Nicole Boice Shares What It’s Like to Create an Organization From the Ground Up
Written By: Iyana Edouard
Photographed By: Adam Gentry Global Genes
Expert: Nicole Boice
Credentials: Founder & CEO of Global Genes
Q: What exactly is Global Genes and what inspired you to start it?
Nicole Boice: Global Genes is a leading global advocacy non-profit organization for patients and families fighting rare and genetic diseases. Global Genes works to eliminate rare and genetic disease challenges by building awareness, developing patient-focused educational tools, and funding patient care programs and early investigative research. Our organization seeks to help support the development of treatments and cures for the 7,000+ rare and genetic diseases that affect an estimated 30 million Americans and over 350 million people worldwide.
Q: What challenges have you had to face running Global Genes?
NB: The greatest challenges have been hiring the right people, knowing when to take calculated risks, and managing growth.
Q: What advice would you give for anyone starting an organization?
NB: Think outside the box, listen, and never lose sight of ‘why.’ Make your ‘why’ the core of every decision. The ‘what’ you do and ‘how’ you do it, will then naturally follow. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them, and put processes in place so they don’t happen again.
Q: How do you feel about women entrepreneurs and do you feel like you’re contributing to that growth?
NB: Absolutely! There are a lot of inspiring women entrepreneurs, and we have always been very proud of the fact that we employee and have partnered with so many insightful, compassionate, innovative women that have had such a profound impact on the world. I’m honored to be part of that group.
Q: What is to come for you and your organization? Any big changes or growth coming soon?
NB: Global Genes continues to evolve as we move from a start up to a more established organization. We are growing impact through our boards/advisory boards and through our continued focus on patients/advocates. We are starting to attract major talent, like Robert Ring, PhD, former Chief Scientific Officer of Autism Speaks.
Q: What is your go-to work-life balance tip? How do you maintain it all?
NB: Stay on a schedule. Get your workout in early, enjoy a great espresso macchiato and then you are set for the day. End your day with some type of meditation. Oh—and did I say lots of wine.
Global Genes
28 Argonaut
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949.248.7273
The Woman Behind Global Genes
Adam is a Southern-California native, a photographer and an entrepreneur. He is passionate about profiling interesting people whether they are a break- through artist, a fledgling stylist or simply someone with a compelling story to tell. www.gentryimages.com
