Meet Nicole Holcomb | Organizational Team & Leadership Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Holcomb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how do you think about risk?

You know the woman in the circle of friends saying “let’s try it.” Usually, that’s me. “Risk taker” would be in the top 3 descriptors I have for myself. However, I don’t consider myself reckless (unless you consider parasailing for the first time in Phuket, Thailand with non-English speakers as reckless:))

As a teenage mom, my path was full of challenges. Believe me, my parents reminded me of that fact every chance they had. Truthfully, I don’t think I would be where I am today without taking risks. For example, moving out of my parents’ home before 18 in NYC with a young child – what sane person would do that? It wasn’t easy, but for me, it was necessary. “Adulting” before being an adult led me to be my own problem solver which built my capability and confidence.

The personal challenges I’ve overcome has given me the courage to tackle the professional ones. NLH Team Coaching would not have come into being without risk taking. After all, who would listen to someone who has made so many mistakes in life? I believe this is part of my secret sauce. I’ve been there so I know the sound of the inner critic. I embrace risk taking because it has led to the courage and confidence that we need at NLH to be advocates for personal power.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m not the “typical” consultant. I used to run away from that fact because I felt I didn’t have the pedigree to make it as a consultant. I remember a friend of mine asked me to “interview” for a consulting project at a large international institution where a large percentage of the staff have Master and Doctorate degrees. I was immediately intimidated. As I’m writing this, “butterflies are swirling”. Feels like it was yesterday even though it was almost 8 years ago. How would I measure up? That was a milestone moment for me. Not because I measured up right away. I had a very steep learning curve. I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t run away from the experience. I fought through my fears which, BY THE WAY, were absolutely reasonable. This is where my inclination to take risks paid off. I lead with the fact now that I’m not the typical consultant. I can make a valuable contribution in organizations and companies where there’s a greater need for authentic self-empowerment along with emotional and collective intelligence.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I like the variety of experiences Atlanta offers. I’m originally from NYC so I appreciate the “little big city” feel of ATL. There’s a unique tension of southern hospitality and northern hostility right across the street from one another.:) I would try to show them the flavor of Atlanta as I see it. Of course, it all depends on the person’s vibe and palate:) I would focus on the areas first because that’s what I appreciate,  different neighborhoods have different vibes. Then you find the “go to” place in that area. Here’s my “let’s go” list in no particular order.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandparents and parents set the tone for working hard and striving to provide a better life for your kids. Sounds like common sense, but I find it isn’t always common practice today. My grandmother went back to school after she raised her children and earned a nursing degree. My dad hardly ever called out. He retired a month or so earlier than expected because he had so much “sick time” saved up. It wasn’t because he had an easy job…his job was labor intensive. His sense of duty was strong. That sticks with me. It makes me appreciate even more the choices I get to make today that he didn’t have. We owe a debt of gratitude to our black ancestors. They “sucked up” a lot to pave the way for others. It haunts me at times when I feel I’m letting opportunities pass me by.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachnicoleholcomb/