Webinar: The Power of Pivot

Presented by The WICT Network: Midwest

Nikisha Bailey brings a unique perspective to the stage as she shares her journey from being a power player music executive to successful entrepreneur, shedding light on the transformative power of the pivot. Through storytelling and discovery of self, Nikisha reveals the strategies and mindset shifts that enabled her to navigate a career change with courage and grace. The conversation will dive deep into how embracing change can lead to unexpected triumphs and personal fulfillment.

About the Speaker

Nikisha Bailey
LinkedIn

Nikisha Bailey is a community-driven entrepreneur, entertainment executive, and philanthropist with a lifelong commitment to music. Professionally, she is the General Manager for the Nvak Collective – a next generation record label & artist advocacy collective that embraces web3 to drive change for creators and intellectual property. Here, she provides an invaluable creative perspective to the facilitation of A&R, marketing, and label operations for the company’s diverse and highly innovative roster of artists. Extending her influence throughout music and culture, she also serves as Vice President for The Recording Academy’s New York Chapter and is an Ambassador for the Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC).

Nikisha further blends community and culture with another love of hers – coffee. She owns and operates one of Philadelphia’s most renowned coffee institutions and community spaces, Win Win Coffee Philadelphia’s first black woman led coffee roaster and distributor. Additionally, Nikisha was recently a recipient of Urban SkinRX’s Community Changemaker Award and listed on Forbes Next 1000 list for her entrepreneurial endeavors.

In the music business, Nikisha has been named a Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop Power Player in 2020 and 2021 for her work as VP / Head of A&R Admin at APG (Artist Partner Group). “I try to understand artists on a musical level before anything else,” she says. “That’s how you build lasting trust – by showing a real love and appreciation for music, because it brings people together. I want that love for music to be my signature in everything I’m working on.” The St. Louis native went from playing bass and tuba throughout high school to achieving a Bachelor of Arts in Audio Engineering from Webster University. She kicked off her career as an intern at Atlantic Records before eventually becoming an A&R Admin Assistant in 2011. She became A&R Admin Manager for Def Jam Recordings in 2015 and worked on chart-topping multi-platinum releases for the likes of YG, Jhene Aiko and Lil Durk, acting as a label liaison for producers, studios, engineers, and musicians. 2018 saw her return to Atlantic in the role of Head of A&R Operations and Production for APG, where she worked on key records for talent such as Kehlani, Lil Skies, Youngboy and many others.

In addition to leadership roles within The Recording Academy and Women In Music, Nikisha is also a founding member of CHIEF, a network of women focused on supporting each other in executive capacities. She also organizes OurTable Dinners, which spotlights and celebrates music business thought leaders. Ultimately, Bailey proves integral to fostering a sense of community in the business at large. “Community is everything,” she affirms. “You are only as strong as the team with you. I always want to connect people and draw on the power in numbers”.