Woman to Watch :: Dr. Nikki Lanier

I’m Nikki Lanier, CEO of Harper Slade, a workplace equity advisory firm that helps organizations think differently about inclusion—not as a side initiative, but as a business imperative and a matter of long-term economic survival. Before launching Harper Slade, I spent 25 years across industries as an HR executive, employment attorney, and most recently as a Senior Vice President with the Federal Reserve Bank. That breadth of experience gives me a wide lens on how leaders, policies, and economies intersect with human potential.

What makes Harper Slade unique is that we approach equity work not just as a moral good, but as a strategic necessity. By 2045, America will be a majority-minority nation, and companies that don’t prepare for that demographic and economic reality will struggle. My work is about equipping leaders to navigate that shift with courage and clarity. At the end of the day, my brand is about grace, connection, clarity, and courage—helping people see that equity is not a burden to bear but an opportunity to build a stronger, more flourishing society.

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How did you get to where you are today?

It has been a long journey shaped by many pivot points, deep reflection, and a clear sense of purpose. Growing up literally on the campus of a historically Black university, I was raised by parents who believed in education, justice, and using one’s gifts to uplift others. That upbringing instilled in me a conviction that I should use whatever platform I had to create opportunity and belonging. I earned a degree in journalism and then a law degree — early on I thought perhaps my path would be media, storytelling or law. But during law school I witnessed how a “neutral” policy could be applied in deeply discriminatory ways, especially when it came to immigrant communities. That eye-opening experience shifted my focus toward labor and employment law and, ultimately, toward human resources and organizational leadership.

Over time, as doors opened — sometimes unexpectedly — I accepted roles in HR, in higher education, in government, and even in banking. Each role expanded my lens, sharpened my skills, and deepened my resolve. Finally, I launched Harper Slade, but what got me here was less a plan and more a persistent belief: that workplaces — and by extension our economy and society — can and must be equitable.

What do you think has helped you the most with your success?

Values-grounded upbringing & early exposure: Having parents deeply rooted in education, justice, and community service gave me a foundation of purpose from childhood. That early moral compass has kept me anchored.

Willingness to learn, pivot, and adapt: I didn’t stay married to one identity or one career path. From journalism to law, from law to HR and beyond — I listened, learned, recalibrated, and embraced opportunities even when they scared me.

A breadth of experience across sectors: Because I’ve worked in government, corporate, education, banking, and non-profits, I bring a broader perspective on how institutions, policies, economies, and human lives intersect. That makes me effective even in complex, nuanced spaces.

Conviction & moral clarity about equity: I believe equity is not optional or secondary — I see it as a macroeconomic imperative and a moral one. That clarity helps me lead with courage, even when the work is hard or unpopular.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in order to achieve your goals?

One of the biggest challenges early on was reconciling professional ambition with personal life — particularly motherhood. As a young lawyer and then HR professional, I moved frequently and sometimes missed key moments in my child’s childhood. That guilt, and the tension between professional and maternal expectations, weighed heavily on me.

Another challenge was the constant questioning of my credibility — as a Black woman, as a young professional, as someone shifting fields. There were moments when people doubted whether I belonged or whether I was capable. Learning to stand firm in my competence in the face of skepticism required resilience, thick skin, and unwavering self-belief.

More broadly, doing equity work — real, intentional racial equity work — is emotionally taxing. It means challenging deeply held beliefs, confronting resistance, staying grounded while navigating systems built for inequity. Building Harper Slade and the RAARE Woman Collective has meant stepping into spaces where discomfort is norm, staying committed even when progress feels slow.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the ecosystems I’ve helped build — not just in terms of organizations, but in terms of vision, values, and community. Through Harper Slade and RAARE Woman Collective, I get to help organizations and individuals reimagine what equity, inclusion, and belonging can look like in business, in families, and in society.

I’m especially proud of seeing people step into grace-centered advocacy, people willing to do the deeper work — examine beliefs, change narratives, build inclusive cultures. That ripple effect matters.

I’m also proud that, as a woman who’s held many “firsts” — in government, HR, banking — I’ve never lost sight of heart. Success doesn’t just mean titles

it means impact, transformation, and leaving spaces better than I found them. Specifically, Right now, I’m especially excited about my recently released workbook, *Uncommon Ground*, which helps parents—particularly white mothers—raise children who are racially fluent and able to thrive across lines of difference. It’s deeply personal work for me because I believe the seeds of equity are sown in our homes long before they show up in our boardrooms.

You inspire us, but what/who are YOU inspired by?

I draw inspiration from faith — the belief that every human being has intrinsic dignity and value. I’m inspired by my parents and the community I grew up in: educators, activists, dreamers — people who believed in justice, possibility, and progress.

I’m also inspired by women and leaders who live what they preach. Whether it’s world-famous figures or unsung everyday heroes — people who insist on integrity, compassion, and change. I honor them by trying to lead with the same authenticity and courage.

How do you reward yourself when you’ve reached a goal or after a hard day of work?

Lately, I’ve found so much joy in a new hobby—floral arranging inspired by scripture. I started an Instagram page called Scriptured Blooms where I pair arrangements I design with passages from the Bible that speak to me. It’s become a form of devotion and creativity all at once—slowing down, working with my hands, and letting God’s word guide the beauty I try to create. It’s a reminder that He is the ultimate designer, and I’m just borrowing a little of His artistry to share encouragement with others.

What is one sassy saying or quote that inspires you? Why?

A phrase I coined and that guides my work is: “Grace over Gotcha”. I am describing a foundational posture for how we should approach conversations about race, culture, identity, and difference — especially when the topics feel uncomfortable or emotionally charged.

“Gotcha” is the instinct many people have in today’s environment:

• catching someone saying the wrong thing,
• policing imperfect language,
• shaming people for missteps,
• or elevating blame over understanding.

It’s the culture of correction, fear, and defensiveness — where people stop engaging because they’re afraid they’ll get it wrong.

Grace,” however, is the countercultural choice.

It means:

• giving people room to learn,
• assuming good intent while still holding people accountable,
• staying in conversation even when mistakes happen,
• and valuing growth over perfection.

For me “Grace over Gotcha” is not soft or passive. It’s strategic, compassionate, and transformational. It creates an environment where people can actually *do* the work of equity — not just posture about it. Grace opens the door for progress. “Gotcha” slams the door shut.

Ultimately, my message is this:

If we want people to move across lines of difference with humility, courage, and consistency, we must prioritize grace, not humiliation. Grace accelerates equity. “Gotcha” shuts it down.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Yes. Equity and inclusion are not side projects. They’re not HR checkboxes or nice-to-haves. They are vital investments in people, potential, and our shared future and because of that, we all have a right (perhaps even obligation) to be angered by inequity. If you feel compelled to contribute — whether in business, in your home, in your community — don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, with what you have. Lead with grace, clarity, and humility. Because the truth is: if we don’t do it — if we don’t build inclusive, equitable spaces now — we may lose the opportunity to shape a future where everyone belongs.

Thank you for letting me share my story. I hope it encourages you to lean into your truth, walk with conviction, and build with purpose.