We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sharí Nycole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sharí below.
Sharí , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve been fascinated by the ideal of purpose for many years. I’m a firm believer God has planted purpose on the inside of all of us, and it’s our efforts in watering that seed with gratefulness, hard work, faith, focus and fortitude that ultimately produce a harvest we not only benefit from, but others benefit from as well. Put simply, my purpose was found through pain. From the age of 8-years-old to 19-years-old, I believed I would be a professional basketball player. I was blessed with the opportunity to play basketball at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) on a full athletic scholarship, but what I initially viewed as my chance at basketball glory became an incredible disappointment and one of the most disenchanting times of my life. Although that season of my life was painful, because it was directly connected to my realization basketball would soon be erased from my future, it also opened my eyes to the gifts I had been failing to give my time and attention to over the years. By nature, I’m a writer, reader, speaker, storyteller and creative, but I’d placed those gifts on the shelf in place of basketball most of my life. I picked them up when basketball ultimately let me down, and I haven’t looked back since. I ultimately transferred from the University of Wisconsin and finished my college basketball career at Northern Illinois University. During that transition period, I was introduced to the world of broadcast journalism, and I’ve basked in its orbit ever since. With my “basketball jones” no longer blocking my purview, I deep dove into producing content and sharing stories, educated opinions, lighthearted moments and more in front of and behind the camera. At 20-years-old, it became clear my mission in life and part of the rich purpose God blessed me with, was to tell truth beautifully in a way that’s bold but not abrasive. For nearly 13 years, I’ve walked in this purpose, and I’m grateful it has been a source of service to others and a source of joy, happiness and passion for me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m currently a nationally syndicated radio host, podcast host, and I produce in the television, film and digital content space.
I pride myself on being a “jack of all trades,” and in addition to the work that consumes my week, I also edit, direct, write, serve as videographer for my content and speak. I’m grateful for my versatility, because it allows me to use my creative passions and gifts in a myriad of ways. I can cook with several pots at once, and this also makes me more valuable to the institutions and entities I work with and on behalf of. Simply put, I’m never bored, and it’s always my aim to bring value wherever I go.
My primary focus is my podcast, “Just A Thought w/Sharí Nycole,” where I curate thought-provoking discussions with guests ranging from Hollywood and music’s finest to athletes, activists, medical experts and more! I’m currently in season four, and it’s available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
I believe every story should cater to the needs and wants of the audience and provide them with information pertinent to how they can remain informed and entertained. I not only pride myself on telling the truth beautifully in a way that’s bold but not abrasive, but I also deeply value having the courage to confront the uncomfortable.
Aside from my commitment to broadcast entertainment and journalistic integrity, I’m a health and wellness influencer and fitness enthusiast who enjoys challenging myself in the gym and encouraging others to do the same.
I’m also extremely excited about the release of my new journal and masterclass, “Mindset Of A Media Maven.” I think it will be extremely helpful and impactful for those desiring success in front of and behind the camera.
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?
The three qualities that continue to sustain and elevate me in my career are my passion for excellence, my versatility in skill set, and my ability to remain composed amidst chaos.
These qualities have afforded me the opportunity to work in several genres in the television space, which include live news, live talk, docu-reality and documentary. In addition, these characteristics have equipped me to complete independent projects successfully and pivot into on-camera and radio hosting seamlessly.
My advice to anyone just starting out in the entertainment business, whether it be in front of the camera or behind it, is to have a working knowledge of not only their duties and areas of interest but also that of those in other departments and who have differing skillsets. It not only makes you a great teammate, but it also makes you a great leader. Knowing what it takes for others to get their jobs done allows you to work much more efficiently with your colleagues. In addition, networking is not an option, it’s a must in the entertainment industry! You have to get to know people in order to move up the ladder. The television, radio and film industry is small, and your work ethic and how well you work with others should always be of highest priority. It can certainly make the difference when it comes to getting potential job opportunities. Furthermore, you should never slight the best of your output. Regardless of the project, who you’re working with or what the standards at a particular place of employment are, you should always function in excellence. A passion for excellence will never fail you.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I’m currently facing is pivoting from the production side of the industry to the personality side of the industry. I’ve always been a talent, but because I’ve worked on the production end for nearly 13 years, it’s been very hard to convince gatekeepers and change agents I’m more than a producer.
This has not come as a surprise to me, but it has certainly been frustrating to work through at times. Despite this obstacle, I’ve continued to push the talent side of my brand on my social media platforms, which has made a huge impact. I post myself in a talent capacity constantly, and the repetition of this level of posting has really worked to turn heads and hearts regarding how much I actually have to offer in my field.
In addition, I have taken advantage of every opportunity sent my way to host events (movie and tv show premieres, conferences, listening events, etc.). It’s been great practice and has also has served as an opportunity for me to gain credibility as talent by associating myself with viable and recognizable platforms. When these bookings come my way, I also ensure I’m thoroughly prepared for the job. My margin for error is very low, and that works to keep me honest and on my toes.
Finally, I make it a habit to re-introduce myself to people as often as I need to. When people simply call me a producer, I correct them kindly and tell them I’m a personality and a producer. Dropping my ego and understanding I can’t expect everyone I encounter to understand my brand has been instrumental in the work I’ve done, and I believe it will lead to widespread impact and creative expansion in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website:sharinycole.net
- Instagram: @shari_nycole
- Facebook: Sharí Nycole Media
- Linkedin: Sharí Nycole
- Twitter: @shari_nycole
- Youtube: Sharí Nycole (@shari_nycole)
- Other: LinkedIn: Sharí Nycole TikTok: @sharinycole Podcast: Just A Thought w/Sharí Nycole (available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts)
Image Credits
Headshot: Dwayne Boyd Photography
