Nicole Brecht

From ages 14 to 18, I faced the constant threat of a stalker at a time when Michigan provided no legal protection for minors in my situation. Rather than remain silent, I transformed that fear into fuel, embracing public speaking and advocacy to drive change. My efforts led to the passage of 11 city ordinances and a 1998 state law protecting stalking victims, which was later expanded to provide additional safeguards. What began as one of the darkest chapters of my life became a defining mission to protect others, forging within me a deep sense of resiliency, determination, and purpose. It revealed the power of my voice and affirmed that I can transform even the most painful experiences into something positive and impactful.

The best career advice I ever received came from a colleague who told me, “You have to think about what that person would actually buy and sell that, not what you think they need.” That simple idea completely shifted how I approach sales and strategy. Instead of starting from my own assumptions or preferences, I begin with my customer’s reality: how they think, what they value, and what would feel like a clear, confident “yes” for them. I focus on what truly resonates with the person in front of me, not just what I believe they would want. Communicating this way has enabled me to build more authentic partnerships, creating solutions that stick and drive results that feel mutual, not one-sided.

The advice I would share with young women entering this industry is the same guidance that reshaped my own career: you have to think about what that person would actually value and base your decisions on that, not on what you assume they need. That mindset has fundamentally influenced how I approach sales, business, and leadership. It has pushed me to move beyond surface-level networking and instead focus on genuine connection, active listening, and shared goals. By deliberately putting myself in the customer’s position and asking what would truly matter to them before they even fully articulate it. Communicating this way, I’ve been able to identify meaningful solutions, anticipate pain points, and build trust that lasts. Over time, seeing every role, relationship, and negotiation through multiple perspectives has not only made me more effective but also made my career more purposeful and rewarding.

The automotive industry is in a period of profound uncertainty, balancing electric, hybrid, and traditional platforms in ways that make long-term planning more complex than ever. In this environment, particularly at the global level where I am often one of the few women in the room, I have had to learn to trust my expertise and resist the pressure to overextend myself to prove my value. What I’ve discovered is that even as the technologies and timelines shift, the core fundamentals of the business remain constant. Success still comes from being solution-focused, clear on your value, and grounded in your knowledge. For me, that means staying steady amid changing priorities, aligning diverse teams, and supporting customers through ambiguity, not by chasing every trend, but by navigating change with confidence, clarity, and a long-term view.

The most important values to me are authenticity, human connection, and making the most of the time I have. I’ve learned to be more vulnerable and true to myself, especially as I connect with the younger generation and reflect on what I might have done differently at their age. For me, it’s less about “networks” or “partnerships” and more about genuine human connection where people truly understand one another. I’ve also learned to accept that I am enough, even if I’m not perfect, and to let go of the guilt that comes with balancing the many roles I hold as a wife, mother, employee, friend, and daughter, choosing instead to make each moment count. My faith has also been a grounding force throughout my life, helping me feel supported and never truly alone, even during times of doubt and struggle.