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- Claim Your Space: Career Lessons from Nicole Lynn on Shattering Glass Ceilings
Claim Your Space: Career Lessons from Nicole Lynn on Shattering Glass Ceilings
The Gender of Tech, $100K+ Web3 & Crypto Grants and the Mom Tax on Business
Jasmine Crockett
December 10, 2024
Breaking Boundaries
Women redefining success and inspiring others to reach new heights.
Game Changer: Nicole Lynn’s Rise as the NFL’s Most Influential Female Agent
Step aside, boys club— Nicole Lynn is rewriting the playbook for success in the male-dominated world of NFL agents. The powerhouse attorney and certified contract advisor has been turning heads and breaking records faster than a wide receiver on a breakaway. Lynn's industry disruption has not only shattered the glass ceiling but also redefined player paradigms and introduced innovative advocacy strategies. Her goal? Work herself out of a job. Because she’s in the empowerment game. |
Lynn created the ‘Fishers of Men’ mentorship program and ‘Rookie School’ for her players to cultivate “adulting skills” that serve past their athletic prime, a never-been-done-before in the industry.
Lynn's journey wasn't an overnight Hail Mary. She hustled through law school, juggled multiple jobs and faced down skeptics who doubted a woman could succeed as an NFL agent. Her groundbreaking achievements include becoming the first Black woman to represent a top-three NFL draft pick in 2019 and the first Black female agent to represent a Super Bowl quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
Her 2023 promotion to President of Football at Klutch Sports Group, where she now oversees more than 60 NFL players and leads a team of agents, cements her status as a trailblazer. Known for her fearless determination and client-centric approach, Lynn exemplifies the power of breaking stereotypes through preparation and grit.
Her message to founders and professionals is clear: Boldly claim your space and never let industry norms limit your potential.
Need to Know
Snag Web3 tech & Crypto $100K+ grants by Mercy Corps and USAID. App deadline on 12/20.
Local biz can get into the 💳 gift card game. Check out Gift Card Market to surge sales this holiday season.
Heads up women innovators and change makers: 3rd Annual Women Innovation Summit by DMZ on International Women’s Day, 3/6/25, in Toronto. Pitch your biz for cash by 1/19/25 here.
Ladies Who Lead raised $1M pre-Series A funding to further empower women across diverse industries and levels on their leadership journey with mentorship and resources.
Industry Updates
Put on your shades because FemTech’s future is bright. VC Priyanka Gill tackles the tech & gender question at the Huddle Global 2024 startup summit.
⚠️ Scandal Alert ⚠️ Learn from the top 5 startup scams that made the record books.
Future is female: ⅓ of climate fintech ventures are women-led/co-founded. 5 key factors for value creation in climate fintech.
It’s all too familiar: 👀 How the motherhood tax plays out for entrepreneurs.
Quote of the Week
There’s nothing more attractive than an ambitious woman.
Resource Spotlight
📚 Book Agent You is Nicole’s journey on how to face obstacles and self-doubt and…win! | 🎧 Podcast Surrounded by men at work? How to Beat the Boys Club Mentality in A Woman in a Man’s World podcast. | 📝 Article Women are rated higher in leadership effectiveness according to this recent Florida State University study. |
Founder’s Note
Breaking barriers starts with believing in your ability to succeed in spaces where others may not see you. As I build Smply, I’m continually reminded that confidence, preparation and persistence are the keys to standing out and thriving in any industry—even those that weren’t built for us.
Key Insight: :In male-dominated industries, female founders often face biases that question their expertise or ability to scale. Remember: Breaking barriers isn’t about fitting in; it’s about showing up authentically and creating your own lane.
Next Step: Identify one space where you feel overlooked or underestimated and define how you can show up with boldness and intention.
Tip for Fellow Founders: Don’t let the lack of representation discourage you—use it as fuel to become an example for others to follow.
Stay inspired, stay unstoppable,
