We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bianca Cook a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bianca, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from knowing that my life has a greater purpose. I truly believe that I’m meant to impact people in meaningful ways through my talents, creativity, and ability to bring communities together. That belief fuels me every day, even when challenges arise. I see obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks, knowing that each experience—good or bad—contributes to my growth and the bigger picture of my journey.
I’m optimistic about both the present and the future because there’s always something to look forward to—new opportunities to explore, new connections to make, and new ways to create and inspire. I operate with faith, trusting that every season of my life is preparing me for what’s next. Even in moments of uncertainty, I hold onto the belief that what’s meant for me will always find me.
At the core of it all, my optimism is deeply rooted in my faith in God. I know I’m being guided toward something greater, and that reassurance gives me the confidence to keep pushing forward, knowing that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I wear many hats, but at the core of everything I do is storytelling, strategy, and community building. By day, I serve as the Director of Strategy in the healthcare space, where I focus on initiatives that drive health equity and community impact. But beyond that, I am deeply rooted in media, culture, and business strategy.
I am the Founder and Creative Director of The Nola Collective, a media and consulting brand that serves as a social hub, amplifying New Orleans culture through event coverage, storytelling, and strategic brand partnerships. Many people know The Nola Collective for its media presence—curating event lists, highlighting experiences, and bringing visibility to businesses. But what excites me most is that it’s so much more than that. I’m actively building out a consulting arm of the brand to connect businesses to the right audiences and help people build strategic relationships. Whether it’s advising brands on how to engage with the New Orleans community authentically, helping businesses refine their marketing approach, or curating networking experiences that foster real connections, The Nola Collective is about bridging the gap between culture and strategy.
In addition to The Nola Collective, I’m also on the management team for Newtral Groundz, a digital network that highlights everything New Orleans! And I co-host the Standing On Business Podcast, where we talk about real-world experiences, while also empowering like-minded individuals who are passionate about personal/professional growth within both corporate and entrepreneurial environments..
What’s new?
I’m in a season of expansion—scaling The Nola Collective’s consulting side, growing the podcast, and securing high-level brand partnerships that align with the work I’m doing. From covering the Super Bowl and major cultural events to launching more curated experiences for professionals and creatives, my focus is on elevating the way people engage with media, storytelling, and community in a meaningful way.
At the end of the day, I’m someone who sees the bigger picture. I don’t believe in being boxed into one lane—I’m able to merge media, business, and strategy in a way that allows me to tell stories, create opportunities, and help others bring their vision to life. Whether through content, consulting, or collaboration, I’m passionate about using my skills to amplify culture and create impact.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Tenacious
Tenacity has been the backbone of my journey. Being tenacious means refusing to give up, even when things get tough or the vision isn’t yet clear to others. I’ve faced obstacles and setbacks, but I’ve always found a way to pivot and push through. For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate a mindset of resilience. Don’t let rejection or challenges deter you—use them as fuel to grow stronger. Every ‘no’ is just a stepping stone to your next ‘yes.’ Stay persistent and keep showing up, because the breakthrough often comes after the hardest moments.
Bold
Boldness has allowed me to step into spaces where I wasn’t necessarily invited and create my own opportunities. I’ve learned to take risks, speak up for what I believe in, and trust my instincts. Being bold isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking action despite the fear. And my biggest advice? Just ask. One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had is realizing that the worst thing people can say is no—and half the time, they’re actually impressed that you asked in the first place. So many doors have opened for me simply because I had the courage to put myself out there. Whether it’s pitching an idea, requesting a meeting, or positioning yourself for an opportunity, you’d be surprised how often people respect the initiative, even if they can’t say yes at that moment. Confidence isn’t about having no fear—it’s about acting despite it.
Focused
Focus has been crucial in helping me stay on track and aligned with my goals. With so many opportunities and distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. I’ve learned to prioritize, set clear goals, and remain disciplined in my approach. For those early in their journey, develop a clear vision of what you want to achieve and stay committed to it. Create a plan, but remain adaptable. Focus doesn’t mean saying yes to everything—it means knowing when to say no, so you can channel your energy into the right things.
Final Advice:
Embrace tenacity, boldness, and focus as core qualities in your journey. Be relentless in your pursuit of growth, take risks that align with your purpose, and stay clear on your vision. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to bet on yourself—because the biggest opportunities often come to those who have the courage to ask for them.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! As I expand The Nola Collective, I’m always looking to collaborate with people and brands who are passionate about activating and connecting with the city in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through storytelling, events, or strategic partnerships, I love working with those who understand the value of community, culture, and authentic engagement.
One of my biggest focuses right now is The Link Up, a networking event series designed to bring together New Orleans’ most creative and entrepreneurial minds. The city’s creator community is thriving, and they deserve regular opportunities to connect, build relationships, and collaborate with each other and with brands. I’m actively seeking sponsors and partners who want to align with this mission—whether that means helping to bring these events to life, offering resources for creators, or providing brand activations that feel organic and valuable.
If you’re interested in collaborating—whether as a brand partner, event sponsor, or someone looking to create something impactful in New Orleans—let’s connect! You can reach me via Instagram @thenolacollective or email at thenolacollective@gmail.com. Let’s build something great together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://withbiancaco.komi.io/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withbianca.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bncook/
Image Credits
For the Creatives Connect photo: @raresightingphotography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
