Our Story

Hi there, I’m Nicole Olaniyi, and alongside my husband, Timothy, we co-founded Lionheart Coaching Academy—a vision inspired by our personal journeys and a shared mission: to help students thrive not just academically, but as whole, purpose-driven individuals. Together, we’re on a mission to empower students, support families, and collaborate with partner organizations to nurture the next generation of leaders.

Lionheart isn’t just about getting into college or excelling in the classroom. It’s about something deeper—helping students discover who they are, why they’re here, and how they can align their academic success with their unique purpose.

Dominic J. Voge, Senior Associate Director, McGraw Center for Teaching & Learning, Princeton University

Nicole brings her extensive training and experience coaching Princeton undergraduates along with her unmatched energy to her work. Nicole’s distinctive personalized, holistic approach taps into students’ purposes and  goals. As her former supervisor at Princeton, I can attest that Nicole brings not only first-hand experience, but considerable expertise in helping students and families achieve meaningful academic and professional goals.

Nicole’s Journey: From Hustle to Holistic Growth

My path to co-founding Lionheart was forged through a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep desire to prove what was possible. My story begins with my dad making it clear that college was not going to be an easy road for me. He told me that if I didn’t secure a full ride, I would have to work my way through school, starting at the local community college. At that moment, I made a decision: I would do everything in my power to earn a scholarship that would open doors to the opportunities I dreamed of.

I focused my energy on academics alongside building a holistic portfolio that aligned with my purpose. As I set my sights on achieving a top-tier education without the weight of financial strain, I actively served in my local church and co-founded my high school’s first African American Culture Club (Melanin Minds). I taught myself how to study for the ACT, improving my score by six points in a matter of months. I applied to 24 schools and received nearly 10 full-ride offers from prestigious institutions such as Vassar College, Bowdoin College, Kenyon College, Williams College, Wellesley College, Howard University, George Washington University, and Princeton University.

  • where I deepened my conviction that success isn’t just about academic accolades. True success lies in aligning your ambition with your identity, mental health, and sense of purpose. This realization shaped my work as a Life and Learning Consultant at Princeton, where I helped students design personalized learning strategies while supporting their overall well-being.

    But my passion for helping students didn’t stop there. In 2019, I published the details of my story in my autobiography, The Unboxing: A Black Girl’s Journey of Mental Health, Faith, and Identity. This opened doors for me to speak, teach, and share my story so my experience and expertise could empower others like me.

    Through my work with the NJ Non-Profit, Table of Hope as an Organizational Consultant, I initiated and led the development of targeted educational and social programs for youth from socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority backgrounds. My flagship contribution was the inception of the "Destined to Thrive" College Access Program, a forward-thinking project designed to democratize access to higher education for marginalized groups.

    These experiences, combined with my own struggles and triumphs, have shaped my approach to coaching: a focus on the whole student—mind, heart, and spirit.

1st Vice President, NAUW-North Jersey Branch, Retired Educator, East Orange Schools

"Nicole Olaniyi is a woman of unwavering excellence and a lifelong learner dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential. Having witnessed her incredible journey over the years, I know Lionheart Coaching Academy will guide students to embrace purpose-driven plans and adopt intentional strategies for success. Nicole’s resilience in navigating her own educational journey positions her uniquely to help others overcome the challenges of what often feels like an educational maze.”

Timothy’s Journey:
A Testimony of Resilience and Purpose

Timothy’s story is one of determination against the odds. As a first-generation Nigerian-American college student, he secured athletic and academic scholarships so he could attend Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). While these scholarships reflected his potential, his journey was anything but smooth. Without the emotional and spiritual support he needed, Timothy often felt isolated, navigating the pressures of college life alone.

He came close to dropping out, not because he lacked ability, but because the system around him focused solely on grades and performance. His experience revealed a critical gap in how schools support students’ holistic development—one that inspired his vision for Lionheart Coaching Academy.

Through Lionheart, Timothy draws on his experiences to mentor students and families, helping them bridge the gap between performance and purpose. He believes that discovering your “why” not only anchors you in times of challenge but also regulates what you prioritize and pursue.

What We Believe: The Lionheart Mandate

Lionheart Coaching Academy is grounded in one core belief: purpose drives excellence. When students understand who they are and why they’re here, they approach their education—and their lives—with clarity and confidence.

We’re building something extraordinary—a space where students can thrive academically, discover their purpose, and step boldly into their futures.

We’re here to fill the gaps we both experienced in our own journeys. We know the pressures that students and their families face, and we’ve built Lionheart to address them head-on. Our holistic model focuses on:

  • Personalized strategies to help students thrive in the classroom and beyond.

  • Guiding students to uncover their passions and align them with their goals.

  • Addressing emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being alongside academic success.

What Sets Us Apart

Lionheart Coaching Academy is more than a coaching platform—it’s a covenant of growth. We don’t just help students get through high school and college; we walk with them every step of the way. Our approach is relational, intentional, and tailored to each student’s unique journey.

We’re not just preparing students for college or careers. We’re equipping them to lead lives of meaning and impact.

Join the Lionheart Movement

To the students:

We see you. We’re here to help you dream big, work hard, and align your achievements with your purpose.

To the parents:

We understand how much you want your child to succeed—not just in school, but in life. Let us partner with you to support their growth holistically.

To the organizations:

Let’s work together to empower the next generation of leaders who will transform their communities and the world.