifts in America making eldercare more urgent, the impact of our inadequate public support systems, what workplaces/HR teams can do to support employees living this reality and the profound realities of prolonged grief.
If you’re a working daughter, we want to hear your story, www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Imagine, like the majority of the workers, you're experiencing burnout. You tell your boss you need support, they tell you to hustle and push through it. You know something has to change, but where do you start? Resignations are at an all-time high and employees are job searching and considering career changes more than ever. How do you stand out in the interview process?
Pam Ford, one of Nikki's coaching clients, joins the podcast to share her burnout story and discuss how it motivated her to intentionally invest in her career -- aligning her work with her passions, values and strengths. Pam's pivot from project management and marketing into the employee experience, wellness and human resources space is informed by her burnout and mental health journey. Pam talks about her decision to invest in a career coach and her journey from group coaching to private sessions to customize an authentic job search that highlights her experience and unique transferable qualifications.
If you are experiencing burnout at work or in the job search process, this episode is for you! If you feel ghosted by recruiters and online application sites after you submit your resume and never reach a real human being, you're not alone. Have a listen to get a window into what the career coaching experience is all about and what it can do for you.
Tell us your burnout story nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
When The Gates Foundation put out a call for someone to revolutionize the condom, today’s guest, Dr. Stacy Chin was there to take on the challenge and co-created HydroGlyde Coatings. Stacy joins host Nikki Innocent to discuss her experience as a woman in STEM stepping into the startup/business world, working in a taboo industry developing a new medical device (the self lubricating condom), getting funding as a founder at the intersection of historically excluded identity groups — all while reclaiming her relationship to taking risks, navigating imposter syndrome and building resilience in the face of failure. If you have an idea that you are looking to bring into the world, Stacy’s story is a must-listen. This episode is an invitation to bring more curiosity and exploration into your life to follow your intuition and bear witness to the amazing discoveries that will come. If you have an idea that you’ve always felt called to bring to reality, we want to hear about it — nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
If you are looking for a generative, energetic, joyful conversation about dismantling racism and white supremacy, you’ve found your podcast! In this conversation, writer, publisher and liberation practitioner Courtney Napier joins host Nikki Innocent in conversation about the vital impact of holding space for learning the stories of our elders as we work towards a future where oppression and injustice are dismantled. Courtney shares her personal, nontraditional journey of the power of storytelling, self study and trusting her intuition even when the world outside seemed to be telling her otherwise. Black power, history and progress are centered in this episode. Courtney and Nikki discuss the vital influence of Black women’s activism and representation in North Carolina’s complex history at the intersection of race and gender. They dive into the importance of celebrating matriarchical wisdom and amplifying stories of everyday anti-racist allyship. Courtney talks about how her relationship to religion and faith have shaped her approach to her organization The Black Oak Society and inviting people into the work of liberation. Conversations about Black history, present and future are happening every single month, not just February.
We’d love to hear what elder’s story has shaped your view on social justice and collective liberation: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Learn more in the show notes for this episode: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/courtneynapier
If you grew up going to DARE programs in school or you remember the “Say No To Drugs” tagline, this episode is for you. It’s a reeducation around marijuana, it’s effects and it’s possibility. Our guest is Dru Ledbetter, co-founder of Building A Life Legacy (BALL), ThePot Boston and Flower Xpress, all cannabis centric enterprises prioritizing the needs and support of the community and the opportunity to reinvest in legacy building through the booming cannabis industry. As a former leader in the nursing industry, Dru shares her on the ground knowledge of the true impact of marijuana and it’s healing potential for all too common struggles like postpartum depression, insomnia, and many inflammatory conditions. Dru and Nikki talk about the complicated history of drug legislation that has disproportionately incarcerated Black and brown men, many of whom are still incarcerated today while businesses, run predominantly by white men, reap profits from the same actions. Finally, Dru shares her experiences as a Black woman cannabis founder and the built in hurdles that create additional resistance for so many WOC like her from being able to fully step into the potential of this industry. What did you learn about cannabis growing up? How has your understanding about and relationship to cannabis changed since it became more socially acceptable? We want to hear from you: nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
How many times in your life have you been forced to choose between two options and neither of them felt like they fit? In this episode, Kt McBratney joins Nikki to talk all about rejecting the binary and the fact that we are conditioned to think and operate in a binary world when really we're intended to live within a spectrum. They dive into what Kt calls “disrupting the status bro”, turning the ripple effect into tidal change and building a business that celebrates and connects us through the non-traditional stops on our path. Kt shares their experience of fundraising in the VC space with their co-founder as nonbinary and female founders of a company centering the experience of women and nonbinary folks. Kt is the co-founder and chief brand officer at Owntrail, the human and story centric alternative to LinkedIn’s digital resume oriented culture. Connect with us over on OwnTrail: https://owntrail.com/invite/25235FBB We’d love to hear about the twists and turns on your trail that have lead you to where you are today: nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Do you struggle with self doubt when you are trying something new or getting noticed for the contributions you are making to the word? That feeling as though you don’t belong or you will be found out as an imposter is all too common, so much so that at least 75% of women have experienced imposter syndrome in their careers. You are not alone, but the funny thing about imposter syndrome is that you do feel so isolated and individually unworthy. In this episode, Nikki demystifies the all-too-common experience of imposter syndrome and offers rituals, practices and alternative approaches to redefining your relationship with imposter syndrome, self doubt and any limiting beliefs about yourself and your worth. You’ll get to be a fly on the wall of a live interview that Nikki did with fashion art NFT, Eyes of Fashion, whose mission is centered around the empowerment of women and other historically excluded groups.
Have any imposter syndrome questions or stories to share? Reach out to us would love to hear from you nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
If you are looking for direct support to overcome imposter syndrome join us for an upcoming live group coaching session nikkiinnocent.com/group or book a private session with Nikki nikkiinnocent.com/coaching
For many of us, the message growing up was “make sure you follow the right path” but what does that really mean? Does that mean spending your time doing what other people expect of you or following your interests, strengths and passions? With Millennials now stepping into senior levels of leadership, the largest generation is redefining what success looks like. It looks like following your own path forward and embracing a non-traditional journey to step into your unique potential.
In this episode, OwnTrail co-founder and CEO, Rebekah Bastian talks about organically creating a new networking and community building platform for women that centers the importance of embracing your unique journey in this life. Nikki and Rebekah nerd out on all things inclusive leadership, the future of work, women’s leadership and even spend a bit of time talking about NFTs and web3.
If you’re looking to make meaningful connections and build your network, OwnTrail is what you’ve been looking for. This episode is the first in a duo of episodes featuring the co-founders of OwnTrail to hear more about how their paths lead them to creating this new, thriving collaborative networking community!
“It’s all about who you know” but in the last few years our ability to network and connect with others has been put to the test – the isolation, the reliance on technology, a shift in career priorities and workplace values have all changed the game. In this episode, Nikki discusses the transactional nature of traditional networking, the shift towards authenticity and relationship in modern networking and ways to approach networking if it’s something you dread.
If you’re looking for more networking support, join us for one of our career lounge group sessions where you can meet others looking for authentic connection and a more inclusive future: www.nikkiinnocent.com/group
If the pandemic has you battling cabin fever or wishing you could hop on a plane to head on vacation or to relocate, this episode is for you! Margo Gabriel, freelance writer and new cookbook author did just that, in the fall of 2020 she took the leap and is now an expat living in Lisbon Portugal. Margo shares her story all about leaning into uncertainty to discover opportunities beyond her wildest dreams, from finding her new home due to an airline offer to extend her layover in Portugal to a dinner conversation and homesickness sparking her creation of her new cookbook and Haitian cuisine pop-up series. In this episode, Nikki & Margo dive into the dynamics of growing up in America with an international perspective as children of immigrants, their love for and the impact of the richness of Haitian cuisine in their lives and the transformative power of moving to a new environment that allows your creativity to flourish and as a result you are able to stand more fully in to expansive power you were meant to bring into being in your lifetime.
Get 50% off Margo’s freelance checklist/pitch template and check out her book over on the shownotes page: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/margogabriel
How often are you doing things because you feel like you “should?” Not because you want to, or need to, but because you feel the pressure to do it in order to avoid criticism, gain approval or to meet other people’s standards. If you don’t do what you “should do” how does it impact your relationship with your self worth, self confidence and motivation?
If you have been trying to find your footing coming out of the last couple years and you find yourself striving for and/or falling short of your expectations, the end of the year can add even more stress and pressure to your plate. If you let go of the need to do anything in particular to be worthy, release the word “should” from your vocabulary, imagine what your life would be like.
This episode is all about gaining clarity around when and how “should” comes up in your life, what patterns arise and how it is tied to some other belief that oftentimes isn’t in alignment with your values. If you are looking to tap back into your intuition and follow your authentic path forward, this episode is for you!
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, wondered if you are enough or battled feelings of imposter syndrome, the world around you has had you question your self-worth. What would your life be like if you operated with the knowledge that you are born worthy and nothing you can do or say will take that away? In this episode, Dr. Adia Gooden, licensed clinical psychologist and self-worth specialist joins Nikki to discuss the key components of building your self-worth and four practices can truly revolutionize your relationship with yourself.
If you want to invest more in your self-work journey, share your story or figure out how you are uniquely positioned to shine, learn more nikkiinnocent.com/coaching.
In the world of self-improvement and professional development we are so caught up in where things need to be fixed and we miss the beauty that is around us. We are encouraged to buy things to find our fulfillment and strive for things to reach happiness.
During the holiday season, things tend to get more complicated, you are pressured to do more, buy more, and give more. What if this year, you gave yourself permission to do the opposite? Instead of more, you did less, you focused on simplifying. After the last two years, we're all running on less fuel than we usually have available to us, burnout is at an all time high and still somehow our expectation of achievement hasn't faltered.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, this episode is for you!
Need a helping hand, let’s work together: www.nikkiinnocent.com/coaching
Ever wish you could have learned about diversity, equity and inclusion in school instead of in the headlines? This week’s episode features Kiana Pierre-Louis lawyer, professor and the co-creator of the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion major at Bentley University, the first ever at a business university. Kiana shares her experience of co-creating the curriculum with a cross functional team, advocating for the major within a historically white, male dominated school and industry and the key steps that helped her and her co-creators get it past the finish line. Nikki & Kiana talk about the experience of being overlooked as the only woman of color speaking on a panel, Kiana’s pivotal social justice work in her local community in response to discrimination her children experienced as young as five years old and her powerful modern approach to integrative education by bringing the classroom into real life experiences and vice versa.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can integrate diversity, equity and inclusion principles into your journey, work with Nikki today.
Counterterrorism and national security expert, Ryan Greer, joins Nikki to talk about white supremacy, domestic terrorism and the imperative to understand and dismantle the oppressive foundations of both on an individual and collective level. Ryan talks about his time serving in the US Department of Homeland Security, the White House, the US Department of State and the US House of Representatives and how both his work and perception of counterterrorism work have shifted from when he first started focused in the Middle East to now being focused on the threats at home. While he’s no Jack Bauer, he sure is making an impact in the work he does everyday. If you’ve had questions that you never felt comfortable asking about white supremacy and the violent threat it has caused in America, this episode is for you.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for the resources that Ryan mentions in this episode: www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/ryangreer
Twenty one babies are born every minute, which means with every minute numerous women’s bodies are going through the trauma of childbirth, but our culture doesn’t prioritize healing in the same way we do all other significant body traumas. Post birth rehab, strengthening and healing are topics that are often not spoken about or even acknowledged as part of the birthing process until after the baby is in the world and their mother is attempting to “do it all.” In many cultures, the entire community comes together to honor, celebrate and care for the person that birthed the new life into this world, but in America we tend to lose that part of the narrative, which in turn means we forget to prioritize the support that is needed.
Today’s guest, Natalie Garay, specializes in physical and emotional rehabilitation after birth or a c-section surgery and she joins for this episode to shine a light on the often unspoken but vitally important conversation about how to create a society that prioritizes post birth healing, physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically. If you have been pregnant, are pregnant, are planning to be pregnant or know someone who has experienced any of these stages of pregnancy, this episode is an important education and conversation starter to normalize a new generation centered around honoring, supporting and healing women and their postpartum bodies. We talk about pelvic floor rehab, c-section surgery, urinary incontinence, healthcare advocacy and so much more!
If you have a What the F*ck Happened to My Body story or you have questions for Natalie, let us know at nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation.
Do you know the feeling when a goal you’ve worked so hard for is finally becoming a reality and it scares you, overwhelms you or you find yourself second guessing if it’s even what you wanted in the first place? This is a very common reaction to success, especially when you’ve put all your energy, blood, sweat and tears to make the achievement happen, in work and in life. In this episode, Nikki talks about upperlimiting or the Upper Limit Problem a term coined by Gay Hendricks. If as you come closer to your goals, you’re overcome by fear, procrastination, self-sabotage, self doubt, imposter syndrome or feeling like running away, this episode is for you!
Has there been a time in your life where you’ve run away from or been scared of a success or leveling up moment in your life?
Trish Fontanilla is the ultimate community builder, everything she does she creates such a welcoming, encouraging and humanity driven environment for people to show up as themselves and connect with one another. In this episode, Trish shares her story of how she entered the startup world and has become an expert community builder in a time when we need true community more than ever. Trish and Nikki discuss the importance of humanizing technology, artificial intelligence and the customer experience to create an inclusive future where companies can meet the true needs of their diverse community of consumers. They talk about the importance of thinking of businesses as H2H (human to human) instead of the traditional lenses of B2B (business to business) or B2C (business to consumer).
If you’ve been thinking about taking a leap, making a change or stretching outside of your comfort zone, now is a great time to start -- even if it’s just taking baby steps. In this week’s mini episode, Nikki shares her recent leap, an impromptu extended trip to Portugal!
What ways have you been thinking about making a chance in your life or betting on yourself?
We want to hear about it: www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Mixed-race Americans are the fastest growing racial group in the US based on the 2020 Census. One of the most common and often most frustrating questions that biracial and multiracial people get is “What are you?” it can be dehumanizing and extremely “othering.”
In this episode, our host Nikki Innocent, a mixed-race Haitian American woman, flips the dynamic on its head and dives into the question of “What Am I?” on her own. She talks about recent new discoveries about her own multi-racial and multi-ethnic background through both the power of storytelling and more traditional research. Nikki shines a light on the importance of remaining open and curious while learning more about the various racial and ethnic influences that have shaped your life both for yourself and those around you. No matter how well versed you are in your own racial and ethnic background, there is always more to discover -- whether it be about present day impacts or historical lessons. And as you do, the closer we get to realizing that we are all much more alike than we are different.
Have you made any recent discoveries about your own identity? How has this last year and a half impacted your understanding of and relationship with your racial and ethnic background?
We want to hear from you, share your story today: www.nikkiinnocent.com/otherstories
When you progress in your career, your life and your relationships, oftentimes making decisions becomes more complex. There is a more complex level of nuance needed as each call impacts both the long and short term, both you and other, both the big picture and what needs to get done today. In this episode, Nikki talks about the coaching technique she uses to help clients and herself navigate the nuance of strategic decision making -- the spectrum of eagle and mouse view.
If you want to learn more about how you can fold this tool into your life, book a coaching call with Nikki: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/coaching
Resources: * Website: Nikkiinnnocent.com * Own Your Career Mastermind: nikkiinnocent.com/oyc * Instagram: @nikkiinnocent
As an entertainer, rejection comes with the territory as does resilience. In this episode, Andrea Dora, Broadway actor, entrepreneur, mother and all around game changer joins Nikki to dive into the nuances of taking up space in a world that tells black, biracial women to be quiet and play their part. Andrea and Nikki dive into the dynamics of belonging and confidence, families of origin and the wisdom you learn from experiencing grief and loss. Andrea talks about her choice to go from auditioning to play the roles of others on Broadway to starting a company that centers around her being able to live fully and prominently as her full self on stage. The two business owners explore the possibility and beauty of creating a business around your unique existence and vision for this world by leaning fully into your gifts and honoring your intuition. If you are ready to take back control of your career, join fellow ambitious leaders eager to make a career change in Nikki’s upcoming Own Your Career Mastermind https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/oyc
The Great Resignation is in full swing, June 2021 brought record numbers in resignations and job openings but with the pumping of the brakes from the Covid19 Delta variant, everyone is waiting to see how that impacts the job market. In this episode, Nikki talks about why the Great Resignation is happening right now and the key trends that have been catalyzed and amplified due to the pandemic. She walks through recent pivotal workforce statistics and offers four main tips for how to keep momentum going in your job search when the timelines in the outside world seem to be slowing down.
If you are ready to take back control of your career, join fellow ambitious leaders eager to make a career change in Nikki’s upcoming Own Your Career Mastermind https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/oyc
Join Nikki for an upcoming community coaching call, to get customized support on the areas of your career that have you feeling stuck and experience what group coaching is like
https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/open-coaching
If you were asked to write a note of gratitude to one person in your life, who would it be? What would you say? Today’s guest Brian Doyle talks all about his passion for bringing more gratitude in all it’s nuanced beauty to the world. Brian is a lover of storytelling with a deep background in the TED community and as an event producer for vital organizations like the LGBT Community Center in NYC and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Brian and Nikki dive into the dynamics of privilege and power that interplay across the various aspects of our identity. They talk about the intersections and hierarchy within non-dominant identity groups and the importance of shining a light on the often unspoken, yet pervasive, influences and barriers of whiteness. We want to hear from you! What is your relationship with gratitude? Is it something you feel comfortable with or does it make you squirm a little bit? Are there difficult conversations or situations you’ve been through in the last 18 months that you are grateful for in hindsight? www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Resources: * Website: Nikkiinnnocent.com * Own Your Career Mastermind: nikkiinnocent.com/oyc * Instagram: @nikkiinnocent
September is Self Improvement Month -- our culture has a tricky relationship with the idea of it. Perfectionism, hustle culture and capitalism have us jockeying for position over one another and seeking validation and achievement outside ourselves. Host Nikki Innocent believes that self improvement is truly rooted in self discovery, that all of the power you need is within you, that the improvement is in aligning more deeply with who you are vs how the world tells you you need to change yourself to be. In this episode, Nikki encourages listeners to reframe their relationship with self-help and reclaim their individual power.
If you are looking for guidance in that journey of self-discovery, try out our on-demand course Unlock Your Passion www.nikkiinnocent.com/passion
Public speaking coach, Rhonda Khan, joins Nikki in today's episode to talk about the power of activating your voice, moving through fear, and owning the room by sharing your story. Nikki & Rhonda shine a light on the importance of public speaking over the last few years and how the Millennial & Gen Z generations differ in their relationship to public speaking, using their voices and having a platform to be heard and valued. Rhonda discusses the influences of being a speech therapist, speaker, and solo actor, performer and playwright on her work within her company, Simply Speech Solutions. Nikki & Rhonda dive deep into the importance of elevating the topics of mental health and neurodiversity in our conversations about diversity and inclusion. What’s your feeling about public speaking? Love it, hate it, wish you could be better at it? We want to hear about it, hit us up at www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
MIT’s women’s basketball head coach, Lucia Robinson-Griggs, joins Nikki to dive into the incredible influence and impact that sports, athletes and coaches have on our society. Lucia shares her experiences of growing up as a biracial Black girl in Boston who has followed her passions that led her to playing in the NCAA tournament, to playing on Boston’s women’s full contact football team, to coaching high school boy’s football, to coaching back-to-back NCAA champions and now leading her way as a head coach centering humanity. Nikki & Lucia talk about the influence you have as a coach, the power of representation, the changes in the NIL rules that empower college athletes, the impact of chosen family and the hurdles of stepping into rooms where you are the first, only and different (FOD) and leading your way. Growing up did you have a coach or a mentor that you looked up to? We want to hear about it, hit us up at www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
How many times in your life have you heard “trust your gut” and felt like cool, great but what does that mean!? In this episode, the final installment in this 6-part series on surviving burnout, Nikki talks about what it means to trust your gut/intuition/inner knowing; why for so many of us, a relationship with our gut has been underdeveloped, discouraged or punished; how to determine what’s your gut vs what’s fear; and exercises tips and tricks to build a stronger relationship with your gut.
To dive deeper into your relationship with your inner power and strengths, for a limited time get free access the first module of our Unlock Your Passion course: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/light-up-moments
Failure is a scary word for so many of us. We’ve been brought up to believe it is the worst outcome and we should avoid it at all costs, but what if that is false? It’s time to flip the fear of failure on its head. What if failure holds the clue to the wisdom we most need to learn? What if failure is a faster way to finding the solution?
In this episode, we dive into the importance of acknowledging failure as separate from yourself and your worth, the power in owning and honoring the stumbles you’ve experienced and how failure oftentimes is a key component on the path to living and leading authentically. There’s also a bit of advice for managers in how they can create a more productive and inclusive performance review process.
Share your failure stories with us: www.nikkiinnocent.com/join the conversation
The power of positive thinking, the importance of being open and receptive, the need to keep your cool and have a smile on your face are all things we’ve been told lead to success, but in order for those tactics to work, first we must have authenticity. Authenticity in our yeses and our nos. In this episode, Nikki dives into the vital tools of discernment and self trust and the power of honoring that many times no can be a complete sentence.
What do authentic yeses and nos look and feel like to you? We’d love to hear from you www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Whether people know it or not, they react almost reflexively when you tell them you are taking a risk to do something outside of what is expected of you. The “Oh I could never do that!” or “I’d be too scared” or “that’s crazy!!” responses are all too common especially when you are putting yourself and your needs first after long periods of neglecting them. This episode dives into what Nikki views as the most important reframe for anyone who is taking a leap to make a big change in their lives and why it’s helpful to gain clarity on what is happening before you're in the middle of the vulnerability of it all so it doesn’t derail your confidence and courage.
Sign up for our newsletter to learn more: www.nikkiinnocent.com/subscribe
Being right, being certain, being perfect, being confident and unwavering. These are all things that we’ve been told are the penultimate goal in life and are what make you a successful winner or leader. But with the world changing so rapidly, being stuck in your ways or fixed on the old will create more problems for you than solutions.
In this second episode of a six-part series from Nikki’s keynote “Surviving & Thriving after Burnout” the focus is on the importance of shifting your perspective from seeking certainty to accepting that chance is inevitable and there is so much power in embracing curiosity and all of the awe that comes with it. Allowing yourself to be a sponge in the face of uncertainty and change and truly using the knowledge we talked about in the previous episode about getting to know yourself or doing your “mesearch” to inform how the new pieces of information you are able to gather lead you in a new more sustainable, modern direction forward.
We want to hear from you! How have you been embracing curiosity in your life? Tell us at www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Everyone is talking about "being your authentic self" but what does that really mean? For me, it's accepting who I am and embracing what my experiences have taught me. Growing up we learned science, math, history, etc but we didn’t learn how to get to know ourselves. As we navigate re-entering society, there’s a pull between what you’ve learned about yourself and the world around you over the last year and a half and the efficiency of just “getting back to normal -- in that process we tend to lose ourselves and conditioning takes over.
This episode is the beginning of a multi episode series coming out of a classic keynote of mine “Surviving & Thriving after Burnout” and is all about why it’s important to prioritize mesearch (research about me, or you in this case) to get to know how you learn, communicate and operate through diagnostics and guided reflection while at the same time exploring how you authentically shine out in the world.
Check out our Unlock Your Passion course to dive into the mesearch process: https://nikkiinnocent.com/uyp
Let us know how your mesearch is going or any tools you love for mesearch: https://nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Old school job searching is out, it’s time for a reframe. If you left your job, are considering leaving your job or looking to re-enter the workforce, the interview process can feel daunting.
In this episode, Nikki talks about the workplace trends in play with the increase in remote work and the prioritization of diversity, equity and inclusion -- especially in the hiring and HR industry. She highlights some common outdated messages that are still being peddled that keep candidates feeling small. Nikki then explores how Millennials occupying the majority of the workforce is changing the values and approach to job searching and embracing an authentic career path.
Have you been interviewing lately or considering making a career change? Tell us about it and how this episode resonated with you: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Anyone else feel like we’re going from zero to 60 from isolation to seeing people, from vague timing uncertainty to an urgent rush? It’s especially abrupt after this period of pandemic time dysmorphia. One of the things we’ve learned during quarantine is that being physically in a space, or on video on a Zoom call, doesn’t mean you are truly able to be present. In this episode, Nikki shines a light on the expectation of being always on or available 24/7 and how it is at odds with the expectation of being focused, engaged and invested in the present moment. She explores the learned behavior that face time or having your butt in the seat is more important than how you work/operate best. And, Nikki highlights the importance of listening to yourself and your internal clues to how to live a more present, fulfilling and sustainable existence.
We want to hear from you! Let us know how you navigate your relationship with time, availability and being present: www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
As many US companies begin to explore their “back to the office” plans, traditional leadership models, tactics and beliefs are being tested. Many leaders in the investment management industry are bluntly expressing their opinions of the appropriate “return to normal” timeline and approach. On the other hand, employees, a majority of them millennials, have been very clear that if their organizations force them back to the way things were before, they’ll quit.
With news of these pronouncements, Nikki:
- shines a light on the leadership dynamics at play
- highlights data points around current sentiments on workplace re-entry that shift the power to the employee
- talks about the tactics of confusion and fear to achieve compliance
- discusses the generational friction with the shift towards millennial leadership and impact of age-based generalizations,
- touches on the resistance to technology and the old school “you have to go through what I went through” approach
- dives into the aspects of traditional leadership that focus on time & money, and how they are in conflict with this urgent, rigid push to get “back to normal”
- encourages listeners to put their critical thinking caps on to view this workplace transition with an inclusive lens
Let us know how your organization is approaching re-entry: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/jointheconversation
Is there anyone in your life trying to control every aspect of a project, relationship or endeavor? Someone that is nitpicking every single facet of what you are doing? Listen in to hear how you can finally say goodbye to micromanaging for good. In this episode, Nikki: shines a light on the dynamics at play when micromanaging is the tool of choice for people in positions of power, dives into how to effectively confront micromanaging with compassion when it pops up and explains how to lean into the muscle used to micromanage and nitpick to reframe towards a new more expansive, trusting and productive relationship moving forward. For full show notes and resources, head to https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/micromanaging Share your “other” story at https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/otherstories
In the second episode of this two-part series to relaunch Checkbox Other, you'll hear about the importance of messaging during a global pandemic, Nikki's "other" story while getting her vaccine, her view on "getting back to work," the future of leadership and the new rules that may stick coming out of the pandemic, get the inside scoop on what is coming for Checkbox Other, new developments in Nikki's business, her new membership community, and ways for you to get involved and have your story included in future episodes.
In the first episode of this two part series to relaunch Checkbox Other, you'll get the inside scoop as to the relaunch of the podcast, why the podcast went on hiatus, what's being going on with Nikki for the last six months of navigating the pandemic, the global reckoning on racial injustice, overcoming the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, dealing with haters and so much more. Nikki Innocent's sister, Danielle steps into the host's shoes and interviews Nikki to spill all the tea!
Host, Nikki Innocent, focuses this episode around a topic that comes up in almost all of her coaching calls along with any live Q&A session at her speaking engagements: How to hack Imposter Syndrome and overcome the fear of being found out. Imposter syndrome is defined as that sinking feeling that you will be found out as a fraud, that you are not qualified, that you don't belong, that your successes are undeserved and based more on luck, timing or other factors outside your control rather than your skills, contribution and strong performance. When Imposter Syndrome was first talked about in the 1970s, it was believed that it only affected women. From then to now, fifty years later, we realize that it is not just a women’s issue. We now know that so much of this Imposter Syndrome comes from you being seen as part of the non-dominate, non-majority or subordinate group. If you are seen as a member of that non-majority identity dynamic, you have been told by society that you are not enough, that you are a fraud. So much of this feels like it is our own heaviness that we are carrying around, but the reality is that you have been told as a member of that subordinate group that you are not enough. Nikki urges listeners to shine a light on this topic, to identify it, and to talk about it. The tangible solutions discussed in this episode tie to three common themes that Nikki discusses in her women’s leadership work: 1) people pleasing 2) seeking external validation or approval 3) lacking awareness of our unique strengths Listen to the full podcast episode for specific exercises to shine a light on these three themes, tap into specific tools to hack the powerful feelings of fraudulence and put them in action to overcome imposter syndrome. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/imposter-syndrome
Host, Nikki Innocent, centers the importance and power of taking time for a purposeful pause right now. As we start September and enter into "back to school" territory, the need for a thoughtful period of reflection and self-awareness is key. In the midst of COVID19 and our national reckoning on racial injustice, so many of us find ourselves in an autopilot, survival mode. We're striving to keep our heads above water and as a result the cyclical restart that comes with the launch of a new school year & post Labor Day work rush feels markedly different, as it should. Nikki urges listeners to take a beat, to acknowledge the unorthodox situation many of us find ourselves in and to get close to where they are feeling constricted or tight in their lives, feeling stuck, blocked or numb and where they are feeling expansive and momentum. This purposeful pause and awareness is important to regain more agency in the midst of uncertainty, avoid burnout and move forward with sustainable energy & intentional action during this period of significant individual and collective transformation. Nikki folds in learnings from the classic TV show Family Matters and from her favorite album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, needless to say folks who grew up in the 90s will feel the love! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/purposeful-pause
As a Culture Columnist for The Boston Globe, Jeneé Osterheldt often writes at the intersections of identity and social justice through the lens of the arts and culture. Jeneé joins host Nikki Innocent for a conversation featuring their discussion about being biracial, the experience of living in the in-between of identity buckets and how that influenced them both as children and as adults. The episode also touches on Jeneé’s experiences as a public figure speaking out against injustice from Kansas City to Boston and her experience thus far wrestling Boston’s liberal and racist stereotypes holding the same space. Naturally with Jeneé’s expertise, the episode also touches on so many moments happening in pop-culture and cutting edge news through a lens of diversity & inclusion, from Cardi B's WAP to Viola Davis's powerhouse career to The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. During the episode, you'll hear as Jeneé's editor breaks the news that Kamala Harris was named the VP candidate for the Democratic party. Jeneé and Nikki reflect real time about the impact of the first Black & South Asian being named as a major party VP candidate, the importance of representation and the racial and gendered complexities of America navigating a leader with a mixed race identity who is a woman -- shining a light on the intersection patriarchy and supremacy. When Jeneé’s not writing or making smoothies, she spends her time dancing, binge-watching, or being bossed around by a boxer named Peppermint Patty. This episode is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the real life experiences of racial discrimination and how to discuss the dynamics at play, who is raising mixed race children, who is looking for ways to activate the power of their privilege, are interested in learning more about colorism or simply interested in learning more about journalism. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/jeneeosterheldt
As the first Black, Haitian American city councilor at-large in the city of Everett, MA, Gerly Adrien has experienced an inordinate amount of push-back from her colleagues even as she attempts to speak in the time allotted to her. After receiving the the highest number of votes in the 2019 election, her voice represents more of her constituents than her fellow elected city council members. However the older, whiter council has time and time again silenced her and called for her to be less “aggressive“ in her tone and tactics of shining a light on systemic oppression of non-majority voices. Nikki & Gerly dive into the dynamics at play in this arena and how Gerly’s background has made her up for the challenge. As the embodiment of a multi hyphenate leader, Gerly’s approach to doing the best you can, in all the ways that you can, for as long as you can shines through. As a politician, landlord, healthcare executive, small business owner and philanthropist, Gerly exemplifies the importance of serving others, and she has carried that value with her throughout her life. If you are considering running for office or stepping into the lead in a new facet of your life, this conversation is for you! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/gerlyadrien
Erin Claire Jones is a leadership coach specializing in Human Design. She helps leaders and teams step into their highest potential by offering them the self-knowledge and tools to perform at the top of their personal and professional games. In this episode, Erin will give an overview of what Human Design is and how it can shine light on your emotional, psychological and energetic makeup, giving you the self-awareness and tools to align with your nature. Throughout the episode, Erin and Checkbox Other host, Nikki Innocent discuss how understanding their human design has helped them in their career, partnerships and relationships. If you would like to find out your human design prior to this episode, please head to erinclairejones.com/lookup. You will need the following three things: your date, time and place of birth. Erin has consulted for startups all over the world, built companies supporting executives, partnerships and small teams to operate more harmoniously and effectively, and conducted research on leadership challenges at 90+ early-stage companies. She has also been featured in Forbes, Nylon, Well+Good, mindbodygreen and more as well as has been on over 60 podcasts. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/erinclairejones
We are excited to share the audio recording of Checkbox Other host Nikki Innocent’s 2019 TEDxBU talk “Break the Rules in Life, Then Re-write Your Own”. Since the beginning of her life, Nikki has always been one to push the boundaries, and to not always abide by the rules of society. In her talk she discusses how this has helped her in all facets of her life, and shares with the audience the rules that she has set for herself. One of the reasons we chose to share the recording of this TEDx talk today is because we have launched our first ever digital workshop, “Rewriting the Rules”! This 90-minute session is based on our signature in-person workshop AND inspired by Nikki’s 2019 TEDxBU talk. Visit www.nikkiinnocent.com/rtr to learn more! As a member of this Checkbox Other family, we are offering a discount code for you and to share with your friends. Use code CBO10 to get $10 off when you sign up for the workshop. We hope to see you in an upcoming session! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/tedxbu
Women's leadership experts, Keisha Shields and Nikki Innocent, discuss the importance of owning your own legacy. Keisha shares experiences of having her identity defined by the perceptions and actions of others. She grew up being told that she was " too much" and began to caution herself before speaking, then she did the work of breaking free of that conditioning to live fully as her most authentic self. Her confidence is infectious. Keisha talks about her experience of being the youngest, the only female and the first Black executive at the "boy's club" that was her last employer. Nikki & Keisha discuss the realities of Keisha's partner being incarcerated, both in the obstacle of physical distance and in navigating socialized stereotypes. This conversation also touches on all things money -- Keisha explains how the appropriate allocation of resources leads to intergenerational legacy. And last, but most certainly not least, if you are someone that is interested in gender equity in the workplace, you'll enjoy these two women's leadership experts deep dive into the systemic & conditioned dynamics that hold women back from leading and how we can overcome them. Keisha Shields is a personal & business adviser to women leaders and is known for giving her clients huge “aha’s” moments. Keisha uses her business savvy and intuitive presence & awareness to help clients claim their space as more highly visible leaders, to find and own their voices publicly, say what they think without fear, and integrate their personal successes and stories profitably into their work. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/keishashields
This week's episode is an encore episode to honor our first guest on this podcast, Megan Baker. Last month, Megan Baker left this world in the physical sense after her journey with cancer came to an end. Earlier this year, she and Nikki had talked about her coming back on the podcast to share more about her cancer journey. Unfortunately they didn't have a chance to do that, so we felt the next best option was to lift up her story, in her words, in this episode and encourage each of you to join us in celebrating her amazing life on this planet. Nikki kicks off the episode talking about grief and urges each listener to grant themselves the grace and permission to grieve in their own way, in their own time especially as we find ourselves in a collective time of loss and grief during this pandemic. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/meganbaker-encore
To honor Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, we’re releasing an encore episode of “I Am Not My Socialization” a conversation with social justice expert, educator and all-around game changer, Dr. Tee Williams. As many in the US and in the global community make a larger commitment to shine a light on racial injustice and to "do the work" individually, this discussion from last summer between Nikki and Dr. Tee is a wonderful resource. Dr. Tee Williams has over 20 years of experience helping people learn about the complexities of diversity & inclusion, organizational leadership and personal development. This episode of Checkbox Other covers topics from social justice work & burnout, to the oppression experienced by both dominant & targeted identity groups, to toxic masculinity, to challenging your internalized oppression, to the magical invitation of being “called in,” to critical liberation theory, to a deep dive on tone policing. This is an episode where you’re going to want a pen and paper nearby to take notes and soak in all that Dr. Tee’s teachings have to offer you. Even if you had the chance to hear the episode last year when it first launched, we encourage you to take another listen through the lens of today's current events. Class is now in session! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/encoredrtee
In Checkbox Other's first solo episode, host Nikki Innocent discusses the vital moment that America finds itself in following the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Nikki reflects on the public outcry, the rally for whiteness to be acknowledged and the systems of oppression in our society to be called out, brought into the light and ultimately dismantled. She encourages listeners to DO THE WORK and actively unpack their own internalized oppression while at the same time holding themselves accountable and working towards an ideological shift to use white privilege to stop the pervasive harm being inflicted on black lives. Nikki invites listeners who are white to sign up to actively work on unpacking their whiteness and dismantle their oppressive conditioning. This episode comes with a free guide for listeners to use as a companion resource as they listen when you sign up here: www.nikkiinnocent.com/dismantleoppression. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/dismantleoppression
Christie Lindor is a momprenuer, author, speaker, and Founder of Tessi Consulting, a business & HR consulting firm focused on helping leaders create and sustain high performing, diverse, and inclusive workplace cultures -- particularly in times of disruptive change. A former technologist turned workplace expert, Christie helps leaders solve workplace issues in areas of digital transformation, creating & optimizing a virtual workforce, organizational change, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategic talent development. In this episode, Christie & Nikki discuss turning a side hustle into a startup business, being an introverted leader, Christie’s unconventional path to politics, being a new mom and launching a new business, the power of a timeless viral blog, the importance of being present in the midst of the pandemic, living a life beyond your childhood dreams and embracing your other to activate your superpower. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/christielindor
Rica Elysée is the CEO of BeautyLynk and #AtTheTable. Prior to her life as an entrepreneur, Rica was a successful community organizer, marketer, and fundraising exec who founded an influential beauty and makeup meetup community for women of color in Boston. She was also helping take care of a disabled family member and noticed how confident hair appointments made this family member feel – but it was hard to find an accessible salon experience. She also noticed that most women in her beauty group faced similar problems – late or canceled appointments and long waits for beauty services, etc. In response, Rica founded her startup, BeautyLynk that brings the beauty salon into women’s homes and transforms the beauty industry with technology. While navigating the solo founder journey, she found herself looking to be in community with other female founders. As a result, she co-founded #AtTheTable, a curated dinner experience for female founders to build connections, resources and friends. In this episode, Rica & Nikki discuss the the journey from meetup to startup, the importance of the natural hair movement, the complicated experience of being a solo female founder, creating an accessible and inclusive company using data to meet the evolving needs of her clients and team member, the importance of saying “no,” her unique management techniques in using music to get to another level of understanding with her team and the power of twerking! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/ricaelysee
Jessica Minhas is a human rights and mental health advocate, journalist, public speaker, and the Founder and CEO of I'll Go First, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding and supporting mental health and trauma recovery care in underserved and vulnerable communities around the world using storytelling and mobile technology. In this episode, Jess & Nikki discuss the journey of racial discovery as two racially ambiguous women, the power of therapy and mental health care, the generational impact of alcoholism & addiction, navigating loss & grief, living life with a chronic illness, embracing the life-changing power of sharing your story and her upcoming book and app supporting trauma survivors. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/jessicaminhas
In this episode, Melissa Rowe & Nikki discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the education system, college accessibility, student loan debt, the power of young people and the importance of them sharing their stories. They also talk about Melissa’s calling as a writer, her experience navigating layoffs, challenging the status quo, pivoting her business offering based on the needs of the market and the source of energy in her business. Melissa A. Rowe, is founder of Capture Greatness! – Scholarship & College Coaching. A Philadelphia native, she found her passion for writing early on, leading her to hold writing workshops nationally and abroad, serve as director of Temple Writing Academy, and pen the College Connect Blog for The Philadelphia Public School Notebook. Recently, Melissa was recognized, by WHYY, as an American Graduate Champion for her work with students from under-resourced schools. Through Capture Greatness, Melissa has helped students earn more than $3.5Million in scholarship money, including four Gates Millennium Scholarship recipients. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/melissarowe
Molly Beck is the CEO of the all-in-one podcast creation and hosting platform Messy.fm and author of business advice book REACH OUT that chronicled how she built her podcast company via networking strategy. In this episode, Molly & Nikki discuss Molly’s entrepreneurial journey, the importance of having someone believe in you in the face of feeling like you don’t belong, and the experience of navigating the VC landscape while pregnant. Molly generously talks about creating a business focused on making podcasting accessible to all and amplifying unheard voices. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/mollybeck
Jadah Sellner is the host of the Lead with Love™ podcast, a TEDx speaker, creator of Love Over Metrics™, Business Growth Incubator and the best-selling author and co-founder of Simple Green Smoothies. As a serial entrepreneur, online community growth strategist and business mentor Jadah consults companies and personal brands to build communities with love, service, and impact. In this episode, you get more than just a podcast episode, it'll feel like we snuck in a coaching call! Join Jadah & Nikki as they discuss the power of being able and willing to pivot your business and plans, creating business community focused on building humanity over conversion, sustainable leadership, “no comment left behind” strategy, boundaries, releasing people pleasing tendencies through self-compassion, embracing your own unique creative process, the idea of creative “simmering,” the three phases of learning best modeled through laser tag and so much more! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/jadahsellner
To kick off 2020, Checkbox Other host Nikki Innocent shares her 2019 TEDx talk "Embrace Your Other, Activate Your Superpower" that centers on activating your unique gift in this world by embracing what makes you different. If you are starting the new year and new decade looking to take charge of your life, this talk will help you take the first step and support you in overcoming the fears that are holding you back! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/tedxbentley
Architect, designer, creative director and owner of MESS in a Bottle, Kalilah Wright is here to share her story! The Mess in a Bottle is a T-shirt company that is emotional, thought provoking and an expression of the current climate of the world. The MESS brand was established to evoke change, question Kalilah’s audience and allow individuals wearing their messages to be vocal without saying anything at all. Each item is designed and printed at her Baltimore in-house studio space. In this episode, Kalilah & Nikki discuss Kalilah’s entrepreneurial journey, the importance of making room for healthy conversation about complicated situations, and the pivotal decision to approach people with compassion and care each day. Kalilah talks about creating a business rooted in honesty and raw creativity with a focus on messages that she needs herself as a “regular degular“ woman. She also discusses managing her life as a mompreneur, teaching her son the business and leaving MESS as a legacy business for him as it continues to grow. Kalilah generously shares about a traumatic incident in her shop a couple years ago and how it impacted her path and view moving forward. Her strength and willingness to share her knowledge and story with those around her is a gift for each and every one of us. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/kalilahwright
Kristen is an Award-Winning Journalist, TV Host, sought-after Speaker, and CEO of Pope Productions. She & Nikki discuss her transition from broadcast news to creating her own storytelling platform, The Positive Controversy. They discuss her work in activating the next generation of on-air talent & providing a platform for unheard stories to be featured and how comedy, specifically stand up has been a pivotal influence. Kristen discusses her spirituality and its impact and importance on both her professional and personal journey in life. She shares her experience with postpartum depression and her path to recovery. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/kristenpope
Meet TeLisa Daughtry, an award-winning diversity & technology advocate, serial social entrepreneur, multi-disciplined creative & tech futurist, and impact investor. She is the Founder & CTO of FlyTechnista, Founder of STEEAMnista--both initiatives have previously been in partnership with The White House in 2016. She is the founder & angel investor at FemX Ventures. Nikki & TeLisa discuss the venture capital space, pitching startups to investors and the real life "other" experiences for women in tech and especially women of color. TeLisa talks about her journey to becoming an investor, her own way, starting with her impactful Female Founder Fridays. Nikki & TeLisa talk about managing your energy like you manage your finances, processing the “wow, you’ve changed” comment you receive when you start to transform your life, navigating founder burnout and the importance of setting and honoring your boundaries. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/telisadaughtry
Quiana Agbai is an influencer, blogger, public speaker, activist, community organizer, mother of two and leader who focuses on connecting people and meeting them where they are. Quiana has been blogging since 2009 as Harlem Lovebirds and is the Community Outreach Lead for the Boston chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. She & Nikki discuss the evolution of digital content over the last decade, the process of stepping into your activism your way, the vital importance of showing up to make offline connections, the pivotal role mental health and boundaries have when pursuing a non-traditional career path and so much more. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/quianaagbai
Felice Duffy is a natural born change-maker whose activism sparked in her fight for gender equity as a college freshman on UCONN’s campus as the leading voice for Title IX reform in 1977 — all because she wasn’t allowed to play the game of soccer. This activist fire continued to burn as this Hall of Fame player & coach fought for the rights and representation of women athletes and coaches. Felice then took the fighting spirit to the justice system as a lawyer both in corporate law and at the US Attorney’s Office. She was on the front lines to bridge the divide between law enforcement and African American communities in CT in the time following the protests in Ferguson. And, Felice was part of the US Attorney’s office during the tragedy in Newtown. And in recent years, Felice has started her own law firm working on Title IX cases, sexual assault cases on college campuses and as legal representation for a key defendant in the college admissions scandal. This episode has something for everyone! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/feliceduffy
Lillian Ellmore is a motivational speaker, artist, and newly crowned beauty queen. She is all about spreading the message that disabled people can do just about anything that able-bodied people can do. Lillian has a muscular disability that causes quadriplegia and lives that powerful message daily. Her positivity and wisdom at the age of 17, will leave you with sore smile muscles and a notebook full of life-changing quotes. Don’t be surprised if after this episode you feel compelled to burst into song! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/lillianellmore
Author, speaker and workplace trainer on sexual harassment, assault and violence prevention and response, Sarah Beaulieu joins Nikki to talk about the “uncomfortable” conversation around sexual assault, violence and the #MeToo workplace. Sarah shares experiences throughout her life that have shaped her path in doing this work and the obstacles and resistance she has faced. Sarah and Nikki discuss consent, bystander intervention, the importance of dialogue and conversation throughout the process of sexual awakening at all ages and the impact of the “silence habit” our culture has around the topic of sexual assault. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/sarahbeaulieu
Dr. Tee Williams is a social justice expert, educator and all-around game changer. He joins Nikki for this episode of Checkbox Other and offers a transformative educational experience covering topics from toxic masculinity & male violence, to social justice work & burnout, to the oppression experienced by both dominant & targeted identity groups, to challenging your internalized oppression, to the magical invitation of being “called in,” to critical liberation theory, to a deep dive on tone policing. And as you can imagine, there is so much more! This is an episode where you’re going to want a pen and paper nearby to take notes and soak in all that Dr. Tee’s teachings have to offer you. My friends, class is now in session! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/drteewilliams
Award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, diversity and inclusion consultant, and author, Jennifer Brown joins Nikki on this episode. During the episode they discuss the importance of Jennifer representing her voice and voices like hers in the LGBTQ community, the complex dynamic of passing and using it as a Trojan horse, finding your flow & path when life doesn't go as planned, using the tiny instrument of your vocal cords to make giant sound, building a business & team anchored in trust, the power of anger, overcoming perfectionism, celebrating your wins and soaking in your accolades and the continuum of inclusive leadership featured in Jennifer's new book "How to Be an Inclusive Leader." This episode is like getting a seat at the table for one of Jennifer & Nikki's powerful dinner conversations! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/jenniferbrown
Eduardo Placer is the founder of Fearless Communicators that focuses on overcoming the fear of using your voice. He was a professional actor for over 15 years and has taken his storytelling magic to the public speaking space. Nikki & Eduardo talk about his work focused on overcoming generations of societal silencing to use and amplify unheard voice, his journey of confronting internalized oppression, using his privilege to change systemic inequities, and his focus on taking public speaking into the 21st century through radical authenticity and so much more! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/eduardoplacer
Janine Kwoh is the owner / artist / one-person assembly line behind Kwohtations, a handmade stationery company and letterpress print & design studio that celebrates a diversity of identities and life experiences. Janine & Nikki cover topics like belonging, grief, being an expat abroad and returning to America and being told to "go back to China," turning a side hustle into a full time gig, creating a truly inclusive business, what it means to be an ally and releasing what no longer serves you. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/janinekwoh
Carla and Nikki dive into Carla's experiences as a "secret minority" during her life and how these othering experiences that have given her a very inclusive view on the world. They talk about self-discovery at any age, about trauma, boundaries, vulnerability, blended & chosen families, about parenting in today's social and political climate, about belonging and owning your story, about confidence and about living by your own definition of success. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/carlateneyck
Today's guest is Anna Oakes, she's a wicked combo of hippie and business with a mission to restore humanity! Anna is THE person to talk to about intrapreneurs -- the idea people, who display "entrepreneurial qualities," that are often under utilized within an organization. Anna and Nikki discuss the ups and downs of the TEDx experience, their shared experience of removing coffee from their lives and the importance of taking ownership of your career to maximize where you are at now to get to your "best next." Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/annaoakes
Erin Robertson is the founder of two nonprofits, the mother of two amazing kids and the wife of a World Series champion MLB player. To say her life now is different than what she expected back when she & Nikki went to college together is an understatement. Take a listen to hear her generously share some of the blessings and challenges that have shaped her incredible journey so far. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/erinrobertson
If you love talking social justice, empowerment, embodiment, self acceptance, doing the work, dating and laughing while you do it, this episode is for you! Nikki & Elizabeth DiAlto invite you behind the mic to listen in on one of their coveted catch-up sessions touching on all of these topics and more. Elizabeth is the founder of Wild Soul Movement and is a transformational leader that works with women to untame and release themselves ingrained rules and restrictions around body, mind and soul. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/elizabethdialto
Courtney Sharpe is a change maker, whether it be through her work as the Director of Cultural Planning in the Boston Mayor's Office or simply by living her life and using her voice as a black, Jewish woman in America. Courtney & Nikki discuss topics around race and racial identity in America, immigration, education, millennials in leadership and much more. This episode is proof that opening up the floor to discuss unspoken issues isn't nearly as "scary" as we are led to believe. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/courtneysharpe
If you've ever questioned whether or not you're enough or if anyone would ever truly understand you, this episode is for you. College classmates Jessica Skupien and host Nikki Innocent dive into the ins and outs of the Enneagram, the feeling of losing yourself in the search of corporate "success" and the tug of war between credentials and credibility. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/jessskupien
Meet Megan Baker, an entrepreneur, shamanic practitioner, women's leadership coach and so much more. After over 25 years as a middle school teacher, she embraced the calling to take her skills as an educator to an entirely new level. Right as she was about to put pen to paper for her business plan, her family dynamic changed and sent her on a new journey of stepmotherhood, community building and energy healing. Megan has so many amazing gifts to share with the world -- her newest adventure has been becoming a death doula and conscious dying educator. This episode has something for everyone! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/meganbaker
This first episode of Checkbox Other is a reverse interview where Nikki’s cousin, Meghan, interviews our host about the journey, through career shifts and personal obstacles, that has led to creating this podcast. You’ll get a peek into a few key moments when both Nikki and Meghan have felt “othered” in their lives and a glimpse into some of the self-discovery work Nikki has been up to in order to connect more fully with the work she is doing and the world around her. This episode will be especially interesting for anyone looking to work on boosting their self-compassion and reigning in their self-judgement. Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/stationtwins
Checkbox Other is a podcast from leadership coach and humanity activist, Nikki Innocent, that celebrates people who don’t fit in a defined box or category. In Checkbox Other, we focus on creating a safe, warm and welcoming space to explore experiences where people are feeling the options provided by society don’t match who and what they truly are. While the initial sentiment of “othering” experiences can be isolating or negative, there is a universal part of feeling “othered” -- we have all felt it to some degree. The magic in the sharing these stories of otherness is that we become more connected with how, as humans, we are all more the same than we are different. https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/trailer