Checkbox Other with Nikki Innocent

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. Connect here: nikkiinnocent.com/cbo   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/podcast-episodes/nicholegabrielle

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

The days of leaders ruling through fear, intimidation and dehumanization are numbered. We're shifting from a fascination with identity, power and privilege to prioritizing empathy, authenticity and inclusion. In the face of this change, the old way of doing things is looking more and more outdated. Lately, we've been seeing the negative impact of oppressive leadership models that operate within the traditional principles of patriarchy and white supremacy. In this episode, Nikki discusses specific real life examples of how these destructive tactics are playing out in high profile, public facing situations. Transparency and technology are transforming leadership by empowering individuals to make informed decisions and revealing how leaders operate in crisis, all while current economic instability is exposing the weaknesses of a traditional hyper-capitalistic value system. Right now, we need leaders that are adaptable, empathetic, and inclusive, and are not threatened but catalyzed by diversity and uncertainty. 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

Hustle culture, urgency, FOMO are all a given for so many of us these days, but what if you had the chance to opt-out? What would your relationship to time be if you would wave a magic wand and start anew? In this episode, Nikki discusses the process of acknowledging, learning and/or unlearning the time patterns we are taught either in our families of origin, our communities, our schools that separate us from our own intuitive relationship to time. Coming out of the past few years of time distortion, she shares some of the books, concepts, resources and experiences that have helped her in operating within a more aligned pace and intuitive timeline.  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 Sandiford, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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