Fairygodboss Of The Week: Nicole George-Middleton

Nicole George-Middleton

Nicole George-Middleton

Nicole George-Middleton

Fairygodboss
Fairygodboss
Nicole George-Middleton is a true Fairygodboss because she figured out how to turn her lifelong passion for music into a very successful career. Read more to learn about how Nicole gracefully balances work at the top of the recording industry with two small children. Her advice to Fairygodbosses everywhere? Believe in yourself.
Fairygodboss of the Week #15: Nicole George-Middleton
SVP Membership, ASCAP
New York, NY
FGB: Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are now?

NGM: I am the Senior Vice President of Membership for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).  ASCAP is a membership organization comprised of over 560,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and pursued my career in the music business while studying for my law degree at Brooklyn Law School. Following graduation, I actively practiced entertainment law for five years with the Middleton Law Group and then went on to become director of business and legal affairs for Jive Records.

In 2008, I joined ASCAP to head its Rhythm & Soul Membership Department as Vice President.  I was able to easily transition into this role largely because of the relationships and knowledge base I built as a practicing entertainment lawyer.  In my role as Vice President of Rhythm & Soul Membership, I was and still am responsible for the oversight and daily operational management of ASCAP’s rhythm and soul membership department on a worldwide basis.  I have since taken on additional responsibilities including overseeing ASCAP's Symphonic and Concert team.

FGB: What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

NGM: I am most proud of being able to balance being a wife, mother (I have 2 children, ages 5 and and 4) and an executive.

FGB: What is a challenge that you've faced and overcome?

NGM: One challenge that I've faced and overcome is being able to navigate and deal with a variety of personalities. My role as SVP of Membership at ASCAP relies heavily on me interfacing with a variety of individuals in different capacities throughout the industry and having solid relationships with these individuals.

Lightning Round:

FGB: What do you do when you’re not working?

NGM: Spend time with my family. I travel a lot for work so when I am in town, my favorite pastime is spending uninterrupted quality time with my family.

FGB: If you could have dinner with one famous person - dead or alive - who would it be?

NGM: Michelle Obama

FGB: What is your karaoke song?

NGM: Shoop by Salt N Pepa

FGB: What is your favorite movie?

NGM: Love Jones

FGB: What book would you bring with you on a desert island?

NGM: The Bible

FGB: What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?

NGM: My shopping vice is surprises for my kids. If I won the lottery I would buy a home on an exotic island, most likely, Turks and Caicos.

FGB: Who is your Fairygodboss?

NGM: My Fairygodboss is my mom. She was my very first example of how to manage a family while still maintaining a successful career.

FGB: What is the #1 career tip you'd like to share?

NGM: Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to make your voice heard.  There's no bigger advocate you can have than you. 

Fairygodboss

Fairygodboss is all about women helping other women - so each week, we celebrate a woman who made a difference in another woman’s career. Is there a woman who has made a difference in your career? 
Celebrate her and thank her by nominating her here.