First to Thrive

In this episode, Nicole Cruz reflects on her personal journey through the year, sharing insights on the importance of reassessing goals, celebrating accomplishments, and practicing self-compassion. She provides actionable prompts for listeners to reflect on their own experiences in 2024, encouraging a mindset shift towards understanding and growth. The episode emphasizes the significance of recognizing achievements, learning from challenges, and setting aligned goals for the remainder of the year.

Takeaways

• A process to reflect, reassess, and refocus goals with compassion and non-judgment

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In this conversation, Jasmine Haitalani, a Creative Director and founder of creative agency Highflier Powerhouse, shares her immigrant journey from Syria, the challenges of fitting into a new culture, and how these experiences shaped her approach to branding. Nicole and Jasmine discuss the importance of intentionality in branding, the role of privilege in immigrant experiences, and how 1st & 2nd gen folks can reclaim their narratives through storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the power of authenticity in branding and the need for individuals to embrace their true selves in both personal and professional spaces.

Takeaways

• Branding is about articulating your story and values.

• Navigating cultural identity is crucial for branding.

• Embracing your immigrant story can empower your brand.

• Branding should reflect who you truly are.

Follow Jasmine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/highflierpowerhouse

Listen to Jasmine’s podcast “Brand Your Way to a Million” on Apple or Spotify

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In this episode, Nicole Cruz interviews award-winning instructional designer and online course expert Mariana Pena. As a first-generation immigrant, Mariana shares her experience of feeling overqualified in certain roles and how she embraced a learner-first approach to create impactful courses.

Mariana discusses the challenges of immigrating to the Netherlands, the impact on her identity and career, and how she built resilience to overcome obstacles. She dives into her journey of starting her own business and the importance of tapping into one's qualifications, even when they come naturally.

Mariana emphasizes the value of recognizing your intellectual property and turning knowledge into income, especially for marginalized communities. She offers practical tips on documenting your skills and advocating for yourself as both an employee and entrepreneur. Tune in for insights on creating long-term change by amplifying underrepresented voices through education and entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Mariana's work: https://www.weshouldtalk.co/

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In this special episode of First to Thrive, Nicole shares a deeply personal story about her journey from living according to others' expectations to creating a life of her own design.

Nicole opens up about the struggles of breaking away from societal pressures, family expectations, and self-imposed limitations, highlighting the importance of self-liberation and finding true fulfillment.

This one is for those who feel like they’re wrestling with the tension between following the path laid out for them and the one their heart desires.

Listen now to hear and learn all about:

• The importance of self-liberation for first and second-gen immigrants

• Our ability to listen to our inner wisdom to break free from fear

• Understanding challenges and rewards of breaking free from societal and familial expectations.

• How first and second-generation immigrants can reclaim agency and thrive beyond survival.

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In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole is joined by TR Deanon, who shares their journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a non-binary individual within the Filipino community. They discuss the challenges of navigating cultural expectations and the importance of finding support in chosen family. TR's story serves as a powerful representation for others who may be struggling to embrace their authentic selves.

Listen now to hear and learn all about:

• How to navigate the struggle of balancing family expectations with personal identity and self-worth.

• The importance of chosen family and community in our self-healing journeys.

• How shedding layers of cultural conditioning allows for self-discovery and freedom to thrive.

• The transformative power of holding onto your truth, even when others don’t understand.

Follow TR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classroomflex

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Do you find yourself thinking, “I have to,” “I need to,” or “I should?”

In this episode of First to Thrive, we’re gonna get into something that strongly echoes with many first and second-gen immigrants—navigating the weight of family obligations while trying to create a life that feels true to our desires.

Yes, our families made incredible sacrifices so we could live better lives, but that often leaves us feeling indebted, like we have to make choices that align with their expectations. 

But what if the best way to honor their sacrifices is by making different choices?

Listen now to hear and learn all about:

• Understanding this feeling of indebtedness and how it shapes our decisions.

• Why making different choices than our ancestors actually honors their sacrifices.

• How to break free from obligation-based choices and start making decisions that align with your true desires.

• The difference between survival-mode thinking and thriving-mode decision-making.

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

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The choices you make along the way can help you build a life that you love and are proud of.

 In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing my journey of learning to love myself—an ongoing process filled with challenges, fear, and ultimately, empowerment.  Growing up as a second-gen immigrant, I struggled with self-esteem, always trying to fit in and please others. It wasn’t until I started making choices for me—like quitting my corporate job and traveling the world—that I began to truly love who I am.

Listen now to hear and learn all about: 

• How navigating multiple cultures can mess with our self-esteem.

• How choices can impact our self-love

• How separating yourself from your fears can open up new possibilities.

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

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Do your decisions reflect your values, your wants, and your goals?

In this episode, we’re gonna simplify the complex decision-making process that so many of us—especially first and second-gen immigrants—struggle with. Our cultural conditioning often leads to analysis paralysis so I’ll share a powerful tool I use with my clients to help them make decisions that truly reflect their values, wants, and goals.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The hidden layers in our decision-making process that often hold us back.

• Why it’s so difficult to make decisions that align with our true desires.

• How to build your own North Star—a personal guide to help you make decisions that support the life you want.

• From big life decisions to the small stuff, what place does your North Star have in your everyday choices?

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

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In this episode of First to Thrive, we have a powerhouse guest who continues to inspire and revolutionize the fashion and entrepreneurial world – Laura Fama!

For those who might not know, Laura, a dynamic Filipina fashion pioneer, founded Dimepiece LA at the young age of 23. Her brand skyrocketed, gracing celebs and even getting featured in Vogue Business! Now, she’s channeling her experience into her company, Her Why, where she mentors founders of color, helping them to navigate the intricate paths of entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we had an honest and empowering conversation about building undeniable authority, especially as a person of color. 

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/