Welcome to Transform’s People-First Leader Spotlight Series, an exciting journey into the minds of innovative people leaders who are disrupting the now and next of work.
In each Q&A-style article, we’ll introduce you to people-first leaders like Nicky Russell, VP, People & Talent, Advisor360, who are redefining the boundaries of their industries with forward-thinking ideas and transformative approaches.
About Nicky:
Nicky Russell is a seasoned global talent leader with over 20 years of experience driving high-impact talent strategies across startups and enterprise organizations. Known for leading with authenticity and transparency, Nicky specializes in building strong, connected teams, fostering inclusive hiring practices, and aligning talent initiatives with business outcomes. A passionate advocate for relationship-driven recruiting and proactive workforce planning, Nicky brings a people-first approach to leadership that builds trust and drives results. Whether scaling teams or speaking on stage, Nicky is committed to creating cultures where people thrive and organizations grow with intention.
Leadership and Influence:
Transform: Please share the journey that led you to focus on people-first leadership.
Nicky: My journey to people-first leadership started long before I had a title or a seat at the table. Growing up in foster care and aging out of the system at 18 taught me early on what it feels like to be unseen, unheard, and uncertain about what comes next. That experience shaped my belief that everyone deserves to feel valued, supported, and understood…especially at work.
As I built my career in talent acquisition and leadership, I saw how often companies focus on process and performance before people. But when you put people first… when you truly listen, build trust, and lead with intention… you unlock potential, loyalty, and impact that can’t be manufactured through metrics alone. My leadership is grounded in empathy, clarity, and connection because I know what it means when those things are missing. And I’ve made it my mission to make sure others don’t have to navigate their path alone.
Transform: Why did you choose to work in this industry?
Nicky: I chose to work in the talent industry because I’ve seen firsthand how transformative the right opportunity can be. Growing up without a clear path or support system, I learned to navigate uncertainty on my own…and I know how life-changing it is when someone sees your potential and opens a door. Talent acquisition gave me the chance to be that person for others.
This industry lets me combine strategy with heart. I get to help businesses grow through great people, and I get to help people find meaning, stability, and belonging in their careers. That’s not just work…it’s purpose.
Transform: What was your first job, and how did it shape your perspective on work?
Nicky: My first job was working at the YMCA in an after-school program, helping kids with homework and creating a safe space where they felt seen and heard. That experience shaped how I view leadership and the workplace. I learned early on that people thrive when they feel valued and supported. It taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and showing up for others. Those same principles guide how I lead teams today: with care, consistency, and a people-first mindset that puts relationships and trust at the center of everything.
Transform: How have your leadership methods evolved over the years?
Nicky: My leadership methods have evolved from focusing on execution and outcomes to prioritizing people and purpose first. Early in my career, I thought strong leadership meant having all the answers. Over time, I learned that true leadership is about creating space for others to contribute, grow, and lead alongside you. I’ve shifted from directing to empowering… asking better questions, building psychological safety, and leading with clarity and empathy. Today, I focus on transparency, trust, and aligning people strategy with business goals in a way that fosters belonging, drives performance, and builds resilient, connected teams.
“You can have the best tools, systems, and frameworks in the world…
but if your people aren’t seen, supported, and trusted, none of it works.”
Vision and Impact:
Transform: What motivates you to prioritize people over processes?
Nicky: Because people are the process. You can have the best tools, systems, and frameworks in the world…but if your people aren’t seen, supported, and trusted, none of it works. Prioritizing people leads to better collaboration, more innovation, and stronger outcomes. I’ve seen firsthand that when you invest in your people… when you truly listen, empower, and lead with empathy… they’ll show up, speak up, and drive the mission forward. At the end of the day, it’s people who build the culture, deliver the results, and create the kind of workplace others want to be part of. That’s what motivates me every day.
Transform: Can you share a significant initiative you’ve led that focuses on enhancing employee well-being or engagement?
Nicky: One initiative that made a meaningful impact was launching a team book club focused on professional and personal growth. We selected books aligned with leadership, resilience, and communication — topics that helped us better understand ourselves and each other. It wasn’t just about reading…it sparked open conversations, strengthened trust, and encouraged reflection on how we show up as teammates and leaders. Carving out that space to learn and grow together created a deeper sense of connection and belonging. It reminded everyone that investing in our own development, and doing it as a team, is a powerful way to enhance engagement and well-being.
Strategies for Change:
Transform: How do you foster a culture of openness and innovation within your team or organization?
Nicky: I foster a culture of openness and innovation by leading with transparency and creating consistent spaces for dialogue…where questions, feedback, and new ideas are welcomed and acted on. It starts with psychological safety: ensuring people feel heard, valued, and empowered to challenge the status quo. I prioritize one-on-ones, skip-level conversations, and cross-functional collaboration to surface diverse perspectives. When people know their voice matters, they’re more willing to take smart risks and share bold ideas. I also celebrate learning moments, whether they come from success or failure, because innovation thrives when curiosity and continuous improvement are part of the culture.
Transform: What leadership lessons have you learned that are unique to managing people?
Nicky: One of the most powerful leadership lessons I’ve learned is that people don’t just want direction… they want to be seen, heard, and understood. Managing people isn’t about control; it’s about connection. Every person brings a unique story, perspective, and motivation to the table, and leadership means meeting them where they are.
I’ve also learned that clarity and consistency build trust. Whether it’s through transparent communication, setting clear expectations, or simply following through on commitments, how you show up matters just as much as what you say. People will often remember how you made them feel more than the specifics of a strategy or project.
Engagement and Influence:
Transform: How do you engage and inspire your team to adopt people-first practices?
Nicky: I engage and inspire my team to adopt people-first practices by modeling them consistently. That means leading with empathy, creating space for honest conversations, and prioritizing psychological safety. When people feel valued and respected, they naturally lean into a culture that puts people first.
I also tie people-first practices to real outcomes…showing how trust, inclusion, and listening drive retention, innovation, and performance. We celebrate wins that come from collaboration and human connection, not just KPIs.
Most importantly, I remind my team that behind every metric is a person. When we lead with that mindset, we build not only stronger teams… but better businesses.
Transform: Can you describe a moment when you realized the true impact of your people-first approach?
Nicky: One moment that really stuck with me was during a major organizational shift…roles were changing, priorities were being restructured, and uncertainty was high. I had a team member who was visibly disengaging. Instead of focusing solely on performance, I reached out to understand what was going on.
What followed was a vulnerable conversation where she shared that she felt unseen in the chaos and was unsure where she fit. I gave her space to speak, acknowledged the uncertainty, and involved her in shaping the next steps. That conversation reignited her motivation…and she ended up leading a key initiative that helped others navigate the change, too.
That experience reminded me that when you lead with empathy and listen deeply, you don’t just retain talent…you empower it. People-first leadership isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategy for resilience and long-term success.
Looking Forward:
Transform: What future trends do you believe will further shape leadership and workplace dynamics?
Nicky: Future leadership will be shaped by a shift toward human-centered AI, flexible work as a cultural norm, radical transparency, and prioritizing skills over titles. Leaders will need to focus more on well-being, empathy, and adaptability to inspire trust and build resilient, high-performing teams in an ever-evolving workplace.
Transform: What’s next on your agenda for fostering a more people-centered workplace?
Nicky: Next on my agenda is deepening our investment in manager development… equipping leaders with the tools to lead with empathy, give effective feedback, and support individual growth. We’re also refining our onboarding experience to foster belonging from day one and building more intentional career pathways so employees feel supported, seen, and set up to thrive.
Personal Reflections:
Transform: What is a specific project, initiative, or career highlight you are most proud of?
Nicky: One of the projects I’m most proud of is building and leading a global talent function from the ground up…hiring the team, defining the strategy, and creating scalable processes that centered people and purpose. We focused on building trust with hiring managers, elevating candidate experience, and aligning talent strategy to business goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that foundation still creating impact today.
Transform: How have you changed as a leader over the years?
Nicky: Over the years, I’ve shifted from feeling like I needed all the answers to realizing the power of listening, empowering others, and creating space for different voices. I’ve learned that the best leaders aren’t the loudest in the room… they’re the ones who build trust, stay curious, and lead with empathy.
“When people feel valued and respected, they
naturally lean into a culture that puts people first.”
Transform: Who do you go to for advice and inspiration?
Nicky: I turn to my peers and colleagues in the industry…MY TRIBE… for advice and inspiration. They challenge my thinking, share honest feedback, and remind me why this work matters. Surrounding myself with others who lead with heart and purpose keeps me grounded and always growing.
Transform: How do you stay current on leadership and management trends?
Nicky:I stay current on leadership and management trends by actively engaging with my industry peers, participating in thought-leadership communities, reading books and newsletters, attending conferences, and staying plugged into conversations on platforms like LinkedIn. Learning is constant, and I seek out diverse voices and perspectives to stay sharp and relevant.
Transform: How do you balance the demands of leading with personal wellbeing?
Nicky: I’ve learned that setting boundaries and modeling balance is part of good leadership. I carve out time for reflection, family, and rest… knowing that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing wellbeing helps me show up fully for my team and lead with clarity and empathy.
Transform: What is one piece of advice you would offer to future leaders aiming to prioritize people in their leadership style?
Nicky: Lead with curiosity, not assumptions. Take the time to genuinely understand your people…their motivations, challenges, and aspirations. When people feel seen and heard, they bring their best selves to work, and that’s where true leadership begins.
Transform: How do you create work-life balance in your own life?
Nicky: I create work-life balance by setting clear boundaries, prioritizing what matters most, and giving myself permission to unplug. I’ve learned that being present, whether at work or at home, requires intention, and I try to lead by example so my team feels empowered to do the same.
Transform: What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Nicky: Trust yourself more, speak up even when it feels uncomfortable, and don’t wait for permission to lead. The things that make you different are actually your strengths… lean into them early.
See Nicky speak on the Transform stage at Transform 2026! Secure your ticket now. And check out other insightful Transform Spotlights and thought leadership articles on the Transform Blog.