NAME: Nicole Rodrigues
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @nicolerodriguesdiva
JOB TITLE: Founder and CEO, Diva Modeling & Events, Diva Development, Diva Contracting
Nicole Rodrigues is well known in our community as the Founder and CEO of Diva Modeling & Events, Diva Development, and Diva Contracting. Since founding Diva Dubai Model Management in 2003, Nicole has expanded her portfolio of companies to include Diva Development and Diva Contracting, all of which operate in the UAE. Nicole's journey began with the vision of transforming the modelling and talent management industry.
Over the years, she has grown the business into one of the most respected names in the region. Through Diva Development, she has branched out into real estate development. With Diva Contracting, Nicole has entered the construction and project management space. Her role as CEO across all these companies involves strategic oversight, business development, and leadership, ensuring that each venture delivers high-quality services and fosters innovation. Nicole's work is driven by a passion for excellence, and her goal is to continue making a positive impact across the industries she is involved in.
Let's see what her three biggest life lessons are to-date:
#LIFELESSON – 1 - Dream Big and Follow Through
When I first founded Diva Dubai, I had a clear vision: to create an agency that would revolutionize the modelling and talent management industry in the UAE. I was entering a market that was still developing, with no guarantees of success. Grappling with these uncertainties, I had to further develop my ability “to dream big”, and most importantly, to follow through with action. The vision alone wasn’t enough— I had to push boundaries, invest in relationships, and constantly innovate to keep Diva Dubai ahead of the curve.
My years of experience have taught me to follow through with these ideas thus ensuring a successful venture comes to fruition. Every great achievement begins with a dream, but it’s the dedication, persistence, and daily grind that make that dream a reality.
To anyone with big ambitions, I say: “don’t just dream—commit to the journey, and don’t stop until you get there.”
#LIFELESSON – 2 - Empower Others to Succeed
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a leader is the importance of empowering others.
When I started Diva Dubai, it wasn’t just about my success; it was about creating a platform for others to thrive. Whether it’s the models we represent, the staff we employ, or the clients with whom we work, my goal has always been to uplift those around me. I believe that when you give people the right tools, guidance, and opportunities, they can achieve incredible things. This is not just true in business, but in life. Empowerment is about trusting people, helping them find their strengths, and giving them the confidence to use those strengths. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and capable of contributing to the bigger picture.
Over the years, I’ve seen how much more we can achieve when we work together to lift each other up, rather than competing against one another.
#LIFELESSON – 3 - Adapt to Change
The world of fashion, media, and talent management is constantly evolving, and one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace change.
When I started Diva Dubai, the industry was very different from what it is today. Social media didn’t have the influence it has now, and the needs of brands and talent were changing rapidly. Instead of resisting these changes, I chose to adapt and innovate. We expanded our services to include influencers, media production, and digital campaigns, aligning with global trends and ensuring we remained relevant. Change is inevitable, and it can be intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity for growth.
In business and in life, you must be flexible enough to pivot when necessary and bold enough to take risks. This mindset has allowed Diva Dubai to stay at the forefront of the industry for over two decades. My advice? Embrace the unknown, stay curious, and never stop learning.
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