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

Hi Nicole, what are you inspired by?

One of the things that inspires me the most is travel. Travel enhances me in ways that no book or instruction can. It reveals another dimension of myself and cultivates an unique perspective on life, technology, and appreciation.

Travel, in my opinion, can improve the world. Traveling and visiting new countries exposes you to other cultures. Meeting and connecting with new individuals allows you to see and hear other people’s perspectives. Every new experience expands our horizons. Regardless of where we are or who we are with, we are always given opportunities to explore and learn new things. Travel has brought me together with many people. With all that is going on in the globe today, it is more important than ever to recognize that we share more ideals than we may imagine. Travel makes us realize how similar we are.

In addition, travel has shaped who I am. It has taught me the importance of patience. It has taught me that happiness does not require much. It has taught me to enjoy the small things in life, to live in the moment rather than getting caught up in the chaos of it all. It has taught me to think about the most essential things in life and has given me the most valuable gift of all: time to create memories.


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

In simple terms, I am a translator and transformer. I help the world’s most notable brands develop sustainable paths to growth by understanding their needs and improving their organization’s tools, processes, and people with innovative solutions and technology.

I am also one of the 3% of Black Women represented in the Tech Industry. It’s no secret that the technology industry has a diversity problem. The statistics are daunting reminders that there is a lack of representation, equity, and development for Black women in tech that can hinder your ability to succeed. Despite the numbers, it’s empowering to see the Black women breaking barriers and bridging the gap in the tech world – Camille Hearst, Jasmine Lawrence, and Kamilah Taylor to name a few have paved the way and paid it forward. They represent the je ne sais quoi that Black women bring to the industry.

No one remembers you for standing in the crowd. But they do remember you for standing out of it. — Eddie Harris

My empathetic leadership and keen understanding of the value of diversity in technology set me apart from other IT Business Management Consultants. The diversity of technology producers is critical for effective adaptation and adoption of solutions, which is why I have devoted my career to the advancement and enrichment of the underrepresented, acting as a change agent for organizational change and assisting in the implementation of a sustainable DEI strategy. Addressing the technology industry’s lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion will not only encourage the development of targeted technologies to address specific needs and cure issues like the environmental crisis, but it will also provide access to the previously underrepresented, resulting in the successful adoption and positive outcomes for our overall society.

You stand out in the crowd only because you have these many, many carrying you on their shoulders. — Desmond Tutu

The most important thing I’ve learned and the best advice I’ve received along the way is to build a team and foster a sense of community. Building a sense of community encourages creativity and progress by giving a unique chance for people to learn from one another while also providing support and encouragement, both of which are key components of collaborating with others. Building others up also allows you to grow as a great empathetic leader. Empathetic leadership improves not only morale, productivity, and retention, it also positively impacts revenue.

Your Life Is Your Message To The World. Make Sure It’s Inspiring. – Anonymous

One of my biggest joys is creating spaces and platforms to empower and elevate the voices of the underrepresented; that’s how I pay it forward. I encourage everyone to show up as their authentic selves because being you is a dimension that will enable you unlock numerous doors. Check out TechNOIRlogy if you need some motivation, a career champion, or advice on how to get into the Tech industry.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

The pre-Covid list would be vastly different, but considering we are in our Junior Year of Covid. My Covid-Friendly itinerary would consist of;

Friday – Happy Hour at Drawbar and Late Night Drinks and Tacos at Parlor Den in Castleberry
Saturday – Black Hair Experience and the evening Drinks, Putt Putt, and tunes by DJ @SedtheSaint at Puttshack in Interlock
Sundays – Brunch and tunes by DJ @BoogieLov at APT 4B


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Without my tribe, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Both my mother and grandmother instilled in me an entrepreneurial spirit and a can-do mentality.

My nieces and nephews motivate me to keep going even though the days are long and the road is difficult. I work hard to provide spaces and platforms for them to use in the future to amplify their voices and accomplish their aspirations.

My Board of Directors aka my tribe (Ayasha, tDot, Sed, Nik, Kimmy, Vee, TErica) keeps me balanced.   They are my biggest cheerleaders and act as sounding boards, focus groups, therapists, and gentle reminders to eat, sleep, and breathe.

To raise a child, and a well-adjusted adult, it truly takes a village – lol!

Website: https://www.cksignatures.com/

Instagram: @according2kilbs

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/technoirlogy/?viewAsMember=true

Twitter: @brokerthepeople

Other: https://www.infosys.com/about/diversity-inclusion/e-race.html

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.