Interview with Tech Savant, Writer, and Editor Kristen Nicole

Kristen Nicole has made a name for herself as an eloquent and trustworthy authority in her work writing about the the ever expanding tech field. Her accomplishments and well-roundedness should be commended, and her ability to keep a successful work-life balance shows that success can be achieved with self-care and consistent knowledge seeking. 

SiliconANGEL.com describes her career as follows: Named by Forbes as a top influencer in Big Data, Kristen Nicole is currently a Senior Editor at SiliconANGLE.com. She got her start with 606tech, a Chicago blog dedicated to the social media space, going on to become the lead writer and Field Editor at Mashable. Kristen Nicole has also contributed to other publications, from TIME Techland to Forbes. Her work has been syndicated across a number of media outlets, including The New York Times, and MSNBC. Kristen Nicole published her first book, The Twitter Survival Guide, and is currently completing her second book on predictive analytics.

We heard more from Kristen below! You can find more of her work here.

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Princeton, New Jersey.

What do you do for a living? 

I’m currently the Senior Managing Editor for SiliconANGLE Media. We provide broadcast and written coverage for enterprise computing news and events.

What lessons has your work life taught you?

My work life has spanned the corporate, academic and startup worlds. It’s all  taught me I can create my own path and demand balance for the consideration of myself and family.

Can you tell me about someone who has had a big influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you? 

My husband has had the biggest influence on my life, helping me to be more confident in my communication styles and unafraid to try things. He’s taught me that most mistakes can be fixed, and experiments are healthy exercises of the mind. 

What kind of student were you? 

I was a silent student. The type with good grades, but a bit too bashful to raise my hand or present before the class. Transitions between schools were most difficult, as I acclimated to new cultures and teaching methods. My grades would suffer a semester, but it’d be the reality check needed to refocus and aim for straight A’s. 

Can you tell me about a person who has been kindest to you in your life?  

My friend Laura’s been kindest to me. She’d spend days at my house to help with my newborn when my husband traveled for work. She builds prototypes of art projects I’m brainstorming to help me visualize the end result. She’s the absolute best listener and she makes legendary cocktails.

What do you feel most grateful for in your life? 

I’m most grateful for my parents, their parents and all the ancestors before me. They gave me life, eternal guidance and an abundance of support. My mother especially presented every possible opportunity to learn, from acting class to tennis camp, and nearly two decades of cello lessons. 

Can you tell me about one of your happiest memories? 

Among my happiest memories is the night before my wedding. It’d been a hectic few days, traveling, partying and rehearsing. But before my then fiance and I retreated to our respective hotel rooms for the night, we took a private moment on the hotel lawn to practice our wedding dance. It was the most genuine experience of the weekend.

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in life? 

I’ve learned that confidence is a consequence, requiring practice, demonstration and feedback. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be afraid. I’ve learned that singing out loud is the best way to sing. I’ve learned that motherhood is a most necessary method of self-destruction and self-reconstruction. I’ve learned the importance of smart investments. I’m still learning to listen to my intuition.

Who is your favorite designer? What is your favorite piece of clothing?

One of the best designer experiences I’ve had is with Hrissa Soumpassis, the woman behind Elika in Love. Her structured approach to formal wear is a suitable match for my body’s unique shape and stylistic preferences.