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 identity, and what it means to be seen—without translation.

Together, they unpack:

• The unexpected journey from brand copywriter to Cannes-recognized screenwriter

• How Yellow Balloon centers Vietnamese language, community, and nuance

• The weight and risk of visibility for immigrant communities

• Why Southeast Asian stories deserve more space—and how Olyvia's team made it happen

• Her “Jordan Peele era” and using storytelling as a form of healing and resistance
  
  

This conversation is a powerful reminder that our stories matter—even if we’ve never seen them told before.

🔗 Follow Yellow Balloon and Olyvia:
IG: @yellowballoonfilm

Interested in a private screening or supporting the film? Reach out through Instagram or check the show notes for details.

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 willingness to pivot shaped his career. Together, Nicole and John explore how PR is more than media coverage — it's about reclaiming narratives, building trust, and showing up with authenticity.

They also dive into the importance of AANHPI representation in media and leadership, what it means to mentor when you didn’t have one, and why choosing a joyful path — even if it’s unconventional — is not just valid, but powerful.

Whether you’re curious about PR, navigating your own nonlinear career, or simply need a reminder that your joy and culture are assets, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How John’s love of storytelling led him to PR

• What it means to change career paths without shame

• How representation in PR can prevent tone-deaf narratives and create deeper impact

• Advice for anyone exploring an unconventional career path
  
  

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about JMAC PR

• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Los Angeles chapter: https://prsala.org/
  
  

Let’s Stay Connected:
If John’s story resonated with you, especially as someone navigating identity, career shifts, and representation, check out Nicole’s 1:1 coaching program Align, created for high-achieving women ready to center themselves in how they live and lead. Learn more here → https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/privatecoaching

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, and the conscious decision to stop hiding. We dive into how embracing her full self—from her name to her natural curls—has not only changed how she moves through the world but also how she supports others in owning their stories.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to hide parts of themselves just to belong.

What We Talk About:

• 🎤 How Ely accidentally found her way into PR—and made it her calling

• 🧳 Her early experience immigrating from the Philippines at 4 years old

• 🫢 The impact of being told to stop speaking Tagalog

• 💫 What it means to follow the “70% aligned” rule in life and business

• 👁️‍🗨️ How reclaiming identity shows up in everyday decisions—like embracing her curly hair

• 📣 The power of visibility for underrepresented voices

• 🔁 What inspired her to break generational cycles of hiding

• 🧠 Why authenticity isn’t just personal—it’s strategic in business
  
  

Guest Links:

Follow Ely and learn more about her work:
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ely.vedar/ 💼 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/elyannevedar
🌐 Learn more about Ely Agency: elyagency.com

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Connect with Nicole:
🔹Apply for private coaching: nicolecruzcoaching.com/privatecoaching
🔹 Stay connected: Follow Nicole on Instagram @nicolecruzcoaching
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