Chapter List:

00:00 Episode Sponsor: DESCO (www.descomed.com)

00:20 Introduction

01:19 Introducing Nicole Koharik

02:03 Why is WIL so important?

03:07 What does it mean to be part of the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Industry?

05:31 How did you hear about WIL?

08:36 How does a sense of belonging shape early career?

09:13 Relationship building and its hidden costs

13:29 Tips on overcoming Perfectionism

15:28 Self-reflection vs Self-criticism

16:25 Why is DESCO sponsoring this podcast?

16:46 Visibility and Self-Promotion

19:27 What does sponsorship in a professional network mean?

20:27 Build trust as a foundation of a relationship

21:50 Advice on positioning for sponsorship

23:03 A message for the introvert

25:27 Example of showing up as an introvert

28:11 Communication as a key skill

30:42 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

32:07 Every connection matters!

34:41 Outro from Andrea Bordenca, CEO DESCO

In this episode of In The Room, Emily speaks to Nicole Koharik, the Head of Corporate Brand and Communications at PartsSource. Nicole has spent more than two decades in marketing and communications leadership, with much of that work rooted in the healthcare supply chain. She also serves the HTM industry as an HTMA Ohio board member and Women In Leadership Ambassador. Her background is strong, but what made this conversation so valuable was not just her resume. It was the way she talked about belonging, confidence, relationships, sponsorship, and the real emotional weight of showing up in rooms where visibility matters.

In this episode, join Emily and Nicole as they talk about how relationships are built through trust, how, as an introvert, Nicole built her communications skills, and how to build lifelong connections through advocacy and sponsorships. #intheroom #DESCOmed #womeninleadership #WIL #growthmindset