Growth, Balance, and Fish “Scales” (with Sarah Kuiken)

Is scale about climbing higher, shedding layers, or finding balance? Nicole sits down with writer and longtime collaborator Sarah Kuiken to explore this multitasking word that spans fish, ladders, piano keys, and marketing funnels. Expect laughter, etymology, and the occasional side quest into AI, gratitude, and why scaling your joy might just be the truest form of growth.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover...

- The three ancient roots of “scale” — and what they reveal about modern ambition

- Why “growth for growth’s sake” rarely feels good, and what to do instead

- The unexpected connection between AI, creativity, and the human need for control

- How scaling *down* can be just as powerful as scaling up

- What copywriting and fish have in common

- A surprisingly poetic lesson on joy, balance, and peeling back what no longer fits

Further Research & Mentions

- Sarah’s business: https://strikeanerve.com/ — Copywriting, strategy, and brand storytelling for creative entrepreneurs.

- Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kuiken

- Mentioned: Louis Grenier and his book on “truffle-hunting for marketing truths”

- Related resources on the etymology of scale from Latin scala (“ladder”) and Old Norse skál (“bowl”)

- Neil Patel’s research on AI vs. human SEO — for those curious about the evolving relationship between tech and creativity