Many people can probably say they have had a bully for a boss at some point in their career. While Nicole M Bianch counts herself as one of those people, her experience lit the fire that drove her to build her business Bravership, which is now known as “the secret weapon” for execs facing challenges and is a go-to source for help and advice on leadership and internal communications. Bianchi wanted to teach others what seemed obvious to her – good leadership is the key to success, and she set about changing the face of the workplace.
These days Bianchi is typically brought in by c-suite executives facing challenges in their workplaces, and Bianchi is no stranger to adversity herself.. Growing up on a farm in Papillion, she became the first member of her family to graduate from a tertiary institution. With a full scholarship, she embarked on her university journey, filled with endless possibilities. However, her path to success was far from smooth, and within a year, she found herself thrown out of school, lacking any motivation to return. Her next move into the workforce found her working for a boss who bullied her on a daily basis, and whose leadership style was, according to Bianchi, more of a dictatorship. Bianchi’s positive and energetic personality rubbed her new boss the wrong way, and the conflict between their approaches left Bianchi dreading arriving at work each day. As unpleasant as this experience was, it was a turning point for Nicole, who made the decision to return to university without her scholarship, as a fully paid student, paying her way with two jobs. Now she not only has the motivation to return to her studies with renewed vigor, but to do so while juggling full-time working hours as well. As Bianchi found, sometimes an awful boss can be a powerful motivator.
After completing her studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and achieving a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and Services, Bianchi was head-hunted as a graduate and in her first few months was thrown into a negotiating position for Conagra Brands during her first internship position. She managed to do what she was told couldn’t be done: she broke a master union contract by Jimmy Hoffa himself. The difficult and harrowing experience had Bianchi decide that the word ‘leadership’ wasn’t enough to describe her expertise. The word she used to encourage herself through tough talks was Bravership, and years later, the term is written as a reminder on whiteboards and desks in Fortune companies across North America.
Nicole Bianchi in action as keynote speaker for The National Children’s Alliance Conference in Washington DC, July 2023
So what exactly makes a bad boss bad? According to Bianchi, the most undesirable traits of a leader include a high ego coupled with low-self awareness, together with an unwillingness or inability to do what needs to be done in certain situations. So what can be done in these circumstances? In her book Small Brave Moves, Bianchi discusses the concept of bravery and how many of us avoid situations like these that are detrimental to the functionality of a business. Can we all have the kind of bravery to face difficult conversations in a way that doesn’t alienate our colleagues? In Bianchi’s performances- and her speeches are known as performances as she engages crowds like a pop star from start to finish- she recalls an occasion when a colleague didn’t have the courage to tell her she had lettuce in her teeth. Back in the bathroom after the meeting, she thought “I couldn’t believe he didn’t have the guts to tell me I had something in my teeth. If we can’t even get past that, how can we talk about more difficult issues at hand?!” Another example Bianchi shares is the moment when she had to share feedback to a difficult boss for the first time- she was hired to executive coach a CEO, who is about 55 years old she helped him face some difficult feedback from the team. It was the first time they had ever heard the feedback. Why? Nobody was brave enough to share it with them all of these years.
According to Bianchi, more than 80% of people avoid conversations that need to be had, and in her forthcoming release ‘5 Tough Talks’ she teaches that there are particular focus areas in these conversations that are most challenging, which she teaches in detail i. “There are all kinds of bravery, it’s not always the huge events and choices that come to mind- bravery can be achieved in small steps daily” she states in her book Small Brave Moves.
Sometimes we find our own bravery; other times, it finds us. For Bianchi, this was undoubtedly the latter. Growing up on a farm in Omaha, she became the first member of her family to graduate from a tertiary institution. In May 1998, her exceptional abilities and leadership potential were recognized as she was honored with the prestigious Pacesetters Leadership Scholarship, particularly significant for Bianchi and her family as she was the first member of her family on both sides to go to college let alone with a full scholarship, so this was a generational milestone.
Throughout her own journey, Bianchi encountered key moments that shaped her career and personal growth. Early on, she contemplated whether she possessed the same bravery as people like the citizens who fearlessly stormed the cockpit of a hijacked plane during the devastating 9/11 attack, or similar large acts of bravery. This pivotal question sparked a profound transformation within her. Bianchi not only found the strength to overcome her doubts but also embarked on a path to inspire others, which she now does on stages and offices globally.
Relatability is a key ingredient in helping people find their bravery. Most of us probably can’t relate to storming the cockpit of a hijacked plane, but facing the daunting task of caring for a mother during a battle with cancer on the other hand, or facing a bully in the workplace or just a conversation we don’t have the nerve to start is something many of us understand. Bianchi says that it was her own experience caring for her sick mother that became the ultimate test of her bravery, as she navigated the emotional and physical challenges that accompanied a new daily routine that required her to be consistently brave to face her grief and be present for her mother on a long term basis that helped her discover the depth of her own resilience. “I was just a girl that grew up on a farm that wouldn’t give up,” says Bianchi with a confident smile. This transformative determination is what shaped her into the remarkable leader she is today, guiding others on their own paths of bravery and personal growth they didn’t realize was possible.
Bianchi’s journey stands out as truly transformative, setting her apart from the rest. Often referred to as “the secret weapon of the c-suite world”, what makes her different? According to Danielle Kirgan, Chief Transformation & HR Officer, at Macy’s, Inc. “Whether leading a small team, a large organization or simply leading yourself, the concept of bravery is an overlooked but critical ingredient in our lives. Nicole Bianchi’s message is both relatable and inspiring.” According to Daniel H Pink, Bianchi shatters the false belief that only some of us are brave. Then she shows the way forward — with practical steps that can help us advance”. With so many endorsements, she has been a best-kept secret to many of the world’s C-suite executives, and it’s clear that Bianchi cuts through the noise and delivers a clear, concise, and important message. Bravership, a term coined and trademarked by the author, is written as a reminder on the walls of c-suite executives across North America. If you’re lucky enough to get a place at one of her exclusive retreats, you can work on your BravershipTM (bravery + leadership) in some of the most beautiful places in the world with a private chef and 6-star accommodation.
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Nicole Bianchi is the ultimate success story. From life on a farm to leadership roles in Fortune 500, Bianchi found true bravery in consistent small moves that her own career soar from college drop out to positions of leadership over 16 years with two powerful Fortune 300 companies. Nicole made the move to start her own business in 2012, and never looked back. Nicole now serves as a consultant, coach, and speaker and has partnered with brands all over the globe. As an international keynote speaker, author, and award-winning entrepreneur. She is widely regarded as the go-to source for leadership and bravery.
When she’s not busy writing books, hosting retreats around the globe, or speaking on international stages, Nicole loves traveling with her husband and cheering on her three children in life. You can catch her singing off-key karaoke with a full-bodied glass of wine in hand!
Website: https://www.nicolembianchi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.m.bianchi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolembianchi/