My truth: I am multi-passionate and often struggle with narrowing my business focus for extended periods of time. It would feel like I had to choose between authentic parts of myself, or I was being forced leave a part of me out…but no longer. I am fully embracing all of me!
You know me as a social worker committed to eliminating the outdated, narrow view of social work. I’ve shared my social work philosophy and career development framework with you, my interns, my students, and my clients.
1. Define social work career success on your own terms
2. Social workers do not take a vow of poverty
3. Professional burnout is not a rite of passage
4. Social work skills are high income skills
5. Social work skills are highly transferable
I’ve shared my journey as a senior level nonprofit leader experienced in building and managing successful multi-disciplinary teams. I have shared my leadership philosophy in blogs and on my More Than Social Work with Nicki Sanders YouTube channel.
1. Leadership is a privilege
2. Leadership is about impact and influence, not a title
3. Leadership is earned, not demanded
4. Leadership is about transformation, not transactions
5. Great leaders create more great leaders
I’ve been working with women and girls for nearly 3 decades – as a mentor, trainer, educator, facilitator, supervisor, and coach. This work is a part of my calling. Patriarchy, glass ceilings, wage gaps, mansplaining, violence, and caretaking all take a toll on the mental, physical, emotional spiritual, and financial health of women. Women of Color often have these experiences intensified. You know my story of professional burnout and professional fatigue. I’ve authentically shared my recovery routines and commitment to the soft life where I am my personal and professional priority. We’ve chatted outdoors, explored rivers and streams, and listened to the sounds of nature together. What I had not done was given this part of my being – shifting away from what was ‘broken’ – a name. I have gone beyond empowerment; this is my return to wholeness. Of course I am taking my staff, students, clients, and interns through this process with me. Introducing, my wholeness philosophy:
1. No one needs you more than you need you
2. Softness is a strength
3. Struggle is not required
4. Rest is productive
5. Schedule your joy
Each area in my professional trifecta has a signature presentation that can be adapted to different audiences, different timeframes and different occasions – TedTalk, guest lecture session, workshop, training, or retreat.
- Sustainable Social Work Presentation: Social Work Your Social Work Career
- Leadership Liberation Presentation: Reclaiming Your Leadership Power and Purpose
- Women’s Wholeness: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup: Self-Love, Self-Care, and Self Preservation
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation and let’s discuss the best ways to work together. My services are women focused but men friendly.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, is committed to career development, professional development, and organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. She is a thought leader dedicated to dismantling the outdated, narrow view of social work and an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. She is a lover of nature, cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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