Her Story
About Nicole
Dr. Nicole Gates-Golden, EdD, is the Executive Director of Golden Key Entrepreneur Training Academy (GKETA), a Memphis-based nonprofit dedicated to entrepreneurship education, business development, and economic opportunity. She has been active in entrepreneurship and business training since 2016, initially supporting creatives through programs such as Art Up before expanding her vision into a dedicated physical hub featuring coworking space, a content studio, and comprehensive entrepreneurship programming. Dr. Gates-Golden holds a BBA in Business Administration from Strayer University, followed by graduate business degrees from Strayer University and the University of Phoenix, and an Executive DBA from the University of North Alabama, with her academic work centered on business administration, management, and entrepreneurship. She is also certified in grant writing, an expertise that supports her nonprofit leadership and community-focused initiatives.
Under her leadership, Golden Key Entrepreneur Training Academy has developed into an accredited entrepreneurship training institution providing practical education, mentorship, resources, and support to aspiring and early-stage business owners. Dr. Gates-Golden played a central role in guiding the academy through its accreditation process, achieving full accreditation in entrepreneurship training and establishing a distinctive model for entrepreneurship education in Tennessee. She is also a producer of Standing on Business: An Entrepreneur’s Origin Story, a documentary highlighting entrepreneurship, resilience, access, and community impact. The film has earned multiple film festival wins and selections after being submitted to more than 100 festivals. Her accomplishments and commitment to community development have earned recognition, including being named among Memphis's Influential 20 for her leadership, professional achievement, and community impact. She maintains professional affiliations with organizations including the Black Chamber and Tennessee Nonprofit Network.
Dr. Gates-Golden attributes her success to her entrepreneurial foundation, which began at age 16, as well as learning from professionals she admired and embracing opportunities that challenged her to grow. Following her divorce, the need to generate additional income became a catalyst for taking her entrepreneurial work full-time, strengthening her resilience, determination, and commitment to building a sustainable career. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly young women, to conduct thorough research, take entrepreneurship seriously, and develop the mindset and work ethic necessary to navigate the realities of being in business for themselves. Her professional philosophy is grounded in authenticity, trustworthiness, maintaining an award-winning attitude, and choosing to “count it all joy” throughout every stage of the journey. Through her leadership, education, and advocacy, Dr. Gates-Golden continues to create pathways that help entrepreneurs transform ideas into sustainable businesses and build greater economic opportunity within their communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my entrepreneurial mindset, which I developed at a young age, having been an entrepreneur since I was 16. I have always been inspired by the people I admire and motivated by their examples to continue learning, growing, and pursuing new opportunities. After my divorce, the need to create additional income became a catalyst for taking my business full-time. That experience strengthened my resilience, determination, and confidence in my ability to build a successful career on my own terms.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is, “Do it afraid. Just do it.” I have learned that fear is often a natural part of pursuing growth and new opportunities, but it should not prevent me from moving forward. Taking action, even when I feel uncertain, has helped me build confidence, embrace challenges, and discover opportunities I may not have pursued otherwise.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to do your research, take the opportunity seriously, and develop the right mindset for entrepreneurship. Being in business for yourself requires dedication, resilience, discipline, and a willingness to work hard, often without immediate or guaranteed results. Be prepared for challenges, remain committed to learning and growing, and understand that success takes time, consistency, and perseverance.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is finding people who are genuinely committed to running a business and who understand the level of dedication, discipline, and work ethic required to succeed. At the same time, this presents a significant opportunity to mentor and develop individuals who are willing to learn, embrace the entrepreneurial mindset, and put in the consistent effort necessary to build a sustainable and successful business.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, trustworthiness, and maintaining an award-winning attitude. I believe in being genuine in my interactions and honoring the trust people place in me, particularly when they rely on my knowledge and guidance to avoid costly mistakes. I also strive to approach challenges with a positive mindset, choosing to “count it all joy” and view every experience as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better.
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