In the ever-evolving landscape of human resources, Nicole Craveiro stands out as a beacon of leadership and innovation. As the Founder and CEO of CraveHRO, she has transformed the HR consulting industry with her unique blend of compliance and compassion. Nicole’s journey into HR consulting was anything but conventional. After experiencing the harsh realities of a toxic corporate culture, she founded CraveHRO in 2021 with a mission to help small employers navigate the complexities of HR compliance and employee relations.
From Toxicity to Triumph: The Journey to Leadership
Nicole’s path to becoming a prominent HR consultant was fueled by her personal experiences and the desire to make a difference. Having witnessed the detrimental effects of toxic work environments, she realized the critical need for HR solutions that prioritize both compliance and compassion. Her journey began with a one-woman operation, and through sheer determination and dedication, she has built CraveHRO into a trusted resource with a national reach.
Leading with Heart: Resilience and Authenticity
Nicole’s leadership style is deeply rooted in resilience and authenticity. Her experiences supporting her family through adversity and building her business from scratch have reinforced the importance of leading with empathy, directness, and adaptability. She believes in leading by example, being transparent, and prioritizing ethical decision-making. Influenced by her personal journey, Nicole emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership, striving to create a positive impact in every interaction.
Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Leadership
As a woman in leadership, Nicole has faced numerous challenges, including being underestimated and having her expertise questioned. Whether it was being dismissed in male-dominated spaces or being taken advantage of in business dealings, she has had to fight for her place at the table. The key to overcoming these obstacles has been confidence, setting boundaries, and forming strategic alliances. Nicole has learned to charge what she is worth, say no to clients who do not align with her values, and advocate fiercely for herself and her clients.
The Pillars of Leadership: Core Values Guiding Decisions
Integrity, empathy, and accountability are the core values that guide Nicole’s leadership decisions. She believes that HR is fundamentally about people and is committed to doing right by them, whether it is helping a business owner avoid legal pitfalls or ensuring employees have a fair workplace. These values dictate how she engages with clients, handles challenges, and grows her business. For Nicole, integrity means being honest and transparent in all her dealings, empathy involves understanding and addressing the needs of both employers and employees, and accountability ensures that she takes responsibility for her actions and decisions.
Lighting the Way: Mentoring and Inspiring Future Women Leaders
Nicole is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of women leaders. She believes that mentorship starts with visibility and actively shares her journey, including the good, the bad, and the lessons learned. By being open about her experiences, she hopes to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles without fear. Nicole mentors aspiring HR professionals and small business owners, offering guidance on pricing strategies, boundary setting, and more. Additionally, she facilitates networking groups and professional communities that create safe spaces for women to grow and thrive.
Words of Wisdom: Advice to Aspiring Women Leaders
Her advice to women aspiring to reach leadership positions is clear:
- Know your worth – Don’t undercharge, undervalue, or underestimate yourself.
- Set boundaries – Not every opportunity is worth your energy.
- Find your people – Build a network of women who uplift and support you.
- Stay authentic – Success doesn’t require sacrificing who you are.
- Take up space – Speak up, own your expertise, and don’t apologize for it.
Beyond Buzzwords: Emphasizing Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion play a central role in Nicole’s leadership approach. At CraveHRO, she works with businesses to create policies that ensure fairness and equity. She also advocates for underrepresented groups and emphasizes the importance of inclusive workplaces, not just for compliance but for fostering real belonging. Nicole believes that diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions and a better understanding of clients’ needs. By promoting diversity and inclusion, she aims to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
The Resilience Recipe: Maintaining Motivation During Tough Times
Maintaining motivation and resilience during tough times is a hallmark of Nicole’s leadership. Running a business while supporting a household through personal challenges has tested her resilience time and again. She draws strength from her purpose, humor, and community. Nicole reminds herself why she started CraveHRO and leans on her support system during difficult moments. Humor also plays a crucial role in her life, as it helps her navigate challenges with a positive attitude. Her work genuinely helps people, and this sense of purpose keeps her pushing forward even on the hardest days.
Landmark Achievements: Proudest Career Milestones
Nicole’s proudest achievements include launching CraveWave HR Client Cloud, an affordable, hands-off HR solution that empowers small employers to stay compliant without breaking the bank. This innovation has allowed her to expand her impact beyond one-on-one consulting and provide scalable solutions for businesses that otherwise could not afford HR support. The CraveWave HR Client Cloud has become a game-changer in the industry, offering small businesses a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to manage their HR needs efficiently.
Additionally, securing a spot as a finalist for the Women’s Business Award for Women in Recruitment & HR has validated her efforts to make CraveHRO a meaningful brand. This recognition highlights Nicole’s dedication to excellence and her commitment to making a positive impact in the HR consulting industry.
Vision for the Future: Goals and Ambitions
Looking ahead, Nicole has set ambitious goals for the next five years:
- Expand CraveWave HR Client Cloud – Make it the go-to HR platform for small employers.
- Scale passive income streams – Diversify offerings to balance profitability with sustainability.
- Grow her personal brand – Increase speaking engagements, thought leadership, and industry impact.
- Develop a stronger advisory network – Partner with like-minded professionals to expand services.
- Continue advocating for mental health in the workplace – Elevate conversations around HR’s role in mental well-being.
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
In Nicole’s words, success is not just about revenue but about impact. Her goal is to change the way small businesses approach HR, one policy at a time. Nicole Craveiro is a leader to watch in 2025, and her story is an inspiration to all aspiring women leaders. Through her resilience, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to her values, Nicole has proven that it is possible to build a successful business while making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Nicole Craveiro’s journey as the Founder and CEO of CraveHRO exemplifies the power of determination, empathy, and ethical leadership. Her ability to navigate challenges, inspire others, and innovate within the HR consulting industry makes her a role model for aspiring women leaders. As we look to the future, Nicole’s vision for CraveHRO and her dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of human resources.