Checkbox Other with Nikki Innocent

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

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