Nicole Garrett
Chief Operating Officer
Under Pressure Hyperbarics
I lead by giving everyone enough space to fail. When giving everyone the same opportunities you can really see their knowledge base and strengths.
Meet Nicole.
Nicole Garrett is a distinguished leader in hyperbaric medicine, bringing extensive expertise in commercial diving, dive medicine, and hyperbaric therapy. As a Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) and Safety Director, Nicole has been at the forefront of advancements in hyperbaric care, earning a reputation for excellence in both clinical and operational capacities.
Nicole’s career began at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she treated a wide range of complex conditions such as crush injuries, air gas embolisms, decompression illness, diabetic wounds, and radiation side effects for cancer patients. Her work at UCSD also included participation in the Department of Defense’s Traumatic Brain Injury study, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing medical research. Following the success of the study, Nicole played a key role in opening UCSD’s second multiplace hyperbaric facility in Encinitas, California.
With over a decade of experience, Nicole transitioned to monoplace hyperbaric operations and has since become an authority in hyperbaric facility development. She has successfully overseen the design, installation, and maintenance of hundreds of hospital-based hyperbaric centers nationwide. Additionally, Nicole is highly sought after as a consultant and educator, frequently training physicians, staff, and technicians through the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) board-certified training courses.
Nicole’s respected leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to advancing hyperbaric medicine have earned her recognition both domestically and internationally. She continues to contribute to the field by consulting on hyperbaric operations and safety across the globe.
What inspired you to start your company?
Seeing the hurdles patients had to jump to get treatment. Going through the hospitals creates unnecessary delays in treatment and often saw patients who needed and would benefit from treatment get turned away.
Can you share a significant challenge or obstacle you've faced in the industry and how you overcame it?
Starting in the commercial dive field there was a lot of prejudice against women working in the field. That even transferred over to my work in hospitals as a lot of commercial divers work in the hyperbaric field when not off shore.
Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they influenced your career?
Kevan Corson. Our paths have crossed several times over the nearly 20 years I've been in the industry, starting as a young tech all the way up to helping me open my tunneling business Zodiac Hyperbaics. He will always answer when I call and would jump on a plane tomorrow to help me if needed.
What advice would you give to your younger self or to our younger generations who are looking to break into the industry?
There will always be people who don't believe in you and who will try to hold you back. Step into the fear and do it anyway. The best revenge really is success.
How has your experience been as a woman in a leadership position, and what changes would you like to see?
As a woman in any male dominated industry you have to be 10 times better than your male competition. Everything you do will be scrutinized and any little mistake amplified. It forces you to be on your game 110%. Cultural changes take time and it wont happen overnight but I do see the changes. As more women take risks and embark into excellence in their fields it will continue to be more accepted and we will evolve.
Many women in business face the challenge of balancing personal and professional life. How have you managed to navigate this balance as a female entrepreneur?
This is only something I've really started to balance out this year. I'm a textbook workaholic and often didn't prioritize by needs over the companies. Now finding that balance I find I preform better in the office than I did before I found that. I come in more refreshed, I'm healthier and more productive..
Have you experienced any biases or stereotypes as a woman in your industry, and how have those experiences shaped the way you lead and run your business?
Absolutely. I excelled young in my career, being the fastest trained up at the university, took on management very young and both came with biasis that based on my age I couldn't do the position. Couple that with being a female in a male dominated filed. Nothing like walking into a job and being written off before you even open your mouth. I lead by giving everyone enough space to fail. When giving everyone the same oppertunities you can really see thier knowledge base and strenghts. I then use this knowledge to modify thier positon to what works best for both them and the company. I've found that most people even surprise themselves with what they are capable of given the right environment.
What’s a misconception people have about being a female founder that you’d like to address?
That we are weak or lack intelligence. It doesn't happen often to me anymore but still find a lot people put up a wall and/or only want to speak to a male in business operations. There's still an element of having to prove I am capable instead of being given the respect of my accomplishments and track record speaking for itself.
What strategies do you use to maintain your personal identity outside of your role as a business leader?
I've always walked a non-traditional path, not just in my career but everything I do. I still do that outside the office in my other endeavors. Maintaining my hobbies has been valuable in keeping my sense of self.
What’s an unconventional or unexpected resource that has been pivotal in your entrepreneurial journey?
My staff. When you lead a company people are excited to be a part of, they bring in all of their resources to help you grow.
How do you measure success for yourself outside of traditional metrics like revenue or growth?
My reputation. When people are excited to consult with me, weather it be about their health goals, or designing a new hyperbaric system. Becoming the source expert has been the ultimate reward.
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