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Inspiring Conversations with Nicole Fredricks Jackson of FJ Coaching & Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Fredricks Jackson.

Nicole Fredricks, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As an attorney, educator, doctor of leadership, and an “Achiever” on the Enneagram, I am intimately familiar with the pull to do more and achieve more in your career. And as a mom, partner, daughter, and friend, I know well the desire to be present and enjoy this aspect of life.

I am a first-generation college student who went on to earn an EdD in Leadership and a law degree. My career was dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, achievement, and accolades, but there came the point where I recognized that a meaningful career and balanced life were more than just those things.

During the first decade of my law career, I worked as a prosecutor. During that time, I coached college mock trials and served as a resource and guide for young students navigating the “what to do after I graduate” question. I then embarked on a career in higher education and began working for a law school. I helped many professionals navigate a pivot in their career at points where they felt meaning and purpose needed to be reconnected.

While I loved being an educator and a lawyer, there came the point where I knew I wanted to do more and achieve more. There came the point where, despite giving my all to my career and my family, it felt like I was failing in both because I did not think I was getting an A+ in both. As a result, I nearly let go of my career aspirations. I remember thinking, “I’m fine – I can just survive for the next 20 years.”

Then, while in my St. Paul home, I heard this voice inside me yell, “You can’t let your dreams go! Figure out how to advance your career and still be an amazing partner and parent. Don’t settle!”

The truth is, I didn’t know where to start, and I know that is where my clients often are at, too. I joined a coaching group, finished my doctorate in leadership, and eventually worked one-to-one with a coach to design the career and life path I wanted. As an educator, I coached many professionals and knew that I wanted to continue to provide that service. So, I launched FJ Coaching & Consulting in 2018.

With my training and experience, I knew that I was ready to embark on pursuing my mission. What was the mission? To help high-performers, high-achievers, create and execute life strategies for a meaningful career and life balance. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and with support and accountability, you can get to where you want to be faster.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is that it can feel lonely. In an 8-5 job, you have comrades with whom you can stand around the water cooler and catch up. As a business owner, it can be easy to find yourself isolated. I learned early to surround myself with other ambitious people – whether that is through networking events or mastermind groups. It makes a difference in how you show up for life and business.

I also work directly with a business coach. As a lawyer, I was not trained in the art of running a business. Much of it comes naturally to me, but the mundane details are the part I seek guidance on. With the help of my own coach, I am able to keep the ship moving in the right direction.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about FJ Coaching & Consulting?
My motto: Your professional aspirations and personal satisfaction don’t have to be at odds.

As a Career & Life Strategy Executive Coach, I empower corporate high performers, whether a manager, counsel, or a c-suite executive, to execute life strategies for a meaningful career and life balance.

In partnership with my clients, we create a plan with practical and tangible steps to tackle their professional and personal goals.

I’m known to be a member of their personal board of directors – the person they trust to have honest and authentic conversations about creating their version of success at the intersection of work and life.

With fierce yet kind support and accountability, I help my clients embark upon a sustainable strategy, with clear and doable action steps so they can execute it without being overwhelmed.

My services include 1-to-1 personal coaching and executive coaching; Growth Collective, an intimate, small group, in-person coaching experience; and, LEAD’R® Book Club. In addition, I host Jeffersonian Dinners and small-group retreats.

I hold a doctorate in leadership, as well as an Executive Coaching Certification in the Bridges Method. In June I will complete a Tiny Habits certification, which will enhance my own LEAD’R® Coaching Framework.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband, Bentley, is my biggest supporter, as well as my sister, Darci. Both encouraged me to pursue my dream of running my own business.

My ten-year-old son inspires me to be a role model for what it looks like to be a balanced achiever.

My business coach, Julie DeLucca-Collins, is an incredible resource, advocate, and friend who has helped me navigate running a sustainable business.

My marketing coach, Hilary Krueger, who makes it real and continually teaches me the art of storytelling.

The amazing businesswomen, who I now call friends, from Jasna Burza’s UpLevel Together Mastermind. They’ve been there to cheerlead, support, and make referrals.

And, my amazing clients who refer others to work with me.

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Image Credits

Angela Divine Photography

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