In this powerful episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and joy-driven coach Nikki Cruise, whose story will shake you, stretch you, and spark fresh faith.

For 11 years, Nikki lived strapped into a wheelchair. She couldn’t feed herself, fix her hair, or even steady her own hands. Doctors told her she would never walk again. But God had a different plan. What changed the trajectory of Nikki’s life wasn’t just a miracle moment—it was a choice. A choice to refuse the world’s labels. A choice to stop letting circumstances define her. A choice to believe again.

In this conversation, Nikki shares how gratitude became her turning point, how joy became her weapon, and how purpose pulled her out of despair into a bold, Kingdom-driven life of influence.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or unsure of your calling, this episode will remind you that your “wheelchair”—whatever it is—does not get the final say.

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What You’ll Learn

– Why your circumstances do not define your identity

 – How gratitude becomes the doorway to unshakable joy

 – The mindset shift that unlocked Nikki’s healing after 11 years

 – How joy fuels leadership, influence, and Kingdom impact

 – The real reason joy is a weapon every entrepreneur needs

Guest Bio

Nikki Cruise is an international TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and empowerment coach known around the world as “The Joy Junkie.” After spending 11 years in a wheelchair and later experiencing a miraculous healing, Nikki now uses her story to ignite faith, courage, and bold Kingdom purpose in others. Through her J.U.M.P.P. Program (Joyfully Unleashing a More Powerful Purpose), she equips women and leaders to break limiting labels, rise in their God-given identity, and lead with joy that transforms lives. Nikki is originally from South Africa and now resides in Burleson, Texas, where she continues speaking, coaching, and releasing contagious joy everywhere she goes.

Guest Links & Resources

– Website: https://www.joy-inspired.com

 – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikki.cruise.7

 – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyInspiredPodcast

 – Joy Resources + 30 Days of Joy Scriptures (from her podcast)

Connect with Devin (Host)

– Website: https://www.devinschubert.com

 – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin

 – Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com

 – Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com