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

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

After graduating from college and moving to Atlanta to start my climb up the corporate ladder, I found myself always looking for ways to volunteer and serve kids as I had done since a sophomore in college. I had always imagined being in a corporate space, but somewhere deep within there was always a pull towards the field of education and youth development. After continuing to serve youth as a volunteer, including helping to launch a mentoring program, called Sister II Sister, that served girls at a local Boys and Girls Club for over 6 years, the pull to serve youth never left.

As a Newlywed, two-time homeowner and soon-to-be mother, I faced what turned to be one of the biggest risks of my life, which was to walk away from the comfort and financial stability of my corporate career to start a non-profit mentoring program for girls. Now looking back over 18 years later and thinking of the award-winning organization that was birthed, the incredible team I have had the opportunity to build, and the thousands of girls and families I have had a chance of impacting as an Executive Director, Author, speaker and Confidence Coach, I can’t imagine my life any different.

It was a huge risk that came with tremendous sacrifices, not only by me but by my family and the incredible women who have walked this journey alongside me. Despite it all, it was a risk that was well worth it. As they say, anything worth having is going to cost you something. The question is are you willing to do the work and pay the price?

Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I like to describe myself as a modern-day treasure hunter, who gets an opportunity to help ladies, leaders and little girls uncover the brilliance within. I do as the Founder and Executive Director of Diamond In The Rough Youth Development Program, but I alongside my business partner, Dr. DeYonne Parker, in Gem Makers, LLC, a coaching and consulting company. If that wasn’t enough, I also get a chance to engage and support women and girls as a Confidence Coach and as a Television producer and Talk Show Host through the Beyond Brilliant Television Broadcast.

Whether it is developing programs and experiences for women and girls, speaking on stages, coaching clients, writing books, or creating content that inspires, I am grateful that I get the opportunity to live my purpose and help others do the same.

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

I think over the years what has helped me build my reputation within the market has been being true and authentic, operating in integrity, and being consistent. As a woman of faith, I understand the work I do is much bigger than me, which has helped to keep me stay grounded and focused, which is needed more than ever when times get tough and distractions surface. In addition, because I have to answer to one higher than me, I strive to always operate with integrity, compassion, and care. It makes my job a lot easier and takes the pressure off myself to be perfect and have all the answers. Instead, I get up each day, seeking God first, treating people the way I desire to be treated, and doing this work to the best of my ability. I think those around me sense my sincerity, passion, and professionalism, and hopefully, the way I live my life speaks louder than any words I could ever say.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

For anyone managing a team, I would encourage them to lead by example. Remember, although you may be the visionary of your business, it takes a team to make the dream a reality. Be prayerful in the people you invite along the journey, trust your gut, keep the lines of communication open at all times, express your appreciation often and seek opportunities to help your team members grow personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheRealNicoleSteele.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealnicolesteele
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNicoleSteele
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealnicolesteele
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6wviZH9Igc_pcJKQEomLug

Image Credits
Professional (standing at the chair) image was done by Kimazing Photography.