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Nicole Dessain

Head of Employee Experience Design 🎈I help organizations craft human-centered, equitable workplaces.

Professional Background

Nicole Dessain is an accomplished professional in the field of talent strategies and organizational development, with an extensive career spanning over 19 years. She has held prominent roles in notable organizations, including a significant tenure at a Big 4 management consulting firm where she spearheaded innovative talent management strategies tailored to enhance the employee experience. Throughout her career, Nicole has been deeply committed to elevating companies' talent practices by implementing creative solutions that reflect her entrepreneurial spirit.

Her work has led to impressive recognitions for her clients, many of whom have been designated as "Best Places to Work." This is a testament to her ability to quantify the intrinsic value of talent within organizations and to develop approaches that ensure people-centric practices are at the forefront of corporate strategy. Nicole has partnered with a diverse range of companies, from renowned global giants such as Accenture, Apple, and Cisco to dynamic startups like Grubhub and the Orlando Magic, showcasing her versatility and capability in adapting to different corporate cultures and environments.

In her current role as Chief Employee Experience Designer at talent.imperative inc, Nicole is at the vanguard of a movement that champions design thinking to create more inclusive and people-focused workplace cultures. Her passion for transforming organizational dynamics is evident in her various initiatives aimed at fostering understanding, empathy, and collaboration within teams.

Education and Achievements

Nicole Dessain's academic foundation is solid, having completed Executive Education at The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business, which equipped her with advanced insights into high-level business strategy and leadership. She also earned her Masters (M.A.) degree from Universität Hildesheim, providing her with a robust framework in learning, organizational change, and cultural development.

Her significant contribution to the HR community includes the establishment of the HR.Hackathon Alliance in 2019, a revolutionary platform that gathers HR professionals dedicated to applying design thinking principles in the workplace. This initiative underscores her commitment to continuous learning and collaboration among professionals striving for progressive change in human resources.

In August 2020, Nicole launched the #HRvsRacism initiative, catalyzing important conversations around equity and inclusion in the HR sector. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide support for HR practitioners as they work towards designing fairer workplaces, encouraging them to become courageous allies in the journey towards social justice and healing within organizations.

Notable Achievements

Beyond these remarkable projects, Nicole has also made a name for herself as an engaging speaker and thought leader in her field. Her expertise lies at the intersection of design thinking, strategic vision, innovation, culture, and talent management. She has been invited to present at various conferences and professional gatherings, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire others in the industry.

As a former Instructor for the Master's in Learning & Organizational Change program at Northwestern University and a Coaching Fellow at IDEO U, Nicole is well respected for her influence within educational circles, imparting her knowledge about effective organizational practices to upcoming leaders in the field.

Nicole has also contributed significantly to her previous roles, including her time as Director of Talent Strategies at Career Education Corporation and Senior Manager of Talent & Organization Consulting at Accenture, where she was responsible for uplifting organizational capabilities and aligning talent strategies with broader business goals.

Her diverse professional background and a wealth of experience across various sectors underscore her unique ability to merge innovative practices with strategic talent management, ensuring that organizations not only thrive but also prioritize the needs and development of their workforce.

Achievements

  • Founder of the HR.Hackathon Alliance
  • Creator of the #HRvsRacism initiative
  • Chief Employee Experience Designer at talent.imperative inc
  • Former Instructor for Master's program at Northwestern University
  • Former Coaching Fellow at IDEO U
  • Recipient of "Best Places to Work" designations for clients
  • Partnered with various industry-leading organizations including Accenture, Apple, Cisco, and Grubhub.

Highlights

Sep 22 · Chicago Tribune
Why companies should conduct 'stay interviews,' not 'exit interviews' - Chicago Tribune

Related Questions

How did Nicole Dessain develop her expertise in talent strategies and organizational development?
What inspired Nicole Dessain to found the HR.Hackathon Alliance?
In what ways has Nicole's experience at Accenture shaped her perspective on employee experience?
How does Nicole Dessain utilize design thinking to foster people-centric workplaces?
What are the key outcomes of the initiatives led by Nicole, such as #HRvsRacism and the HR.Hackathon Alliance?
How does Nicole incorporate her educational insights from The University of Chicago into her professional practices?
What approach does Nicole recommend for organizations striving to be recognized as 'Best Places To Work'?
Nicole Dessain
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Location

Greater Chicago Area