Unleashed: Embracing Your Self-Evolution with Nicole Walker
CLICK HERE to download your free coloring sheet and color along as you tune in.
“Every situation or occurrence has a purpose, a purpose that allows you to honor yourself. Take each moment as an opportunity to make the most of your life.” - Nicole Walker
Experience the inspiring journey of Nicole Walker, a woman who defied expectations and embraced her true potential. From feeling undervalued in the corporate world to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Nicole's story takes an unexpected twist. As she navigates the path of self-discovery, Nicole discovers her favorite color, red, symbolizing her passion and energy. Get ready to be captivated as Nicole's royal hue, her true purpose, come to life.
Listen to the Episode 027 with Nicole Walker
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Nicole Walker is a multifaceted businesswoman, single mother, and ardent believer in living life to the fullest. Nicole's foray into self-discovery began amid the hustle and bustle of a corporate job, where she felt overlooked and undervalued. Realizing the need to honor her own worth, she embarked on a transformational journey. Drawing from her experiences, she created her own podcast - an outlet for her intelligence and creativity. This not only allowed Nicole to showcase her brilliance but also served as a platform to connect with other women entrepreneurs. Her resilience to stereotypes and social norms is reminiscent of her favorite color, green, representing money, and progress. And yet, just as she loves both red and green, she embraces the 'both' in life - the ability to juggle multiple roles without losing her authenticity. Nicole lives life on her own terms. As a Podcast Launch Coach and a Data Analyst, she empowers individuals to turn their dreams and ideas into successful ventures. Nicole's personal story of rebirth, sobriety, and embracing self-evolution is an inspiration for those navigating their own personal journeys. With a personality that resonates vibrantly like her favorite color red, Nicole exudes passion, love, and a relentless spirit to seize every moment. Besides achieving success in her entrepreneurial pursuits, Nicole also enjoys the simple pleasures of life such as exploring exciting cuisines and traveling to new destinations.
In this episode you will be able to:
Realize how self-evolution can act as a catalyst for personal transformation and honoring your unique choices.
Understand the tightrope walk between entrepreneurship and corporate obligations and how to succeed at both.
Recognize the multiple facets of your persona and how to infuse your life with vibrancy.
Embrace uncertainty and find solace in unexpected outcomes.
Progress towards personal improvement and develop a mindset of constant learning.
Meet Nicole
Nicole is an Award Winning Podcaster, Global Influencer, International Speaker, Podcast/Sponsorship Strategist, and Women Empowerment Advocate. Nicole started podcasting in 2018, and her podcast, WinHers United, literally changed her life. Nicole has been named a Top 50 Mom in Podcasting, a 2020 Top Influencer, and was nominated for the 2021 Excellence in Audio Media Award. Nicole’s podcast is within the Top 5% of podcasts worldwide, won the 2020 Best Black Business Podcast Award, and was nominated for the 2022 Moment of Entrepreneurial Inspiration Award.
Nicole’s podcasting expertise has been featured on various platforms including Afros & Audio, Blk Pod Festival, Pod News, Podcast Movement, Podfest, WOC Podcasters, and Time Magazine. Nicole helps established podcasters and podcast conferences with sponsorship acquisition via data analytics, pitch deck creation, and sponsors identification and outreach.
Nicole enjoys helping others grow. She has spoken on numerous stages about various topics around business, mindset, and podcasting. Nicole is Certified in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, has various certifications in training design and delivery, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Masters in Business Administration. She is also the proud mother of two children, and when she is not working she enjoys eating, scrapbooking, and traveling.
Episode Summary
00:00:01 - Welcome to Headphones and Crayons
Nikita Burks-Hale welcomes listeners to the Headphones and Crayons podcast, inviting them to grab their coloring supplies and join her for a colorful journey.
00:01:35 - Introduction and Coloring with Nicole Walker
Nikita introduces her guest, Nicole Walker, and expresses her excitement for their conversation. They discuss their commonalities and their shared love for coloring.
00:05:14 - Self-Identity and Colors
Nikita asks Nicole about her self-identity and the colors that resonate with her. Nicole chooses red as her statement color, representing passion and love, and green as her favorite color, associated with money.
00:06:44 - Choosing "Honor Self"
Nicole explains why she chose the phrase "Honor Self" from the coloring sheet. She emphasizes the importance of honoring oneself and talks about how she is learning to do it more as she gets older.
00:08:01 - Honoring Yourself
Nicole shares that honoring herself means doing what makes her happy, even if it means juggling multiple responsibilities. She mentions going out for meals, getting pampered, and taking trips as ways she honors herself.
00:09:35 - Balancing Life
Nicole discusses the challenges of balancing her corporate job, entrepreneurship, podcasting, and being a single mom. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding joy in each moment.
00:14:22 - Honoring Yourself (continued)
The importance of honoring oneself regardless of external pressures or trends, and giving oneself permission to make choices that may not be popular or lucrative at the moment.
00:15:37 - Honoring Yourself in Relationships
Honoring oneself in relationships involves setting boundaries and being selective about clients or partnerships that align with one's energy and values.
00:17:00 - Honoring Yourself in Corporate America
Honoring oneself in a corporate setting means recognizing that not all ideas may be accepted or implemented, but it doesn't diminish one's intelligence or worth. It's important to respect others' decisions and find alternative avenues to showcase one's greatness.
00:18:05 - Entrepreneurship and Corporate Work
It's possible to honor oneself and find fulfillment both as an entrepreneur and in a corporate job. It's about reframing the mindset, utilizing corporate experiences as case studies, and realizing that everyone's journey is unique.
00:21:24 - Finding Fulfillment in Both
Embracing the idea of "both and" allows for fulfillment in both entrepreneurial pursuits and corporate work. It's important to recognize the value each brings and leverage them to honor oneself and create opportunities for growth.
00:28:33 - The Meaning of Purple
Nicole shares how her perception of the color purple changed when she learned that it symbolizes royalty, and how it now represents honoring oneself.
00:29:13 - Exploring Purple
Nicole delves into the different shades and textures of purple, comparing them to the different facets of one's individual being. She emphasizes the multi-sided nature of each person and the variety of experiences and preferences they possess.
00:30:57 - Living a Colorfull Life
Nicole describes what living a colorful life means to her, which includes doing things that make her heart happy, such as traveling, trying new adventures, supporting loved ones, and continuously seeking personal growth.
00:34:06 - Embracing Uncertainty
Nicole encourages embracing uncertainty and taking risks, even if the outcomes are not as expected. She believes that trying, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly, is an essential part of living a colorful life.
00:36:53 - Seeing the Hearts
Nicole reflects on the significance of seeing hearts, which she didn't initially notice while coloring. She connects it to the idea that sometimes things may not appear as they seem at first, but with time and continued effort, the true beauty and purpose become clear.
Additional Reflection Points
Living a Colorful Life
Our identity is not monochrome; it's a spectrum, glowing with vibrant hues and subtle shades - much like a rainbow. Nicole and Nikita's lively exchange encourages listeners to embrace their multifaceted nature and not be confined to a singular identity. Celebrating the different aspects of oneself, pursuing personal growth, and living a life filled with varying experiences can lead to an existence that's as vibrant and colorful as the spectrum of a rainbow.
Balancing Entrepreneurship & Corporate Roles
Mastering the art of embracing entrepreneurial ambition while thriving in a corporate role can be a tricky balancing act. Nicole's journey offers an inspiring perspective on how she managed the tensions and uncertainties, eventually viewing her job as a business investor that funds her entrepreneurial dreams. Her transparent conversation challenges societal beliefs that one must choose between the two, illuminating the possibilities of finding fulfillment in both areas and commending the dexterity of those juggling both roles.
Embracing Self-Evolution
Honoring personal choices and expanding self-understanding plays a significant role in one's journey of self-evolution. Nicole Walker's insights underline the importance of making choices that align with personal values, even if those choices defy societal norms or trends. Recognizing that self is an ever-changing entity allows for constant growth, heightened self-awareness, and increased respect for one's decisions, regardless of external perceptions.
Connect with Nicole
Learn more about her work here.
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