Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Imblum serves as Technical Trainer and Project Development Specialist at Mazak, a company that manufactures CNC machines. In this role, she develops trainings for customers on CNC machine maintenance, programming, and safety,, as well as for employees on new technologies and soft skills such as customer service for field service technicians. These trainings are primarily delivered online through the company's LMS, with some in-person sessions. Prior to joining Mazak, Imblum spent approximately 10 years in training and learning and development roles in healthcare and finance. She began her career at NADG, a dental company, where she advanced from team lead to department manager and then training manager over her decade there. Her path into manufacturing was driven by curiosity and a willingness to learn new skills, leading her to a position where she continues to learn daily and then teach others. Imblum's success stems from her natural problem-solving abilities and her approach of entering new environments with curiosity rather than assumptions of expertise. This method has earned her respect among colleagues in the manufacturing sector. She encourages women to consider careers within the trades as their skills are needed and will be appreciated.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
A combination of resilience, curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to step outside of my comfort zone. I’ve never been afraid of new challenges, being wrong, asking questions, or pursuing opportunities that push me beyond what I already know.
I’m also incredibly passionate about learning and helping others succeed. Throughout my career, I’ve found that being adaptable and teachable, staying curious and surrounding myself with people who challenge and inspire me have opened doors.
Most importantly I’ve learned success isn’t about having all the answers and getting everything right the first time. It’s about showing up; being willing to learn from your mistakes, and continuing to move forward even when things get difficult. I don’t attribute my success to being fearless, I attribute it to refusing to let fear stop me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Feel the fear and do it any way.” It’s a simple philosophy that has shaped the way I approach my life. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my life have come from stepping outside my comfort zone, taking chances and trusting myself even when I didn’t have it all figured out. I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t always come before taking a big leap. Sometimes it comes from proving to yourself that you’re capable of doing something you find intimidating. I think this advice is especially important for women who might enter male-dominated industries or pursuing leadership roles. You don’t have to wait until you’re completely ready or qualified to pursue an opportunity. Growth happens when you challenge yourself, embrace uncertainty, and refuse to let fear make your decisions for you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t ever be intimidated by entering a male-dominated industry. You belong here just as much as anyone else. Be curious, ask questions, take every opportunity to learn, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to know everything on day one, but you do need to believe in your ability to learn and grow.
Find mentors who support you, speak up when you have ideas, and never underestimate the value of the perspective you bring. Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to change who you are to be successful in this industry. Be confident, take up space and know that you deserve a seat at the table.
The more women who enter the industry, the more we open the door for the next generation of women to see themselves here, too.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our industry right now is keeping up with how quickly technology is evolving while making sure we have the skilled workforce to support it. But I also feel it’s one of our greatest opportunities. There’s so much room for innovation, continuous learning and bringing new people into the industry. We have an opportunity to pass along knowledge from experienced technicians while introducing new tech and fresh perspectives. It’s a very exciting time to be in manufacturing because there’s always something new to learn and the work we’re doing has a real impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me, both professionally and personally are integrity, empathy, resilience and continuous growth. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, treating people with kindness and respect, and remaining open to learn from every new experience.
Professionally, I’m passionate about empowering others through education and creating opportunities for people to recognize their own potential. I believe knowledge should be shared, not guarded, and that great leadership is about supporting others, encouraging curiosity, and creating an environment where people feel confident enough to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.
Personally, I value authenticity, loyalty and meaningful connections. I believe it’s important to remain true to yourself, stand by your principals: and approach others with compassion without compromising your own boundaries.
Above all, I value resilience. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but I believe there’s something incredibly powerful about being willing to adapt, challenge yourself and continue moving forward. Success, to me, isn’t just about your accomplishments; but the impact your have on others and the person you become along the way.
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