SHINE BRIGHTER

Have you ever been told that you need to change who you are to be taken seriously? Maybe you’ve been told to dress a certain way, or speak a certain way, or even post a certain way, to appear professional. We’ve all felt the pressure to be perfect — but what if that means hiding who you really are? 

Vulnerability and authenticity can be terrifying in a world where we’re expected to be flawless. But showing up as yourself (flaws and all) means shining bright for everyone to see. It means opening up to new experiences, new people, and a new YOU: someone who inspires others to do the same. 

In this episode, we’ll discuss: 

• How authenticity attracts the right people, instead of pushing them away 
• How to overcome that feeling that you’re “not good enough” to be who you are, and what to do with self-criticism 
• The importance of vulnerability — even when it’s scary 
• Embracing yourself with open arms,...

For this episode, I’ve recorded somewhere slightly different: on a business retreat in California! It’s inspired me to think about reinvention — how we can evolve our business models (and our own personal brands) to stay true to our unique selves while staying on top of the current climate. 

Listen here:

From tech to world events to market demands, there's a lot to juggle for entrepreneurs today. There's also a good chance that you've changed since you first started your business, and staying authentic sometimes means re-imagining your endeavors to fit that new self. 

Change is scary. It requires us to go out on a limb, risk making mistakes, and be more vulnerable in front of our audience. It’s also the only way to improve. Too many entrepreneurs are stuck, held back by how they’re “supposed to” do things. They may feel a little safer, but they’re also missing out. Our businesses need to embrace change if they want to...

"Why would anyone want to hear about my life?" 

It's a question I hear over and over. As you navigate trying to be authentic online, it's probably occurred to you, too! We worry that our lives aren't thrilling enough -- that no one will want to hear about the ordinary things we do every day. But our stories are WAY more powerful than that. 

Everyone has something only they can say. We might not think we're relatable, or interesting, or insightful. We might not think that we have anything new to share at all. But each of us has a perspective that's ours, and ours alone. When we share that perspective, incredible things can happen. 

The truth is: no matter who you are, everyone has those little moments that make us human. Whether it's forgetting something obvious, an awkward interaction, or just a simple moment of joy or hilarity in the middle of a busy day, these situations can be the catalyst for something bigger. They remind us to focus on the little things,...

In a world where leadership is often associated with unwavering strength and unblemished success, it's time to challenge the status quo. Join us in this episode of "Actually I Can" as we delve into the powerful concept of leading with vulnerability. Nika explores the idea that leaders don't have to wait until their hardships are neatly resolved before sharing their stories.

In this thought-provoking episode, we unravel the common belief that leaders should only reveal their challenges after they've triumphed over them. Discover why the idea of sharing wounds in real-time is gaining traction and how it can create profound connections with those who follow your journey.

Nika shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the authenticity and transformative potential of embracing vulnerability. Learn how transparency during challenging times can break down barriers, inspire empathy, and foster a deeper sense of community.

If you've ever wondered about the impact of sharing...

“A distraction is momentary. An escape helps you heal.”

When I first heard this phrase, I knew I had to talk about it! 

Listen to this episode:

A creative escape — a daydream, an intense new focus, a passion that might seem silly or superficial to others — is so much more than it seems. So many of us turn to our imagination and creativity when times are challenging, or in situations where we have very little control. It’s more than just a temporary distraction. It’s how we heal! 

These little escapes were a huge source of joy and healing for me while going through cancer treatments. When I couldn’t control all of my circumstances, I turned inward, and poured my energy into those creative outlets. Those moments helped bring me clarity, comfort, and confidence, and more importantly, helped me evolve into the person I am today. 

In this show, we’ll unpack: 

• Why exactly creative escapes matter so much, and how to lean...

Challenging the status quo has never been more important. Actually, I Can with Nika Stewart is the podcast that confronts conventional thinking to inspire you to dream bigger.

Using a counter-intuitive approach to life opens up the power of what’s possible. Nika shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, creators and other rebels who have dared to think differently about everything.

Exploring unconventional strategies for success opens the door to finding purpose and pursuing your passions. You’ll hear how to master the art of failure and learn how to embrace risk.

Get ready to challenge your assumptions, unleash your creativity, and discover all that’s possible when you believe in yourself and your dreams.

Ready for a shift in perspective? Open to seeing what’s possible for you in a new way? Actually, I Can is the best place to start making things happen on your terms. 

Read and listen to more insightful stories, strategies,...

How do you show up and SHINE? Are you excited to let the world see your brilliant and unique self? Some of you might be an excited yes, but I know many of you feel anxiety instead.

That’s why I’m talking about this important topic. How we show up is everything!

We have been conditioned to believe that to be taken seriously we have to be perfect.

Or do we?

The magic happens when we let go of the pressure to be flawless and embrace our authenticity.

I’m going to guide you through the fun of showing up as your true self. Here’s what that can do for you:

• Make more authentic connections.
• Get the recognition you deserve.
• Inspire the right people who will be eager to work with you.
• Be seen as an inspired leader.

I was always taught that I needed to be perfect. Owning a small business just added to that pressure. To be trusted means you have to know everything and never show any doubt, right?

My experience has shown me that’s just not true. My most engaging...

Where did the “actually, I can” approach to life begin for Nika? Her husband joins her and explains that her journey with cancer transformed her, and he shares (as only a husband can) that the elements were already inside her and it was extraordinary to see and experience firsthand.

As Nika explains, all the rules are made up so why not write your own? You can do what Nika has done, and that’s what they cover on this episode.

They go back to 2019 and Nika shares how great life was for her at the time. She felt great and her family was well, and her business was successful. Always an optimist, Nika believed being positive in all situations was key to her good life. She embraced challenges the same way. What can I take from this and how can I turn this into something that will make life better was her approach when things didn’t go as planned.

“What can I focus on that’s good about this (supposedly) negative situation?” – Nika...

Have you noticed how low we've gone with customer service? Workers are doing the bare minimum, and expecting rewards. What a great opportunity for us to stand out.

In this episode of Actually I Can, I discuss how you can add "chocolate flower" experiences for your clients. These are things that cost practically no money, time, or effort, but create big impact.

These little touches in a business can make all the difference. They show your clients that you value, hear, and see them, and can even bring a little bit of light into the rest of their day! Going above and beyond doesn't need to be expensive or time-consuming to help set you apart from the crowd - and you'll probably find it fulfilling too! 

What are ways you can offer a "chocolate flower" experience to your customers today?

Can you rewrite your life’s story and shape your own destiny?

Actually, you can! That’s what I’m sharing on today’s episode.

Listen here:

I am so grateful for all of you who reached out about my health after hearing the first episode of this show. I am well and currently considered cancer-free. For that I am grateful. My journey continues both with medication, and with reconstruction. It’s my new normal and sometimes things don’t go as planned, but overall, I am in a very good place.

Today I want to talk about the power of our words.

We can choose to describe our situation any way we want. It’s literally your choice. I’m not advocating lying to yourself or anyone else. I am encouraging you to write your story. You are not just the actor; you are also the creator of your experience.

Every day we face challenges both tiny and significant. One of the biggest ways I got through my diagnosis and surgeries and associated treatments was by...