Celebrity Beauty Secrets: Secret Career Confidence Coach, Nicole Williams
ByKim West
Nov 20, 2013 12:02 AM EST
No matter where you are in your career, a few helpful tips can always help you reach that next big goal, and Nicole Williams is here to help with just that. The LinkedIn Career Expert, author of three books, proud mom, and now Secret Deodorant's Career Confidence Coach, knows that achieving success in the workplace is all about being fearless by having confidence in yourself. Check out what this multi-tasking diva had to offer up on all things hair, makeup, beauty and career in our insightful Q&A below.
- So Nicole, we hear your favorite indulgence is a fabulous blowout. What's the key to keeping your hair looking great as a busy career woman?
I love a good blowout! Not only can I take my hair off my list of things to think about, I love the 30 minutes that it takes to get it done to catch up on email and prepare for my day. In terms of the key to keeping it looking great, a good cut is the foundation and then beyond that, it's putting a little effort into it in the morning and learning some quick tips to put it up over the course of the day in the event of a rainstorm or hair crisis.
- What are a few hair and cosmetic products you just can't live without?
When it comes to beauty, stick to what you know and what looks good. I won't walk out of my house without my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($20). I try and get a blowout once a week. As a mother of a toddler, I rarely have time to spend on my hair at home, which is why I am a huge fan of dry shampoo too. It helps me save time by extending my blowouts for a few days.
- If you were to describe your signature makeup style, what would you say is your go-to look?
Polished and professional. I strongly believe in the power of presentation. Wearing subtle makeup always helps boost my confidence. Every day I wear lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara and finish it off with my eyelash curler. If I'm on camera that day, foundation gets thrown into the mix.
- As a career woman, what look do you recommend for ladies in the office when it comes to makeup?
Makeup helps women accentuate their external and internal beauty. However, women don't need a heavy hand to achieve it! I'd advise women to keep it soft and natural. Stay away from heavy foundation, smoky eyes and false lashes until after hours.
- Great tip. So how do we incorporate our personalities into an office look?
Nail polish is a great way to incorporate your personality, although I'd keep the personality in the color and not in the actual art and/or decals.
- What type of hair and makeup makes you feel most confident? Why?
As I get older I'm learning that less is more. I like a simple, polished look. I will change some colors seasonally, but my technique basically remains tried and true. In terms of confidence, ever since I started out in my career, hair has been my armor. I don't have great hair naturally so a little extra effort goes a long way.
- Ever have an embarrassing office moment? How did you overcome it and what lesson did you learn?
Who hasn't! I have a three step strategy for making it out the other side with your reputation intact. 1- Fess up. If you're the one who is controlling the message of what happened, the less likely the story is to be gossiped about or exaggerated. 2- Take ownership and responsibility. Now is not the time to blame it on someone else. 3- Learn and then share your lesson. The gift of embarrassment is that you can save someone else by sharing your own story and what you learned from the experience.
- Great insight. What advice can you give aspiring career women on beauty and confidence?
The most important thing you bring to any job is confidence - it's the foundation upon which you take risks, push your limits and accelerate your success. What you wear and how you wear it helps convey a sense of confidence. A big confidence killer is experiencing or worrying about, sweat and odor. So I really view a high performing antiperspirant/deodorant as a daily, must-have tool to keep you feeling like your best self. That's why the new Clear Gel form of the Secret Clinical Strength Collection is my favorite to keep in my desk drawer. That extra swipe to keep stress sweat odor from showing up to meetings with me keeps me focused on what matters, and I don't have to worry about a white mark on my power outfit!
- How does it feel to partner with Secret Clinical on their exciting new line?
I was so thrilled at the opportunity to partner with Secret because the brand stands for fearlessness - everyday - and that's integral to my personal and professional mantra. If I feel fear, I know I'm about to do something worthwhile. And to be fearless, you need 100% confidence. Secret has introduced two new forms to their Secret Clinical Strength Collection for 100% odor protection. So now women don't have to sacrifice having Clinical Strength protection, because they can get it in whatever form they like best.
Thanks Nicole for the awesome advice! Check out the Secret Clinical Strength line on SecretStore.com, along with more of Nicole's career confidence advice. Check out her tips on how to nail that nerve-racking interview with ease in the video below, and let us know what tips you'll be taking away from Nicole by leaving us a note!
