About Anchor & Keel
Hi, I’m Nikki Belt
After 20 years helping some of the world’s biggest tech companies launch technology and navigate massive change, I’m doing something different: helping small and medium businesses compete without losing what makes them special.
I’ve spent my career inside companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, the Gates Foundation, and Meta—launching products at scale, managing complex transformations, and learning what actually makes technology adoption succeed or fail.
Here’s what I learned: it’s never about the technology. It’s always about the people.
I watched multi-million-dollar initiatives stumble because they forgot to bring employees along. I saw brilliant tools sit unused because no one took time to build understanding and trust. And I realized the strategies that work at massive corporations need to be completely reimagined for businesses like yours.
So I founded Anchor & Keel to do exactly that—translate what works at scale into practical, human-centered guidance for the businesses that make our communities thrive.
How I work differently
I’m not here to sell you software or push the latest shiny tool. I’m here to be your partner as you figure out what AI actually means for your business.
I start with humans not technology
Before we talk about any tools, we talk about your team and how to bring them along. Technology only works when the people using it understand it, trust it, and see how it makes their work better. I meet you exactly where you are—no jargon, no assumptions, no judgment.
I focus on what actually works
Everything I recommend is grounded in what actually drives adoption, not vendor hype. We start small, prove value, then scale. Success means your business grows and your team thrives.
We’re in this together
Your success is my success. Because AI evolves rapidly, staying connected means we learn together—what’s working, what’s changing, what’s next. This is partnership, not transaction.
Why small and medium businesses?
Small and medium businesses build the communities we want, need, and deserve. Here’s why I’m all in on your success:
You’re where real impact happens
You’re creating jobs, building community, and offering something corporations can’t—genuine connection and belonging. I’ve worked inside the giants, and I know what they can’t replicate.
You’re competing on an uneven playing field
You’re up against companies with massive AI budgets and dedicated teams. You deserve access to the same insights and strategies they use—adapted for your reality.
You can thrive, not just survive
I want you to compete and win—building a business that grows without losing its soul. AI can help you get there, and I can show you how.
The window is open—but it won’t stay that way
Early movers are gaining advantages that compound over time. You don’t need to bet the business—you just need to start strategically, with the right guidance.
My approach to responsible human-centered AI consulting
I help small and medium businesses use AI responsibly. Not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to amplify their creativity, strategy, and effectiveness.
My approach is human-centered: I believe technology works best when it supports human judgement, fosters trust, and strengthens teams rather than displacing them.
In a time when AI can feel overwhelming, my role is to help organizations take a measured, ethical, and sustainable approach. One that avoids hype, reduces waste, and focuses on real value.
That means:
- Choosing the right-sized tools, not the flashiest ones
- Designing systems that are transparent, explainable, and fair
- Considering the environmental and social footprint of every AI solution
- Building skills and confidence within teams so they can adapt and thrive
Ultimately, I believe responsible AI adoption isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. When people are at the center, technology becomes a force for creativity, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
A bit more about me…
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me in the Pacific Northwest with my family hiking, mountain biking, exploring, and trying to keep up with my kids and their activities.
I’m a firm believer that the future we’re building with AI should be one worth living in. That means keeping humans at the center of every decision, building technology that serves people (not the other way around), and ensuring small and medium businesses have a fighting chance to compete and thrive.
Some things I value:
- Honest conversations over polished pitches
- Learning together over pretending to have all the answers
- Progress over perfection
- People over processes
- The proven benefits of diverse workplaces
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re just beginning to think about AI or you’re ready to take action, I’d love to talk.
Book a free 30-minute consultation and let’s explore what’s possible for your business.
