Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Steve Nicholls, Managing Director of Executive Connexions Ltd. As we’re such a small team, I’m a jack of all trades, but my role includes writing articles, producing podcasts, partnering with other organizations, and speaking with executives who might be interested in our services.
What was your first job?
I had a summer job working for a linen company as a van assistant. Essentially think ‘guy going around changing the roller towels in company premises’. It was a good experience though, and taught me time keeping and started the habit of being an ‘early riser’. I’m still a morning person to this day!
What are you most proud of in your career?
Any time someone tells me that what they have achieved in terms of career progression is directly due to our input, that always makes me feel proud.
What or who has inspired you?
I watched ‘The Secret’ on dvd a few years back, and despite the cynicism surrounding this approach by some, I find that anything which leaves you with a feel good factor is good! Darren Hardy (Success Magazine) has also been a business inspiration, and I have drawn insights and inspiration from many other coaches, as well as my team at Executive Connexions.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Build / Grow / Nurture strong personal resilience and a ‘never quit’ attitude in business. If something isn’t going right, focus on what will help and make small steps towards your goals. Always be moving forward.
What is the biggest professional challenge you have faced?
The transition between salaried life and launching a business. You have to acquire new skills while maintaining revenue; just because you’re a decent coach, doesn’t translate to being a decent business person, so I always ensure I have expert support to bounce ideas off when the need arises.
Social media – friend or foe?
Are you kidding?! Seriously though, social media has been a great asset to our business as well as our clients, but on a personal level can mean that intrusion is the norm. I think that jobs are adjusting to this to focus on outputs more than inputs, especially for a remote business such as ours, where the line between working and social hours can blur.
In fact, yesterday myself and our social leadership expert, Jim Claussen, ran a webinar on this very subject. Click here to view the recording.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Take holidays!
What advice would you give now to a senior executive looking for their next career move?
Reach out and let’s have a conversation. In your job search, focus on the hidden jobs market vs advertised roles. Create a compelling CV/Resume, Optimise your LinkedIn profile, and when it comes to interviews one key piece of advice, remember to be yourself!
Looking back on your career so far, what would you change?
I would have entered into entrepreneurship much earlier on. I have come to this relatively late in life but at least can resonate with many of the issues facing our senior executive clients!
Connect with Steve here:
Twitter | LinkedIn
Read & share Steve’s latest articles here
If you would like to have a conversation with Steve, contact him directly at [email protected] or call us on +44 (0) 203 384 4188
