We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Nicole Gates-Golden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Nicole , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I started Golden Key Entrepreneur Training Academy to provide essential support to startup businesses and those seeking to pivot and grow. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many programs aimed at supporting entrepreneurs disappeared as the world reopened, leaving a gap for those still seeking knowledge and education, particularly around entrepreneurship. My goal is to equip these individuals with the necessary elements to create sustainable business enterprises. By offering training, resources, and guidance, I aim to empower entrepreneurs on their journey toward success.
At The Golden Key Entrepreneur Training Academy, our mission is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in the competitive business world. By focusing on our seven pillars of success—Leadership and Vision, Business Strategy, Financial Management, Marketing and Sales, Innovation and Creativity, Networking and Relationship Building, and Resilience and Adaptability—we aim to unlock each entrepreneur’s potential and guide them towards achieving their business goals
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Dr. Nicole Gates-Golden, a powerhouse in entrepreneurship and community service! Armed with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, a double Master’s with a focus on Digital Entrepreneurship and Marketing, and an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration, Nicole is breaking new ground and setting trends. As the Executive Director of the Golden Key Entrepreneur Training Academy, she’s all about empowering future business leaders with the tools to build sustainable success.
Beyond her professional accolades, Nicole is a supermom and devoted wife who adds heart to everything she does. Her passion for community shines through her service on multiple nonprofit boards and her graduation from Leadership Memphis. Guided by her life motto, “To whom much is given, much is required,” Nicole is all about making waves and leaving a lasting impact in her community. Get ready to be inspired by her journey and commitment!
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
I first met Mr. Charlie Golden Jr. at the Golden Institute, his place of business, while conducting stakeholder interviews in my community for my 9-to-5 job. From our initial conversation, I felt an immediate connection as we delved into our shared passion for business development. As the owner of the Golden Institute, Mr. Golden exuded a visionary spirit that resonated deeply with my own aspirations. Our discussion naturally gravitated toward the importance of a strong vision and mission in building successful enterprises, and we quickly realized that our morals and values were remarkably aligned. His dedication to fostering growth and innovation was evident, and he spoke with pride about how he was legacy building. Mr. Golden Jr. inspired and supported me in achieving my dream of establishing an entrepreneur training academy, shortly after we married. This academy aims to empower budding and aspiring entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses, a mission that perfectly encapsulates our mutual belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Our instant connection laid the foundation for a collaborative journey driven by shared ideals and a commitment to nurturing future business leaders.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was a pivotal moment in my life when I was deeply involved with Strategic Growth Leadership University (SGLU), a Christian school initiated by my Aunt Sonja. She enlisted my help to bring her vision to life, and I eagerly participated in building the foundation of the school, crafting essential documents to govern its daily operations, and was even asked to teach the entrepreneur track. However, the pivot came when I was already in the midst of writing my own curriculum and preparing to launch my online academy. I instead decided to set aside my personal ambitions to assist my family in realizing SGLU’s opening. Despite warnings from other family members about the potential pitfalls of collaborating, I followed my heart and moved forward, driven by a sense of duty and loyalty. Unfortunately, this decision proved to be a significant misstep. As time went on, I felt increasingly used and was gradually excluded from key developments that I spent time away from home flying back and forth to Houston to help create. It was a heartbreaking experience that set my personal goals back by nearly a year and a half. However, I am fortunate to have a supportive circle of people who encouraged me to persevere beyond this setback. With their support, I reignited my passion and commitment to my dreams. On August 11, 2025, I will celebrate a new chapter by cutting the ribbon for my own school…Golden Key Entrepreneur Training Academy, a testament to how my rejection and reality invoked resilience and the unwavering pursuit of MY dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goldenkeyeta.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_goldenkey?igsh=NmxybDExcTVyOWtt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339082490&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Mr. Charlie Golden Jr. & Bheanna Hulbert