Nicole M Howard-Rice

Dr. Nicole Howard-Rice is a leadership strategist, executive coach, keynote speaker, and organizational transformation consultant dedicated to helping leaders navigate change, strengthen influence, and drive meaningful results. As Founder and CEO of Claim Your Place Consulting, she partners with executives, emerging leaders, educational institutions, nonprofits, and organizations to build leadership capacity, develop talent, and translate vision into action.

With more than a decade of experience leading large-scale initiatives, organizational improvement efforts, and leadership development programs, Dr. Rice has guided leaders through complex challenges involving change management, workforce development, strategic planning, team effectiveness, and organizational growth. Her work spans executive coaching, leadership academies, curriculum and program redesign, professional development, and systems transformation.

Dr. Rice is a TEDx speaker whose thought leadership focuses on authentic leadership, executive presence, digital humanity, and leading with purpose in an increasingly technology-driven world. Her signature keynote, "Which Version of You Is Showing Up?", challenges audiences to examine how self-awareness, mindset, and intentional leadership shape personal and professional success. She has served as a state-level consultant and subject matter expert, delivering training and strategic guidance to leaders across educational, nonprofit, and public-sector organizations. Her research and speaking engagements center on leadership effectiveness, digital literacy, organizational change, and creating cultures where people and performance thrive together. Known for her engaging storytelling, practical insights, and ability to connect strategy with human-centered leadership, Dr. Rice empowers audiences to lead with confidence, navigate uncertainty, and claim their place as impactful leaders in their organizations and communities.