Her Story
About Nikki
Nicole Cuming is a headhunter and owner of her own recruitment firm, which she launched a year ago after nearly a decade at Michael Page International. A 2015 graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in public relations communications, Cuming began her career as an associate consultant and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first female Director in the Houston office. She previously led the construction recruitment team covering Houston, Austin, and San Antonio before specializing her independent practice in mid to senior level placements within the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sectors across Texas markets.. Cuming manages the full recruitment cycle, from client strategy meetings and candidate sourcing via tools such as ZoomInfo and LinkedIn Recruiter to placements on projects like data centers and healthcare facilities. She attributes her success to her competitive drive and structured approach.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nikki
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my drive, competitive nature and my consistent resilience to always achieving my goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself and Breed Winners.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Success doesn't come from hearing "yes" every time it comes from consistently putting yourself out there.
Do not let a few "no's" discourage you. Every conversation, every meeting, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Be confident. Listen more than you speak. Understand your clients' needs. Hustle with purpose. Stay resilient when things don't go your way.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to speak up and be yourself. Authenticity and confidence go a long way, and people remember those who are genuine.
Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep pushing forward. Your next opportunity could be one conversation away.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For years, the construction industry has been heavily male dominated, and while that has come with its challenges, it has also created incredible opportunities for growth.
The majority of the hiring managers and leaders I partner with are men, and throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work alongside many who have been supportive mentors and leaders. Their guidance, trust, and encouragement have played a meaningful role in my professional development.
At the same time, I've learned that success comes from showing up consistently, working hard, being resilient, and never letting obstacles define your potential. As a woman in this industry, I'm proud of the relationships I've built and the career I've created. More importantly, I'm grateful for the people who have reminded me that there is no limit to what can be achieved with dedication, integrity, and perseverance.
Here's to continuing to break barriers, support one another, and create more opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Important values that guide both my career and personal life:
• Results-driven mindset
• Strong work ethic
• Resilience
• Authenticity
• Confidence
These values have shaped who I am, how I build relationships, and how I approach every opportunity and challenge. I believe success comes from staying true to yourself, working hard, remaining resilient through setbacks, and consistently delivering results.
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