Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Bailey.
Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for communication began in seventh grade at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. I will never forget my teacher, Ms. Carmody — she told me that I had a gift for writing and that I would be an excellent journalist. She was also a communications professor at Texas Christian University, and her words shined a new light on what I already loved to do — be creative and write. That moment planted a seed. Soon after, I became the first African American editor of my high school’s 106-year-old newspaper and earned a journalism scholarship. After high school graduation, I majored in journalism and minored in advertising and public relations, with big dreams of one day owning a magazine that could rival Time and even becoming a presidential speechwriter.
But as my husband likes to say, “God doesn’t give us an itinerary.” Life had its own twists and turns. After completing three years of college, I got married and became a mother a little over one year later. A few years after that, as a divorced single mom of two, I made a promise to myself — that I would finish my degree before my daughter finished high school. That goal kept me going, even on the most challenging days. And by the grace of God, I did it.
Since then, I have earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Liberty University, and a Master of Public Administration from Regent University. I am now completing my Doctorate in Strategic Communications at Regent University — a full-circle moment that brings together everything I love: communication, business strategy, and leadership development.
Courtney Nickol & Associates was born out of that journey — the lessons, the faith, the resilience, and the calling to empower others to grow. Today, I use my experience to equip leaders, teams, and organizations to communicate with purpose, lead with integrity, and turn vision into impact. What began as a childhood dream has evolved into a lifelong mission to inspire others to find their voice and lead with confidence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every step of the journey has come with its lessons, and each one has helped shape the path I am on today. Taking the leap to start Courtney Nickol & Associates was both exciting and humbling. It took faith and courage to trust that what was placed in my heart was possible — but that first step truly became the beginning of something beautiful.
Along the way, I learned that balance is not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about being fully present in each moment. Managing my time between completing my doctoral studies, serving clients, and growing the firm has taught me the importance of grace, focus, and gratitude. My work—helping organizations grow through strategic communication, fundraising, leadership development, and organizational planning—requires both structure and heart.
Now that my children are adults, I have the gift of dedicating more time to my purpose while also cherishing the simple joy of spending time with my husband. He is my best friend, my biggest encourager, and the person who reminds me that love and laughter are just as important as deadlines and strategy.
What once felt like challenges has truly become stepping stones. Each experience has deepened my faith, strengthened my resilience, and reminded me that every season has purpose. I’m thankful for the lessons, the growth, and the chance to live out my calling in a way that inspires and uplifts others.
As you know, we’re big fans of Courtney Nickol & Associates, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My company, Courtney Nickol & Associates, was founded on the belief that strategy is the heartbeat of lasting success. We don’t just consult — we strategize, build, and walk alongside leaders as they move from vision to action. Our work focuses on strategic communication, organizational growth, fundraising and development, leadership training, and executive coaching — helping individuals and organizations grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
What sets us apart is our mindset. We lead with strategy, but we serve with heart. Every engagement begins with listening — understanding an organization’s story, challenges, and goals before crafting a plan that is intentional, practical, and built to last. Our team brings experience across more than 35 industries, allowing us to see patterns, anticipate challenges, and create solutions that are both visionary and actionable.
Over the years, we have developed a strong track record of helping clients grow — not only in measurable results but in confidence, leadership, and alignment with their mission. Our executive coaching program supports leaders as they strengthen how they communicate, make decisions, and inspire others. We focus on helping them find their rhythm — leading with clarity, authenticity, and purpose.
At Courtney Nickol & Associates, we believe that leadership doesn’t just happen — it is cultivated through vision, intention, and strategy. Our brand stands for excellence, integrity, and transformation, and every partnership reflects our commitment to helping others discover their voice, refine their strategy, and fulfill the mission they were created to lead.
For my team and me, this work is more than a business — it’s a calling.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I do not believe in luck or coincidences. Faith, providence, preparation, determination, commitment, my family’s and friends’ support, and surrounding myself with the right people have played the most significant roles in my life and business.
I was blessed to grow up with amazing parents who instilled in me the values of faith, perseverance, and integrity. They taught me that success is not about luck — it is about being prepared, staying humble, and trusting that everything happens for a reason. Those lessons have guided every step of my journey.
I have learned that when you lead with faith and stay ready, opportunities align exactly when they are meant to. Every milestone I have reached has been the result of consistent effort, prayer, and the encouragement of those who have believed in me along the way.
For me, what some might call “luck” is really the beautiful intersection of God’s timing and preparation — where faith and dedication meet purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneynickol.net
