The 2023 Women Leaders in Consulting: Nicole Gibson

Nicole Gibson is a Partner with Guidehouse in the Defense & Security segment. She has over 23 years of experience providing management-consulting service to the federal government supporting clients with insight and guidance as they seek to transform their organizations and increase operational effectiveness.

Ms. Gibson serves on the Advisory Committee (ADCOM) for the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), the WashingtonExec Intelligence Community Council, the College of William & Mary (W&M) Washington Center Advisory Board and the Executive Steering Committee for the Society of 1918 at W&M. Additionally, she is part of Class of 2027 Leadership team for the Young Men's Service League (YMSL) Vienna-Oakton Chapter. Ms. Gibson holds a BA in European Studies from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and a MPA from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She lives with her husband Chris and two sons Cole and Brady in Northern Virginia and when she is not auditioning to be an Uber driver by shuttling her boys to a variety of activities, she enjoys traveling, good food and working out.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

My family. Specifically, that my two teenage sons seem to still like and enjoy spending time with my husband and I.

What's the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you've ever received?

Be an authentic leader. It's both very scary and freeing so it can be a real challenge when you are first developing your own style. But the bonds and trust you will build with your teams are worth putting yourself out there.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

Strike a power pose in front of a mirror if you are ever anxious before a meeting or interaction. It seems silly but it helps build confidence. And remember that you have that opportunity because your perspective is valued.

What does this recognition mean to you?

It is truly humbling to think that my words or actions had an impact on the careers of individuals at Guidehouse and in the community I live and work. I mean that's what we all aspire to right? Making a difference in people's lives is what I think it's all about.