Meet Nichole Barnes-Marshall: The Leader Who Turned Networking Into an Art Form
What happens when a political science major becomes one of America's most respected DEI executives? You get a masterclass in authentic relationship building that spans 30 years, 20,000+ vinyl records, and countless lives transformed.
This Episode Will Change How You Think About:
🌟 Building Networks from Scratch
Watch Nichole reveal how she rebuilt her entire professional network after moving from Chicago to Columbus—and the intentional strategies that made it work.
🎯 Turning Passion Into Professional Power
Discover how Nichole's love for house music became a metaphor for inclusive leadership and authentic connection.
💼 Leveraging Your Unique Background
Learn why Nichole credits her political science degree and childhood experiences with foster siblings as the secret weapons in her corporate success.
🚀 Creating Opportunities for Others
Hear the inspiring story of how Nichole consistently filled "hard-to-fill" tech positions by building trust and sharing opportunities across diverse communities.
The Moments That Will Stay With You:
"I was raised with more than 20 different children through foster care... I have all the trappings of experiences of having siblings, but also some of the experiences of being an only child."
"You're not only dating me, you're dating house music. It's a package deal."
"The narrative has been dominated by people with opinions, not necessarily the facts or the lived experience of actually leading this work and being successful at it."
Behind the Scenes Magic:
🤝 The Network That Started It All
Hear the incredible story of how hosts Billy Dexter and Nichole's paths crossed 30 years ago in the Chicago Association of Minority Recruiters—and how Billy's leadership team included his future wife!
📚 The Book Connection
Nichole is working on "Beyond the Backlash"—a groundbreaking book about building bridges in our divided world, with each chapter tied to the history of house music.
🎵 The House Music Love Story
From 20,000+ records to a pharmaceutical executive husband who became a DJ, discover how music became the soundtrack to Nichole's approach to inclusive leadership.
Why This Episode Matters Now:
In today's polarized world, Nichole offers a masterclass in:
Perfect For:
✅ Corporate Leaders navigating cultural change
✅ Career Changers building networks in new cities
✅ Anyone who believes in the power of genuine connection
✅ Music Lovers who understand community and culture
What You'll Walk Away With:
🔑 Concrete strategies for network building as an adult
🔑 Insights on leveraging your unique background
🔑 Inspiration from a leader who's created real change
🔑 Understanding of how inclusive leadership actually works
🔑 A new perspective on turning passion into professional power
"I can have a conversation with
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/
