There’s a saying that goes “Nothing grows in the comfort zone” and our guest today is a formidable example of success outside of comfort! We are thrilled to welcome to the Talk Talent to Me podcast, Nicolette Jackson, Head of Talent over at Zephyr. Nicolette shares more about what they do at Zephyr and her journey to becoming the Head of Talent. We dive into her inspiring and forward approach to negotiating her job offer at Zephyr, and she highlights what prompted her confidence to (always) ask for more! We then delve into the different facts of her mentor/mentee relationship with Lorraine Buhannic, and much more.    Key Points From This Episode:   The Nicolette of it all. More about Zephyr and Nicolette’s background and journey. Viewing another Chief People Officer’s visible role at the table: how it was apparent to Nicolette. She elaborates on the different types of things the board asked Lorraine (the CPO). The sparks that influenced Nicolette’s Chief People Officer aspirations. Nicolette delves into her approach toward negotiating her job offer at Zephyr. The inspiration that prompted her confidence to ask for more (from her job offer). Nicolette sheds light on various facets of her mentorship dynamic with Lorraine. She shares Lorraine’s anti-imposter syndrome pep-talk/ concept. Painting her own data journey and the impact it has had on her confidence.  She explains the different ways she is currently quantifying the role. Why owning your expertise is a beautiful thing to do for a business.   Quotes:   “When I realized that recruiting was — one side bringing people in but then also how to grow them and make them happy while they were there was the whole other side of the spectrum. And to truly be happy in recruiting — I feel like I also wanted a say-so on how people were treated once they were in the door.” — Nicolette Jackson [0:08:40] “Who gets the oil? The squeaky wheel, honestly the people that ask for the things they want.” — Nicolette Jackson [0:14:44]   “Nothing that I’ve done in this life that has made me successful was ever comfortable. It’s always been uncomfortable. It’s always been a challenge.” — Nicolette Jackson [0:25:20]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:   Nicolette Jackson on LinkedIn Zephyr Hippo Insurance Lorraine Buhannic on LinkedIn Episode: Juxtapose Head of Talent Lorraine Buhannic Juxtapose Talk Talent to Me Hired