Jill Tracie Nichols

Jill Tracie Nichols is the founder and CEO of Tracie Group, a boutique communications agency that specializes in working with visionary leaders.13 Her career has been marked by significant roles in technology and communications, particularly at Microsoft.

Professional Background

Microsoft Experience: Nichols served as the chief of staff to Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, during a crucial period. In this role, she:

• Spearheaded Nadella's transition and launch as the new CEO
• Led the Office of the CEO
• Was responsible for all of Nadella's global communications
• Partnered with Nadella and his leadership team to drive culture change1

Prior to working with Nadella, Nichols directed Steve Ballmer's communications and led a cross-company strategy and media influencer team at Microsoft.1

Human Resources Experience: Before her time at Microsoft, Nichols spent about a decade in Human Resources at various companies including:

• Microsoft
• Avaya
• Lucent Technologies

In these roles, she designed and implemented people programs and led large-scale global change initiatives.1

Education and Personal Life

Nichols holds a Bachelor of Arts from Houghton College, where she studied Creative Writing and Communications.1 She grew up in Edison, NJ, and currently resides in Seattle with her husband Mike.1

Other Achievements

• Co-author of "Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone"1
• Adopted two teenage girls and developed a passion for helping young women reach their full potential1

Nichols is known for her sophisticated communications leadership, particularly in creating clarity and generating energy for big ideas.2 Her company, Tracie Group, focuses on communications for visionaries and aims to kick-start the kind of change that can move markets and shape legacies.4