We recently connected with Dr Nicole Bradford and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr Nicole, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
The craziest story related to my business that came from an experience I had while attending Grambling State University. While attending GSU, I witnessed a wave of talented young ladies engaging with pageants, I felt a spark igniting within me. I returned to Austin, and decided to compete in the Miss Austin USA pageant. The first attempt didn’t go as planned, but instead of giving up, I returned with a fierce determination the next year.
On my second try, the atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement. As I stood on that stage, the spotlight illuminated my path, and I delivered a captivating performance that resonated with the judges and audience alike. When they announced me as the first African American Miss Austin USA, the crowd erupted in applause, and I felt a profound sense of achievement.
That moment marked the beginning of my public speaking journey. With each speech, I connect with others, sharing my story of perseverance and passion. I was able to inspire young women to pursue their dreams, reminding them that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success. My voice became a beacon of hope, sparking conversations, and empowering those around me to embrace their own unique narratives.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a first generation college graduate whose journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. Born into a dysfunctional family, I faced the harsh realities of domestic violence and witnessed family members navigating the turbulent waters of the criminal justice system, drugs, and violence. Despite the challenges, I harnessed my life experiences and over two decades int eh field of education to create Maintaintheflame, a platform dedicated to empowering others to design the lives they truly desire. I believe that the circumstances of one’s beginnings do not dictate the trajectory of their future. Through my advocacy, I inspire employees, and leaders alike, reigniting their passion for life while guiding them to revisit their purpose. My mission is to help individuals step into a life of audacious authenticity, encouraging them to break free from the constraints of settling and embrace the extraordinary potential within themselves.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey has been a testament to resilience and unwavering strength in the face of profound challenges. While working fulltime and managing my business, I took on the responsibility of caring for both of my parents during their final years. The loss of my dad in 2021 was a heartbreaking blow, and just ten months later, I faced the pain of losing my mom in 2022. As if that weren’t enough, in 2023, I received the devastating news of my diagnosis with endometrial cancer. Throughout these trials, I held onto my faith in God and made a conscious choice to remain positive and to keep the flame of life burning brightly within me. I drew upon the love and memories of my parents as a source of strength, allowing their legacy to inspire my perseverance. Each challenge became an opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to living fully and authentically, proving to myself that no matter the obstacles, We all have the power to rise adapt and thrive.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
I became a supervisor/manager early in my career when I was in my late 20’s. When I manage a team in order for me to maintain high morale it is very important that the focus is on healthy relationships. Maintaining healthy relationships while managing a team is essential for fostering high morale and overall productivity. I would recommend starting by cultivating open communication; encourage team members to share their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. Actively listen and validate their feelings as this creates a supportive environment where everyone feels value. Set clear expectations and provide constructive feedback to help individuals grow, but also recognize and celebrate their achievements to boost confidence and motivation. Remember to value all employees and treat everyone with the same dignity and respect. Promote collaboration by encouraging team members to work together on projects, which can strengthen bonds and improve teamwork. Additionally, prioritize work life balance; show understanding and flexibility regarding personal commitments. Lastly, lead by example, and be someone that people can depend on. Always demonstrate respect , integrity and positivity in your interactions. Remember to nurture these principles, and you will create a cohesive team where members feel empowered and motivated, ultimately resulting in high morale.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maintaintheflame.net
- Instagram: Maintaintheflame
- Facebook: Maintaintheflame
- Linkedin: Maintaintheflame
Image Credits
Nicole D. Bradford