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My First Step Ever
Ishani Nigam
214 episodes
16 hours ago
We all have dreams, goals and desires to do extraordinary work in our lives. But, we often get intimidated with the very first step that leads to our journey. What if we only keep dreaming? The real success lies in dreaming, planning to achieve those dreams and then most importantly ACTING on those plans. If just the thought of doing it makes your heart beat faster then don’t worry my friend. I was as nervous once as you are now! But, then one day I went beyond that daunting first step and life became easier. So, I have now embarked on a journey to interact with accomplished people, who went past that first step, in my new podcast series called My First Step Ever. Through this podcast series, I aim to bring forth real success stories, of people, from various professions and discuss strategies they employed to overcome their fears. So, get ready to fuel your dreams through these insightful conversations and let yourself fly high. Logo courtesy Manash Parui. Insta - @myfirststepever_in
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Education
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All content for My First Step Ever is the property of Ishani Nigam and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
We all have dreams, goals and desires to do extraordinary work in our lives. But, we often get intimidated with the very first step that leads to our journey. What if we only keep dreaming? The real success lies in dreaming, planning to achieve those dreams and then most importantly ACTING on those plans. If just the thought of doing it makes your heart beat faster then don’t worry my friend. I was as nervous once as you are now! But, then one day I went beyond that daunting first step and life became easier. So, I have now embarked on a journey to interact with accomplished people, who went past that first step, in my new podcast series called My First Step Ever. Through this podcast series, I aim to bring forth real success stories, of people, from various professions and discuss strategies they employed to overcome their fears. So, get ready to fuel your dreams through these insightful conversations and let yourself fly high. Logo courtesy Manash Parui. Insta - @myfirststepever_in
Show more...
Education
Episodes (20/214)
My First Step Ever
EP 197 - Wes Towers: Resilience, Experimentation & Redefining Success

In Episode 197 of My First Step Ever, Ishani is joined by Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360 — a digital agency elevating how trade and construction businesses show up online.

Wes is known for blending AI with authentic human storytelling. But behind his professional success is a powerful personal story of emotional resilience, learning through experimentation, and embracing the mindset of “let’s give it a try.”

In this episode, we explore:

  • The emotional and mental resilience needed to grow

  • The foundational building blocks of personal and business success

  • Why being willing to experiment opens life-changing opportunities

  • How authenticity wins in a crowded digital landscape

  • What success really means — and how it evolves over time

If you’re navigating uncertainty, building something new, or simply trying to stay grounded in a noisy world, Wes’s journey will leave you inspired and equipped with practical wisdom.

Tune in, take a breath, and take your first step ever.


Learn more here: Learn more: https://uplift360.com.au/


About Your Host –


Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller!

🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

***

Subscribe and follow the podcast on :

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJE

Apple: https://apple.co/39kVVjW


***

Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com


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1 week ago
47 minutes 20 seconds

My First Step Ever
EP 196: Matt Ellis: Success, Values & Building a Life That Truly Fits

In this episode of My First Step Ever, Ishani sits down with Matt Ellis, host of The Cricket Library Podcast and long-time educator, commentator, writer and content creator.

Matt has spent years telling stories from the world of cricket, inspiring young people, and serving regional communities through his work with Cricket NSW. But his personal journey offers even richer lessons — about choosing values over validation and designing a life that feels true.

We explore:

  • How unconventional decisions have shaped Matt’s career and relationships

  • Why questioning society’s definition of success is essential

  • How to prioritise family, purpose and meaningful work

  • What it means to create a life aligned with your principles

  • The magic behind asking: “What would this look like if it were easy?”

  • Why fulfilment is found in contribution, not comparison

Whether you're feeling stuck, pressured, confused or ready for change — Matt’s story will remind you that there is no single “right” path. There is only the path that fits you.

Tune in, reflect, and take your first step ever toward a life designed with intention.


Learn more here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ellis-cricket/About Your Host –Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com***Subscribe and follow the podcast on :Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJEApple: https://apple.co/39kVVjW***Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com

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3 weeks ago
57 minutes 52 seconds

My First Step Ever
Episode 195: Think Less, Do More — with Akshat Agarwal

This week on My First Step Ever, we welcome Akshat Agarwal, a fearless creator and founder who believes that life expands only when you do. A proud college dropout and a true outside-the-box thinker, Akshat brings a refreshing, grounded, and deeply practical perspective to innovation and decision-making.

In this episode, we explore:

  • How conviction becomes your biggest superpower

  • The mechanism behind quick, high-quality decision-making

  • Why overthinking is the death of creativity

  • Akshat’s unconventional, experiment-driven life

  • What holistic learning looks like in real life

  • How to analyse situations with logic, not fear

  • The mindset behind “think less, do more”

Akshat’s journey will inspire you to trust your instincts, take bold steps, and rewrite the rules you’ve been conditioned to follow.

Tune in, reflect, and take your first step ever toward a more intentional and courageous life.


learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshat418/?originalSubdomain=au


learn more:

Website: https://ryangottfredson.com/

Becoming Better: https://ryangottfredson.com/books/becoming-better/


----

About Your Host –


Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller!

🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

***

Subscribe and follow the podcast on :

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJE

Apple: https://apple.co/39kVVjW


***

Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com

Show more...
4 weeks ago
43 minutes 21 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 194 – Alan Lazaros: Redefining Success & Building a Life of Fulfillment

At 26, after a near-fatal car accident, Alan Lazaros’ life took a sharp turn — from external success to internal discovery. Today, he’s the Founder and CEO of Next Level University, a Global Top 100 Podcast empowering people worldwide to achieve true success in health, wealth, and love.

With more than 10,000 hours of coaching and over 2,100 podcast episodes, Alan believes that success isn’t about doing more — it’s about becoming more.

💬 In this episode, we talk about:

  • How tragedy shaped his drive for purpose and growth

  • Why success looks different for everyone

  • The 4 Quadrants of living a balanced life

  • How to sustain success without losing your peace

  • The truth about entrepreneurship and personal fulfilment

Alan’s heart-driven yet no-BS approach to growth has transformed thousands of lives. His story will challenge how you define success — and inspire you to build a life that’s both powerful and peaceful.

🎧 Listen now to discover what it truly means to live your next level.


Learn more here: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com


About Your Host –


Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller!

🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

***

Subscribe and follow the podcast on :

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJE

Apple: https://apple.co/39kVVjW


***

Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com


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1 month ago
48 minutes

My First Step Ever
Ep. 193 – Dr. Len Lopez: 5 Steps to Feed Your Body, Mind & Spirit | Habits, Health & Inner Strength

n this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Len Lopez, Nutrition and Fitness Expert, Inventor, and Host of Natural Health Made Simple.

With over 25 years in health and wellness, Dr. Lopez has helped thousands transform how they approach food, fitness, and mindset. His journey from business and acting to wellness coaching is filled with lessons on reinvention, resilience, and balance.

💬 What we talk about:

  • Why life truly begins after high school

  • Learning by doing vs waiting for clarity

  • Facing and overcoming life-shattering challenges

  • The mental reset that turns failure into growth

  • The birth of The 5 Steps a Day Framework — to track how you feed your Body, Mind & Spirit

✨ This episode will shift how you think about success, health, and happiness — inside and out.

🎧 Stream now and start feeding every part of your being, one step at a time.


Learn more:www.DrLenLopez.comAbout Your Host –Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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1 month ago
54 minutes 8 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 192 — The Science of Becoming Better | Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D.

In this illuminating episode, I chat with Ryan Gottfredson, PhD, bestselling author and global authority on vertical leadership development. Ryan shares the psychology behind transformational growth — not just incremental improvement — and teaches how our subconscious mental models determine the success we experience.

We dive into the emotional experience of being fired, why we feel destined for more, and how to shift from a deficit mindset (fear, scarcity, proving) to an abundance mindset (growth, curiosity, possibility).

💡 Highlights you’ll learn:

  • Why “better things” begin within your internal operating system

  • The mindset patterns that lead to stagnation or sabotage

  • How to recognise and break out of deficit thinking

  • Ryan’s proven framework for personal transformation

  • Tools to elevate from “doing leadership” to being a leader

Ryan’s work has transformed leadership development for global organisations and has been featured in top journals, including Leadership Quarterly and Journal of Management.

🎧 Press play to learn the science of becoming the version of yourself you know you’re meant to be.


---


learn more:

Website: https://ryangottfredson.com/

Becoming Better: https://ryangottfredson.com/books/becoming-better/


----

About Your Host –


Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller!

🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

***

Subscribe and follow the podcast on :

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJE

Apple: https://apple.co/39kVVjW


***

Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com




Show more...
1 month ago
55 minutes

My First Step Ever
Ep. 191 – Ros Cardinal: From Adversity to Authentic Leadership | The Story Behind Shaping Change

This week on My First Step Ever, I chat with Ros Cardinal — founder of Shaping Change, award-winning leadership coach, and creator of the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model.

Ros’s career has been anything but linear. From managing farms as a teenager to leading major corporate initiatives, she’s faced rejection, workplace challenges, and a life-threatening illness that became her greatest turning point. Today, she helps leaders and teams across the world embrace change, authenticity, and emotional intelligence.

💬 In this conversation, we discuss:

  • How early responsibilities shaped her leadership mindset

  • The painful yet powerful lessons from career rejection

  • Her battle with cancer and how it redefined success

  • Building a business with purpose after corporate life

  • How women can lead authentically through self-awareness

  • The importance of resilience in leadership and life

🎧 A must-listen episode for anyone navigating change, self-doubt, or career reinvention.


Learn more: https://www.courses.shapingchange.com.au/🎧 Tune in to discover how to shape your change — and live a career with meaning, courage, and compassion


About Your Host –


Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller!

🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

***

Subscribe and follow the podcast on :

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJE

Apple: https://apple.co/39kVVjW


***

Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com


Show more...
1 month ago
48 minutes 48 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 190 – Losing My Voice, Finding My Purpose | The Shrenik Shah Story

This week on My First Step Ever, I speak with the extraordinary Shrenik Shah — a world-renowned TEDx speaker, global thought leader, and throat cancer survivor who turned his pain into purpose.

After being diagnosed with throat cancer and losing his natural voice, Shrenik reinvented himself as a professional orator using an electrolarynx. Today, he is celebrated worldwide for his resilience, empathy, and advocacy — featured on Times Square, recognised by Amity University, and honoured at the World Cancer Congress in Geneva.

💡 What we explore:

  • A childhood shaped by curiosity and love for the English language

  • His entrepreneurial success and the shock of diagnosis

  • Overcoming despair and finding purpose through service

  • The art of storytelling as a tool for healing

  • Why gratitude is the foundation of true success

🎧 A moving and motivational episode about the man who lost his voice but gained the world.


Follow Shrenik Shah: https://shrenik-shah.comAbout Your Host –Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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2 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 48 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 189 – Naga Chaithanya: Rethinking Education, Teaching & the Offbeat Life

In this week’s episode, I speak with Naga Chaithanya, an independent education consultant, edtech strategist, and startup advisor who has spent over two decades designing, teaching, and transforming learning experiences.

From leading academic programs to advising education startups, Naga’s journey is a blend of intellect, curiosity, and authenticity. But beyond the credentials lies a deeper philosophy — that education isn’t about answers; it’s about asking better questions.

💡 We discuss:

  • His early fascination with teaching and learning

  • Lessons from building entrepreneurial and financial literacy curricula

  • The qualities that define an inspiring teacher

  • How travel and exposure shape worldviews

  • Why taking the offbeat path leads to lifelong growth

🎧 A rare and reflective conversation that celebrates curiosity, courage, and the art of lifelong learning.



***Recorded in August***


About Your Host –

Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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2 months ago
53 minutes 21 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 188 – From Bullying to World Champion | Wayne MacDonald on Discipline, Purpose & Resilience

In this week’s episode, I chat with Shihan Wayne MacDonald — 3x Karate World Champion, 7th Dan Black Belt, Australian National Team Coach, and World Chief Instructor of Karate Budokan International (KBI).

Wayne’s story begins in a small town, where bullying left deep scars — but also lit a fire within him. From training with his cousin to representing Australia at 18, Wayne went on to compete globally for over 17 years and later founded one of the most successful karate academies in the world.

💬 In this episode:

  • Overcoming bullying and finding purpose through Karate

  • Competing for Australia and winning multiple world titles

  • Starting Karate Budokan in Noosa and teaching 3000+ students

  • Building confidence and leadership in kids from age 3 to adulthood

  • His work in corporate speaking, mentorship, and bully awareness

Wayne’s wisdom goes far beyond martial arts — it’s about living with discipline, gratitude, and purpose.

🎧 Tune in for an honest, powerful conversation that proves every challenge can be turned into strength.


learn more: www.academyglobalwellness.com


About Your Host –

Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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2 months ago
53 minutes 28 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 187 – Getrude Matshe: From Migrant to Millionaire | The Power of Resilience & Reinvention (Part 2)

In Part 2 of my conversation with Getrude Matshe, international speaker and founder of HerStory Circle, we explore how she transformed adversity into abundance.

From rebuilding life as a migrant in New Zealand to founding multiple million-dollar enterprises and mentoring thousands of women globally, Getrude’s story is one of vision, reinvention, and unshakable belief in purpose.

💡 We discuss:

  • Navigating migration and starting from scratch

  • The mindset behind her business empire

  • How storytelling became her healing and leadership tool

  • Mentoring women to own their truth and share it boldly

  • The ripple effect of one woman’s dream

🎧 This episode is your reminder that leadership begins with courage—and every comeback starts with one brave step.

About Your Host –

Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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2 months ago
35 minutes 59 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 186 – Getrude Matshe: From Zimbabwe to the World | A Journey of Courage & Creativity (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this heartfelt two-part conversation, I speak with Getrude Matshe, a global storyteller, author, and founder of HerStory Circle. From growing up in Zimbabwe to navigating studies in the UK, early motherhood, and life-changing travels across Europe, Getrude shares the turning points that shaped her mission to empower women through storytelling.

💬 Key Moments:

  • Pearls of wisdom from her entrepreneurial father

  • Facing cultural barriers and embracing independence

  • Acting in Europe and exploring creativity

  • Living through apartheid and the search for belonging

  • The unexpected path that led her to New Zealand

Her story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the power of believing in your purpose.


Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com***Subscribe and follow the podcast on :Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJEApple: https://apple.co/39kVVjW***Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com

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2 months ago
49 minutes 39 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 185 – Turning Pain into Purpose | Brilliant Liu on Leadership, Mentorship & Redefining Success

This is more than a milestone—it’s a conversation that marks a turning point.

In our 185th episode of My First Step Ever, I speak with Brilliant Liu, founder of House of Leaders, whose content has reached millions—but whose personal journey is even more impactful.

Brilliant speaks openly about growing up under immense pressure, navigating painful family dynamics, and nearly losing his life twice. But it was one mentor, one decision, and one mindset shift that changed everything.

💡 What we explore:

  • The invisible scars of childhood trauma and pressure

  • Learning to break free from unrealistic expectations

  • The role of near-death experiences in shaping gratitude and drive

  • Why real success starts with healing and self-leadership

  • How House of Leaders became a global movement

  • Decision-making lessons that go beyond business

🎧 Listen in for one of the most honest and impactful episodes yet.


About Your Host –

Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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4 months ago
54 minutes 54 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 184 – Backing Yourself After Trauma | Nicole Zink on Healing, Loss & New Beginnings

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode includes lived experiences involving trauma and suicidal thoughts. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you’re struggling, please seek support from a licensed professional or contact a mental health helpline near you.

This week, I’m joined by Nicole Zink, a multi-dimensional creative, wellness mentor, and founder of With Zinky—a startup helping wellness practitioners build their digital presence with clarity and confidence.

Nicole shares her incredible journey of reinvention—from a turbulent upbringing to healing through travel, confronting profound personal loss, and ultimately launching a business aligned with her truth. She’s also entering the world of commercial modelling, aligning with brands that value authenticity and purpose.

💬 In this episode, we talk about:

  • The emotional weight of growing up in an unstable environment

  • Leaving behind what no longer aligns

  • Healing through travel, self-work, and meaningful relationships

  • Losing someone dear—and finding purpose on the other side

  • Building with Zinky and backing herself in business

  • Finding new creative expression through modelling

🎧 This is a story of strength, softness, and stepping fully into your power

Tune in if you’re ready to step off autopilot and into bold, values-driven action.

Learn more here - www.withzinky.com


About Your Host –

Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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4 months ago
49 minutes 34 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 183 – You Don’t Need All the Answers to Start | Seshnie Taylor on Finding Your Voice & Building Your Own Path

What if the career you’re meant for hasn’t been invented yet?

This week on My First Step Ever, I chat with Seshnie Taylor, a multi-lingual changemaker, mother, and founder of Vocare — an incredible business helping skilled migrants communicate confidently and succeed at work using AI and cultural fluency.

Her journey is anything but linear — from apartheid-era South Africa to the UK and now Australia — and it’s filled with powerful lessons on grit, gratitude, and creating your own lane when none exists.

🎙️ In this episode, we dive into:

  • Life lessons from growing up in an affluent family during apartheid

  • Embracing change after moving to the UK and discovering holistic education

  • Her bold move to UNICEF and the pivotal advice that changed everything

  • Launching her first venture in Shanghai and founding Vocare in Australia

  • Why helping others communicate is her true calling

✨ This is an episode for the doers, the dreamers, and the ones still figuring it out.

🎧 Tune in and let Seshnie’s story give you the courage to start.


Learn more here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocare-speech/🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to step off autopilot and into bold, values-driven action.About Your Host –Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

Show more...
4 months ago
46 minutes 37 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 182 – Rebuilding After Success: Sharon Connolly on Change, Courage & Career Growth

Sharon Connolly didn’t grow up with much—but she grew up determined.

In this episode, we talk to the powerhouse behind Change Superhero, who now works as a leading Change Consultant in financial services, speaks globally, and has given away over 500,000+ templates to help Change Managers around the world.

But behind the awards and accolades is a powerful story of setbacks, rebuilding, and dreaming bigger than your circumstances.

🎙 In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How Sharon's modest childhood gave her a lasting mindset advantage

  • Her journey from IT trainer to global speaker & Microsoft MVP

  • How to rebuild your confidence after you fall

  • The power of sharing generously in your field

  • Why decision-making and networking fuel long-term growth

  • How to spot possibilities even in your lowest moments

✨ This episode is for the dreamers, the rebuilders, and the quiet fighters.
You’re going to love this one.

🎧 Listen now — and get ready to start your next chapter.


Learn here: https://www.changesuperhero.com.au/****Press the bell icon for weekly episodes are up every Wednesday and Saturday!****About the host:Hi, I am Ishani Nigam, a podcaster and content creator. I aim to create content that EDUTAINS [educates and entertains] my audiences. I am a curious and enthusiastic soul who loves to question the norm and probably found this podcast as a way to let my energy flow in the right direction. I am a creative, warm and fun-loving soul and become all of these when surrounded with like-minded people :)If you are curious to know the Bollywood dancer, dramatic and friendly side of me, follow me on my Instagram account, where you get to me my true colours and learn about podcasting :) For behind-the-scenes fun and to peek into my world, follow me on: https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6***Subscribe and follow the podcast on :Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CkEhJEApple: https://apple.co/39kVVjWGoogle: https://bit.ly/3hHPSKP***Sound and music credit: www.mixkit.com

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5 months ago
47 minutes 30 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 181 – From Farm Girl to Businesswoman Finalist | Jane Carey’s Story of Courage and Growth

How far can one's belief in oneself take one?

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jane Carey, who grew up in the Australian countryside as one of six siblings on a family farm. Her dream? To one day work in an office. But what followed was far beyond even her wildest hopes.

🎙 We discuss:

  • Leaving the family farm and facing cultural shock in the city

  • Dealing with homesickness and self-doubt

  • Earning respect and success in a professional world she once feared

  • Leaving a successful career to pursue her Master’s degree

  • Becoming a Telstra Business Woman of the Year Finalist

  • The mindset that helped her evolve, rise, and thrive

✨ This episode is about taking risks, honouring your roots, and boldly becoming who you’re meant to be.

🎧 Listen now and let Jane’s story inspire your next big step.


Learn more about Jane Carey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janecarey/🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to step off autopilot and into bold, values-driven action.About Your Host –Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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5 months ago
48 minutes 57 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 180 – Designing a Life That Feels Like a Million Bucks | With Giles Roberts

What does it take to design a life that truly feels like yours?

In this joy-filled episode, I chat with Giles Roberts—coach, linguist, creator, and all-around creative from Perth, Australia—on building a life around freedom, values, and creativity.

💬 We cover:

  • Growing up in a curious, academic household

  • Becoming financially independent early (and why that matters)

  • Monetising creativity while staying true to your purpose

  • Building a life around energy, joy, and alignment

  • Rethinking success and what “rich” really means

If you’re tired of chasing someone else’s version of success and ready to build a lifestyle that suits you, this episode is your fresh dose of inspiration.

🎧 Hit play and let the good vibes flow.


Learn more about Giles Roberts here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-roberts/🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to step off autopilot and into bold, values-driven action.About Your Host –Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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5 months ago
48 minutes 30 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 179 – Why Your ‘Why’ Matters: Paul Hawkins on Purpose, Focus & Navigating the Unknown

Ever feel like you're chasing goals without really knowing why?

In this episode, I speak with Paul Hawkins, innovation expert, speaker, educator, and the Chief Combobulator at Crazy Might Work, whose work spans NASA, the UAE Government, the Australian Federal Police, and beyond.

But before the accolades, Paul had to make his leap into the unknown—and it all started by reconnecting with his why.


💡 What we explore:

  • Why your why matters more than your job title

  • What does it mean to think long-term when today feels uncertain

  • How to stay laser-focused while navigating doubt

  • The power of not taking criticism from people you wouldn’t seek advice from

  • Skills vs. status: what drives growth

  • Paul’s take on writer’s block, innovation, and showing up boldly


    ✨ This is your sign to stop chasing outcomes—and start anchoring yourself in purpose.


🎧 Tune in now and let Paul’s story guide you back to your first step.


Let me know if you'd like a short Instagram caption or a quote graphic line to promote this one!


About Your Host –

Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃


Hit FOLLOW on Spotify so you never miss an episode! 🚀✨


Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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6 months ago
44 minutes 13 seconds

My First Step Ever
Ep. 178 – Detaching from Success & Navigating the Chaos Within | Dave Chauhan

Success on the outside doesn’t always mean peace on the inside.

In this deep and moving conversation, I speak with Dave Chauhan — leadership coach, organisational strategist, and author of Captain, Set Sail — about what it truly means to lead with purpose, especially when the world outside and inside feels uncertain.

💭 We explore:

  • How to accept your past and rebuild your emotional foundation

  • Why learning to detach from achievements is key to peace

  • The real story behind writer’s block and creative resistance

  • How leaders (and all of us) can navigate uncertainty with grace

  • The importance of slowing down to rediscover meaning

This episode isn’t just about leading others — it’s about leading yourself through the chaos with clarity, courage, and compassion.

🎧 Tune in now and rediscover your inner compass.


About Your Host –

Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action.

👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3zl0IN6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃


Hit FOLLOW on Spotify so you never miss an episode! 🚀✨


Sound and music credit: www.pixabay.com

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6 months ago
46 minutes 4 seconds

My First Step Ever
We all have dreams, goals and desires to do extraordinary work in our lives. But, we often get intimidated with the very first step that leads to our journey. What if we only keep dreaming? The real success lies in dreaming, planning to achieve those dreams and then most importantly ACTING on those plans. If just the thought of doing it makes your heart beat faster then don’t worry my friend. I was as nervous once as you are now! But, then one day I went beyond that daunting first step and life became easier. So, I have now embarked on a journey to interact with accomplished people, who went past that first step, in my new podcast series called My First Step Ever. Through this podcast series, I aim to bring forth real success stories, of people, from various professions and discuss strategies they employed to overcome their fears. So, get ready to fuel your dreams through these insightful conversations and let yourself fly high. Logo courtesy Manash Parui. Insta - @myfirststepever_in