We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ellie Nieves a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ellie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Ellie Nieves—Woman of Faith, Wife, Bonus Mom, Attorney, Speaker, Author, Runner, Road Warrior, and Career Strategist. I’ve spent over 20 years navigating the corporate world and have a passion for helping women show up, speak up, and step up in their careers. My professional journey began with a B.A. in Communications from Fordham University, followed by a J.D. from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. After more than a decade in the workforce, I earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business with a focus on Leadership and Global Business. Along the way, I’ve faced challenges, celebrated wins, and discovered the importance of aligning career aspirations with values.
In my day job, I work as Head of Strategic Public Policy & Assistant General Counsel at a Fortune 300 company. Outside of that, I am the Founder of Leadership Strategies for Women, LLC, where I provide coaching, seminars, webinars, and online on-demand courses to help women navigate their careers with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s tackling workplace challenges, developing influence, or gaining recognition for their work, I focus on equipping women with the tools they need to grow and lead.
I know firsthand what it’s like to balance ambition with life’s demands, and I bring that real-world perspective to my women’s leadership development seminars and coaching. What sets me apart is that I’m in the trenches too, navigating corporate challenges and bringing actionable strategies to the women I support. I relate to their experiences and guide them in practical ways to help them achieve success.
One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing the transformations my clients experience. They’ve developed stronger professional relationships, earned well-deserved promotions and raises, and stepped into leadership roles with confidence. Watching them realize their full potential is what drives me.
For anyone curious about my work, here’s what I’d like you to know: my focus isn’t just on career advancement—it’s about helping women create a fulfilling, impactful professional life that aligns with their values. Whether you’re looking to build influence, negotiate for what you deserve, or take your leadership presence to the next level, I’m here to help you navigate competitive workplace dynamics and thrive.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2018, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. After a routine mammogram revealed the diagnosis, I underwent surgery and then began a grueling treatment plan that included six months of chemotherapy, one month of daily radiation, and three months of adjuvant therapy. As an “A-type” personality, I was used to juggling projects, traveling, and keeping things running smoothly at home. But cancer forced me to shift priorities and focus entirely on my health. I’ll never forget the first day of chemo—sitting in the hospital chair, terrified of what lay ahead. I prayed, “God, help me,” and He did. My faith anchored me, and the support of my family and friends helped me find the strength to face each day, even through the most challenging side effects.
Coming out of that season, I gained a completely new perspective on life and priorities. I no longer take anything for granted and focus on cherishing the moments and people that matter most. That journey taught me resilience—not as powering through alone, but as leaning on faith, accepting help, and taking things one step at a time. Today, as a breast cancer survivor, those lessons continue to inspire how I live, work, and support others in navigating their own challenges with courage and purpose.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Following my breast cancer journey, I completed treatment in January 2020, just before the pandemic shutdowns began. While the restrictions in New York were challenging, I approached that time with a renewed perspective and a sense of gratitude for having overcome cancer. Like so many others, it was also a time for deep reflection and reevaluating how I wanted to live. My husband and I decided to pivot by selling our home in New York’s Hudson Valley and building a new home in Florida, motivated by a desire to embrace a healthier lifestyle and find more joy in everyday life—both of which Florida’s climate and pace offered.
This pivot required significant adjustments. It took me three years to fully settle into a new lifestyle and rhythm. During that time, I prioritized my home life and relationships, which meant placing some of my business projects on hold. We split our time between New York City and Florida, balancing work and personal life while building the future we envisioned. Today, I’m in Florida for most of the year and have fully embraced a lifestyle that reflects my priorities and values. This experience reminded me that pivoting isn’t always easy, but it’s often necessary to create a life that aligns with what truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ellienieves.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipstrategiesforwomen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipStrategiesForWomen/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellienieves/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ellienieves
- Other: https://www.womensleadershipinstitute.com/
Image Credits
Patty Hale; Diane Fraticelly; @HelloSarahKay; FemForceMiami; Ellie Nieves