Meet Nicole Hardy

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Hardy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, 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?

I’ve been in the Tech & Finance space for the last 6+ years and I’m often the only person that looks like me in the room. I remember being in a client meeting with a top investment bank in New York City. The table was decorated with gentlemen that graduated top of their class from the country’s top Ivy League institutions and then there was me- a bald, black, self made Woman who just happened to also be a college drop out. At the end of the meeting, the VP looked at me and said the only way they’d even consider doing the deal with my client was if my client allowed me to step to the forefront of the deal and lead the upcoming meetings.

Posture, confidence and authenticity will get you very far in life. My tag line became “The college drop out in a room full of Ivy Leaguers”. I’m proud of my story, proud of my God given qualifications and proud of the fact that I’ve never shied away from a challenge.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started my career as a Business Consultant over 10 years ago. Six years later, I realized that more and more of my projects were Technology related and Technology became my consulting firm’s main discipline. I am the President of 1925 Consulting and the Founder of 725 Tech Inc. I’m a Corporate Strategist and Business Consultant who fell in love with the Technology space and decided to make history!

After many successful years as a Business Consultant, I decided to dive head-first into Technology. In 2021, I invested in building my own Software Development team and was determined to lead a charge to fix the issues that I’d seen on so many previous projects. No more random freelancers, no more mediocre communication, and no more unnecessary delays!

My passion to revolutionize this space wasn’t just fueled by my previously disappointed clients and colleagues, but also by the relationships that I’d created with great developers who were looking to learn and grow with outstanding enterprises and trustworthy people.

In 2023, I founded 725 Technology, a Software Development company focused on accelerating innovation through technology. We have an incredibly talented dedicated team. We have a stateside office as well as an operation in Surat & Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. I became the first non-national woman in history to own a business in Surat, India! I’m also blessed that 725 has been able to promote female leaders Globally.

After much hard work we just completed building a project called LyfeShare. LyfeShare is an innovative platform designed to securely store, manage, and share important documents, information, and files within a trusted network of family and close friends. It empowers users to safeguard their legacy, simplify document management, and ensure that critical information is readily accessible when needed. This solves the age old issue of frantically searching for documents when loved ones die.

We’ve also worked alongside amazing Founders to launch software in the Venue Management and gaming spaces. Outside of Tech, I’ve helped launch brands alongside amazing visionaries including B.A.D. Gyal Vegan with Chef Chyna Love and Organic Jusu with Akira Thompson.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful include resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.

  1. Adaptability:The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and environments was crucial in navigating the unpredictable nature of my journey. Whether it was pivoting strategies, adjusting to new technologies, or embracing emerging trends, adaptability allowed me to stay agile and responsive to evolving needs. To improve adaptability, I recommend cultivating a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, embracing change as a natural part of growth, and honing your problem-solving skills to quickly assess and respond to new challenges.
  2. Resilience: Throughout my journey, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Resilience allowed me to bounce back from these obstacles, stay focused on my goals, and keep moving forward. My advice for individuals early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by developing a growth mindset, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and building a support network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement during tough times.
  3. Continuous Learning: In a rapidly evolving world (especially Tech), the pursuit of knowledge and skill development is essential for staying relevant and competitive. Throughout my journey, I prioritized continuous learning by seeking out opportunities for professional development, staying informed about industry trends and advancements, and seeking feedback to identify areas for improvement. For those early in their journey, I advise adopting a mindset of lifelong learning, seeking out mentors and resources to expand your knowledge base, and actively seeking out opportunities to gain hands-on experience and apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.

Overall, my advice for individuals early in their journey is to embrace resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning as foundational pillars of success. By cultivating these qualities and skills, individuals can navigate challenges more effectively, seize opportunities for growth, and ultimately achieve their goals.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents were extremely supportive of everything I ever did growing up. And let’s just say I was the child of MANY talents! I acted, I sang, I modeled, I competed in oratorical competitions- I mean I did it all! And my parents, ESPECIALLY my Mom encouraged me to believe that I could do anything I put my mind to and I did! My mom was and still is the most supportive human being I’ve ever known. When I transitioned from music to business to tech, she was always by my side pushing me. I will forever love my mom for her unwavering support.

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Image Credits
Photography by: K. Richards & P. Dawkins

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