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About Me

An unconventional path, a people-first mindset, and a knack for turning complex systems into something that just works.

Nickolas Dowler

My career has taken an unconventional path—from directing patient advocacy and lifestyle programs in healthcare, to earning my MBA at the University of Illinois, to architecting HR technology systems at NVIDIA. That journey gives me a unique perspective: I build systems for the people who actually use them.

At NVIDIA, I integrate platforms like Workday, ServiceNow, and Cornerstone into cohesive ecosystems, design analytics dashboards in PowerBI, and lead change management initiatives that drive real adoption. Whether I'm presenting compensation strategy to C-Suite executives or keynoting an AI conference in Amsterdam, I focus on translating complex data into decisions that move the business forward.

Guiding Principles

What I Optimize For

Clarity over complexity

The simplest solution that works is usually the best one. I resist the urge to over-engineer.

Outcomes over output

Building things that ship is great. Building things that matter is better. I focus on impact.

Documentation over memory

If it's not written down, it doesn't exist. I document systems so they outlast individuals.

Teaching over hoarding

The best way to scale your impact is to help others grow. I share what I learn freely.

How I Work

My Approach

1

Understand first

Before proposing solutions, I dig into the problem. What's the real goal? What constraints exist? Who's affected?

2

Start small, prove value

I prefer shipping a minimal version quickly over planning the perfect solution forever. Feedback beats speculation.

3

Build for maintainability

Every system I build, I imagine handing it off tomorrow. Clear documentation, sensible defaults, no mystery.

Outside of Work

Beyond the Office

When I'm not building systems, you'll find me exploring new places, experimenting in the kitchen, or reading about how things work (everything from organizational design to fermentation science).

I'm a firm believer that diverse interests make better builders—the principles that make a good sourdough are surprisingly similar to the principles that make a good process.

Let's Connect

I'm always happy to chat about HR technology, systems thinking, or interesting problems you're working on.

Get in Touch