about Nikki

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Keynote Speaker, Consultant & future of work Strategist

Hi there, my name is Nikki Lanier. I am the CEO of Harper Slade, an advisory firm delivering thoughtful and strategic employee engagement and workforce pipeline support to create raving fans among your diverse employee base. With a background as a labor and employment my founding of Harper Slade was made possible by my broad and complementary professional experience:

  • Senior Vice President—Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

  • Personnel Cabinet Secretary—Commonwealth of Kentucky (youngest and first black female gubernatorial appointee to this post)

  • Chief Human Resources Officer—Charter Schools USA (Florida)

  • Vice Chancellor of Human Resources—Maricopa Community Colleges (Arizona)

  • Senior HR Executive—Philip Morris USA (Virginia) 

  • Senior HR Executive—Georgia-Pacific Corporation (Georgia) 

…and other positions in both the healthcare and legal fields.

After eighteen years as an HR executive and employment attorney, I have learned to drive accelerated cultural change in public and private sectors, creating and implementing innovative organizational development, and inspiring commitment to vision. I am experienced in OD, leadership design and delivery, EEO/AA, labor relations, employment law, employee relations, training and development, strategic planning, recruitment and retention, and labor negotiations.

I have worked in manufacturing, consulting, consumer goods, healthcare, media, law, government, higher education, and banking. Through my work and my contributions to local and national board memberships, I am recognized as an accomplished thought leader in progressive HR strategies, and for successfully advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate and civic domains.

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“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly”

–Martin Luther King Jr.

FUN FACTS about Nikki

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What is your favorite quote?

"There is no such thing as making a decision for the moment"~ my mom

"It's in White America's best interest that Black America thrive" ~ Congressman John Yarmuth

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Who do you look up to as a mentor and why?

Jesus, Oprah, Michelle Obama—just about any leader who absolutely lives according to what they believe and what they believe spreads joy, hope, and positive human connection.

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Secret Talents?

I love Karaoke...like LOVE it! I really put my all into the karaoke performances. My go-to is Proud Mary by Tina Turner.

Book ME as a speaker for your next virtual Or in person event

The only internationally recognized strategist focused on the future of work, employee engagement & workforce pipeline priorities through the lens of DEI. A media commentator, advisor to Governors, Mayors, Fed Presidents, Nikki's style is relatable, clear and grace-centered; a captivating keynote speaker for any organization, conference and corporate convening.

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