Nicole Rodrigues doesn’t mind telling it like it is. When it comes to getting where you want to be in the career world, it’s simple: “Your success is in your own hands.” Seem oversimplified? Nicole, who knew she wanted to own her own PR agency long before she received her degree, insists it’s the key to realizing every decision, opportunity and experience matters when you have an ambitious end goal.
With big brand experience from Hulu to Yahoo! to Sony Pictures Entertainment, it’s pretty clear Nicole hasn’t taken the commitment to her own 15-year success lightly. Gaining invaluable skills every step of the way, she even insists her time as an NFL cheerleader (any Oakland Raiders fans out there?) helps her be more successful as a CEO. Read on for Nicole’s sage advice on doing your homework, the importance of Saturday afternoons and how losing on the field can be one of the best things to happen.