Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicolet Severe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nicolet, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
You know, it’s interesting because, throughout my career, I’ve often found myself as the only person in the room who looks like me. At first, it felt a bit daunting, but I quickly realized that my unique perspective was my strength. I’ve always been confident in my abilities and what I bring. By actively listening, speaking with conviction, and showing my expertise through my work, I earned the respect of my peers.
One thing that keeps me going is knowing that I’m not just doing this for myself. I’m paving the way for the young professionals coming up behind me. When they see someone like me at the table, they understand that they, too, can aspire to have a seat at the table or even create their own. Being the only one in the room can be challenging, but I see it as an opportunity. I focus on the unique insights I can provide and how my experiences contribute to a richer discussion. Staying true to myself while being open to learning and adapting has been essential in creating meaningful connections and driving positive change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
It was challenging to answer this question early in my career. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a lawyer and the first Latina Supreme Court Judge. I was happy when Judge Sotomayor, a Puerto Rican, beat me to it! But life had different plans for me. I had to take care of my mom while finishing my BA, and when she passed away when I was 25, I started my MBA to keep myself occupied. Then, my dad passed away a year later, and everything changed.
I’ve always been involved in hospitality, tourism, public relations, marketing, government, and community relations. I’ve worked for convention bureaus, government entities, malls, chambers, and even as an assistant to an advisor to a president. Currently, I’m enjoying my role in higher education as the Director of Government and Community Relations for one of the only two law schools in Central Florida. My job involves building relationships with government entities and engaging with the community to support educational initiatives while advocating for the school’s interests.
After several career changes, which some might frown upon, I’ve found a “label” for what I do. I like to call myself a “People Connector.” Bringing people together and creating networks that benefit everyone involved excites me! I love receiving text messages and emails when a business project, transaction, or relationship is fostered because of an introduction I made.
Understanding what makes me special took a lot of trial and error. What makes me unique is my ability to think outside the box. Holding various roles in different industries allows me to solve problems from diverse perspectives. I often say what I bring to the table are some Severe Strategies. I genuinely like to help and serve others. I’ve usually been told that I have a servant’s heart. What brings me joy is knowing that something I suggested or an introduction I made helped someone else fulfill their goals and dreams.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Faith & Resilience: As a Christian, my faith has been essential to maintaining my resilience and staying grounded through difficult times. My journey has had its share of challenges, from personal losses to professional rejections, and people who didn’t see my value and what I bring to the table or my genuine desire to help and contribute for the better good. Resilience has allowed me to persevere and thrive despite obstacles. For those just starting, cultivate a resilient mindset. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and stay focused on your long-term goals. Your faith, whatever it may be, can provide the strength and perspective needed to overcome challenges.
Adaptability: Pivoting and adapting to new circumstances has been crucial. My career spans various industries, from hospitality to government relations, and I’ve had to learn and evolve constantly. For aspiring professionals, step out of your comfort zone and embrace change. Flexibility and a willingness to learn will open new opportunities and help you navigate different challenges. It’s essential to be open to new experiences and continuously seek knowledge. The world is constantly changing, and being adaptable will help you stay relevant and effective in any field.
Humility and Community Engagement: Another essential quality is humility, especially when accepting responsibility when I am wrong. Being able to admit and learn from mistakes builds trust and shows you are committed to continuous improvement. Engaging with the community has also been critical to my success. Building meaningful relationships within the community and understanding their needs has allowed me to create meaningful connections and drive positive change. For those early in their journey, I recommend practicing humility and accountability. Get involved in your community, network with intention, and seek to understand different perspectives. Developing a solid support network and being active in community initiatives can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
That’s a great question. Again, my faith is my cornerstone. I have relied on my faith during the good and challenging times. The most helpful people in my journey have been my parents. Their unwavering support and their own stories of resilience and entrepreneurship have been guiding forces in my life. They taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and giving back to the community. Even after their passing, my parents’ legacy inspires and motivates me. They were always encouraging, supportive, and loving when they were alive.
My husband and network of friends are my cheerleaders whether I am in the valley or on the hilltop. Last year was particularly tough. I was getting married while learning that I couldn’t have children because I needed a hysterectomy due to uterine cancer. This experience tested my resilience in new ways. My husband has been my rock, providing unwavering support and encouragement. His love and understanding have been vital in helping me cope with the emotional and physical toll.
My mentors have influenced my career growth, keeping me accountable and correcting me when needed. My advice is to foster genuine relationships and mentorships. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support and be a mentor to others as well. Authentic relationships are built on trust and mutual respect and can provide invaluable support throughout your career. Whether through formal mentorship programs or informal connections, having people who believe in you and your potential can make a significant difference. Additionally, being a mentor allows you to give back and help others on their journeys, creating a cycle of support and growth within your community.
Understanding that you will always disagree with your mentors or network is important, and that is fine. These disagreements are part of the growth process. They help you expand your frame of reference and see things from different perspectives. Embracing differing opinions and constructive criticism can lead to personal and professional growth. It’s important to approach these disagreements with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Your mentors and network can offer insights that challenge your assumptions and push you to think more critically. This dynamic helps you develop a more well-rounded and informed approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
These experiences have reinforced the importance of a strong support network and highlighted the power of resilience and adaptability. I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance of my loved ones, and I’m committed to using my experiences to inspire and empower others.
Living life boldly means exposing yourself to all sorts of risks—risk of loss, risk of criticism and judgment, risk of mental, emotional, or physical distress. It’s no wonder that so many of us are raised not to live boldly, take risks, or push ourselves to reach our highest potential. However, my journey has taught me that embracing these risks and challenges can lead to profound growth and success.
By sharing our stories, we create a space for learning and inspiration. My journey encourages others to pursue their passions, face challenges head-on, and support those doing the same. We can learn so much from each other; our experiences and insights are invaluable sources of wisdom.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
