Meet Nicole Martin, the CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer) and Founder of HRBoost®. With a leadership style rooted in innovation and creativity, Nicole has guided her company to become a pioneering force in the HR industry. She offers customized and dedicated HR Teams with hands-on support for best practice solutions facing countless workplace challenges. Her talents include being a leader, entrepreneur, certified culture coach, award-winning author and speaker, TV host, consultant, and more.
Nicole is best known for her outstanding professional acumen and her community involvement. Her tremendous work and performance have been featured in multiple magazines and newspapers making her a sought-after expert in her industry.
Nicole serves on several boards dedicated to social service, women in business, and excellence in culture for workforce alignment. She also hosts the Internet TV show HR in the Fast Lane. She has proven partnerships with business leaders to achieve results and sustainable returns. In this interview, Nicole shares insightful responses about her professional journey, her guiding aims and ideals, her company, its offerings, long-term objectives, current projects, her source of inspiration, the obstacles she overcame, the achievements she won, and more.
Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey and how you started in your field?
My career began with a focus on self-sufficiency and a passion for balancing responsibilities. While juggling part-time jobs, school, and extracurricular activities, I quickly realized the immense value of gaining experience alongside my formal education. After finishing my undergraduate studies while working full-time, I took on my first HR management role at 23. This was a turning point in my career, as it allowed me to immerse myself in the HR field and grow within the profession. As I advanced, including a promotion to Director of HR, I deepened my understanding of organizational culture and leadership. During the recession, I was able to help my employer navigate difficult times while maintaining recognition as an employer of choice, despite necessary downsizing. This experience solidified my passion for understanding people and organizational culture. In 2010, I left corporate life to pursue consulting, and HRBoost® was born to help businesses become the best workplaces they could be.
As both an individual and a professional, what core aims and ideals do you prioritize that shape your decision-making and work approach?
At the core of my decision-making process are several key values guiding my personal and professional life. I firmly believe in character-based capitalism, where curiosity, passion, and risk-taking are essential to success. I am committed to shared leadership, empowering others, and fostering a sense of purpose within my team. Leadership, to me, is about creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully. Resilience is another value I hold dear, as it’s crucial in navigating challenges and setbacks. By prioritizing these values, I ensure that my work and the culture I create reflect a commitment to well-being, collective success, and empowerment.
What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry? How do you differentiate your approach to create a unique value for your clients?
What sets HRBoost® apart from other HR firms is our “insourcing” model, which focuses on building in-house HR teams aligned with business strategies and goals. Unlike traditional outsourcing, where HR functions are managed externally, we work directly with businesses to make HR a strategic partner in driving growth. By tailoring HR solutions to each client’s unique needs, we ensure that their HR department isn’t just operational but plays a critical role in the long-term success of the business. This flexible, client-centred approach allows us to adapt to the specific needs of each organization, ensuring that we deliver real value.
Could you highlight the top-notch offerings of your company that clients find most compelling?
One of the most impactful offerings HRBoost® provides is our HRBOOST® model, which addresses key challenges within organizations, such as reducing turnover and improving employee engagement. For example, we worked with a manufacturing client facing a high turnover rate and low engagement. Through surveys and interviews, we identified the issues, implemented career development programs, and improved communication strategies. Within a year, the company’s turnover dropped from 22% to 12%, and engagement increased significantly. Our other offerings include strategic HR planning, leadership development, and employee well-being initiatives, all of which are tailored to meet our clients’ specific needs.
What are the long-term objectives you have set for your company, and where do you envision the growth and evolution of your business in the coming years?
Looking ahead, my vision for HRBoost® is expansive. I aim to continue growing our impact by aligning HR strategies with business objectives and helping businesses foster cultures of innovation and growth. One of the most exciting initiatives on the horizon is the launch of the HRBOOST® franchise opportunity, which will allow others to join our model and bring our services to new markets. This expansion will empower even more businesses to navigate the complexities of HR with the same passion and expertise that have driven HRBoost®’s success.
Can you provide insights into some of your ongoing projects? What makes these projects particularly exciting or challenging?
One of the most exciting projects I’m currently working on is the franchise expansion. This is an incredible opportunity to scale HRBoost®’s operations while maintaining the high quality and client-focused approach that has made us successful. We’re working hard to ensure that each franchise will deliver the same level of excellence in HR consulting. Another key project involves enhancing our data-driven HR solutions, which allow our clients to make more informed decisions about their workforce.
Who in your life serves as a significant source of inspiration, and how have they influenced your career and personal development?
Inspiration shapes both my journey and HRBoost®’s values. Malcolm Forbes’ quote, “Presence is more important than being present,” highlights our approach. It’s not just about showing up, but about fully engaging and bringing our best selves. At HRBoost®, we focus on meaningful interactions, understanding company culture, and aligning with clients’ long-term goals. This commitment to genuine presence extends to our team, fostering deeper connections and lasting impact.
Share some notable recognitions and accreditations received by both yourself and your organization. How have these accolades contributed to your professional journey?
HRBoost® has received several notable recognitions, including being named an employer of choice, which reflects our strong commitment to fostering a positive work culture. This recognition is due in large part to our focus on employee development, work-life balance, and transparent communication. We prioritize continuous learning and professional growth for our team, and our flexible work arrangements ensure that everyone feels valued and supported. These accolades have not only reinforced our company’s reputation but have also played a significant role in validating the leadership style and culture we’ve built at HRBoost®.
Reflecting on your career, what have been the most formidable obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced in my career has been overcoming fear—fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and fear of stepping into the role of a disruptor. Early on, it was daunting to leave the security of corporate life to start my own business, especially during a time of economic uncertainty. However, I learned to face these fears head-on, relying on resilience and conviction.
How do you define success in your career, and how long did it take for you to achieve what you consider a successful position in your field?
For me, success is about creating a business that aligns with my passion and purpose while fostering a culture of shared leadership. I believe success comes from empowering others, embracing challenges, and building a work environment where people find joy and meaning in their work. I also measure my success by the impact my company has on its clients and employees.
What advice would you offer to the next generation of aspiring leaders?
My advice to aspiring leaders is to stay passionate and resilient. I encourage you to identify real market needs, take risks, learn from failures, and build strong relationships with your teams and clients. Staying adaptable, evolving, and remaining true to your vision and values are key to long-term success.
