Two Vodka Sodas and One Big Question

In this episode of The Aligned for Success podcast, Nikki explores the power of asking questions and shares how one missed opportunity taught her to never again let fear of rejection hold her back.

Opening with the reminder that "if you don't ask, the answer is always no," Nikki reflects on how children naturally ask for everything before life teaches them to fear rejection. She shares a pivotal story from a mastermind three years ago where she and her husband Jonathan were given the opportunity to make an ask of their mentors—and completely froze. Watching other participants receive incredible yeses, including one couple who asked for and received a full day of one-on-one business mentoring, became a life-changing lesson in missed opportunities.

Throughout this empowering conversation, Nikki reveals how that moment transformed her approach to asking for what she wants. She shares the story of her biggest ask ever—asking Stephanie Wigner for a job at The Wealthy Practitioner. During a mastermind in Colorado, after realizing their skill sets were perfectly complementary, Nikki mustered the courage (with the help of two vodka sodas) to propose working together. That bold ask led to her current role as Client Success Manager, which she describes as one of the best decisions she's ever made.

Nikki identifies the four main reasons people avoid making asks: fear of rejection, assuming the answer is no, feeling like they need to earn it instead of claiming it, and undervaluing what they bring to the table. She provides practical guidance for making great asks: be clear (not vague), confident (not cocky), willing to hear no, and anchored in mutual value rather than just personal benefit.

This episode delivers actionable strategies for reframing requests—like asking for a promotion by highlighting what you've taken off someone's plate and where you see gaps you can fill—making it a must-listen for anyone ready to stop talking themselves out of opportunities and start claiming what they deserve.

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Ready to make your bold ask? DM Nikki on Instagram—she'd love to give you a confidence boost!