Checkbox Other with Nikki Innocent

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