Nicole Brecht

I attribute my success to overcoming major adversity in my youth, when I had a stalker from ages 14 to 18 at a time when Michigan had no protections for minors. This led me to begin public speaking and advocate for change, resulting in the passage of 11 city ordinances and a 1998 state law protecting stalking victims, later expanded to include broader protections. What began as a personal struggle became a mission to protect others, and although it was one of the darkest periods of my life, it ultimately taught me resilience, purpose, and the importance of using my voice to create lasting impact.

The best career advice I ever received came from a colleague who told me that people usually buy what they like, not necessarily what the other person needs, and to always consider what the recipient has done for you before making decisions. I’ve carried this into my work in sales and strategy by consistently putting myself in my customer’s position—thinking ahead about what information or support would truly help them succeed. This approach has helped me build stronger, more authentic connections rooted in understanding rather than buzzwords, and it continues to guide how I collaborate, strategize, and grow in my career.

The advice I would share with young women entering my industry comes from a colleague who told me about 20 years ago to think about what someone has done for you or would value themselves when making decisions for them. That perspective has shaped my approach to sales, business, and life by teaching me to look beyond surface-level networking and focus on true connection and collaboration. By putting myself in the customer’s position and understanding their needs before they fully articulate them, I’ve been able to better identify solutions, anticipate pain points, and grow through experience by seeing each role and relationship from multiple perspectives.

Right now, the automotive industry is facing major uncertainty as it shifts between electric, hybrid, and traditional approaches, which makes long-term planning especially challenging. In my role, where I’m often one of the few women at the global level, I’ve had to learn to trust my expertise and recognize that I don’t need to overextend myself to prove my value. While the landscape continues to evolve, I’ve found that the fundamentals of the business remain the same, and success comes from staying solution-focused, confident in your knowledge, and steady in navigating change across teams, customers, and priorities.

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 release the guilt that comes from 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.