co-founders
Meet the
Nadine Nicholson
The Visionary, Chief Possibility Officer | Co-Founder Ascend Leadership Co.A powerhouse leader with fierce yet deeply intuitive energy, Nadine blends uncompromising business clarity with heart-centered wisdom. Fearless, fiery, and direct, she cuts through limitations and illuminates what’s truly possible. A master of time, money, and momentum, she ignites connection, envisions bold futures, and inspires leaders to step fully into their power. With unwavering clarity and transformational impact, she empowers those around her to make the next decade their most extraordinary yet.
Leadership Lens: Feeling lit up and fully alive isn’t the reward for business success, it’s the critical part of achieving it!
Superpowers: Catalyst for Clarity. Wild Wisdom. Intuitive Influence. Ambition Activation.
Glimpse of Impossible Freedom: I start my day with a refreshing nature walk by the Bow River, quality time with my family, and a nourishing breakfast. Then I dive into energizing conversations—meeting my team, guiding clients through high-stakes decisions, and meeting with potential clients. Later in the day, I wind down with another nature walk and a soak in our hot tub, before enjoying dinner with my family, and reading a good book.
Derek Nicholson
The Optimizer; Chief Simplicity Officer | Co-Founder Ascend Leadership Co.Keenly observant and highly discerning, Derek sees what others miss, cutting through complexity to create simple, effective solutions. A recovering perfectionist with impeccably high standards, he blends calm wisdom with a heart-centered approach, ensuring clarity and alignment in every decision. A master problem-solver and natural facilitator, he transforms chaos into streamlined systems and united teams. With a steady, strategic presence and a ‘special ops’ mindset, he’s the mission-critical force behind achieving bold, ambitious goals.
Leadership Lens: Leadership is not just an action but a way of being—rooted in integrity, driven by relationships, and essential for a thriving organizational culture.
Superpowers: Calm Wisdom. Strategic Problem-Solving. Efficiency Engineering.
Glimpse of Impossible Freedom: My day begins with home-brewed coffee, calming music, and quiet moments in my leather chair, with our cat curled up on my lap and a clear view of the trees in the backyard. I get my heart rate up with a 20-mile bike ride, followed by a refreshing shower. Then, I connect with Nadine and dive into coaching our clients on their team leadership. In the afternoon, I work out and play basketball with our son Keane after he’s done school. I make a delicious dinner, enjoy live music on a patio with my family, and unwind into a restful night’s sleep.
team
Meet the
Behind every bold vision is a team that believes in it, builds it, and brings it to life.
Cara Wray
Social Media & Digital Strategy SpecialistCara brings strategy and structure to Ascend Leadership’s social media, creating a cohesive, high-impact presence. She helps Ascend stay consistently visible and engaging, ensuring their social channels don’t just exist—they thrive as engines for connection, credibility, and collaboration.
Leadership Lens: Strategic storytelling isn’t just about posting content—it’s about crafting meaningful connections, building community, and amplifying a brand’s presence with intention and authenticity.
Superpowers: Social Storytelling. Algorithm Taming. Community Cultivating. Visibility Accelerating.
Glimpse of Impossible Freedom: I work with intention, ensuring business fits into life—not the other way around. Strategy clears the way for what matters most, making space for slow mornings, meaningful work, and when summer arrives, weeks at the beach with my children—fully present, no laptop in sight.
Tish Times
PARTNERSHIPS MANAGERA trailblazing force in relationship-based sales leadership, Tish blends sharp business strategy with heart—while guiding the co-founders of Ascend Leadership to connect, captivate, and convert with ease. A visionary leader, she simplifies sales into repeatable, high-impact systems—no pressure, no gimmicks, just real relationships and unstoppable success for Ascend’s clients.
Leadership Lens: Sales is the opportunity to serve at a very personal level.
Superpowers: Relationship-Driven Sales Strategy. Fearless Connecting. Confident Closing.
Glimpse of Impossible Freedom: My ideal workday begins with prayer, worship, and a refreshing workout. After coffee and a healthy breakfast, I dive into productive sales coaching. A flexible schedule allows for lunch and quality time with my husband, ending the day fully present, perhaps Facetiming with our grandkids and enjoying each other's company.
Laura Bush
Story Architect & Book Publisher A talented and passionate business leader, Laura helps successful entrepreneurs and sought-after speakers write and publish high-quality nonfiction books that have the power to transform the world. As Ascend Leadership’s writing coach and book publisher, Laura brings her big heart and keen storytelling eye to help Nadine and Derek share their expertise in powerful, authentic ways.
Leadership Lens: “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Superpowers: Intelligent, Expert Writing & Publishing. Intuitive Wisdom. Storytelling with Precision.
Glimpse of Impossible Freedom: The day starts with an energizing dog walk and a nourishing breakfast before diving into creative collaboration, helping a ghostwriting client shape their book. A refreshing Pilates class in the afternoon brings balance, and the evening finds me on the couch, my dogs by my side, unwinding with some feel-good TV.
Gina Fink
Strategic Messaging & Digital Presence Architect A brand visionary and strategic wordsmith, Gina crafts messaging for Ascend Leadership that blends clarity, creativity, and connection. She elevates Ascend’s brand by sharpening the co-founders’ voices, refining offers, and aligning their business presence with their vision and goals. She helps make Ascend’s brand magnetic—attracting ideal clients, deepening trust, and leaving a lasting impact
Leadership Lens: “Love is in the details.” The smallest refinements, intentional details, and strategic nuances are what turn good messaging into an unforgettable brand experience. It’s the magic of extra-mile thinking that others often miss.
Superpowers: Word Wizardry, Authenticity Excavation, Impact Acceleration. Brand Elevation.
Glimpse of Impossible Freedom: Mornings are mine—coffee, fresh air, and quiet inspiration before diving into work that lights me up. I thrive in alignment, helping mission-driven leaders amplify their message and elevating the impact of their brand. By mid-afternoon, the laptop closes, and life takes center stage. Fridays? Always reserved for freedom.
Freedom
isn’t a reward—it’s the foundation.
At Ascend Leadership Co., we believe freedom isn’t a reward—it’s the foundation. True success isn’t built on doing more or working harder but on leading differently. By mastering time, building the right team, and making bold, strategic decisions, you unlock the kind of freedom that once felt impossible.
This team is the force behind that transformation.
Together, we help you break free from overwhelm, bring structure to your ambition, and sculpt your business systems to work for you—not the other way around. Using the Impossible Freedom Equation, we guide you toward a life where success and freedom (finally) coexist.
We’re Nadine & Derek Nicholson, founders of Ascend Leadership Co. We guide powerhouse $1MM+ founders and CEOs out of the Middle Zone of time stress, guilt, and overworking—while climbing to never-before-seen levels of success.
Our clients refuse to settle for business success at the cost of their personal freedom—and are ready to embrace a new way of leading themselves, their time, and their team. NOW, not someday.
Our signature Impossible Freedom Equation is a proven path to live your best life and drive next-level business growth. No trade-offs required.
The sooner you identify your biggest leadership gaps, the faster you step into a business that fuels your freedom—not one that drains it. In less than 5 minutes, the Impossible Freedom Quiz will reveal your best next step.