223. From Perfection to Peace: Nizhoni Smocks' Journey

"You must go beyond being an ally- to accomplice, even though you're not a true stakeholder. Their challenges are your challenges."  - Nizhoni Smocks Welcome back to the Turmeric & Tequila Podcast! In today's enlightening episode, your host Kristen Olson sits down with the inspiring Nizhoni Smocks to explore the journey from perfectionism to embracing excellence, the power of genuine leadership, and the quest for personal growth and peace. Nizhoni shares her compelling story of overcoming challenges, from navigating a difficult childhood and negative influences to finding solace in education, spirituality, and self-discovery. Listen in as Nizhoni opens up about her career shifts, her transformative experiences during the pandemic, and her commitment to intentional self-care and setting digital boundaries. Kristen and Nizhoni also delve into the significance of authenticity in leadership and finding joy in the simple things, emphasizing the importance of giving oneself grace. Whether you're seeking inspiration for personal growth or insights on maintaining mental wellness, this episode promises to offer valuable takeaways. Plus, we're giving a special shout out to our sponsors Lux Neuro and Declan James Watches for their support. Don't miss this deep and engaging conversation that's split into two parts for your listening convenience - it's packed with first-hand experiences and wisdom you won't want to miss. Stay tuned!   Time Stamps: 00:00 Podcast split into two parts for digestibility. 05:08 Transition from isolated indigenous life to education. 08:25 Developed career, personal growth, relationships, and accomplishments. 12:11 Advocate for diversity and disrupting generational narrative. 12:52 Seeking change and self-discovery in new city. 16:36 Fascinated by navigating family and personal growth. 20:30 Creating personal spirituality through diverse rituals and beliefs. 22:40 Young person discusses spirituality and energy belief. 26:58 Regret over time spent, transformative realization, pandemic impact. 30:38 Seeking a fulfilling life of travel and altruism. 32:05 Youth face pressure, need to slow down. 38:09 Mentorship, therapy, work ethic, sorority, leadership. 40:48 Understanding and accepting human idiosyncrasies, grace. 42:38 Leading by example through intentional, authentic experience.   Nizhoni Smocks: Nizhoni Smocks (she/her), an Afro-Indigenous woman, is a fierce advocate, facilitator and operations innovator. She left corporate America to pour back into the underserved and overlooked communities that she most connected with. She believes that you must go beyond being an ally to accomplice even though you're not a true stakeholder; their challenges are your challenges. She understands the incredible impact that organizations have on real people's lives. Nizhoni is constantly seeking and learning the skills that help organizations work smarter not harder. She deeply believes that organizational efficiency influences everything. As featured on Colorado Voices, she shared experiences of growing up as an outsider on the Navajo Reservation and her journey of self-discovery while never fitting in. Nizhoni is a founding member of Black PRIDE Colorado and is the current Finance Director of YouthSeen. Specialties: corporate training, organizational operations, project management, process management, academic transfer/articulation, communications, policy management, event planning, contract negotiation, database management, technical writing, asset management and higher education. @nizhoni_e About Youth Seen Coming Events: Michael Roberson In Conversation with Twiggy Pucci Garcon Film Screening: The Ball The 4th Annual Black Fantasy Ball: Mile High Stampede   Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com WATCH HERE   MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF   https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH