The Motivation Method: Nicole Rakowski's Fitsentive Story

Dive into the inspiring journey of Nicole Rakowski, co-founder of Fitsentive, on "All Things Fitness and Wellness." This episode explores how Nicole transformed personal adversity into an innovative fitness solution that's reshaping the industry. After a life-changing accident in Iceland, Nicole faced unparalleled challenges that led her to question and redefine the essence of motivation and wellness. Her story is a testament to resilience, showcasing the creation of Fitsentive—a platform designed to motivate and reward fitness efforts like never before. This discussion not only highlights Nicole's journey but also delves into actionable insights on innovation, leadership, and the impact of personal experiences on professional success. Join us to uncover the strategies behind building a successful fitness platform, the importance of mental fortitude in overcoming obstacles, and how Fitsentive is setting new standards in the fitness and wellness industry.

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Connect with Fitsentive
https://www.fitsentive.com 
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/fitsentive/?originalSubdomain=ca 

Connect with Nicole Rakowski
https://www.instagram.com/rakowskinicole/?hl=en

Transcript

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The dirt bank gave way and you know, before I knew it, I was knee deep and slowly started to sink. What no one could see at the time with that I'd actually sunken into an underground geothermal source that was feeding the heat of the river. I started screaming, you know, I'm burning, I'm burning. You know, I remember at one point, I looked at him in the eyes and I said, you know, am I going to die and response was not on my watch. This is All Things Fitness and Wellness hosted by Krissy Vann. Together. We're uniting industry thought leaders and fit fluence errs on the mission to inspire innovation and encourage people to live a life fit and well brought to you by the Personal Training Institute, learn how to train, gain and retain clients visit BC pti.ca. In this episode, we explore the incredible story of fit centive co founder Nicole wski, Nicole's life took an unexpected turn when she stepped into a hidden geothermal vent on a hiking adventure in Iceland. This resulted in severe burns and subsequent vision challenges. These harrowing experiences became the catalyst for her profound transformation, emphasizing the importance of resilience community, and the holistic benefits of physical activity in the face of adversity. Nicole's story will teach us the value of turning personal adversity into a source of strength, she'll share the importance of a holistic approach to wellness, and introduce us to the innovative concept of the fit centive app that provides users with an innovative way to stay motivated by integrating rewards into fitness goals. Before we get to it, be sure to hit like and subscribe. We have new podcast episodes every Wednesday featuring industry thought leaders and influencers. I'm your host, Krissy Vann, and this is ATF W. Nicole, I know you're no stranger on the speaker circuit, you're also somebody that has quite the elevated profile due to your incredible work that you've done in regards to the bodybuilding community and really just emphasizing that message of what fitness can do for our lives far beyond physical shape. And I know your journey in particular really began with one of those life moments, I always say, we have all these worries in life. And generally, it's never the things we've actually been focusing our mind energy to that are the ones that cause the real shakeups in life. So talk to me a little bit about what happened on a hiking trip in Iceland. Absolutely. So I get asked this question quite significantly, and it was about seven years ago, now, my gosh, time flies that I had this life changing accident. And this was an accident that you know, was supposed to essentially change the way that I would live for the rest of my life. You know, I sort of start my story by saying the fact that you see these white bright lights followed by this out of body experience prior to crossing the bridge. I remember laying in the ambulance, seeing the faces of several paramedics essentially just hovering above me before two black curtains began to shut. And I was later told that this is probably due to a heightened state of consciousness with sharp increases in high frequency brainwaves called gamma oscillations, otherwise known as near death visions. And it was so back in 2017 of February, two of my good friends and I traveled to Iceland, one of the most incredible countries in the world. You know, I always recommend to people that must, it has to be a must see destination. I'm not sure if you've been there yourself. But on the bucket list. Yeah. Oh, and keep that a high on the bucket list because it is really breathtaking. And it's often known as the island of you know, fire and ice because it's home to numerous active volcanoes and glaciers. And the country is located on the Mid Atlantic ridge where you know, you have these two tectonic plates that they meet. And as a result, you know, Iceland experiences these frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. So basically, what I'm trying to say is that there's a lot of geothermal activity happening under the surface that we cannot see. So on the second last day of our trip, we went on a two and a half hour hike to a natural hot springs that was just outside of Reykjavik, which is Iceland's capital. This spring was nestled in this valley of the small mountain range known as the hot river. So this, you know, was very common attraction for many, you know, travel blogs and websites about Iceland all sort of mentioning. And, you know, that being said, it's a little off the beaten path, and not likely on the itinerary for many quick tourists, but it's certainly just a breathtaking location. And on our hike up, we would see hot pools and geysers, you know, steaming, which were absolutely breathtaking. But at the same time, you know, you knew that they were very dangerous and just by sort of looking at them on their own, and obviously, you know, we would have no intention of going anywhere near them. Like much of Iceland, the train around the train around the river where we were sort of walking was very raw. There was a little trace of human touch with the exception of some wooden platforms that we could see along the water where people could, you know, leave their shoes or clothing but There is no signage to indicate where we should actually access the river. So, you know, there's tourists scattered throughout maybe about 20 to 25 people where we're seeing all sorts of lounging, and in waist deep water, we dipped our hands in to test the water to the temperature, it was a little bit mild bath temperature, I'd say. So we decided to walk slightly upstream where we found the water to be slightly normal, warmer, but still not very hot. We set our backpacks down and started changing towards swimsuit, I was just beyond excited at that point to get into the pool and was the very first one to step down the shallow dirt riverbank about maybe two feet deep to step into the water. And on my way down, so the dirt, essentially, the dirt bank gave way. And you know, before I knew it, I was knee deep and slowly started to sink. What no one could see at the time was that I had actually sunken into an underground geothermal source that was feeding the heat of the river. So I immediately knew that it was hot and something was wrong. So I started screaming, you know, I'm burning, I'm burning at the top of my lungs. And when people asked me what it what it felt like, it was just continuous knife stabbing, that's what it felt like. So they pulled me out severely red, and skin was just trying to appeal to the sides. The you know, my two friends wrapped my feet in clothing, and they called on nearby tourists for help. There was a man you know, another traveler, it is maybe 30 that came over with a small first aid kit. But at that point, you know, nothing to treat second and third degree burns. My skin was visibly starting to blister we realized that we really had you know very few supplies with us. That's when I began to sort of lose consciousness as as individuals took too long sort of carrying. Within a few seconds, I regained that consciousness and was clearly frightened, I was in so much so much excruciating pain. And again, I was just a dead weight tray for individuals taking turns carrying me because I was in and out of consciousness. So the team that sort of took turns quickly came to the conclusion that they need to carry me out, it's a matter of survival. Now, it you know, individuals used sweaters, jackets to create slings. But it was a very, very slow process. And about five minutes after one of my friends ran ahead to try and gain some sort of cellphone reception to call emergency services. But it took about 10 to 15 minutes of her running before she was actually able to get some sort of service. And we came across an unbelievable stroke of luck, where as we were sort of trying to make our way down the mountain, there was an individual, a teenager that was actually doing emergency rescue training. And so we had ended up meeting up with with them who was able to call for additional support. And I mean, along the way, there was just the human connection of individual stepping up to really help was really what mean, what it means to be human. At the end of the day, there was one first responder from California, his name was Lee, he was an off duty first responder from the USA who came to me and really made the hike and the mission so much more, you know, just timely in terms of him sort of stating that this girl needs to get to some sort of emergency services or she's not going to make it. You know, I remember at one point, I looked at him in the eyes and I said, you know, am I going to die. And response was not on my watch. I eventually made my way to the hospital, I was about to be put under general anesthesia and and unfamiliar country, the doctors and nurses were all speaking in Icelandic and I was being told information that you know, I could not understand, I had no idea if I would wake up. And if I did, I had no idea if my legs would still be attached. So that's sort of the whole rescue mission on its own, I ended up back in the burn unit in Hamilton, which is where I'm from. And it's a tertiary and specialized hospital for burns where I was, you know, for almost the next two and a half weeks. But doctors really didn't know if I was able going to be able to walk again. And if I did what that would look like, for so much of that your body is in such an insane state of shock. Yeah. And then you just have these little glimpses of moments in between before you end up back in your home country, in Hamilton and start to finally get a glimpse of the gravity of what just transpired because through it, you you have no idea I mean, your body is just doing what it can and full out survival mode. So when all of a sudden you had that recognition that such a large experience had occurred. What was that like for you when you actually were able to recognize it and that hit you? I think it took a really long time for it to actually hit me and think oh my god, what just happened? For so much of the journey you're in essentially shock you're going with the motions, you're listening to what's being told to you At some points, you can't even sort of recognize what is being said to you, right? You're just sort of moving along with the motions of, you know, you're, you're in survival, you're in fight or flight response, a lot of it like every single dressing change, for instance, I remember it being so insanely painful, like I had to get sedation almost for every single dressing change alone, right? You're just you're going with the motions, you're doing what you have to do in order to get better. And it's not until I think, months after that recovery of being out of the hospital that I actually took a step back and said, Wow, this has just occurred, you know, look to see where I am in the journey and how far I've actually come. But in the moment, you're really living moment to moment and trying to survive and trying to push through. Well, when life knocks anyone off their literal feet in a moment like that, I mean, it's fair to say, assuming that you kind of did this little bit lesser known hike, and decided to go on that realm of adventure that you more than likely were an active person before you went on this hike. So all of a sudden, you're now faced with questions as you're going through this recovery of will a walk again, what will that look like? How much did it allow you to recognize kind of what most of us I mean, if we're lucky enough in human life, where our body is functioning normally, and all of that, it's very easy for us to take it for granted. So what was that recognition process like for you of like, I may not be able to do the things I once loved to do. I mean, for me, it was just heartbreaking. I was beyond passionate for sports my entire life. And this was essentially heartbreaking to me. I knew that there had to be another way though, you know, I could accept failure to some degree, but what I could not accept is never trying again. So I really had to take a step back, I had a great support along the way from my my parents, my friends. And after regaining some focus, I realized that it doesn't matter how many times you may be shut down from pursuing your passions, which was sports in my situation, but you can only really succeed if you just continue to try. So I knew that if I never quit, my passion for athletics could essentially never die. So it was essentially me pushing through having the supports in my life. And I knew what I had to do. But more importantly, I knew why I had to do it. Like I had that sense of purpose. I knew what it was, that really made me happy in life. And I think if anything, this was more of a motivating factor to me, for someone to say, you know, you're gonna be limited. It's like, No, I want to prove you wrong. And I want to show you wrong, I'm going to be able to pursue this, just as you know, good as I had in the past, or if not even better, right? So taking that mental mind step one step forward in terms of really just pushing past your boundaries, and not letting something like this or disability set you back by anyway. Yeah, you know, you bring up such a good point, too, because I remember I was 17 and went through a significant life moment. And there was a speaker at my school that said, you can either use those moments in life as your excuse to fail or your reason to succeed. And that sat with me so deeply like to this day, I still remember that statement, whenever there are those gut punch moments in life that we least expect. And you're like, I have a choice here of what this looks like, despite what outcomes others are deciding for me. What am I going to actively participate in? To get me to where in my mind's eye I know I can go because I have that innate self belief, which it sounds like you have this self belief of like, ah, like, Thanks for your opinion. But I'm going to shape how this story actually goes. So we started off the podcast learning in the intro here. I mean, not only have you done tremendous physical feats, but you've also taken it into the competitive circuit. So what did that physical fitness journey look like for you to go from, you know, one of the most devastating injuries? That's a very, very long healing process to ultimately gracing a stage. Yeah. And I mean, just like any other adult or person on this planet, you know, I'm not unique and facing adversity, adversity any I think you you phrased it very, very well, right. It's about using those opportunities. And so for me, I would say the the Burns was one part of it. But the other part of is that I faced a lot of other challenges with my vision, for example, right? So there were certain things that were coupled together that really sort of, again, allowed me to have a different perspective on life going forward. But it was something that, you know, I knew I had to push through and I would just become a stronger person on the other side, right. And it was, I needed to change my traditional approach, I needed to be broken down in order to understand my why and life in order to understand and make my what a lot more meaningful. And I've tried to apply those same lessons to all other aspects of my life. So in terms of how that got me to the stage, I think it was really discovering sort of my purpose and and to a different extent, you know, how far does my passion sort of reach and what really grounded me only then did it lead to me discovering that athletics was my release from reality that led me to understand what it is that I truly want to do in life? You know, there's so many things I initially took for granted that I didn't expect to face during the challenges none of us expect to endure, you know, certain challenges in our in our life until they actually happen to us personally. And for me, I think it was, you know, there was there's two sides of it, it's almost like you have the physicians that are telling you things that you physically cannot do anymore. But it's not because, you know, they don't think you can, it's because you know, I can't get another concussion, for example, because I'm at risk of going blind due to retinal detachment. So you have to sort of compartmentalize things and take into a different perspective of okay, what can I not do? Because I'm putting myself in danger and risk versus what can I not do? Because I'm mentally feeling held back, right. So I sort of had to balance the two and think, Okay, I can't do competitive sports anymore, because I do risk, you know, serious complications for the rest of my life versus, okay, this is I'm told I shouldn't do or I can't do. But my mental capacity was just not allowing me to say no to that. So that's what led me to bodybuilding and finding that interconnectedness community. So many different individuals that are like minded, that share that sense of community when it comes to athletics. That's what I found in bodybuilding. And the support ever since has been incredible. Like I walk into the gym every day, and I just feel like I'm home. Yes, honestly, I obviously we're just coming off the heels of a new year. And there's all the studies that are coming out about resolutions. And we know that regardless, physical fitness is one of the top ones year over year. And the nice thing is the reasons why are starting to evolve in less about physical shape for a lot of people more about the mental benefits that are being touted. But one thing that I always emphasize to people is when you do walk into those spaces, even when you're the newest of the new and even if people aren't actually physically saying hello to you, I guarantee they're silently cheering you on. Because there is something about our lives that are so busy and full of distractions. If you are one of the relatively small percentage that decide Yep, I'm going to do this for myself. We recognize that in each other. And I think that that sense of community cannot be understated. And I can only imagine for someone like you that was like hell yes. Like, not only am I going on this journey, but I'm going to push myself as hard as I can because bodybuilding is that it's physical, its mental, it impacts your social as well, because, you know, you're really, really just dialed in through the process. But talk to me a little bit about that interconnectedness of the physical to mental resilience side, because it sounds like, out of all the things that you were working out through this process, the mental game would have been the one that I can only imagine the biggest to get the handle on really, because let's face it, our brains could not be a fun place to play sometimes. Yeah, for sure. So I think the interconnectedness relationship between mental resilience, you know, I think motivation plays a massive part of it. Physical Activity and personal well being is is truly multifaceted. And it's mutually reinforcing. So what I tell people when they asked me this question is, you know, mental resilience, if you take a look at this really refers to the ability to adapt or bounce back from challenge as well. Motivation is the driving force that really propels individuals towards their goals. And physical activity. On the other hand, you know, it encompasses various forms of exercise and movement that contribute to some, you know, that sort of physical fitness. So these elements are really interconnected in the sense that they influence and support each other engaging in regular physical activity. You know, as you mentioned, there's many different studies, right has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, improving mood enhancing, overall well being, and it can really enhance cognitive function leading to improved focus, memory and mental clarity. So for myself, you know, being from the coming from the health background, you know, that's sort of a no brainer to me, but I think individuals are starting to moreso understand it because of their lived experience, which is making a big, big difference. And when we talk about mental resiliency, you know, that really plays a crucial role in maintaining that motivation. When we're faced with certain obstacles or setbacks. For instance, individuals with higher levels of mental resilience are more likely to persevere and stay motivated towards their goals, and motivation, you know, can really be enhanced through realistic settings, achievable goals, which then can all be facilitated by maintaining that good mental resilience. So I think all really plays a very strong, interconnected role. And it's something that, you know, I think it's important to take note of when we're going to talk about your role at FIT center, but one of the things that I've heard you say a couple of times is that through this process, you started to have a lot of clarity over what your purpose was, or I know other people say kind of what my mission was. So what exactly has that become for you? My purpose in life, I think is having an amazing support system working towards your goals. I don't think it's an necessarily just one thing. But my purpose is to contribute to something greater to have that altruistic approach to support one another through a sense of community. And a sense of community can come in many different shapes and forms. It can come through culture, it can come through food, it can come through education, it can come through work experiences. But for me, that sense of purpose, I think, is really finding that motivation through fitness, and connecting with individuals through having, you know, that health and wellness approach to life. And I think it can apply to 100% of the population, right, I think when we talk about, you know, who's interested in health and wellness, who wants to better themselves, you know, I think there's a very, very small percentage of the population that would be sort of not maybe an act in that route. But it essentially it involves everyone, which is the beauty of it, and involves everyone. And I think, you know, just exactly what I said there in regards to the amount of distractions we have in life, unfortunately, no matter the fact that it is the goal for so many, there are many of us, unfortunately, in life, and statistically, we know this in Canada, it's almost 84% of the population that aren't necessarily integrating these facets in their lives. So it's great to have role models like yourself that are championing the message. And I think as to I said earlier, the fact that the message has finally changed so much, because unfortunately, especially from the industry side, we got it wrong for so long, it was drilling down that there is one ideal, and it's to lose this as fast as this and we've all seen the diet culture that we grew up, particularly as women, but certainly not alone. And finally, that message is really changing where we're like, hey, it's about longevity, it's about if we're lucky enough to live to an older age, being able to pick up our groceries with ease, it's about preventing chronic disease, it's about feeling better, not just in the future, but you actually feel better the exact same day 100%. And it's about being a parent, and it's being able to provide to your kids and being able to provide your grandkids one, you know if that's sort of a route that individuals are going, but it's really like I can't describe it enough as a network that has these webs, right. And they keep sort of spanning outwards, the more individuals you connect with the more sort of positive reinforcement you have, but then you're also able to give that to more individuals. So it's truly a cyclical process in terms of just a feeder loop, a positive feedback loop. Well, and on the note of positive feedback loops, sometimes we do need a little bit to get going. So I know not just in your social platforms, are you somebody that's really amazing at relaying the message, but you're also doing it through your work life as well. So what is fit centive for those that aren't familiar? Yeah, that's a great question. So myself, I'm the co founder and chief fitness officer as well as industry experts have this incredible app called Fit sensitive. And I call this my brainchild. But this is really the progeny of Zack measurements, creation, who I've partnered with this year, which has been nothing but amazing. So giving a bit of an overview. So this app truly stands out in this crowded fitness app market, right, we always hear about all these different apps coming to market. But this one really stands out. Because unlike its counterpart, it's not just an app, it's really a movement. So this is one of the only free if not the only free fitness app on the market that actually pays users to work out. It doesn't only transform the way individuals approach their wellness journey, but it really pioneers that unique concept of rewarding users for their commitment to fitness. And this app features a full length on demand guided workouts where users are actually rewarded for every single workout they complete. And our focus for this is on at home workouts that utilize minimum to no equipment and it currently boasts a library we have over 350 plus workouts or is you know, we have 20 plus categories by 35. Instructors, which are all have some sort of certification. And you know, we have many, many different ones that have registered as well. We've had more than 6000 downloads. So far, there's more than 3000 active users. So I would say that, you know, it's been extremely successful to date. And there's a ton of enhanced app features, such as workout challenges. There's the ability to create custom workout sessions using playlist. And as a bonus, we're also completely ad free, which helps in creating the best user user experience around so that's something that we typically get asked. But another big component to this is, you know, it relates sort of, as you were mentioning that motivation is, you know, how does this relate to the benefits of incentives right in relation to motivation and sticking to personal goals, particularly in the context of fitness and well being. So I think that that's a really important part as the incentive part of it. Yeah, I actually just interviewed this week, a professor and researcher out of Western University, so also Ontario, and his name is Shawn Spilsbury. And they have quite studied the impacts of fitness incentives as well. And like the findings actually went against the hypothesis that He had the essentially once incentives and did, people wouldn't continue their workout routines and the inverse actually happened. So it shows the magnitude that getting people to make the behavioral habit and change. I mean, obviously, from your app perspective, I know the goal would be for people that continue on and who wouldn't want to if they're still getting incentives about it is really great to know even from an industry side to have this understanding that if we can get people to get started, like they will keep coming, no matter what, because of all those other benefits that you spoke to earlier. Exactly. It's getting that kickstart right. And they really serve as a powerful tool to enhance motivation help individuals stay committed to their fitness and wellness journeys beyond just that initial signup point, right. So it's, once you get in the habit and routine of something, it's no different than, you know, me waking up in the morning, I have a coffee, you know, I drive on the 403, I put a podcast on like, once you get in a routine, and you're settled in that routine, it becomes like second nature. So I always say that, you know, by providing those rewards or incentives, individuals are so much more likely to stay motivated and engage in their fitness routines. And they can take various forms, right. So we have tangible rewards. You can also do recognition or even personal milestones, right? When individuals have something to strive for. And that potential reward to look forward to it can significantly increase their motivational levels. So one thing that's really nice that you highlighted to you was how accessible the workouts are. Because we know even gym intimidation can be a huge barrier for people. You know, if you haven't done it before, generally, it's human nature to then fear a little bit or have a bit of trepidation if you're starting something new, but having workouts that are accessible, low barrier low fit to no fit, not necessarily needing equipment, it's really just providing less reasons for people to naught, which is refreshing because it can be daunting for there's people you know, in mid life that are just getting started or later in life. And so we need to think of ways outside of the box that's going to make it approachable for people for sure. And our goal is with fits into we're trying to really hard to eliminate any sort of barriers that we can use incentives to help individuals overcome any challenges or setbacks by providing themselves with a sense of accomplishment and reinforcement. And then when those individuals then sort of achieve, you know, a milestone, or a goal, you know, they're able to get, let's say 1000 points, or whatever it is redeem it for a gift card, they experienced that sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, which then boosts their motivation to continue their fitness journey, as we sort of mentioned. So this really also relates to adopting healthy habits over time. And when it comes to the rewards, how did you select partners? Because obviously, we speak a lot to the fitness industry themselves. So are the incentives primarily within the fitness and wellness wheelhouse? And how did you kind of build those connections? That's a great question. So I mean, they do relate to the fitness and wellness field, but not exclusively, like for example, we have Amazon gift cards, we have Walmart gift cards, so you can use it towards obviously athletic products or you know, health and wellness. But you can also use it for your own purposes in terms of you know, shopping, so we don't limit it in terms of you know, only partnering exclusively with with home equipment, products or brands. But we do have a significant amount of sponsors and partnerships. For example, one of our newest ones that we've just brought on his Pura Vida labs PBL. And they have sponsored myself as an athlete for many years, and I cannot speak highly enough about their products, right? So we want to partner with individuals that are have that authenticity that have that brand recognition that really stand behind their products and that we share the same values with and ultimately it's getting individuals healthy, getting individuals to be the best version of themselves. At the end of the day, even when you look from the industry side. You know here in Canada, we have the Fitness Industry Council of Canada, stateside, we have Ursa and more and more, I mean, obviously, within fitness when it comes to health club operators, Jim's supplements that can be a competitive landscape for sure. And I think that competition is very important in business. But at the same time, there has been this tremendous unification coming out of the other side of the pandemic, obviously, when we saw so many closures happening and and just that big shift. And the nice thing is is like the Unification is happening under the same message like ultimately the goal is to get more people moving no matter what it is that causes that trigger for an individual to go from. I'm not doing anything. I'm just sedentary at my job sedentary at home sitting in my car, like the more we can get people to make that leap and champion that message together, the more people are going to understand which ultimately means more business for everybody as well. And so it kind of like dissolves the full competition mode for people because there's a huge percentage of the population that we clearly aren't speaking to yet. Yeah. And it's tapping into those extended audiences, right. So you'll always have sort of different tiers of audiences of target you'll you'll have your or your significant target audience, you'll have sort of the revolving ones around and then you have, you know, who do we want to hit at the end of the day. But ultimately, again, Fitness, Health and Wellness affects 100% of the population, whether we want to admit it or not. There'll be some individuals that are more sedentary, there'll be some individuals that are more active, but health and wellness effects is all it does. And I mean, especially, I mean, you and I are coming from the Canadian perspective, we're very grateful that you know, for example, in your extended health care stay, it's not like you were getting a massive bill at the end of the day. And that wasn't something you had to concern yourself with. However, unfortunately, we've seen recently cracks and faults in our own systems, which means preventative health care is going to have to be more and more top of mind for citizens, unfortunately, and again, we know that so much of that can come from prioritizing our health and wellness. I know for you, Nicole, obviously, a few moments in a podcast can't even begin to encapsulate I'm sure all the many steps and mental work that you have had to do and physical work that you have had to do to accomplish as much as you have. But I'm curious with somebody that clearly has that fire inside? What is exciting you most as you look to your future, and what are your personal goals at this stage? Because I doubt that you're somebody that's sitting there that's like, yeah, I don't have any know exactly. And it's funny because I quite often one of the biggest questions I get asked is what is your end goal? Right, it's sort of relating to your question. And the truth is, I don't have an end goal, I never have an end goal. And I will never want one right, that's sort of ceiling you put the ceiling from sort of achieving, you know, opportunities are endless. So I think more in the immediate future is really continuing to grow. Fit Center with Zack, the entire brand itself, having different branded workout partners, come on with us. You know, whether it's different sources of investment sponsorships, our presence at various events across North America, right, because we are not just Canadian based, we are a huge, massive target population in the States. And so I think it's connecting with more individuals networking this year, but also for my myself as a competitive bodybuilding athlete, it's it's achieving that procard and continuing to sort of make my way into that professional lifestyle as an elite athlete, as we're kind of wrapping up here, is there any, like Final nugget of wisdom or motivation that you want to leave us with to fuel up our day? I think at the end of the day, you know, my journey, personally, you know, transcends the fitness world, and like every curious, entrepreneurial, that sort of stems from some sort of beginning or has some sort of life changing accident, I would just tell individuals to really turn that challenge into some sort of opportunity for a profound impact. You know, myself right now, you know, I traveled the world in terms of speaking globally about, you know, my not only my experience, but how that sort of changed me. But everyone has a unique story to tell at the end of the day, and everyone has a very, very powerful story to tell, that makes their brand unique. So I think for myself in terms of words of advice to others is to, you know, really hone in on the challenges that you've been faced with and flip that around to create some sort of incredible opportunities with it. Because no bad experience, you know, leads to some sort of negativity, there's always some sort of positive twist that can be turned around. I so appreciate that. Nicole, thank you so much for sharing space with me today. And honestly, having the willingness to share that vulnerability, obviously, that has been something that has propelled you through the speaker circuit. And it's because shit like that resonates. It's the only way to put it, but it touches something and another individual, it can spark something in another individual. And I'm just really happy that you recognize that and see the power in that. So thank you for having the courage to do that. Oh, well, thank you so much for having me here today. And I hope if anything, you know, this has sort of led to maybe an additional perspective for different individuals. But also even just with incentive individuals just having another outlet and platform for them to be able to get healthy. You've just listened to the All Things fitness and wellness podcast posted by Krissy Vann This episode was brought to you by fitness world, your fitness your way. Be sure to hit like and subscribe. We have new podcast episodes weekly featuring industry insiders and influencers. Together we're on a mission for everyone to live a life fit and well