Meet Nina Copeland

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nina Copeland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nina, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from facing difficult situations, starting with the trauma I experienced in childhood. I had to overcome physical and mental abuse, manipulation by people around me, and many personal struggles that carried into my young adulthood. Over the years, I’ve come to understand the importance of shaping my mindset and having the right people in my circle—people who could guide me and push me forward when I didn’t believe in myself. As I’ve faced challenges in life, I’ve found my strength and resilience by recognizing my worth, even in the darkest situations. My own battles with mental health have helped me press through, discover who I truly am, and unlock the strength to keep pushing forward.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My story is deeply rooted in resilience and transformation. As someone who has faced personal battles and adversity, I’ve learned firsthand the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and faith. These experiences have shaped my purpose and the work I do today.

Professionally, my focus is on Copeland’s Coaching and Consulting, where I empower leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals to break free from self-limiting beliefs, rediscover their strengths, and embrace their true potential. I’m also a personal growth strategist, speaker, and author. One of my upcoming projects is the launch of my anthology, “Unspoken Struggles,” which dives into the internal battles that many face but seldom discuss, particularly among high-achievers and executives. This anthology is about giving voice to those struggles while offering hope and strategies for thriving.

In addition to that, I’m preparing for my next mastermind, Elevation Lab, which is focused on helping participants finish the year strong and enter the new year with clarity, vision, and strategy. The goal is to equip people with the tools they need to transform their lives and careers, ensuring they are ready to embrace new opportunities and challenges with confidence.

My mission is to inspire people to recognize their inner greatness and live boldly, no matter their past or present circumstances.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience: Life is full of setbacks, but resilience is what enables you to rise again. This quality has been central to my success. In the face of personal and professional challenges, I had to develop the mental strength to keep pushing forward. For those early in their journey, I encourage them to embrace failure as a learning tool. Develop the mindset that obstacles are stepping stones, not roadblocks. Resilience grows when you lean into discomfort, refuse to give up, and trust in your ability to recover stronger.

Self-awareness: Understanding my strengths, limitations, and emotional triggers has been transformative. Self-awareness allowed me to align my actions with my purpose, make informed decisions, and cultivate meaningful relationships. For others, my advice is to invest time in reflection—whether through journaling, meditation, or feedback from trusted individuals. Recognizing patterns in your thoughts and behaviors will help you adjust course when necessary and grow in ways that align with your goals.

Empathy in leadership: Throughout my career, leading with empathy—understanding and valuing the feelings and perspectives of others—has opened doors to deeper connections and more effective teamwork. People respond to leaders who see them as individuals, not just as contributors to a goal. To cultivate this, focus on active listening, being present in conversations, and creating environments where others feel heard and supported. This skill is invaluable for anyone, regardless of where they are on their journey, because it fosters trust and builds strong, authentic relationships.

For those just starting out, focus on growth in these areas, and know that mastery takes time. It’s not about being perfect from the start but being willing to learn, adapt, and evolve as you go. Surround yourself with mentors, remain curious, and stay committed to personal development—these will be the keys to success.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

When I reflect on who has been most helpful in my journey, my grandparents immediately come to mind. They played a pivotal role in shaping my mindset, teaching me the values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. Their wisdom and guidance helped keep me on the right path, especially during times when I could have easily gone astray. We often talked about my future, including the decision to pursue college, and they always encouraged me through my toughest moments, reinforcing the importance of resilience and focus.

Another key influence has been my church community. They were instrumental in my development, always holding me accountable. There were times when they would lovingly chastise me for making offhand or “crazy” remarks, but I knew it was because they truly cared. It was this community that pushed me toward higher education and finding a profession, even when I was uncertain about my direction. Their encouragement to pursue college became a turning point for my personal and professional growth.

Image Credits

Klearly Visual Photography