Meet Nicole Starks-Murray | Executive Director & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Starks-Murray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is knowing the “what & why” The WHAT represents the purpose I was planted in this world to do. I believe that is when people can identify their WHAT then the passion, purpose, skills and abilities are exemplified in everything that you do.  My success comes from God.  He has blessed me with the heart for people, capacity, skills, wisdom, compassion, servitude necessary to be impactful. The WHAT makes sense as the value exchange of what has been given to me and what is shared with those who need what I must give.

The real factor behind success has to be humility, wisdom and the above noted things.  They must be the “driving force” the thing you can focus on when things are hard, when there are challenges, and even successes, it keeps me balanced. I find that when there are challenges, when times get hard, it is these solid questions and answers I rely on to ensure I can continue in the journey of success where I have been planted.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I am actually in the business of “helping people.” I know that sounds like an anomaly, but my whole career has been focused on helping people in all facets of life. I also realized that where I could help in the spaces and places like (executive leadership, contract development, financial management, advocacy, collaborative partnerships and leveraging would translate into the actual service that would meet the veteran, family, person, and child, where they were in their journey to assist them in getting to a better place. Moving the needle in your sphere of influence is what sets me apart. My true desire to see better outcomes in the places and spaces I have been called to serve in and to support the growth of communities to thrive.  For that you must be the partaker of the solutions, the willingness to fail and try again, to learn from lessons, to be teachable, and open to learn.  This is was sets me apart.

I believe I am a “Transformational Leader” which means that I often lead with encouragement, trust and transparency. I lead by “precept and example.” The things I expect from those I lead or from my collaborative partners I model. For the most part, even when I was working in the for profit arena, I was always planted in an area tasked at helping someone or some business grow. I am proud of my track record relative to supporting organizations get the service to those who need it most and businesses that had major challenges move favorably to solvent successful enterprises.  In the industry I am often called the “fixer.”  Businesses, partners, collegues usually call on me to support in areas of business or personal development that needs help.  I believe it’s because they can rely on an honest answer and a real plan to support moving the needle in the right direction. It is through these experiences I was able to birth my own businesses. Road 2 Samaria a non-profit organization helping families and those that don’t qualify for traditional services get housing and other resources in time of need. Fruition Consulting my for profit entity helps grassroot organizations in business development and a variety of services supporting them to become financially solvent and sustainable businesses. The lessons learned in my tenure is you can never stop your flow of resources when you are a giver. When you give not looking for a return your harvest stays full.  You just can’t beat the sowing and reaping of a good heart and willingness to give.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
California has many subtilties that you would miss if your not paying attention. From the desert to the coastline so many beautiful touch points, and truly the reason I live and thrive here in California.  On my travels, I would start in in the low desert and drive across the ways driving through the coastal spaces to end up in one of my favorite places to go San Francisco. Starting point would be Cabazon which is short of Palm Desert.  There are jewels in the desert for sure.  The year-round heat sets the atmosphere for hotel spas and pools and shopping at all the wonderful outlets. The Coach Outlet is my favorite but so much to choose from you could just take your pick. Food, fun and lots of great deals. Then I would continue down the highway until I got to the 210 freeway transitioning through Pasadena. I would definitely stop at Ruth Chris Steakhouse in downtown Pasadena and grab some fried calamari, lobster bisque and you could not leave before having that bone in Ribeye steak absolutely 2nd to none. Moving down the highway I would have a true focus on getting to PCH (highway 1) so I could take in the cool breeze of the coast line. Of course maybe stopping at the Santa Monica Pier to take in some games, and desert at Funnel Cakes shop. Continuing down PCH to the interchange 5 highway stopping along the way at local farmers markets off the road and if you are adventurous you could stop in Fresno and pick your own fresh fruits and vegetables at Mountain Brook Ranch.  Just outside of Fresno on the way to my destination a must stop would be Harrah’s Ranch and Resort in Coalinga, California. The Steak House is the famous steaks you see in the high end stores like Gelson’s Market. Stay the night and eat from aged beef stored right in the restaurant for you to view. Then on to the most uncharted territory to me in California Big Sur. No larger than Santa Monica Pier but everything you need in scenic mountain, coastal views, fine dining and high resort stays my favorite is Tickle Pink.  What a name that describes the joy you will enjoy in staying at this place. Be ready you must book several months in advance, to stay here but if you get to book your stay it is well worth the dollars you will spend. We had a Cove View Room and was still able to view the ocean and the mountain the hotel is nestled in. The atmosphere was breath taking and service was outstanding.tled in. The atmosphere was breath taking and service was outstanding.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My first thanks and “shoutout” has to be to my heavenly father. God gives me the capacity to be who I am in this world.  The brevity to keep things in perspective, the courage to stand, the wisdom to understand how to navigate all comes by way of his strength and power given to me. My parents would be another thanks I need to give. They established in me very early a work ethic that is centered on the whole “value exchange”. What do you have to offer, and how can you give your best even in the face of adversity. Also the practice that there is so much we can complain about, but let the things you don’t like be the driving forces of why you be the change you want to see in others and the world around us.

I must mention my “tribe” this is the family of support I have through my mentors, friendships and family. My business mentors have great organizations they run and they have high ethical standards. They keep me straight when business decisions, work life balance or even change in leadership is daunting I can trust their perspective and see their success so something I rely on that resource. I have a small circle of friends that hold me accountable both spiritually and from the what we call “worlds perspective.” Lastly but for sure not least, my family is second to none. My parents, husband, children, sisters keep be secure, filled with love, provide a safe place for me to just be me so I have something valuable to give to those that I am assigned to impact.