Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Degi.
Hi Nicole , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After college, I moved to Grand Rapids because I wanted a fresh start and believed there would be great long-term opportunities here. My journey didn’t begin the way I imagined—the first job I took wasn’t at all what I expected. I felt stuck and seriously considered moving back home. At that point, my dad challenged me to stay and try to find something else. I wasn’t thrilled about it at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
Soon after, I attended a Chamber luncheon and decided to put myself out there. I stood up in a room full of professionals—in my early twenties and completely out of my comfort zone—and said, “I’m new to West Michigan, and I’m looking for work.” I happened to sit next to someone who worked at a local radio station group, and they said, “You’d be great in radio sales.” I had never considered that path before, but I thought, “Why not?”
That leap of faith led to a nearly 10-year career in radio sales. It was the job that connected me to the entire Grand Rapids community. Through it, I met my now-husband, my now-CEO, and some of my closest lifelong friends. That experience taught me resilience, how to handle rejection, and the power of networking.
Years later, I reconnected with the woman who is now my CEO. We had stayed in touch over the years, and when she expanded her recruiting firm, she reached out. Again, it was another unexpected opportunity—but I took a leap, and I’m so glad I did. I’m now in a career I love, where I feel like I’m making a real impact and have grown tremendously as a professional.
Life hasn’t been easy these past few years. My husband was diagnosed with cancer three times, and my mom passed away when I was twenty weeks pregnant. There were moments when I felt completely overwhelmed—where I thought, “Why me? Why us?” And truthfully, I still think that sometimes. But those experiences taught me even more about resilience, about staying positive, and about appreciating how things could always be worse.
Today, my husband is cancer-free after extensive treatment and some major lifestyle changes. We have an active, sweet, and joyful three-year-old who my mom would have absolutely adored. If I could go back in time and show my younger self—twenty weeks pregnant, sitting in the ICU, facing my husband’s third diagnosis—what life looks like now, I think she’d be so proud.
I’m proud to teach my son that when life gets hard, you don’t give up. That it’s okay to be vulnerable and upset, but that it’s important to look for the silver lining. And I’m incredibly grateful to work for a company that has supported me through it all—from hospital stays and doctor’s appointments to long days and tough decisions. Their support has meant everything.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Struggle” almost feels too light a word for what I walked through. Starting a new career came with a steep learning curve and the pressure to succeed. At the same time, I was navigating the fear and uncertainty of my husband’s cancer diagnoses—multiple surgeries, intense treatments, and the emotional and mental weight of being his caretaker. On top of that, while pregnant, I also became a caretaker and decision-maker for my mom’s critical health situation, alongside my brother. The stress was overwhelming, and I constantly worried about how it might affect my son. But looking at him now—strong, joyful, full of life—I know that somehow, we both found strength in the storm.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I serve as the Manager of Executive Search at W Talent Solutions, a firm specializing in placing top-tier talent in executive, leadership, and hard-to-fill roles across the nation. I manage client partnerships, while also managing sourcing, and interviewing high-caliber professional to ensure the right match between candidates and clients.
I’m incredibly proud to have successfully transitioned into this industry and to now be part of a mission-driven team. Beyond recruitment, W Talent Solutions donates 10% of profits and volunteers monthly in support of the YWCA—making a lasting impact in both the business world and our local community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
1. Trust the detours.
When my first job out of college didn’t work out, I felt lost and ready to give up. But staying in Grand Rapids—even when it was hard—led me to a completely unexpected opportunity that changed my life and career.
2. Say yes, even when it’s scary.
I took a leap into radio sales—a field I knew nothing about—and it became a foundational chapter of my life, leading me to lifelong friendships, my husband, and my future career.
3. Networking is everything.
From standing up at a Chamber event to staying in touch with future mentors, every relationship mattered. Putting yourself out there opens doors you never knew existed.
4. Resilience is built, not born.
Watching my husband battle cancer and losing my mom while pregnant were the hardest moments of my life. But those experiences taught me how to keep moving forward, even when I didn’t know how.
5. Vulnerability is strength.
It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to be scared. What matters is showing up anyway—with honesty, heart, and hope.
6. Stress doesn’t define the outcome.
I worried constantly about how the stress would affect my unborn son. But today, he’s happy, healthy, and strong—a reminder that love and resilience can grow even in chaos.
7. Mission matters.
I’m proud to work for a company that not only values what I bring professionally but also gives back—donating 10% of profits and volunteering monthly to support the YWCA. Purpose-driven work fuels everything I do
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wtalentsolutions.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wtalentsolutions/?viewAsMember=true
