Nikkole Liesse is a business education strategist who works to ensure that all students have access to completing their college degree. She also supports local professionals by identifying opportunities to provide lifelong learning for today’s workforce.
Why this career? I am passionate about people. When the recession hit in 2008, I saw people losing their homes, colleagues losing their jobs and companies going bankrupt. This was a pivotal moment in my career. I decided I wanted to use my marketing and business skills to help people become the best versions of themselves and be better prepared to thrive in any business or economic environment.
Biggest inspiration? I’m inspired by my students. In order to achieve their educational goals, they are making tremendous daily sacrifices in all other areas of their lives.
Best advice received? A mentor of mine taught me that, when I’m faced with big decisions or issues, to ask myself if I am looking for clarity or certainty. Clarity is key. Seeking clarity is important in order to make sound, logical, thorough decisions. Certainty, however, can be the antithesis to sound decisions. Looking for certainty will often paralyze a leader and prevent forward progress. I found myself drawing on this advice daily while navigating the first few weeks of the COVID-19 global pandemic. I had to make many decisions that impacted current and future students. With information flooding in and uncertainly across the board, I had to step back and try and see the whole picture while acknowledging that tomorrow that image could change, yet I had to act.
Advice to young women entering the workforce? Be authentic. It wasn’t until I embraced who I was as a professional, a woman and a modern servant leader that I was able to truly make an impact in the lives of those around me.
Fun outside of work? Some of the best experiences in my life have come from visiting new places and eating the local cuisine. It’s my goal to visit a new country and new state every year.