Secure Your Own Mask First with Nakisha Hicks

Most organizations don’t fail because of bad strategy. They fall apart because nobody is telling the truth in the room. In this powerful season-opening episode of 15 Minutes With, Lee Cage Jr. sits down with Nakisha Hicks — former VP of HR, executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of The ElevateHer. This is a masterclass in regulated leadership, mentorship, faith, authorship, and impact. Nakisha unpacks: Why “walking heavy” matters more than chasing numbers How regulated leaders reframe chaos instead of reacting to it Why you must secure your own oxygen mask first The cost of wisdom, experience, and earned perspective — “the oil cost me” How to lead without ego, noise, or corporate theater Why asking for what you need is a leadership superpower, especially for women How faith, people, rest, and reflection anchor real leaders From mentorship for young girls, to building leadership frameworks that actually scale, this episode is honest, funny, deep, and unforgettable. This conversation will challenge how you define: success, leadership, ambition, impact, and influence. Listen. Reflect. Walk heavy.