Nicole DeFalco is passionate about helping leaders grow in ways that make a meaningful difference for them, their teams, and their organizations. She has spent her career creating learning and coaching experiences that inspire leaders to try new things, new skills, and step fully into the impact they want to have. Her clients, senior executives to emerging leaders, appreciate her ability to listen deeply, ask the right questions, and get to the heart of what’s holding them back or moving them forward.
As Founding Partner of Bridge to the Boardroom and Upsurge Advisors and a partner at Parson Partners, Nicole has worked with leaders across industries and around the world. She’s designed and led leadership programs that break down barriers for underrepresented talent, guided executives in preparing for corporate board service, coached leaders for career advancement, and reimagined how organizations onboard and promote leaders so they’re set up to succeed from day one. Her work has been recognized with multiple Brandon Hall Awards, but what matters most to her is seeing people light up when they realize they’re capable of more than they thought.
Nicole’s style is energetic, practical, and rooted in respect for each client’s unique story and context. She combines what we know from neuroscience with the power of storytelling and hands-on practice to help leaders gain clarity, confidence, and influence. Whether in a one-on-one coaching conversation, a team session, or a large leadership cohort, she keeps the focus on making progress that sticks.
Nicole holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BS in Communication Studies from Northwestern University. She’s based in the Chicago area, serves on the board of Generation Distinct, and is an Elder at Common Good Church