top of page
LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT BEING THE CHANGE I WANT TO SEE.
Nicole Arbour
NICOLE IN A NUTSHELL
Executive Director
Belmont Forum
area of expertise
Research & Development Uruguay 🇺🇾
companies Nicole has worked for
NICOLE AS A LEADER
Nicole’s leadership philosophy centers on making happiness a priority and modeling sustainable habits early on. She emphasizes the importance of soft skills like empathy, understanding, and communication, which are often underestimated but crucial for successful leadership. Her approach involves breaking down challenges into manageable pieces, evaluating risks, and being willing to let go of sunk costs. By prioritizing happiness and sustainability, Nicole strives to create a work culture that values well-being alongside professional success.
Leadership is not easy, but nothing worth doing is easy.
Great Leaders lead by example.
The future of leadership is being willing to think outside the box, to step outside of comfort zones and to be the change you want to see in the world.
When I think of a leader, I think of someone who models the change I want to see in the world, who is not afraid to be a bit uncomfortable.
EMPATHY, UNDERSTANDING, AND ACTIVE LISTENING ARE KEY TO EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Nicole Arbour
NICOLE ON NAVIGATING WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Nicole prioritizes work-life balance by modeling efficient working habits, aiming to work no more than 40 hours a week. She integrates self-reflection, exercise, and cooking into her routine as decompression tools. Recognizing the societal pressures on women in leadership, she strives to create a balanced environment for herself and her team. Her approach includes active listening to her family and making necessary adjustments to maintain harmony, acknowledging that work-life balance is an ongoing effort requiring constant vigilance and adaptation.
NICOLE ON MENTORING FUTURE LEADERS
Nicole actively mentors aspiring leaders, working within her role to identify necessary skill sets and create opportunities for development. She models the leadership she wants to see and believes that line management should include mentorship. As an adjunct professor, she integrates work placements into her program, offering hands-on experience to students. By fostering a supportive environment and providing guidance, Nicole ensures that the next generation of leaders is well-equipped to face future challenges.
KNOWING THAT CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE, AND WANTING TO BE A DRIVER OF THOSE CHANGES – TO HELP MOVE THINGS IN THE SUSTAINABILITY FIELD AND SUPPORT THE CREATION OF A REASONABLE WORK-LIFE CULTURE FOR PEOPLE, WOMEN, AND FAMILIES.
Nicole on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
bottom of page