Lea Nichols

Lea Nichols is a highly accomplished Executive Assistant and strategic business partner with over 20 years of experience supporting top-level executives in global organizations. Most recently, she served at Intel Corporation for over 13 years, where she excelled in managing complex calendars, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, and maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism. Lea’s innovative mindset led her to author seven patent disclosures during her tenure, showcasing her ability to contribute beyond traditional administrative roles. Her expertise with tools like Microsoft 365, SAP, CRM, and Slack has allowed her to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency across teams. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with Intel’s Admin of the Year award in 2024.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Lea is deeply committed to community service and has been a dedicated volunteer with the Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization (H.A.L.O.) since 2010. She currently serves on their Board of Directors as Treasurer, applying her financial and operational skills to help the nonprofit thrive. Known for her loyalty, adaptability, and proactive approach, Lea is passionate about supporting leaders, fostering teamwork, and driving meaningful impact both in her professional roles and volunteer work. Always eager to grow, she continuously pursues new skills in areas such as project management, infographic design, and artificial intelligence, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and innovation.
• Ai Certification
• Discover the Possibilities of Generative AI
• Learning Infographic Design
• Creating Significance: Choosing to Do Our Best Work
• Creating a Great Place to Work for All
• Miss Excel’s Top Productivity Hacks
• Confident Performance: Excelling When It Counts
• Generative AI Productivity Hacks with Miss Excel
• Communicating with Executives
• Event Planning Foundations
• Administrative Professional Foundations
• Ernie Reyes' West Coast World Martial Arts
• Foothill College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to unwavering self-determination and a commitment to continuous growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning—growth comes from staying curious and open to new knowledge.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay hungry, stay curious, and never stop pushing yourself to learn, grow, and take up space—you belong at the table.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge was doubting myself, but the real opportunity came in overcoming that self-doubt—embracing continuous learning and confidently stepping into new possibilities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the cornerstone of both my professional and personal life—it guides my decisions, builds trust, and ensures I show up authentically in every situation.
Locations
Santa Clara, CA 95610
Currently Location
Citrus Heights, CA