Nikki’s Note The Company You Keep
Recent Podcast with my buddy, Shawn.
Dear Readers,
In 2008, I met my dear friend Shawn Shepheard on a film set in Toronto. At the time, I was immersed in a completely different career, yet our connection was instant. Shawn had a unique gift for seeing people — not just for who they were, but for who they could become. Little did I know, our friendship would become a source of inspiration and fuel my journey as I set out to bring my dreams to life.
Shawn believed in me in a way that didn’t replace my belief in myself but amplified it. He saw my vision as something tangible, something real. One day, out of the blue, he handed me business cards — my name, a logo, printed with care. It was such a small gesture, yet it carried an undeniable truth: the first step to realizing your dreams is to make them visible. That card was more than paper; it was a nudge, a mirror, and a challenge to rise to my potential.
This simple act speaks volumes about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who don’t just root for you, but see through you — to the version of yourself you’re working so hard to become. And this is especially true for those of us who sit at the crossroads of being underestimated.
A recent McKinsey report, The Underestimated Start-Up Founders: The Untapped Opportunity, highlights the barriers faced by women and people of color in entrepreneurship. The barriers are real — capital isn’t always accessible, networks aren’t always inclusive — but so is the opportunity. Yet, the statistics are clear: women-led start-ups have a 35% higher return on investment than those led by men (Boston Consulting Group). And according to Crunchbase, funding for women founders grew by more than 200% between 2016 and 2022, though it still accounts for only 2.4% of total venture capital — a stark reminder of how far we have to go. You can read the full McKinsey Leap report here.
After the 2016 election, there was a shift towards the investment in women- and minority-led businesses and content. From television to grocery shelves, the shift was palpable. This wasn’t just a trend — it was a recognition of the power and potential of inclusive entrepreneurship. Today, we stand at another critical inflection point. The stakes are high, but the rewards — for our communities, our industries, and our shared future — are even higher.
Stop Stepping in Stupid Podcast with
Shawn Shepheard and guest Nicole Ponseca
When Shawn invited me to his podcast recently, it was like coming full circle. We reflected on those early years, how I got started, and how I moved to New York with $75 dollars in my pocket with no friends, no family, no place to live, and no job moving forward in spite and despite of fear. If you’re interested, I’d love for you to check it out. To all the underestimated founders reading this: your dreams aren’t just valid —they’re necessary.
Here’s the takeaway: your potential isn’t a question; it’s a fact. It’s up to you to step up and make use of it. You cannot delegate courage, unfortunately. Try to surround yourself with people who magnify your vision and invest in the work it takes to make that vision real.
So, here’s my ask of you: Look around. Who’s handing you your metaphorical business card? More importantly, who can you hand one to?
Regards,
Nikki
An Oldie but Goodie:
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point was a game-changer while I was building the strategy behind the restaurants and book. Gladwell's exploration of how small shifts create monumental changes gave me a framework to think about influence, momentum, and connection. Though the book is 24 years old, the concept of identifying key influencers — those who act as the connectors, mavens, and salespeople of the world —still rings true. The book – along with the incredible training from Saatchi & Saatchi –shaped how I approached not just the restaurant industry, but how we intentionally set out to build an entire movement around Filipino food and culture.
Equally transformative was his idea of "stickiness" — the quality that makes a message memorable and impactful. It challenged me to ask: What makes people not just notice, but feel something so strongly they can’t help but share it? I realized that every plate of food, every interaction between a server and guest, and every experience we created had to carry that kind of resonance. It wasn’t just about serving meals; it was about creating moments that lingered in people's hearts and minds, sparking conversations and connections that would ripple outward.
Gladwell's insights also reinforced the importance of strategy — how understanding the tipping point of a trend or movement can turn a small idea into a cultural phenomenon. I applied these principles to every decision, from branding to community building, ensuring that each step was intentional and aligned with a bigger vision.
Looking back, The Tipping Point wasn’t just a book I read; it was a guide that helped me connect the dots between influence, creativity, and purpose. It taught me that building a movement isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about thoughtful, deliberate actions that add up to something unstoppable.
NEW YORK TRI-STATE AREA
Photography: Jeepney
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