MEET Nicole Stephenson

Wharton lecturer, leadership speaker and author of UNAPOLOGETIC: Nicole Stephenson helps women boldly lead the life and career they deserve. Meet our new Real Woman of REALM.

I first met the inspiring Nicole Stephenson when she was serving as the Executive Director of the Society of Professional Women. Watching her lead with such effortless grace, clarity and purpose, I was instantly drawn to her vision. Since those early days, it has been wonderful to stay connected and watch her impact on women continue to grow.

Nicole is an absolute powerhouse—a dynamic communicator, transformational speaker and the gifted author behind the incredible book, UNAPOLOGETIC: Boldly Lead the Life and Career You Deserve.

For over a decade, Nicole watched accomplished, capable women sitting around conference tables quietly questioning whether they truly belonged. Because she cares so deeply about lifting others up, she poured her heart into building a powerful guide for women to break free from self-doubt and reclaim their true confidence.

What I admire most about Nicole is her genuine, human-centered heart. She truly practices what she preaches, bringing a rare warmth and absolute authenticity to everyone she meets. Nicole beautifully shows us what it means to lead on your own terms. She reminds us that our true selves are our greatest assets, giving women everywhere the ultimate permission to command their space and confidently rule their own realm. I am thrilled to introduce her as a Real Woman of REALM.

Ann King Lagos
Founder + Designer
REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry

Q+A with Nicole Stephenson

What do you do for work?
I am a part-time Lecturer at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. This allows me to prepare the next generation of future leaders how to communicate effectively while also inspiring them to follow their own path to success. I also founded Narrativa Consulting to equip leaders, teams and emerging professionals with the communication and organizational tools needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. My passion is in building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for connection to help others succeed in their personal and professional lives, while being unapologetically themselves.

for play?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially at our beach house in Delaware or taking RV trips. Our family loves biking, boating, fishing, crabbing, camping and exploring historical sites. I'm always looking for an opportunity to share good food, music and togetherness. Kickboxing is what I do for play when it comes to my health and burning off some stress.

for others? (such as a charitable organization dear to your heart)
I am currently the President of the Board of Directors for Girls Spark, a non-profit providing teenage girls with a supportive, empowering environment where they can learn, collaborate and overcome adversity in facing today's social issues.

In your book, Unapologetic: Boldly Lead the Life and Career you Deserve, you noted that a mentor said to you, "If I had known at your age what I'm telling you now, I can't imagine how much further I'd be in my career." How did this affect you?
These words compelled me to share my story with the hope of reaching individuals earlier in their journeys and creating meaningful impact, or especially for those who may be feeling stuck, regardless of their career stage. This also reinforced my commitment to mentoring and volunteering with organizations dedicated to supporting youth, so I can help reach them before external pressures begin to shape their actions in ways that conflict with their own judgment, values and sense of self.

In your book you also write, "When I stopped apologizing for being me and became unapologetically me, I started to succeed in ways I didn't think possible." What made you take that step and how did you do it? What shifted for you?
The shift didn't happen overnight. It was a series of small but meaningful moments that gradually built my confidence in recognizing who I wanted to be consistently. I began to tune out the noise that no longer served me, and to trust myself enough to let it go. At the same time, I chose to lean into the voices of those who genuinely believed in me, allowing their confidence to reinforce my own. I also learned to find peace in the understanding that I wouldn't be for everyone and that I didn't need to be. What mattered was showing up fully as myself for the people who valued authenticity, growth and purpose. Once I committed to staying true to who I am and surrounding myself with people who wanted me to win, something shifted in my alignment. By continuing to give, support and uplift others, that same energy returned to me tenfold.

What is the one thing you want people to take away from reading your book?
The one thing I want readers to take away from my book is a sense of solidarity. There is profound power in feeling seen, supported and validated. While we may wish we didn't need validation, the truth is that connection is part of our human nature. There is no weakness in that. Community has the ability to remind us that we are not alone. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone else has faced a similar struggle or has found a way through a challenge we're still navigating can be enough to restore confidence and reignite belief. It's in those shared experiences that hope grows, and the courage to move forward begins. And I want people to have the courage to move forward in a way that makes them feel whole.

Are there any plans you'd like to share for your company Narrativa—perhaps a podcast or in-person experiences? It sounds like there's more to come.
When I decided to share my story and help others find their path to authenticity, I knew I didn't want the experience to end when the room emptied. I didn't want to simply speak and walk away. I wanted to offer something lasting. I wanted to provide a roadmap, and a resource people could return to as they continued exploring what success might look like if they leaned fully into who they truly are. That is why I chose to write a book that includes actionable steps for journaling and self-discovery. It allows the conversation to continue beyond a single moment and creates a deeper, more meaningful connection. I can see this journey expanding in the future. Perhaps one day it becomes a podcast. Narrativa means "to tell a story" in Italian, and in many ways, this chapter of my story is only just beginning.

We love your style! At REALM, we talk about our jewelry and Empresses having a "Classic, Romantic or Rock Star" vibe (sometimes all three). How would you describe your personal style?
I would say that my style is never the same. I love how you can reflect your mood or vibe by simply wearing something that can hide or boldly express out loud how you might be feeling. I once heard someone say that putting on red lipstick changes their entire personality and confidence, and I wholeheartedly agree. If wearing a color dares you to do something you're scared of, I say rock it!

Why do you love REALM?
The jewelry is exquisite, but let's be real, it's so much more than that. It's what the brand stands for. I love REALM because it highlights the exact type of authenticity and empowerment that being unapologetic is all about. It showcases real women who all hold unique traits both inside and out. It celebrates the individual and gives everyone a chance to shine.

What's your favorite REALM Collection?
I absolutely love any of the collections paired with pearl pieces. There is something so timeless and sophisticated about pearls. I also enjoy that they can be considered playful as well as mature.

How did you and Ann meet? What kind of connections did you have then? Now?
Ann and I met through a Fearless Femmes event hosted by Fearless Restaurants and their Director of Operations, Real Woman of REALM Sydney Grims. From the moment I heard Ann's story, I was moved by her resilience and ability to reinvent a dream company with courage and grace through adversity.

What began as a simple lunch quickly grew into one of my favorite annual traditions, a reminder of how meaningful relationships often start in the most unassuming ways. I've since had the privilege of witnessing Ann's unwavering support for countless individuals and women's empowerment initiatives within our shared community. Watching so many women who are making a real difference locally step into the REALM and have their stories told has been incredibly rewarding. Ann doesn't just celebrate these women, she amplifies them. She is a true pioneer, using her platform and products to give back, uplift others and create lasting good. I am proud to now call her a friend.

What does it mean to... 
#BeYourBestSelf by not compromising your own identity to fit into what or who others want you to be.

#BeYourOwnEmpress by unapologetically taking up space and finding joy in it.

#ReignThoughtfully: by trusting your intelligence paired with your intuition to make decisions with intention.

Anything else you would like to add?
Treat yourself with the same grace, fierce love and support you would show for your best friend.

CONNECT WITH NICOLE

• Email: nicole@narrativaconsulting.com
• Instagram: @_nicole_stephenson
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicole-stephenson
• Website: narrativaconsulting.com