Kristina Nicoles, president and chief administrative officer at Holman, spoke at the 2025 Women Business Leaders Forum (WBLF) organized by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA). In her TED-style presentation, she discussed the “Holman Way,” a business philosophy centered on prioritizing people in all aspects of operations.
“Our people-first mindset it isn’t just a philosophy, it’s the foundation of everything we do,” said Nicoles. She emphasized that this approach has been key to Holman’s growth over its 100-year history. Steward Holman, the company’s founder, believed that employees are the most important asset.
Nicoles explained how these values translate into daily practice: “If putting people first is the what, the ‘Holman Way’ is the how. The Holman Way is a set of values and principles that guides every decision we make as an organization to ensure that we are fulfilling our purpose to provide a rewarding career and better life for our partners (employees) and our families. That is why we exist.”
The WBLF event took place in Somerset from September 17-18 and attracted more than 550 attendees over two days. The forum featured TED-style talks, breakout sessions led by expert panelists, and networking opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, WBLF has aimed to support women in advancing their careers and increasing diversity within executive roles and boardrooms.
