First to Thrive

Episode Summary After a meaningful pause, Nicole Cruz is back — and she's brought her whole story with her. In this reintroduction episode, Nicole shares the arc that led her from a decade in corporate America to building a coaching practice rooted in cultural wisdom, lived experience, and one defining question: what does it actually mean to be fully alive? If you've ever arrived at the destinatio...

Filipina entrepreneur Kristelle Siarza joins Nicole to talk about building what doesn't exist yet—first with Siarza, a full-service marketing/PR/video agency, and then with the Asian Business Collaborative (ABC), a nonprofit offering, education, language access, and advocacy for Asian-owned businesses. They dig into: Outcomes > outputs: moving beyond vanity metrics to community trust and lasting i...

In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Cruz shares her personal journey of pregnancy, including the challenges and emotions she faced after experiencing a pregnancy loss. She discusses the importance of support, the decision to become a mother, and how she is navigating the changes in her life and career as she prepares for motherhood. She reflects on what it means to say a full "yes" to motherhood—not...

What happens when you slide into someone's DMs—and it changes your life? In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole reconnects with former coaching client and now celebrated storyteller Olyvia Chac-Nguyen, co-writer of the powerful short film Yellow Balloon. What began as a copywriting opportunity turned into a deeply personal screenwriting project that explores intergenerational trauma, cultural...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of First to Thrive, Nicole Cruz sits down with John McCartney, APR — a seasoned PR pro, founder of JMAC PR, and a proud Filipino American leader paving the way for the next generation of publicists. John shares his unconventional path from aspiring engineer to successful public relations executive, reflecting on how storytelling, cultural pride, and a willin...

In this heartfelt episode of First to Thrive, I'm joined by PR powerhouse and proud Filipina immigrant Ely Anne Vedar, founder of the Ely Agency. We talk about her journey from navigating cultural whiplash as a four-year-old immigrant to building a career amplifying underrepresented voices in the PR world. Ely opens up about the early loss of language and identity, the pressures of assimilation, a...

In this episode, Nicole Cruz sits down with Vietnamese American author Tiffany Trieu to talk about her book Inner Child and the healing power of reconnecting with your younger self. Tiffany shares how growing up as the eldest daughter in a refugee household shaped her, how inner child work helped her soften and come home to herself, and what it was like to write and publish her book in just one mo...

Feeling stuck, uncertain, or like you're constantly making choices that aren't truly yours? In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole Cruz introduces the RECLAIM framework, a step-by-step process designed to help first and second-generation individuals break free from external expectations and reclaim their wants, desires, and joy. If you've ever felt trapped by the "good girl" playbook—prioritiz...

In this episode of First Thrive, Nicole Cruz shares real stories from the first and second-generation community, showcasing what it looks like to shift from making decisions to prove oneself to making choices that truly prioritize personal values, wants, and goals. Through the journeys of three clients, you'll hear how small yet powerful choices led them to live in alignment with their true desire...

In today's episode, Nicole Cruz explores the key skill that first and second-gen individuals must develop to create the life they truly want—internally aligned decision-making. She shares how external influences—whether from society, family, or white supremacy—often dictate our choices, leaving us stuck in cycles of overworking, proving ourselves, and ultimately feeling unfulfilled. Nicole reflect...

In this milestone 100th episode, Nicole Cruz answers listener-submitted questions about her journey as an entrepreneur, transitioning from employee to business owner, and building a freedom-centered life. She shares valuable tips for new entrepreneurs, insights into her book-writing process, and how she stays motivated during tough times. Key Topics: Transitioning to Entrepreneurship Nicole reflec...

In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole Cruz is joined by Mariela de la Mora, a leadership coach and founder of the Reclamation Mastermind. Mariela, a daughter of Mexican immigrants, shares her journey of building a million-dollar business while navigating the complexities of being a first-generation immigrant and a single mother. From personal reinvention to becoming an in-demand thought leade...

In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole Cruz discusses the importance of prioritizing your peace, especially in a world that demands a lot from marginalized communities. With the challenges of the current political climate and ongoing global crises, Nicole encourages listeners to reflect on what peace means to them and how it can be a powerful form of self-care and resistance. She acknowledges...

In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole sits down with Arielle Abalon, a Filipino-American artist, to talk about the powerful yet challenging act of prioritizing yourself, especially when faced with family expectations. Arielle shares a deeply personal story of navigating a difficult conversation with her dad about marriage and having kids. Instead of succumbing to societal and familial pressur...

Welcome to 2025! In this heartfelt and reflective episode, Nicole Cruz shares her journey of prioritizing herself in a season of transformative change, including writing a book that aims to serve first- and second-generation immigrant communities. Nicole explores why prioritizing yourself is essential—not just personally but for the larger collective—and how this practice signals self-worth and br...

Struggling to follow through on your goals? In this episode, Nicole Cruz breaks down why follow-through is hard, especially for 1st and 2nd Gen folks, and shares practical strategies to help you move from frustration to action. What You'll Learn Why external pressure isn't the solution and what really drives follow-through. How to build belief in yourself and your goals. The importance of finding...

In this episode we will explore: Why it is important to honor our wants How to reconcile our wants and shoulds How to use body cues to differentiate your wants vs shoulds There's a reason why we want certain things over others. Our wants point us towards what we're meant for. Versus our "shoulds" which tell us what others want for us or ways in which we're supposed to live our lives. As 1st and 2n...

In this episode, Nicole Cruz reflects on the three key lessons she learned about herself in 2024 and how she plans to apply them in 2025. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, the need for clear direction, the challenges of balancing work and rest, and the value of believing in oneself and embracing the magic of possibilities. Through her personal experiences, she encourages listeners to le...

In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole Cruz guides listeners through the process of visioning for the upcoming year. She emphasizes the importance of identifying personal desires and aspirations, particularly for individuals from first and second-generation immigrant backgrounds. The conversation explores the significance of envisioning an ideal future, the challenges of overcoming fear and li...

In this episode, Nicole Cruz reflects on the year 2024, encouraging listeners to take time to acknowledge their experiences, celebrate their wins, and learn from their challenges. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, gratitude, and letting go of what no longer serves us as we prepare for the new year. Through prompts and personal anecdotes, Nicole guides listeners in a thoughtful revi...

In this episode, Nicole Cruz discusses the importance of prioritizing oneself during the holiday season, especially for women who often bear the burden of holiday preparations. She emphasizes the need to overcome guilt and people-pleasing tendencies, offering practical tips for self-care and boundary-setting. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace imperfection and redefine their holiday...

  In this episode, Nicole Cruz reflects on the post-election landscape, addressing the feelings of dread and uncertainty within marginalized communities. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming power during challenging times, prioritizing self-care, and acknowledging emotions as valid. The conversation explores how small, consistent actions can lead to significant change and the strength found...

In this episode, Nicole Cruz explores the common sentiment of feeling discontent despite having a seemingly 'good' life. She discusses the phrase 'it's not that bad' and how it often leads individuals to ignore their deeper wants and needs. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's privilege and the courage it takes to pursue change. The conversati...

In this episode, Nicole Cruz and Tenny Pandika Gillis discuss the complexities of leadership within family dynamics, particularly in the context of first-generation immigrant experiences. Tenny shares her journey of navigating communication challenges with her immigrant parents, the emotional resilience required during significant family transitions, and the importance of redefining family roles....

As election season ramps up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or even disheartened by the constant flow of political updates, debates, and discussions. In this episode, we explore practical ways to maintain mental and emotional well-being while staying engaged and informed. Whether it's through self-care practices, boundary-setting, or tapping into community support, we discuss how to stay...