Recognizing the extraordinary talent within a team is a distinct honor for any company, and within our close-knit unit, it holds an even more special place. As we celebrate International Women's Month, we take pride in directing the spotlight to the driving force behind our exceptional culture. Allow us to introduce Nicole, a powerhouse shaping our HR strategies and ensuring the well-being of our entire team.
Q:How do you believe diversity, particularly as a Black woman, contributes to the success and vibrancy of the cannabis industry?
I take particular pride in ensuring that my role as CPO demonstrates that the cannabis industry is just like any other industry as it relates to the talent within our organization. I don’t change any of my strategies because we are in the cannabis industry. I employ the same diverse talent sourcing, performance metrics, and people development that I have used in my 20+ years of HR leadership. It is important to me that we are not viewed differently because of our unique product. Yes, I love that fact that I am a black woman with an intentionality to always represent excellence. It is my sincere hope to be revered and respected in this organization, first as an HR-educated professional where the color of my skin is not the focus but more the caveat.
Q:What aspects of your role as Chief People Officer do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?
The ability to move people forward and support them on their career path and in their career goals. In my experience, I have flourished in an environment that supports growth, and I have tried to bring that same energy and focus to my role here.
Q: How does Mavuno of Ohio foster a supportive work environment, especially for women and individuals from diverse backgrounds?
We work for a company led by extraordinary women of color. Our executive leadership team and management are composed of 80% women. We understand that some of these positions are new to some, but I understand that my first responsibility is to represent this company in all arenas the same way that our leaders do. I have found that there can be a minimum expectation of HR performance from minority and women-led teams. My goal is to always exceed that expectation and demonstrate that not only can diverse teams perform at the highest levels, but the team excels because of the diversity, not despite the diversity.
Q: Where do you see the cannabis industry heading, and what role do you envision playing in its future?
I see the cannabis industry becoming universally accepted in the coming years. I believe there will be a time in the very near future when this industry will not be singled out because of the product but will be viewed and held in the same regard as any other commonly accepted industry. My role is to move this understanding forward by communicating and demonstrating commonly held HR practices and strategies.
Q:Could you highlight some of the key milestones and achievements in your career that you're particularly proud of?
It is difficult for me to speak about successes, as I feel that the success of our employees is my primary focus. However, if I had to pick a couple of highlights, I would say the following:
- Being appointed (by my CEO) to join the Executive Leadership Team with the American Heart Association—Women in Red Fundraising Initiative
- Foundation Board Member and Adjunct Professor at Lakeland Community College
- Board Member and Chairperson of the DE&I Committee for the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
- Adjunct Professor for the College of Business at Ursuline College
- Leading the city of Warrensville Heights through all the requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time managing the creation of and move to a new corporate headquarters.
- Leading labor relations and contract development for a newly established union while maintaining the day-to-day operations in the HR Department. Basically, changing the tires on a very fast-moving train while in motion.
- Recognizing the talent in and development of several team members in order to place them in roles that not only supported their career growth but improved the performance and successes of the HR team(s).
Q:What challenges have you faced in the cannabis industry, and how have you overcome them?
I consider myself to be an ambassador for the cannabis industry in the HR space. When faced with the common practice of putting the cannabis industry in a category all its own, I have made it my business to show and prove why this industry is the same as any other and should be led as such, from an HR perspective. Hearing the testimonies from our employees regarding how cannabis has made their lives or the lives of their loved ones thrive in a positive direction by eliminating harsh pharmaceuticals from their daily routine has educated me personally on what the “goodness” of cannabis really means!
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies that we might not know about?
When I am not the CPO, my other life is that of a private chef and event planner. HR requires strategic thinking and consistency; cooking allows me to be creative. Cooking feeds my soul! I’m also a classically trained vocalist/recording artist and I love to share this gift that I’ve been blessed to receive.
Q:Is there a special message you'd like to share with our Mavuno audience?
My job is to support the amazing team members of our organization! My team is your HR team, and we are here to provide our employees with the answers and resources that they need. No one can do anything successfully alone! It takes a team and a tribe to make the mission complete. In this role, I have been honored to work alongside other HR professionals who understand the mission, goal, and vision of our organization. It is my hope that every member of the Mavuno team knows this and feels comfortable tapping us when needed.
Q:What’s on your adventure bucket list?
I recently completed adult swimming lessons. I was deathly afraid of the water, and accomplishing the basics of swimming was big for me. I would like to increase my swimming skills and have the goal of swimming in an ocean without fear.
Q:What quote or motto keeps you inspired and motivated?
I actually have two. The first is to “Say What You Mean and Do What You Say.” The second is to “Model Leadership in the Way That I Want to Be Led.” Both have helped me be successful in my career thus far.
Q:What's the most unique or surprising aspect of your job that people might not know about?
I am always surprised by what motivates people. The common idea is that people are motivated simply by money. What I have found in my experience is that while compensation is a motivator, it is usually way down the list. Work environment, job security, recognition of job performance, coaching, and/or positive team participation usually come in much higher. A simple “thank you” goes a long way, and the impact is priceless!
Q:What's the best piece of HR advice you've ever received, and how has it shaped your approach to your role?
Again, I have two. I am a spiritual person, and I believe wholeheartedly in the Golden Rule: “Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated.” As I shared in the question about my motto, I make it my goal to approach every HR interaction with an open mind, to really listen, and to respond in a manner that makes the person feel seen, which is what I want for myself. The second came from my mother. She always said, “People put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you do.” I took this to mean that I am no better or worse than anyone else. I have used this to walk into any room or situation and view myself as equal to all who are there before and with me. It levels the playing field and allows me to bring my best self to it.
Q:What's the best piece of HR advice you've ever received, and how has it shaped your approach to your role?
Again, I have two. I am a spiritual person, and I believe wholeheartedly in the Golden Rule: “Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated.” As I shared in the question about my motto, I make it my goal to approach every HR interaction with an open mind, to really listen, and to respond in a manner that makes the person feel seen, which is what I want for myself. The second came from my mother. She always said, “People put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you do.” I took this to mean that I am no better or worse than anyone else. I have used this to walk into any room or situation and view myself as equal to all who are there before and with me. It levels the playing field and allows me to bring my best self to it.
Q:What's the most unique or surprising aspect of your job that people might not know about?
I am always surprised by what motivates people. The common idea is that people are motivated simply by money. What I have found in my experience is that while compensation is a motivator, it is usually way down the list. Work environment, job security, recognition of job performance, coaching, and/or positive team participation usually come in much higher. A simple “thank you” goes a long way, and the impact is priceless!
Q:What's the best piece of HR advice you've ever received, and how has it shaped your approach to your role?
Again, I have two. I am a spiritual person, and I believe wholeheartedly in the Golden Rule: “Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated.” As I shared in the question about my motto, I make it my goal to approach every HR interaction with an open mind, to really listen, and to respond in a manner that makes the person feel seen, which is what I want for myself. The second came from my mother. She always said, “People put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you do.” I took this to mean that I am no better or worse than anyone else. I have used this to walk into any room or situation and view myself as equal to all who are there before and with me. It levels the playing field and allows me to bring my best self to it.