Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Gray is the founder of Renewed Impact, her own coaching and professional speaking company based in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds an MBA and has been coaching for three years, applying those skills throughout her prior corporate career before launching her business after a layoff. With a background in sports broadcasting that includes a seven-year sports podcast and local reporting in Atlanta, Gray now focuses on coaching and professional speaking. She values honesty and authenticity above all, encouraging professionals to speak up in meetings without regard to title or role and to cultivate sponsorships that amplify their visibility. Gray notes the freedom of entrepreneurship, where she sets her own direction without corporate red tape, while addressing challenges such as managing multiple roles and combating isolation through deliberate connections with peers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I had a manager, Cindy Gutierrez, who told me if you've got something to say, say it. Don't ever sit in a meeting and worry about your title or role. If you've got something to say, say it. From then on, I always spoke up and spoke my mind. Don't worry about what role or title you're in or feeling like you're not enough, don't shrink. If you walk into a room, own it.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Build relationships and sponsorships. Somebody's gotta say my name in those rooms that I'm not in. Look to see who has that position, reach out to them, build those relationships, let them know who you are. Mentorships are great, but sponsorships take everything to the next level.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is playing all the roles. Another big challenge is isolation, so I'm very intentional in making sure I surround myself with other people who are doing the same work. It's been really liberating to basically be doing the same work I've always been doing but now I hold all the key. Every day when I get up, I make the choice as far as this is what I'm gonna do, and I don't have to cut through red tape, I don't have to ask for permission, and that's the part that's really freeing with doing my own thing right now.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the biggest thing. I always say I grew up with two parents. One was Malcolm X, one was Martin Luther King, as far as standing up for what you believe in, being good to other people, because you'll get that back, but then also being honest about who you are and how you treat people. Being your true, authentic self, but then honestly just being honest with who you are. And don't sugarcoat anything. You can be direct, you can have boundaries.
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