What does it actually take to get promoted to SVP in a fast-growing company? Nicole Fallowfield didn’t follow the traditional HR path — and that’s exactly why she got the job.
In this episode of Leading Through Growth, I sit down with Nicole Fallowfield, newly appointed Senior Vice President, Talent Business Partner at Unison Risk Advisors. After 17 years of navigating one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, Nicole shares the leadership mindset, non-negotiables, and pivotal moments that shaped her career — including the day her CEO told her, “This is the role you’ve been training for your whole life.
What you’ll learn:
– The mindset shift required to thrive in high-growth, high-pressure environments
– Why leadership skills outweigh technical expertise when advancing your career
– How strategic HR — succession planning + talent development — drives business growth
– Nicole’s non-negotiables: transparency, psychological safety, and direct feedback
– What “fail fast” actually means in practice (and why most leaders resist it)
– How high-achievers intentionally recharge to sustain performance.
If you’re a leader, HR professional, or aspiring VP trying to navigate a growing organization, this episode is for you.SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW Subscribe for weekly leadership insights: www.YouTube.com/@TonyRSanders
Listen on Apple/Spotify: www.growwithgawlo.com/podcast
Connect with Tony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyrsanders/


