Courageous Dreamers Win

Gratitude shapes the way we see our challenges, our progress, and the road ahead. But how often do we actually pause and acknowledge how far we've come?

Nesha Pai explores how gratitude and self-reflection can shift your mindset and help you find meaning in both the highs and the lows. She reminds us that gratitude isn't reserved for big wins. It's found in the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. What if paying attention to those moments could change the way you experience life?

Self-reflection plays a key role in this process, offering a chance to recognize growth, learn from challenges, and even find gratitude in difficult seasons. Nesha shares questions to help you reflect on your journey, along with a deeply personal story of loss and resilience. Through it all, she turned to gratitude as a source of strength and motivation.

This episode is filled with simple, practical ways to make gratitude and self-reflection part of your daily routine. Nesha leaves listeners with a challenge: start noticing the good, acknowledge your progress, and stay thankful for where you are right now. The way you see your life might change more than you expect.

Quotes

• "What if instead of only celebrating the big things, we learn to find joy in the ordinary, the everyday, even the mundane." (02:20 | Nesha Pai)

• "Gratitude helps us see the good, but self-reflection helps us understand the journey." (03:07 | Nesha Pai)

• "Every day, so that I wouldn't delve into the depths of depression and hell, I tried to find something that I was grateful for." (05:43 | Nesha Pai)

• "I look at obstacles as things that derail us, that detour us. So we're taking the scenic route to get to where we wanna go." (06:42 | Nesha Pai)

• "Dream big, reflect often, and always, always be grateful. I promise you it will change your heart and it will shift your mind." (09:42 | Nesha Pai)

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/

Website: https://www.neshapai.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neshapai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neshapaicpa

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Most people think long-term travel is out of reach, but what if the biggest obstacle is just figuring out how to make it happen?

Nesha Pai always dreamed of living in Paris, but for years, life got in the way—work, family, responsibilities. Sound familiar? In this episode, she shares how she stopped waiting for the perfect time and started creating a plan. She breaks down the practical steps that turned her three-month stay in Paris into reality, from building a remote business to shifting financial priorities and setting a clear budget.

Nesha also introduces the dream map, a tool designed to help you get clear on your goals, take meaningful action, and stay focused. Whether your dream is Paris or something completely different, this episode will challenge you to ask: What small steps can I take today to move closer to the life I want?

Quotes

• "At one point, I even had a passport that expired with zero stamps in it. Zero. It was just sadly sitting there waiting for a life that I wasn't living yet." (02:43 | Nesha Pai)

• "I got to experience Paris as an adult, traveling the way I wanted to. No budget student version, no chaperone duties, just me, fully present in a city I adored." (04:51 | Nesha Pai)

• "If you want to live somewhere else, even part-time, you have to find a way to make money that isn't tied to one location." (05:51 | Nesha Pai)

• "I'm not a billionaire. I'm not someone who just gets to live a jet-set lifestyle without a care in the world. I planned for this. I prioritized it and I made it happen." (07:42 | Nesha Pai)

• "If I can start living my dream in Paris at 53 years old, so can you." (09:11 | Nesha Pai)

Links

Nesha's Dream Map:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K7UvEvB8UAGfIPzz9SjaqGnc3uPulRps/view?usp=drive_link

Connect with Nesha

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/

Website: https://www.neshapai.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neshapai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neshapaicpa

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Most people dream, but only a few take the bold, consistent actions needed to turn those dreams into reality. Are you ready to be one of them?

Nesha Pai is indeed back, and in this episode, she talks about the foundational elements that help transform dreams into success. She breaks it down into four key pillars: courage, clarity, commitment, and champions. Courage drives action, clarity provides the roadmap, commitment ensures steady progress, and champions offer essential support along the way.

Pointing out that only 8% of people achieve their dreams, Nesha showcases the power of intentional action. Drawing from a quote shared by her friend Ryan LaVarnway, "Information without application is stagnation, but information with application is transformation," she challenges listeners to apply what they learn to truly transform their lives.

Nesha shares her journey of perseverance in building a thriving speaking business and accounting firm, showing us that achieving our dreams requires consistent action over time. Her empowering call to action for big dreamers? Embrace her simple formula for success and keep striving toward their vision with courage and determination.

Quotes

• "I realized that we can't achieve our big dreams or our big life vision without living boldly and defying all of the obstacles that come our way, whether small or big. If we nurture these four things—courage, clarity, commitment, and champions—I believe we can achieve the dreams we have for ourselves." (00:43 | Nesha Pai)

• "Dreaming is at the heart of disruption. It's only when we dream that we can hope to create something truly new, something that will overtake old habits, old customs, and old ways of thinking and being." (02:23 | Nesha Pai)

• "My friend and fellow author and speaker, Ryan LaVarnway, had heard this quote and shared it on his page: 'Information without application is stagnation, but information with application is transformation.'" (03:03 | Nesha Pai)

• "Only consistent actions over time will get me there… Progress moving in the right direction is all we need to keep going." (05:38 | Nesha Pai)

• "You put your dreams into action by moving the needle forward and choosing to not be stagnant." (06:40 | Nesha Pai)

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/

Website: https://www.neshapai.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neshapai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neshapaicpa

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dreaming big isn't easy, but with courage, clarity, commitment, and champions, it's always possible.

In this first episode of Courageous Dreamers Win, Nesha Pai opens up about the resilience required to chase a clear life vision, even when life throws its hardest challenges. Reflecting on her journey through personal loss, illness, and rebranding her podcast, Nesha points out how staying committed to your dreams can turn even the toughest storms into stepping stones.

Nesha introduces four essential pillars—clarity, courage, commitment, and champions—that can help you build the life you envision. From uncovering what sparks your happiness to surrounding yourself with a strong support system, these strategies are both actionable and deeply personal.

Through her story, Nesha reminds us that life's setbacks don't define us; our response does. How will you hold onto your dreams when the road gets tough? Courageous Dreamers Win is a call to hold onto your dreams, chase joy, and remember that your voice and vision matter more than you realize. Tune in and subscribe today!

Quotes:

• "I didn't come this far just to get this far, and neither did you. You must remember this at every obstacle that will try to derail you." (04:51 | Nesha Pai)

• "Courage is a muscle. Flex it every day. How you build it is by how much you're willing to step out into the unknown and discomfort." (05:58 | Nesha Pai)

• "Without your health, you have nothing. If you're alive, healthy, have a roof over your head, good food to eat, and people that love you, you are already rich." (08:45 | Nesha Pai)

• "Chase purpose instead. I promise the money will follow." (09:15 | Nesha Pai)

• "Your voice matters, and what makes you different matters. You are the person in this world that can make the difference we all so desperately need. The people in your life need you, but more importantly, the world needs you." (10:05 | Nesha Pai)

• "Keep going and whatever you do, never, ever give up on yourself or the life you envision." (10:38 | Nesha Pai)

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/

Website: https://www.neshapai.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neshapai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neshapaicpa

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

"We all have the right to try something different, to express ourselves, to challenge ourselves," says Jane Bertch, owner of La Cuisine Paris and author of the memoir "The French Ingredient." In this episode, she joins Nesha Pai to share her journey from banking to entrepreneurship in Paris. Jane explains how a vision during a low point in her life led her to create La Cuisine Paris, overcoming skepticism from her family and the French community. She emphasizes the importance of listening to the universe and dreaming big, even in challenging times.

This episode also delves into the cultural differences between France and the United States, particularly in forming friendships, and debunks myths about living in Paris. Highlighting the city's beauty and challenges, Jane stresses the need to respect French culture for a richer experience. She hopes her work inspires others to pursue their dreams, with Nesha echoing the importance of evolving throughout life.

Quotes

• "There are so many people who put pressure on themselves to find this passion, to chase a dream that they haven't discovered yet. And La Cuisine was not my dream. It was a vision that came to me and my dream became to realize it. And that can happen to any of us at any time." (05:01 | Jane Bertch)

• "We all have the right to try something different, to express ourselves, to challenge ourselves. And at this ripe age, I feel like I finally do that unintentionally, which is good. It's in my subconscious." (14:43 | Jane Bertch)

• "Why did I write that memoir? I guess that memoir for me was a little legacy of—I hope whoever picks it up sees beyond the Paris story and says to themselves, 'What the heck, if this gal from Chicago who knew nothing about anything was able to completely pick up and pivot her life and do something different, then I can do whatever I want.' So, if my legacy is a small, small, small bit of inspiration that somebody says, 'You know what, I'm just going to try my best, and I'm going to do it, and I'm not going to self-doubt.'—if that's what I can impart upon people, I'll feel good." (30:21 | Jane Bertch)

Connect with Jane Bertch:

https://www.instagram.com/janebertch/

https://www.instagram.com/lacuisineparis/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/French-Ingredient-Making-Lesson-Memoir/dp/0593500423

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/

Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@neshapai1480/videos

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

"For me, success is that you really enjoy certain things and then you don't even complain about it," says Sripal Jain, a first-generation entrepreneur and co-founder of Simandhar Education. In this episode, Sripal shares his journey from working at corporate giants to founding an educational institute that offers alternative certifications and practical skills for accounting graduates in India.

Sripal discusses his motivation behind Simandhar Education, addressing the high failure rate of the Indian Chartered Accountancy exam and limited career options for graduates. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and practical skills to complement theoretical knowledge, preparing students for exams like the US CPA and US CMA.

The discussion highlights the challenges of "hustle" culture, the importance of delegation, and building a strong team. Sripal also touches on the declining interest in accounting among young people and how integrating technology into the CPA curriculum can revive the profession. He believes AI will automate routine tasks, but human judgment in areas like audit and advisory will remain crucial.

Sripal defines success as enjoying one's work and making a significant impact on others' lives. His insights go beyond the technical aspects of accounting, exploring how passion, vision, and a commitment to education can drive meaningful change. Tune in for an insightful conversation on education, mentorship, and the evolving accounting profession.

Quotes

• "I think education, personally, is not information. It's rather a transformation… I think it's the complete change in attitude, how you work, how you talk, how you behave. So I think these are all factors of having a great education. And one more thing, I felt that skills are very important. And today's students, they're not getting those practical skills which are required in order to be employable. At Simandhar, it's not that we only teach CPA, CMA, CIE or EA. But I feel that personally, we also teach them how to be industry leaders, and make them corporate ready." (09:29 | Sripal Jain)

• "For me, success is that you really enjoy certain things and then you don't even complain about it." (27:15 | Sripal Jain)

• "I think the legacy which I would leave here is to give a very strong message to education institutes. I think it's very, very important that you take your students very seriously. And there are a lot of people who put in a lot of effort, who put in a lot of hard work and put their money on this and then they enroll with you. So I think education is not some product or a commodity. It's actually, like I said, a transformation." (29:47 | Sripal Jain)

Connect with Sripal Jain:

Website | https://www.simandhareducation.com/

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@neshapai1480/videos

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Tamara Edwards, Founder and Principal of Tamara Edwards and Co., spent a decade working in public relations for several prominent congressmen in Washington, DC, a fast-paced, highly-choreographed environment that required a great deal of nimbleness and strategic thinking. Once she moved back to her native Chicago, she realized that communication in the rest of the world took on a very different form from the esoteric manner of "the beltway," yet the same elements for developing political campaigns could also be applied to creating PR packages and personal branding strategies for entrepreneurs.

Now, Tamara offers Personal Brand in a Box, going beyond the usual offerings to provide global business entrepreneurs, industry leaders, philanthropists with the tools, techniques and strategies they need to stay relevant.

On today's episode, she'll discuss what people get wrong about PR. They tend to ask the wrong questions, aren't willing to put in the groundwork, and want too much too soon. It's a long game, she explains, and people need to have patience.

She offers advice on what to look–and look out–for when hiring a PR agent, as well as the limits of PR.

Quotes:

• "It was apparent to me that the language that we spoke in DC and in the DC bubble, the beltway, as they say, was very different than the conversations that were happening outside." (9:23 | Tamara)

• "Business leaders have a lot more autonomy to influence–of course, policymakers make huge decisions on our behalf–but at the same time, we're talking about job creators, industry makers that I get to work with, people who are just starting out their business who have a vision. And so taking all of those skills and ideas of how we wrap our hands around these individuals and get them to where they're going was just very much in my nature." (11:03 | Tamara)

• "Think of why they call it PR campaigns. What is the campaign? What are we campaigning for? So I take a lot of that methodology and apply it. If you're running for office or anything, what are your foundational sort of points of view on X issue? How are you going to deliver that message? And then how are you going to build coalition, community and really get your message out." (13:06 | Tamara)

• "What makes me really happy is when people say they felt like a celebrity, and they felt so comfortable. And they didn't really think that this was available to them." (19:41 | Tamara)

• "It's a building block. It's not an overnight thing. It's a long game. It is a very long game." (25:07 | Tamara)

• "You have to think like a business person. If you're in a decision-making capacity to make decisions around branding, and maybe it's not something that you've thought about. But all of these things play together, it needs to be comprehensive." (30:37 | Tamara)

Connect with Tamara Edwards:

Website | https://www.tamaraedwards.co/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itstamaraedwards/

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@neshapai1480/videos

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

As an entrepreneur, are you struggling to effectively manage your time? Well then, you're not alone! In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai sits down with Megan Sumrell, owner of The Pink Bee to discuss the importance of weekly planning and how to reimagine the concept of self-care so you can prevent overbooking and feel confident about your commitments.

Prior you commit to chasing your grand aspirations, Megan suggests learning how to first conquer your daily and weekly challenges. By setting yourself up for success on a weekly basis, you are able to take a step back and prioritize both crucial tasks and personal time. In addition, Megan encourages listeners to reconsider their perspective on self-care. Self-care extends beyond the occasional face-mask or trip to the spa, but rather includes tasks that bring genuine happiness and health to our lives.

Megan's story serves as a poignant reminder that in the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities, it's essential to carve out time for personal interests and self-care to maintain a sense of identity and overall well-being. Join the conversation to feel inspired to master weekly planning and redefine self-care, because both are integral to achieving balance and fulfillment in our lives.

Quotes:

• "I had completely lost myself and I didn't even know I had. I was so busy tackling my daily list, Everything for work, everything for home. And from the outside looking in, I looked like someone that had it all together. But on the inside, I had lost all connection with myself because I was in constant service to others." (05:44 | Megan)

• "I've learned to program my phone so it only talks to me when I want it to talk to me." (10:27 | Megan)

• "It's really important for business owners to have clear set boundaries on lines of communication that allow everybody to function in their role and not be interrupted unless it's worthy of interruption." (12:44 | Megan)

• "Rather than starting with, let's set your big goals and dreams, heck no. Let's get you out of overwhelm with your weekly life first, then your monthly life." (23:16 | Megan)

Connect with Megan Sumrell:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/megansumrell/

App | https://www.megansumrell.com/thepinkbeeapp

Website | https://www.megansumrell.com/

Free Time Management Training | https://www.megansumrell.com/a/2147524017/UVbQFFC4

Annual Plan-A-Palooza |

https://www.megansumrell.com/a/2147613331/UVbQFFC4

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@neshapai1480/videos

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

In this episode, host Nesha Pai engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ashley Theis, renowned as The Constant Wayfarer. Their conversation dives into Ashley's remarkable journey as a travel concierge and the hurdles she overcame while building her own enterprise. Unveiling the misconceptions surrounding travel agents, Ashley explains the invaluable contributions they make to the happiness of their clientele.

Ashley's journey testifies to the strength of pursuing passion and embracing risks. After working in various jobs, she courageously pursued her dream of becoming a travel advisor. The genesis of her agency, The Constant Wayfarer, was met with skepticism, yet her unwavering commitment to curating exceptional travel experiences for clients triumphed.

What elevates Ashley as a travel concierge is her methodology and meticulous attention to detail. Every client's wants and needs are understood, from travel predilections to bucket-list aspirations. Leveraging an extensive network of travel partners and local liaisons, Ashley ensures each journey is tailored to the individual. From itinerary curation to seamless bookings, she unburdens clients from the hassles of travel logistics, allowing them to enjoy every moment of their well-earned vacations.

Ashley's story only reiterates that success is measured not solely by conventional metrics, but by the impact on others and the gratification of pursuing your dreams.

Quotes:

• "And I'm very thankful that I have parents who are also small business owners. My dad's been a photographer for, gosh, 50 years or whatever. And he was like, the worst thing that could happen is it fails. And if it fails, you'll survive and you'll figure something else out. And you'll do that. But it never hurts to try." (4:25 | Ashley)

• "I'm very thankful that I had the privilege to have a family to fall back on to be in their house for much longer than I intended. And when the middle of 2020 hit, and the full time job decided that they needed to essentially lay people off, I took that as my opportunity to leave and actually, like, basically volunteered myself to do that. So emotionally, it was absolutely the most stressful time I've ever been in. But I'm so so grateful for it. Because if it hadn't happened the way it was,, I don't know if I would have been able to be full time at that point." (09:28| Ashley)

• "And just having that on the ground experience is super important. And then it helps in the sense of once I actually am sending clients, I can be like, this is where I stayed. You will love it for X, Y, Z reasons. Make sure you talk to this concierge. She's the best. Like those kinds of notes are always invaluable for my clients. And I think some of my clients come to me because they don't have the time. Some come to me because it's a destination that they're just maybe intimidated by. And some come to me because they want access to the local partners we use and the hotels that we partner with to give them VIP amenities." (23:50 | Ashley)

• "I didn't want to sit and wait around to explore the world until I had a partner to do so. I wanted to capitalize on the time I had in my singlehood to explore and see all the things I could." (26:29 | Ashley)

Connect with Ashley Theis:

Website | https://theconstantwayfarer.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theconstantwayfarer/

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@neshapai1480/videos Buy a copy of Nesha's book, Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943070741?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KEGQ1539QQ5N8Z8XHRNC

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

April Simpkins, Chief Human Resources Officer for Quest Co, is on a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote mental wellness in the workplace. Following the passing of her beloved daughter, Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, who battled depression for years, April has since dedicated her life to advocating for mental health.

With unwavering conviction, she calls for the normalization of conversations about mental health in the workplace, urging employers to create a safe haven for employees to openly express their struggles without fear of judgment or stigma. From interviews to onboarding, April advocates for open discussions about mental wellness and the importance of utilizing resources like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

With each word she shares, April's mission gains momentum. She dreams of a world where kindness and empathy reign, where seeking help for mental health challenges is met with understanding and support. By bravely championing mental wellness, April ignites a spark of hope that together, we can shatter barriers and embrace a brighter, more compassionate future.

Let us join her in this crusade, breaking the silence and forging a path where mental well-being is valued, and empathy becomes a universal language. As April's voice resonates, we are reminded that compassion can heal unseen wounds, and together, we can build a world where seeking help is seen as an act of courage and strength.

Quotes:

• "We should be able to talk about our mental health like we talk about other challenges we are facing and not be judged, ridiculed, shamed, or blamed." (04:18 | April Simpkins)

• "When someone is battling with bipolar disorder and they say, 'Listen, if I'm having a bad moment, this is what I need from my employer,' you taking space to give them that room as an employer will build loyalty and an environment where people feel safe saying, 'I'm not okay today.'" (08:57 | April Simpkins)

• "When someone says, 'How are you doing?' Let it be a trigger for you to go back to your own chart and say, 'I'm a six, that for me means I'm not doing great, but I'm not in a bad place, and I know what to do.'" (19:38 | April Simpkins)

• "I want people to feel comfortable seeking help and support for mental health challenges and mental illness." (24:11 | April Simpkins)

Connect with April Simpkins:

https://www.aprilsimpkins.com/mental-health-advocate

https://www.instagram.com/aprils_hr/

https://www.nami.org

https://www.thedeanslist.me/award

Connect with Nesha:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neshapai/

Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@neshapai1480/videos Buy a copy of Nesha's book, Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943070741?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KEGQ1539QQ5N8Z8XHRNC

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm