Nickole Raymond, VP at WME/IMG, and Energetic Designer of Luxe Handbags

Nickole Raymond is the Vice President of Golf Sales at WME/IMG.  For those unfamiliar with those acronyms, they stand for the combined might of William Morris Endeavor and the International Management Group – a merger in the sports/entertainment world so buzz-worthy, it simultaneously produced stories in Vanity Fair, the New York Times and Variety.  Raymond however is not content to stick to just that high-powered role; she describes herself as “a sports industry executive by day, and fine accessories peddler by night“ – with the fine accessories being the handbags she now designs with a longtime friend for their firm, LDR Brands.

LDR’s stylish, understated website spells out its initials to be pronounced as “leader,” which seems appropriate;  Raymond’s let’s-get-going energy is reflected not only in her dual careers, but also in her MBA  degree and her enthusiasm for both sides of mentoring (she advises to seek out guidance – but also notes that even if you are entry-level, you can still take the newest intern to lunch to offer the same).  She mentions as well having had parents who encouraged her to start working as soon as she “was legally allowed,” and credits being instilled with that invaluable self-starter mentality as helping her to carry “a significant workload in my adult life.”

The image of her two glamorous jobs is balanced, as she notes, by her fondness for podcasts (“nerd alert,” she snickers) – but then explains why she likes them so much by relating an oddly moving episode about a carnival worker that contains a very instructive kernel about leadership skills.  Read on for more about this very enterprising person who still humbly and charmingly advises against “acting entitled” in the workplace and to “keep your attitude in check.”

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?
I am a recovering athlete-turned-sports-industry-executive, I have traveled the world in my role for the past decade. I grew frustrated with the lack of professional travel accessories for women, so I co-founded LDR Brands with my longtime friend who shares my love for handbags. So I am a sports industry executive by day, fine accessories peddler by night (and weekends/holidays/vacation!).

What does a day in your shoes typically look like?
In my role as a sales executive, no two days are ever the same. I am fortunate to have a position that allows me the flexibility to create my own schedule and path to success.  With autonomy comes accountability and dedication to prove your performance. I am lucky that I can always be measured by the revenue I produce – and I love that.

What 2-3 things do you do to prepare yourself before work, and is there anything you try to accomplish every day?
Before work, I always wake up early to run and/or workout at the gym, drink coffee and catch up on world news. I love early mornings and getting a head start on my day – but don’t ask me to do anything important after 9 p.m. (zzzzzzzzzzz) unless it’s the weekend!

What is your breakfast of choice?
Coffee plus egg whites on an English muffin with Sriracha, or plain Fage Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries.  

What are your rituals or tips for staying energized and motivated? 
I am a big believer in physical exercise – I have to sweat once a day. People tell me that I have an unattainable amount of energy and I attribute that level of functionality to exercise and diet. You can control very few things in life, but motivation is an attitude that YOU can control. Remain positive, focus on achieving your goals, truly believe you can do it, and great things will happen. I promise. 

What is the favorite part of your job?
I love meeting new people, spending time learning about what they are trying to accomplish in their marketing objectives, and coming up with creative solutions. I basically get to dream up wild ideas, sell them and go make it happen. Dream job.

What and who inspires you at work?
Great energy. I love people who are passionate about what they do and let the world know it. I recently listened to this great episode of “This American Life” (the podcast) that profiled an amusement park worker who embodied unrelenting fervor about his work as the manager of the games department of a medium- sized park in Kansas. His passion for his job overflowed to the team that worked underneath him, and everyone was on fire to perform in their respective roles of guessing people’s weights, handing out rings to toss at bottlenecks and awarding plush prizes. Isn’t it amazing what good can come out of a team with positive energy centered around accomplishing a single objective? My personal goal is to always be a catalyst for that type of work environment.

Do you have a ‘Power Outfit’ that you wear for a big meeting or important work event?
Absolutely. Black fitted dress cut to below the knee. Tailored jacket. Funky jewelry. Killer (high) heels.

How does your culture/background influence your work?
The work ethic instilled in me as a child drives me to this day, and I am thankful to have had parents who insisted that I get a job as soon as I was legally allowed. I played competitive volleyball on club teams, and ultimately in college, but I was always expected to produce my own spending money and manage my schedule.

This was an essential formative experience for me, and is probably the reason why I can handle a significant workload in my adult life. Scheduling conference calls and meetings seems like a breeze after years of juggling sports practices, three different hourly jobs and being a master eBay salesperson! (Fun fact: I made more money via eBay my senior year of college than my first salaried job in the sports industry.)

How many times have you changed your career direction?
I have been in the sports and entertainment industry my entire career with a major agency, but I have recently pivoted into the design/fashion/handbag/accessories business. It’s been a fascinating project with a wealth of learning I never would have imagined. For example, did you know that most high quality suede (leather) is derived from pig hide?

What was your very first job?
First income generator: Door-to-door gift wrap salesperson (age 8)
First formal job: Starbucks Barista (first Starbucks in Ohio!)

What has been the biggest obstacle in your career and how did you overcome it?
It was when I was stuck in a particular role for a bit too long and needed to transition into something new. I was fortunate to have a great mentor who helped coach me into a better situation. Mentors, advisors, coaches, sponsors…call them whatever buzzword you like, but they are critical to the success of your career journey. Invest in finding the right ones (hopefully multiple!) — and also invest in becoming a mentor for someone else.

What are your most steadfast ‘don’ts’ rules regarding work and the workplace, and what are your most cherished ‘do’s’?  

Don’ts:

• • • Wear clothing that will lead to colleagues talking about your outfit instead of your skillset.
    • Talk poorly about others when they aren’t there (say it to their face!).
    • Act entitled or as if you are owed anything. Ugliest. Attitude. Ever.

Do’s:

• • • Over-communicate.
    • Recognize great work, and give credit to those who did it.
    • Roll with the punches, and keep your attitude in check.

What are the most important qualities of a good leader?
Meaningful communication, unrelenting passion and positive energy. Great leaders can be felt, not just heard, when they are in your presence. 

What are the unforgettable traits of role models who have inspired you most?
Loyalty. What is better than someone who believes in you and has your back?

How have mentors impacted your personal and professional development?
My long-standing mentor – who would never accept that label – is the sole reason I have had success in my past and current roles. The key is finding someone who not only values your skillset and input into the organization, but who also cares about your development as a person. My mentor holds me accountable for my actions and challenges my opinions on tricky subjects; he truly wants me to succeed in all facets. I have many mentors from different stages of my career – some come in for “seasons,” and others are around for the duration – but having that network is critical.

I strongly believe that it is never too soon to become a mentor to others if you can make yourself accessible. If you’re an entry level employee, let the intern take you to lunch and ask you about your role. Teach and learn.

What are three questions you like to ask during an interview to know if the candidate (or job) is the right fit?

• • • “Did you play team sports?”
    • “What’s your role on teams you’ve been on in the past?”
    • “What are your passions outside of work?’

What advice would you give to women starting their careers?
Work hard, long hours and produce great work. Create an organic network of fans at various levels within your company, and network like hell until everyone knows your name for all the RIGHT reasons.

What book would you recommend for women just starting their career?
Amy Poehler’s Yes, Please – an oddly empowering leadership book, especially towards the second half. Plus, she is funny as hell. (Tip: Listen to the audiobook – she narrates and brings celebrity guests along for the ride)

What is your favorite leisure activity after a stressful work week?
Running while listening to podcasts (nerd alert!) and drinking/laughing with friends

What is your favorite quote you try to live by?
“Difficult topics are best handled with these simple guide posts: truth and kindness.” – my Mom