Owning Your Equation with Nicholas Stainsby

In this episode of Unleash Your Unique Genius, I sit down with Nicholas Stainsby—fourth-generation window cleaner, entrepreneur, musician, and visionary business owner—for a rich conversation about legacy, reinvention, and rewriting the equation of your life. From humble beginnings in Canada to now running a thriving multi-service business, Nick shares the challenges and joy of carrying forward a family tradition while creating something entirely his own.

We explore how Christmas lights became a powerful part of his business, how joy can drive success, and why the systems you build directly shape the life you live. This episode is full of wisdom, humor, and a heartfelt reminder: if your business is draining you, you invented it—and you can reinvent it.

🔥 Here’s what we cover:

Legacy Meets Reinvention

• How Nick’s business roots date back to post-WWI England and how he revived his father’s brand to build something new.
• What it means to pick up the pieces, honor your past, and build a business that serves your future.

From Window Washing to Christmas Magic

• Why Nick fell in love with Christmas lights and how they deliver next-level joy to his clients (and him!).
• Navigating the seasonal challenges of snow, frozen gutters, and the unpredictable Canadian weather.
• The energy shift of offering services that genuinely light people up.

The Joy of Creation & The Burden of Vision

• Why entrepreneurship is an act of invention—and what to do when you realize you’ve invented a life you don’t love.
• How Nick balances visionary energy with daily discipline, and why KPIs and hiring are still his biggest growth areas.
• The concept of “the equation”—his powerful philosophy (and future book!) on changing inputs to shift outcomes.

Personal Vision, Music, and Stretching Yourself

• Why building a business isn't the only dream—and how Nick’s now chasing his goal of being paid to play music.
• How stretching personally helps you grow professionally.
• Learning to let go of control and let others shine in areas they’re better equipped to lead.

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“If you’re miserable, you invented it—you can reinvent it.”

“People focus on the answer, but they’re unwilling to change the equation.”

“Christmas lights don’t just make homes brighter—they light up people’s lives.”

“The systems you’ve created are producing your current lifestyle. Change the system, change the life.”

💡 Want to Reflect?

This week’s challenge:

Where are you tolerating a system or structure in your business that no longer serves you?

Ask yourself: What am I putting into the equation—and is it giving me the result I want?

Then pick one part to reinvent.

🙌 Stay Connected

• Subscribe to Unleash Your Unique Genius on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform.
• Catch Nick at The Huge Convention and hear more about his journey and tips for scaling seasonal services.
• Follow for updates on The Equation—Nick’s forthcoming book on redesigning your life by rewriting your systems.