ABOUT US
Brigitte Gawenda Kimichik, Esq.
Brigitte Gawenda Kimichik is an award-winning author, speaker, and former commercial real estate attorney with over 30 years of experience in male-dominated industries. She brings her personal stories, professional insight, and passion for mentorship into every page of her books.
She wrote Play Nice to help women protect themselves from harassment before it spirals. She wrote Play Smart to empower women to achieve their potential in professional settings that may still be resistant to change.
Originally from Hamburg, Germany, Brigitte earned her Abitur from Gymnasium Osdorf in 1980, a BBA with Honors from the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin and a JD from SMU’s Dedman School of Law. She has served as a partner at two top-tier law firms and was recognized as one of the Most Powerful and Influential Women of Texas by the National Diversity Council.
Brigitte lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband David.
Invite Brigitte to Speak. Brigitte is available for interviews, panels, and student/professional events.
JoRayne "JR" Tomlinson
Co-Author of PLAY NICE
JoRayne “JR” Tomlinson brings nearly three decades of expertise in commercial real estate, specializing in the strategic alignment of corporate real estate operations for Fortune-level clients across North America. She has successfully led numerous multi-million-dollar, complex transactions and is widely recognized as one of the top professionals in her field.
JR’s excellence has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Dallas Power Broker Award by D Magazine and the Dallas Business Journal, the U.S. Green Building Council Award, and the Notable Women of Texas Award.
Currently, she serves as Managing Director at Newmark Knight Frank. She began her career at Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc. as a financial consultant, where she earned her Series 7, 63, and 22 licenses. JR holds a B.B.A. in Finance and Investments from Texas Tech University.
JR lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Rob Hargis.
OUR MISSION
We believe that every professional—especially women—deserves to thrive in a workplace free from harassment, bias, and outdated power dynamics.
Throughout
Play Nice
and
Play Smart, we share the real-world strategies, boundary-setting tools, and workplace wisdom we've gained over decades in male-dominated industries.
We've faced bullying, gender discrimination, unequal pay, and uncomfortable moments head-on—and we've come through stronger, smarter, and more empowered.
Our mission is to pass those lessons on to you. Whether you're navigating your first job or climbing to the top of your field, our books offer clear guidance for building respect, advocating for yourself, confronting misconduct, and performing at your highest level—with clarity, confidence, and grace.
It's time to change the workplace culture—one empowered reader at a time.
🎙️
WATCH OUR NEW
PODCAST🎉
Tough topics. Real solutions.💪🏼 With #MelindaEitzen 💬👩⚖️💼
Watch our recent Live Stream on The Jeff Crilley Show
Watch Play Nice authors Brigitte Kimichik, JD & J. R. Tomlinson on a recent episode of CEO Money!
