We were lucky to catch up with Nicholas Love recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicholas, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

At Kulur Group, serving underserved communities is at the heart of our mission. As a two-time graduate of a historically Black college and university (HBCU), Grambling State University, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges HBCUs and minority-serving institutions (MSIs) face due to chronic underfunding. These institutions often “are limited in their ability to provide at scale modern, industry-based practices, certifications, and resources because of budget constraints. This reality drives our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders for success.

One example of our efforts is through partnerships with Grambling State University and Georgia State University. Last year, we gifted both institutions memberships to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), granting them access to industry-leading thought leadership, certifications, and mentorship opportunities. This initiative enhanced classroom education and brought real-world insights to students and faculty. We also created lecture-based programming that introduced students to representation at the C-suite level, allowing them to see people of color leading in marketing and entrepreneurship. Representation matters, and this effort has helped students build connections, gain mentorship, and envision their potential in leadership roles.

Another impactful initiative was our pro bono campaign, Are You Dope?, aimed at providing support to minority- or women-led tech startups. A standout story is our collaboration with Hayti, a Black-owned technology company creating a digital Black Wall Street and hosting the largest network of independent podcasters. We worked with them to refine their brand narrative and positioning, addressing the common challenge minority founders face when deciding between funding product development or marketing. By elevating their messaging, we helped them push their vision forward.

Looking ahead, our nonprofit, Dope Thinkers, will further this mission by establishing student-run advertising, marketing, and PR agencies at HBCUs and MSIs. These agencies will give students hands-on experience in agency work, bridging the gap between client-side education and agency careers. It’s an innovative way to create a talent pipeline and establish deeper partnerships between universities and corporate entities, while training the next generation of agency owners and C-suite leaders.

Our work is about creating opportunities, building pipelines, and driving systemic change to ensure underserved communities have access to the tools and resources needed to thrive.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As the first-named CEO of Kulur Group, a diverse-owned challenger brand agency that specializes in omnichannel marketing and brand reputation management who is committed to partnering with brands aspiring to be D.O.P.E., I’ve focused on reshaping our vision, mission, and growth strategy. My journey into this industry starts with a challenger mentality, fueled by a passion for creative problem-solving and strategic thinking, that led me to influential roles in digital marketing across the higher education,technology, agriculture, financial and professional services industries both domestically and internationally.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a Master’s in Sports Administration from Grambling State University, where I also lecture in both the College of Business and Mass Communications Department. My career highlights include serving as an on-air talent in ESPN’s Digital Media department, leading Social & Search Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, building a Digital Center of Excellence at G&S Business Communications and leading global marketing efforts at Hotwire, consistently driving innovation and transformative results.

At Kulur Group, one of our most defining moments was hosting Nola in Kulur in New Orleans. This national debut tackled the critical issue of closing the racial wealth gap, bringing together thought leaders across education, government, healthcare, and entrepreneurship for a truly impactful experience.

What set Nola in Kulur apart wasn’t just the caliber of our speakers—it was our ability to activate a community filled with Dope Thinkers and tap into all senses through provocative discussions, great food, great drinks, great scenery, custom scents and music that enabled our major sponsors like the American Heart Association and Greater New Orleans Foundation, Hayti and Purdue For Life Foundation to elevate their respective brands. Despite being a new agency, we stood alongside established brands like Target and Coca-Cola in media coverage. That moment demonstrated Kulur Group’s ability to think big, act boldly, and deliver results that rival industry giants.

Becoming Kulur Group’s first CEO is a milestone I deeply value. My leadership style is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and a clear vision for what this agency can achieve. At Kulur Group, we specialize in creating culturally intelligent strategies that drive real impact—reshaping narratives, fostering innovation, and inspiring change. For me, leading this agency is about building a legacy that uplifts and empowers others.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building our reputation in the market has been about embracing cultural intelligence, modern thinking, and standing out by being unapologetically different. In the African-American community, being called “different” can be a term of endearment, a recognition of leveling up and achieving an elite status. That mindset drives everything we do at Kulur Group.

Our content reflects this approach, combining intelligence with a culturally forward perspective that challenges norms. For example, we reimagined Harriet Tubman as a TED Talk speaker on what it means to be a challenger, offering a bold and unique way to honor her legacy. We created a visual of Snoop Dogg at a stove with money burning, delivering a concept that is both provocative and thought-provoking. Our “No Cap Leadership” article paired impactful insights with a literal no-cap fitted hat, pushing boundaries in storytelling. Another example is our shade article, where a Black student is depicted sitting on a campus lawn sipping tea, influenced by the Kermit the Frog meme, adding humor and cultural relevance.

This differentiation, rooted in intelligence, culture, and creativity, sets us apart in an industry filled with sameness. We’re building a reputation not just for being innovative but for consistently leveling up and proving that being “different” is a strength, not just a label.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My approach to managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with genuinely understanding people as individuals. While some debate whether workplaces should be compared to families, I believe in building relationships that reflect a family-like approach, rooted in actions rather than words. Leadership, to me, means showing up authentically, investing time to know my team, and fostering an environment of honesty and trust. I celebrate wins, acknowledge challenges, and lead with clarity and consistency.

Effective leadership requires knowing when to lead from the front, middle, or back, and this comes from understanding how individuals collaborate and operate. I am very clear about the type of people who thrive in our culture. Integrity, ethics, confidence, and resourcefulness are essential traits. You do not have to be the loudest voice in the room, but you must back your confidence with results. At Kulur Group, culture is everything, and excellence in behavior and values is the foundation for being part of the team.

Maintaining morale relies on clear values and behavioral expectations. Challenges and setbacks are natural, but when trust and equity are central to relationships, even tough conversations can happen constructively. Whether addressing underperformance or making the hard decision to part ways, I ensure that expectations are always clear. High morale is built on alignment, respect, and a shared commitment to our culture and vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kulurgroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kulurgroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KulurGroup/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kulur-group
• Twitter: https://x.com/kulurgroup
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KulurGroup