We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Nicole Wagner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Nicole below.

Dr. Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in all of my careers that I believe changed the trajectory was 1, being told I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it, 2. lack of belief and support in my ability to be successful in the arenas in which I have chosen for myself without limitations. Being thought as incapable of being the trailblazer in my own destiny with no, or limited support is truly an unforgettable moment. One that I will forever be able to look back on and say, “if it weren’t for that, things would be different”. As I continue on my path of life, I will undoubtedly have similar defining moments, it is within these moments that a better version of self has been developed, and I have found my passion with purpose. Having all my obvious challenges laid out to me by various people was one of the most discouraging and hurtful experiences as I recall it. As a plus size woman I was told I couldn’t model because I was too short, to fat, had too much loose skin, not pretty enough, not popular enough and not desirable. In the pursuit of my academics, I was told how dumb I was, and just not smart enough to complete high school or college. In my aspiration to be a writer, mentor, actress and advocate I was made to feel as if I had nothing of value to say and nobody would take me seriously or listen to me. My earliest memory of this behavior was in my early preteens while placed in a group home for girls. I remember hearing a female staff counselor talking to another female staff person. In this conversation the one staff said to the other “why send her on the retreat she not going to do anything with her life. She’s just going to end up on drugs or in jail” and then they both laughed. Now these were women charged without the responsibility of planting seeds of hope within me after being removed from a broken and unsafe home. Imagine the devastation I felt as a child and that which I feel as an adult woman to know that people speak and seek my successful demise. I began to think changing the course of my life was useless and impossible, after all the odds appeared to be against me, or at least it seemed to be. With so much in my heart and mind that I wanted to pursue, the biggest thing for me was not proving any of these people right and breaking generational curses within my family tree. I didn’t want to lose at life, and I didn’t want them to be right. To fail would have been an embarrassment to me, so I decided to beat the odds before me.

I decided to think outside the box starting with me becoming my own cheerleader. I decided to accept the situation itself, not as a form of defeat but as motivation. I decided to no longer allow myself to be at the effect of life and its situations, but the only responsible party in charge of the navigation of ship within my journey. I reconnected in my relationship with God. If I was going to win at this thing, I needed something and someone bigger that myself and what I was in pursuit of to guide me. I began to pray to the Almighty God. I would ask him to intervene and provide help in my undertakings because God is the worker of miracles and guides in times of need. I became hopeful and determined with the motto “failure is not an option”. In changing my mindset, I was sure to change my narrative, it was my new way of thinking that fueled me to try the impossible. As I matured, I learned to avoid dream killers and naysayers. I began to speak positive affirmations of life to myself. Telling myself daily that “you have the potential”. I stopped avoiding the presence of successful people and purposefully started placing myself around winners and successful people. If I was going to be successful, I needed to learn the how’s from successful people. Afterall, we become a product of our environment. I got me a few mentors that challenged me to challenge myself, and each of them taught me that knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.

People say the idiom “beat the odds” is a cliche. Perhaps, but I overcame great difficulties in order to break generational curses and accomplish something. I became successful and I always reach back to pull someone else up with me.

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?

I am a behavioral health professional and works full time as supervisor for SBIRT/OSOP with a focus on individual’s suffering from both mental health disorders and the disease of addiction. I currently manage three SBIRT/OSOP Emergency Department programs, one substance use disorder within the OB unit of a hospital and the Peer at an outpatient treatment facility while working in collaboration with the Baltimore City Mayors Office as one of the Oversight Opioid Epidemic Crisis Response Committee Board Members. Having experienced the impacts of alcoholism and illicit substance use being a product of an addict parent along with siblings and other families’ members. I desired to give people education on the disease of addiction along with hope of substance users to recover from the disease and return as productive members of society. As a Peer Recovery Supervisor, I provide the knowledge and resources needed to jumpstart the road to recovery for individual wanting and ready to improve their quality of life.

I am born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland where she currently resides. I am the CEO/Founder of Three Star Purpose which focus is on total wellness of all women Mind, Body and Spirit. I am a curvy model, blogger, multi-certified fitness instructor and published author in SURGE Uncuffed Anthology and mentor. I am a mother of a 27-year-old beautiful daughter, proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and Tau Eta Zeta honor society with the collaborative Human Service Administration Department (HSAD) of the University of Baltimore and Coppin State University. I have won the 2016 Humanitarian Award from BSHSI, Surviving Warrior Award from We Fight You Fight organization, and Longevity Award from Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. etc. Dr. Nicole P. Wagner was published in 2010 with Online Journal Articles and 2017 with Smooches Woman Magazine. I have a BA in Human Service Administration with a focus in Substance Abuse Counseling of Addictions, MS in Human Service Administration with a focus in Organizational Leadership and Marriage and Family Counseling and my Doctorate in Business Management with a focus in Organizational Leadership. I am a neo to acting under the production of Showup Films, L Set Productions, and 4 Star Casting. Lastly, I am the reigning 2021 Kurves and Confidence Queen, 2019 Ms. Exquisite DMV 1st Runner Up and Ms. social media.

I am known to many as “Coley” is a woman of God who with decency, order, integrity, dedication and tenacity has captured the hearts and admiration of those around me. In my devotion of being a servant of our Heavenly Father; I am committed to following my dreams and vision of being an advocate of men, women and the young who have been silenced through their pain or fears. I am devoted to aiding those suffering in many realms particularly those that have loss his/her faith in their individual selves. From 2003-present, I began my journey as an advocate for others while on a personal journey of “Self-Healing.” It would be in 2011 that she found her true calling as she combined her dreams, vision, passion and personal experiences into my love for physical wellness. In my own journey, I began to truly understand how the mind, body and spirit work together or against one another when not in synch. While transforming not only just my body but also my mindset for a life of quality I wanted to share this gift from God with others. The bible says for many are called, but few are chosen (Matthews 22:14). In my full-time behavioral health profession, I realized the power of the tongue. I believe the tongue either speaks life or death into the life of another. Therefore, I pride myself on always choosing the principles of life when speaking. Each gift of training has equipped Dr. Nicole with a unique creativity in reaching men and women. I use all developed platforms as my stage of ministry to others and I speak directly into the lives of every generation and establishes an ongoing outreach that promotes, and fosters Love and Respect.

Any advice for managing a team?

The best advice I can give for managing a team and maintaining high morale is, allow your team to see you are human. Allow yourself to learn from the team as well, this gives them a voice in the operational processes. Great leadership is the cornerstone to developing future leaders. I apply a value driven approach along with robust ethical practices in all that I do. In managing my teams, I apply a transformational approach the addresses each team members personal and professional behavior. While outcomes are important, I aspire to positively impact each team member by helping them to develop a stronger version of themselves beyond their identified roles within the organization. I consistently show concern and awareness for employee retention along with building the morale across all campus locations. I cultivate a vibrant and winning culture within our department and set a healthy work environment example by mindfulness in my own displayed behavior. I ensure clear, regular, and transparent communication. I incorporate rewards and recognition whenever possible, and I support whole person well-being. I create trust with each team member, I am hands on and not just a dictator. Lastly, I do my best to make sure each team member know I value them.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is consistency and confidence. Being consistent shows your employees and upper leadership they can trust you. It also speaks to your professional character when what you say is aligned with what you actually do. Also, one of the most loving things an effective leader can do for their team is to be there when they need you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/hothulafitnessNicole/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nwagner47
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnicole.wagner.5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com//in/dr-nicole-wagner

Image Credits
Wanda Reid Tyraja Dizzy Camper Joe DeAsia