Nicole Martin: Empowering Business Through Joy, Purpose, and People-First Leadership

 

In the evolving landscape of human capital and organizational development, few names shine as brightly as Nicole Martin. A visionary leader, dynamic speaker, and founder of the trailblazing consulting firm HRBoost® LLC, Nicole is transforming how companies engage with their workforce. As the Chief Empowerment Officer, her mission is clear: empower businesses to become exceptional places to work while inspiring people to find joy and purpose through their careers.

Nicole’s story is not just one of business success; it is a journey of passion, resilience, and heartfelt leadership. From her small-town beginnings to becoming a national authority in HR strategy and leadership, she exemplifies the impact of leading with authenticity and unwavering dedication to human-centered work.

From Montana to the Midwest: A Journey of Discovery

Nicole Martin’s path to becoming a celebrated businesswoman began in Montana, where she was raised by a spiritually grounded and emotionally empowering mother. “My mother always believed I was capable of anything,” Nicole shares. “She taught me to pursue happiness above all else.”

At just 18, Nicole left her hometown and moved to Libertyville, Illinois, with her godmother, eager to carve her own path. She took her first job as a receptionist at a tech company in the pre-Y2K era. What she saw there became the catalyst for her calling. “The company was hiring tech professionals from overseas and leaving them idle and ignored in the reception area,” she recalls. “It was inhumane, and it sparked my passion for human resources and workplace dignity.”

That initial exposure to workplace dynamics would lay the groundwork for her life’s work: transforming the employee experience and building a future where people and performance thrive in harmony.

Building HRBoost®: Turning Passion into Purpose

In 2010, after a successful corporate career, Nicole took the leap to start her own consulting firm. She founded HRBoost® LLC with a vision of supporting small to mid-sized businesses in cultivating exceptional workplaces.

From the outset, HRBoost® set out to address a gap that many businesses struggled with—scaling HR services in a way that matched the company’s growth while maintaining a people-first culture. Nicole knew that while large companies could afford robust internal HR departments, smaller organizations often lacked the time and expertise to build HR infrastructures that go beyond basic compliance.

“Many of our clients have between 50 to 250 employees,” Nicole explains. “They’re high-growth companies that need real-time support, not cookie-cutter solutions. That’s where we come in.”

Within two years, demand for HRBoost®’s services skyrocketed. Nicole quickly realized that scaling meant building a team that shared her passion. By 2013, she had assembled a high-performing group of HR professionals, and her role transitioned to that of Chief Empowerment Officer—a title that reflects her belief in elevating both people and businesses.

Overcoming Challenges: Growing Through Adversity

Like any entrepreneur, Nicole faced significant challenges in the early years of HRBoost®. Accessing capital—both financial and human—was a constant hurdle. “You need to trust your people and the process,” she advises. “Scaling a business takes patience, the right team, and the willingness to let go of control at the right time.”

Nicole was candid about the balancing act between her personal and professional life. As a wife and mother, maintaining equilibrium was no small feat. “There were moments when I was reacting to the business instead of leading it,” she reflects. “It wasn’t until I built a structured process and empowered my team to execute that the business could truly grow.”

She believes success in business is driven not just by strategy, but by adaptability, humility, and resilience. “You must be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn continuously. It’s not about getting it right every time—it’s about staying the course.”

The HRBoost® Difference: Human-Centered Strategy

At the heart of HRBoost® is a commitment to customized, comprehensive HR services. Whether it’s talent acquisition, leadership training, culture design, compliance, or employee engagement, HRBoost® meets its clients where they are and walks the journey with them.

Nicole and her team pride themselves on being more than consultants—they are embedded partners. “We offer project-based support, virtual assistance, full-service HR, and even HR on-demand,” she says. “It’s not about selling services; it’s about solving problems and creating value.”

Over the years, HRBoost® has worked across sectors such as healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, hospitality, staffing, and nonprofit organizations. Each client engagement is tailored, rooted in mutual trust, and driven by a commitment to measurable impact.

“We’ve grown almost entirely through word of mouth,” Nicole proudly notes. “That speaks volumes about the relationships we’ve built and the results we’ve delivered.”

Leadership with Heart: Awards, Books, and Influence

Nicole’s influence extends beyond her business. She is a prolific author and public speaker, known for her heartfelt insights and practical wisdom. Her published works include The Talent Emergency, The Human Side of Profitability, No Fear Negotiation for Women, and The Power of Joy and Purpose. She also contributed the chapter “Emotionally Speaking” to Leading from the Heart.

Her expertise has been featured in Forbes.com, the Daily Herald Business Ledger, and Fast Company. She also hosts “HR in the Fast Lane,” an internet talk show that delves into workplace trends and best practices.

In recognition of her leadership, Nicole has received numerous accolades, including the 2016 Enterprising Women of the Year Champion and the 2017 Excellence in Business Award. She was also featured as one of Mirror Review’s 20 Impeccable Women in Business.

Living with Joy and Purpose: The Personal Side of Success

Despite her many accomplishments, Nicole remains grounded and intentional about how she lives her life. She makes a conscious effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance, honoring her commitment to family, self-care, and personal growth.

“I don’t work weekends, and I never miss more than two dinners a week with my family,” she says. “I work out regularly, spend time in nature, and I love fishing, boating, and hiking with my loved ones.”

Nicole also invests in peer communities to stay inspired and accountable. She participates in a CEO peer group and a women’s leadership circle that keeps her energized and focused. “These groups give me synergy and sisterhood,” she says. “And of course, I make time for date nights with my husband—because love and connection matter.”

Her philosophy is simple yet profound: “Work hard, play hard. Stay present, stay intentional, and don’t let the pace of business rob you of your joy.”

Looking Ahead: Scaling with Purpose

As HRBoost® expands its digital presence and national footprint, Nicole is excited about the future. The company recently launched an HR Expert on Demand model, allowing them to offer virtual support to businesses across the country.

“Our clients have taken us with them into new states, and now we’re hiring nationwide,” she shares. “Remote capability has changed the game—and we’re ready.”

Nicole’s ultimate goal is to continue helping businesses create cultures that attract, develop, and retain top talent. In her words, “We want to bring joy, purpose, and people together in the workplace. Everyone deserves the opportunity to love what they do and where they do it.”

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Empowerment

Nicole Martin is more than a CEO—she is a movement maker. Through HRBoost®, she is redefining how organizations think about leadership, culture, and the human side of profitability. With compassion as her compass and empowerment as her mission, she continues to inspire a future where people are the heart of every successful enterprise.

In a world that often prioritizes metrics over meaning, Nicole’s voice is a refreshing reminder that joy, purpose, and humanity belong at the center of business.