From Adversity to Advocacy with Nicole Golloso

In this profound episode of Wholehearted Leadership, we journey into the inspiring life of Nicole Golloso, a Regional HR Director and DEI advocate across Singapore, Hong Kong, and APAC. Nicole's story is one of extraordinary resilience, leadership, and transformation. From her advocacy for inclusive workplaces to her mental health journey, Nicole's insights illuminate the power of vulnerability and lived values in leadership.

Nicole opens up about her struggles with depression, including a pivotal moment that reshaped her perspective on life. Her raw honesty about battling societal expectations and internal struggles serves as a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with their own challenges.

We delve into her groundbreaking work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), where she redefines psychological safety as a shared responsibility. Nicole's unique lens—shaped by her personal experiences—challenges traditional notions of leadership, urging us to prioritize empathy and authentic connections in both professional and personal spheres.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, purpose, and the courage to live a meaningful life. Whether you're a leader seeking inspiration or an individual looking for hope, Nicole's story will resonate deeply. Tune in to discover how she turned her pain into purpose and became a champion of wholehearted leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Courageous Vulnerability in Leadership: Nicole shares how embracing her mental health struggles led to authentic leadership rooted in empathy and respect.
• Psychological Safety as a Shared Responsibility: Leadership isn't just about creating safe spaces—employees, too, play a role in fostering inclusivity and understanding.
• From Summoning Courage to Living Courage: Nicole's journey from survival to thriving exemplifies how lived courage transforms leadership and advocacy.
• The Importance of Lived Values: True leadership is about aligning actions with core values, moving beyond espoused ideals to day-to-day integrity.

Timestamps:

• 00:00:04 – Introduction: Meet Nicole Golioso, HR and DEI Leader
• 00:10:07 – Aligning Personal and Organizational Values
• 00:29:41 – Overcoming Depression: A Life-Altering Turning Point
• 00:45:57 – Building Psychological Safety and Inclusive Leadership
• 00:54:40 – Nicole’s Top 3 Dreams: Advocacy, Family, and World Records
• 01:01:21 – Closing Reflections: How Nicole’s Story Redefines Courage

Enjoyed this episode? Follow Nicole Golloso on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolequioguegolloso/,  where she shares her thoughts on HR, mental health, and inclusive leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Wholehearted Leadership Podcast and leave a review to share your thoughts!