In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Brandt, Owner and President of NB Talent, whose journey from public relations to insurance has been driven by practicality, passion, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Nikki began her career in commercial insurance underwriting in 2007, a role she initially took for financial stability but quickly fell in love with. Over the years, she built a successful career across underwriting, marketing, and then as a commercial producer, where she cultivated a substantial client base. It was through this work that Nikki recognized a gap in the recruiting space – specifically, the need for a firm dedicated to finding the right fit for insurance roles. In 2021, Nikki took the leap and founded NB Talent, a firm that exclusively matches high-caliber talent with industry-leading companies, all while balancing her career aspirations with family life.

Nikki shares the unique philosophy behind NB Talent and how she chooses her clients with care, based on culture, reputation, and flexibility – traits she values both personally and professionally. As a strong advocate for flexible work, Nikki speaks candidly about the shifting dynamics in the workforce, especially for women balancing career and family. She’s passionate about empowering women to know their worth, often guiding clients on salary negotiation and encouraging them to keep their resumes polished and take interviews for confidence-building. Nikki believes that embracing flexible and even part-time roles can unlock more potential in the industry, and she’s dedicated to leading by example.