Success rarely happens in isolation.
Women supporting and learning from each other is key to growing strong careers and businesses. That’s what Nickquolette Barrett, CEO of iRock Resumes, built her business around: helping professionals stand out, land jobs they love and advance with confidence.
As a career coach and resume expert, Nickquolette works with job seekers, executives and entrepreneurs to help them navigate the challenges of career growth. Throughout her career, she’s gained powerful insights into what it takes for women to succeed — whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder or launching a business.
In this interview, she shares advice on overcoming obstacles, building confidence in male-dominated industries and positioning yourself for success. Her insights offer practical strategies to help you move forward.
Q&A with Nickquolette Barrett, CEO of iRock Resumes
Q: What are some of the most common obstacles you’ve encountered as a woman in your career, and how did you navigate them?
As a woman, my challenge was attracting male clients. I chose my brand colors specifically to attract men and women — red, black, and gold — as I did not want to be seen as one who only assists women...I understood guys and found I could reach them at their lowest point and
bring them up just as well as I did women.
At the beginning of my business journey, I was rejected by a few men as they felt a man would understand them better and help them with their job search. But then it turned around…I now have a good mix of both men and women.
Q: What role do mentorship and networking play in helping women overcome career challenges?
Oh my, this is a MUST! You can only go so far by yourself. You can reach the stars when you go with someone else.
In my corporate career, I chose mentors who were opposite me and could see me from a different angle. I had mentors of all races, ages, and backgrounds. At the time, I didn’t know this, but I now appreciate having an eclectic group of mentors.
On another note, networking is a tried-and-true method of advancement. The phrase “your network = your net worth” is a truism.
While I leveraged my mentors for my career, I did not do such a good job of networking as a career professional. I assumed, like most women, that my hard work would miraculously be noticed. I was dead wrong.
Networking is key for women to advance in anything they desire to do.
Q: What are the top three skills you believe every woman leader should cultivate?
1) Communicating their value in one sentence. I say one sentence as we tend to use too many words when it’s not needed.
2) Understanding business and business acumen. It’s not enough to have soft skills; you need to understand the business.
3) Being strategic in their movement within an organization and how they show up.
Q: How can women leaders build confidence in traditionally male-dominated industries?
Get in and learn the business. When you know the business, how it runs, and more than anything, how it makes money, you can run with the big boys.
Know and own your unique value and what you bring to the table. Not many women know how to identify their value and then articulate it.
Q: What advice would you give to women leaders and entrepreneurs considering starting their own small business?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Failing is a path forward, even when it feels like the end of the world. I failed forward many times, and it wasn’t until about my 7th year in business that I finally hit my stride. Be consistent and steady. Don’t give up. If you are truly passionate about what you do, you will keep going no matter how tough it gets.
Q: How do you think women leaders contribute uniquely to team dynamics and company culture?
We, as women, bring a sense of reasoning to situations that only a woman can. Our voice, our mannerisms, and our innate ability to show compassion. When we exude this superpower in addition to being about the business, we become unstoppable and highly respected.
Q: What are your top tips for building a strong LinkedIn presence as a woman leader or entrepreneur?
Women should ask themselves how they want to be perceived on the internet, as LinkedIn is the top hit for your name. Once you understand how you want to be portrayed, then it’s time to write impactful words so the reader can clearly see the portrait you are trying to paint for yourself. Words matter. Period. Get the words right, then add the other things like accessories, banner, organizations, certifications, etc.
Q: What are strategies women entrepreneurs can use to connect with potential clients, partners or mentors on LinkedIn?
After creating an impactful profile, it’s time to write a few inbox messages to use for different uses. Have one for collaboration and partnerships, one for potential clients (preferably your ideal client) and one for someone you admire that you see as a mentor.
Q: As a small business owner, male or female, why is it important to have the right banking partner?
You want a bank to be your ally. I feel I can call my banker at any time and get answers to my questions. A bank should have your best interest at heart, as your win is their win. As you grow, they grow with you, so they should be just as invested in your success as you are.
Q: How has Comerica Bank helped you and your small business succeed?
Comerica made me feel seen. I have always thought banks only cared about big companies and not micro businesses like me. They gave me a new perspective and took the time to explain how they partner with me to grow. Not only did they say it. They actually did it.
I tell everyone I know to go to Comerica.
Final Thoughts
Nickquolette Barrett’s journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship highlights the power of confidence, strategy, and perseverance. When you take control of your career and embrace opportunities for growth, you open doors for yourself and others.
Looking for more ways to grow? Visit iRock Resumes for career guidance and explore Comerica’s small business resources.
Take advantage of Comerica’s National Small Business Week resources.
