Nicoletta Karpathios, Deputy Divisional Director of the Exchange event series at CMP, boasts a diverse career built on years of producing executive content strategy and streamlining team efficiency. Somewhere along her leadership journey, she realized that her commitment to self-advocacy served as a natural byproduct of her confidence. Now, she uses her voice to guide others through pivotal transformation—one that equips leaders with the knowledge and community to scale their businesses.
Shiwon Oh: When was the moment you realized your influence mattered?
Nicoletta Karpathios: I’ve often let my work speak for itself. I began my career in operations and tirelessly put in the hours to complete even the most tedious tasks. Driven by a Capricorn spirit of perfection, I delivered consistent results rooted in strength, resilience, and determination.
Over time, as my skill set expanded, I noticed even the most senior leaders seeking my insights and expertise. Realizing I’d earned a seat at the table was the moment I understood the power of my voice. At first, I tread lightly by sharing thoughts here and there. But as my confidence grew, I began backing up my ideas with visuals and strategic rationale. That’s when there was a more tangible shift. My voice got stronger. I felt heard. And most importantly, I felt valued.
SO: How does your personal story impact your self-advocacy?
NK: Although I feel like my leadership journey is just beginning, I’ve always had an inner sense of leadership. From coaching a middle school cheerleading team to being elected historian of my senior class, I’ve been trusted with responsibility and influence from a young age.
Growing up in a low-income household, I learned early that nothing is handed to you. If you want something, you work for it. That mindset shaped pivotal parts of my life—from how I approached school and work to how I built my independence. I never asked my parents for financial help. I bought my own car, secured federal grants for school, and moved out to experience independence early. That grit became the foundation for how I advocate for myself today. When I need to speak up, I hear that little voice inside saying, “You got this.” And I believe it, because I’ve proved it to myself time and time again.
SO: How did you build the courage to present yourself confidently?
NK: In full transparency, I’ve got a bit of self-deprecating humor, and it helps keep me grounded. But I’ve also learned not to let those moments of doubt take over. You are not your feelings. You’re the one witnessing them, and you have the power to shift them. This mindset didn’t come overnight. It took years of self-work and therapy to build the tools I need to validate my worth and show up with confidence.
When life feels heavy, and it often does, it’s about how you rise. Like a rubber band, you have to know how to bounce back. I’m in my mid-thirties, and only recently have I truly embraced this truth. Confidence isn’t constant, but it is something you can cultivate.
SO: A vital part of self-advocacy is acknowledging when you need help. Can you share a time you had to tap into your community?
NK: The connections we build in the workplace are invaluable. I’ve learned so much from the people around me, especially when it comes to thinking differently or approaching a problem from a new angle. One example that stands out is collaborating with a colleague at CMP who’s an expert in backend automation tools. His knowledge has been instrumental when I’m trying to modernize outdated processes for my team. Reaching out for his guidance not only strengthened our partnership, but it also enhanced my own skills.
When you lean on your community, you grow. And when you offer the same support in return, you build a culture of shared success.
SO: What do you hope future up-and-coming leaders will do differently when advocating for themselves and their teams?
NK: There are many styles when it comes to self-advocacy, and there’s no one right way. But I hope future leaders embrace authenticity over perfection. I hope they lead with empathy, seek out diverse perspectives, and advocate not just for their own visibility, but for their team’s collective voice.
I want to see more leaders who understand that influence isn’t about speaking the loudest. It’s about being grounded, being intentional, and lifting others as you rise. And above all, I hope they ask for what they need, own their accomplishments unapologetically, and know that self-advocacy isn’t selfish; it’s strategic!
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