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