Free Your Mind – Nicci Clarke Part 2

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of Free Your Mind, Let's Talk About It with LKJ. This is the wonderful part 2 that we've been waiting for with the amazing Nikki Clark. Nikki Clark is now, uh, the new, uh, managing director of marketing. So marketing director, it's always the 2 Ms, you know, because she's magnificent. She is just like, you know, me, as I would love to have been in the corporate world. But she is amazing. And obviously her first journey in part one was the emotional side of the mental health that she'd suffered with the loss of her own partner to leukemia and how she came through that. And is now, you know, continuing on her road. So this interview will be very positive, looking at how you, you know, when you've learnt to stand again to get through. But we will just touch a little bit on, you know, moving forward into achieving your goals, empowerment and empowering others. And that's what Nikki Clarke does, she empowers everyone. So good morning, Nikki, and welcome to part 2 of your show. Morning, thank you. I think I had an overnight promotion there. Yeah, I'd love to be managing director one day. It's definitely something we'll chat about. But yeah, just getting ready to start my new role as marketing director for Stexo Live. But you are actually a managing director because you've got your own company. I am, that is correct. Yeah, I set up— they are both actually Yeah, I am actually. It's a good point. Yeah, I set up Expediate Marketing just in terms of I'm doing quite a bit of charity work to support charity services, so it's great to talk about that as well. And maybe in the future, who knows. So with the being managing director of this company, we'll start there first and foremost. You know, for people to say, this is Nikki who had suffered, you know, after Spencer. Was Spencer a market managing director? Yeah, Spencer had his own company. He had his own company for a number of years actually. So it was, you know, very successful, really well known in the community, had an amazing building, really looked after his staff. They had kind of, you know, great sort of canteen. It was massive, great, you know, shower services, everything, lots of space. I always I always remember feeling there was loads of space in his office units, which was really nice actually. Space is a bit of a luxury, to be fair, nowadays. So yeah, it was always immaculate. For those people who know Spencer, he had OCD, so everything was always really tidy and clean. So yeah, sometimes impossibly, I was like, how do we keep this up? But yeah, he did. Yeah, wow, well done on that. And obviously starting this new role. You've left behind Punch Pubs, I believe, that I've seen myself on the media. Obviously it was a sad loss to them and you'll be missed deeply by them. And but the thing being is, Nick, you have left them as a wonderful leader and your skills, and you did, I think, launch FireSide? Yeah, yeah, that was the premium pub company. It was just a really bit of an amazing journey, to be honest. I started the week after the hospitality industry opened on the 13th of July. If we cast our minds back, we'd all been locked down for months. And, you know, when the pubs were shut down, I was in London at the time. I'd just taken another role. Little did I know that I'd be reopening one of the biggest British pub groups in the UK when that happened in March, actually. So I kind of went through my own transition. So, you know, it was all due to, you know, move to London, start a job, and then obviously COVID happened and things changed. So I started with Punch, who had a really great growth plan. You know, the fact that they were hiring, they were hiring lots of key roles in lockdown, I think says a lot about the company, and they were really getting ready for their future strategy. No one quite knew what was going to happen. Didn't know how busy the pubs were going to be, but as we all know from that summer, everybody just wanted to get back to community, to, you know, support local businesses and just feel a bit normal. And the pubs were a massive part of that. So we had an absolutely great summer, started to look at, you know, hiring my new team in 2021, set up the premium pub sector Fireside Pubs, which is now— we had one pub in December 2020, got shut down again. When we all had to shut down for Christmas in lockdown number 2. And then, you know, by the time I'd left— I was going to say, it's a shame that Boris Johnson wasn't part of that, you would have stayed open. I know, I mean, yeah, we would have all been having our own lockdowns had we known. Private lockdown parties where you don't get fined. I know. So now, you know, as I left, we were kind of opening sort of, you know, we've got 30 Fireside pubs open. So it just kind of shows you, if anyone would have said to you, you're starting a pub business 'Hi, we're a brilliant team and be part of a great team that open Fireside Pub Co.' I'm not sure I'd have believed you, but yeah, it was an amazing couple of years there in amazing circumstances. I think lockdown taught us lots of things, how to be agile, which pubs could serve food and which couldn't, and the amount of hidden kitchens we found during that time when you had to buy a pint and have a plate of food in order to enjoy your drink. It was amazing. So yeah, it was an absolutely brilliant journey. Loved the company, loved the team. Just got offered a fantastic opportunity and was always very clear with Punch that the next, the last couple of years were about my first directorship role, so I stay true to that. Wonderful, you know, you see that power in your voice, you know, it's so empowering and encouraging, and obviously, you know, just touching a little bit on that, you know, you are part of a women's organisation, aren't you, to empowering and people to network and collaborate? Yeah, so collaboration is key, and I think I've learned recently, I think one of my skills is connecting people. So I have a women's networking group that I am part of with an amazing, another amazing woman called Angela Song, and we run it together. We run monthly clubs in Birmingham at the Grand Hotel, and it's all about bringing women together, networking. We have a theme each month in terms of, you know, different things we talk about, whether it's be how to be a great public speaker speak or, or get better at speaking, or even if people want to speak for the first time. And we talk about the power of, you know, how to sort of show up and how you dress and things like that, how can that can make you feel powerful. Um, we talk about, you know, social media, the power of that, um, loads of different things. And but also it's about connecting and meeting just a brilliant bunch of women, which is how, um, Jags and I met. So yeah, it's definitely, um, really great. And just, just come along, meet new people. Um, anyone can come, doesn't matter, uh, what age you are, where you're at in your career, it does not matter. Everybody is welcome and everyone will be made to feel welcome in our club. Yes, and it's wonderful when you are part of a club like that, when we look at mental health, etc., because, you know, having that person to offload to, having that person that is willing to listen to you and resonate with you and perhaps have come across something themselves As I said, there was a— I had the pleasure of you being one of my panelists in Free Your Mind on Clubhouse, and there was a lady, Molly, that had been part of the same women empowerment group. And you realize then that both of you, you know, had both widows actually, and not knowing that, being in the club, but how open you are together and But other people, they do open up. And with any mental health, etc., we need to do that and open up and know. Because people think, you know, you may join your new job on Monday. My God, have they got some empowering force coming there. And for myself, if they're listening to this show, I can honestly and truthfully say that you are the kindest, most caring person you know, as amongst my friends that always there to help. And not only that, but in your business side, you give so much, you give everything because you do believe in the truth of what you want to bring value to what you're selling. You want to make sure everything is correct. But no matter who you're working with, as a leader in, you know, being marketing director, The marketing director, you may be the girl, but because you started from the bottom and created this to get your dream job and where you're at that. So without, you know, with adversity and the challenges that you have faced, you are now in the top role at the pinnacle. You've reached your pinnacle in that side to help others and to show them how to lead. And achieve, be the best version of yourself and achieve the goals set for you, you know, to ensure that we bring hospitality back. You know, it took a really huge hit through the pandemic and, you know, if you're doing that, Nick, it's amazing for anyone that does come and see you doing that. So I do hope they receive you well in there. And I say, with this global thing, you know, we're needing that with Nikki and Angela together. They— just to hear them, their stories, their journey. But they don't live in that story and become a victim in your own self, because that doesn't help. That leads you into chronic mental health issues if you need to deal with that trauma, etc., then, which you both done. But using this empowerment group of women and saying anybody's welcome, anyone's there to come, and that's amazing for doing that. So, you know, for yourself, where— what would you like to do in the first— let me rephrase that. When the Prime Minister joins, we look at the first 100 days of what happens, what they believe in what you believe too that you can bring to this company. What would you like to do in your first 100 days, Nikki, as marketing director? Great question. It was actually part of my interview presentation. I think first thing is just get to know everybody, so get to know my team. I've met them a couple of times now, which is brilliant, and we've got a day in Liverpool together in the next couple of weeks, so really understand my team and understand who they are, what's important to them, their lives outside of work, and then we can get a bit— get to know each other a bit more in terms of the work that they do and the accounts they look after. And then obviously there's my peer group, my exec group, in terms of getting to know them. And then I think, so people, people-first approach is always really key to me. And then I think it's about understanding the business. Key point, understanding how it makes money. Let's be honest, you know, if the business doesn't make money, we're in trouble. So it's really important that I understand that and how the work that we do as marketing team contributes towards that. And then I think the third thing is future, future strategy, future strategy plans and growth in terms of what's in the pipeline, in terms of, you know, keeping what we've got, enhancing that, but also what contracts are coming up that we need to be part of and support our business development colleagues as well. So they would be my key 3 themes. There's lots of other things wedded into that. Communication is absolutely key, you know, creativity with the marketing department. We need to inspire, excite, and then activate those plans as well. So lots going on, um, and yeah, I've got a plan in place, um, but also, you know, you never really know until you get in a company and kind of really start to understand, uh, the feel of it and what I would call is, you know, what's really going on underneath the hood, um, of a business. So yeah, amazing. And obviously, you know, with Mandy going in there and as I say, you know, meeting the people resonating with people and being on the same platform and understanding. And like you said, and one of the key things I like that you said in there, Nikki, was what goes on, you know, in their lifestyle out of work, you know, what are their interests? Because we do get where we're asked these questions on a CV, which is, what are your interests? What do you do? And a lot of people don't even take any notice of that. That is showing the character, showing the character of the person that's going in there. If you like the ballet, you know, if you just, you know, like to sit quietly and read, you're gonna see the persona of that person come through. Someone's very sporty going on. But also, I think it's important, when I was speaking to Dr. Owen Wood yesterday, he was saying, you know, you should have a mental health day, you know, because if you called in, you know, some people say they call in and they say, "Oh, I'm sick." said, well, why are you feeling sick? You know, what's wrong? I hope everything's okay. But sometimes our mental health is such that you just say, I just can't do this today, I can't get out of bed, I don't know what's the matter with me. That you can call in, but call in as a mental health day. So the viewers just think, oh God, are they okay? That would you like as the marketing director of your team, not that people abuse it, but you actually put some sort of format. And I think there's something there that could be done. And I really do believe this because if you were saying, you know, you had a trigger day like yourself having suffered mental health yourself, I think today I've got one thing, I can't do this. But if you could go into work and there was like a room, say, you know, I need to go in there Was it— everyone knows I'm not feeling that today, but there's formats that can be put into a room that is changed into like a meditation room, so you actually go in there because the thought is only a thought and, you know, we can change that and it can overcome it, but by going in there was like a respite room. You just say, I just need to just lay down here in this like Japanese type bed on the floor, you know, but I mean, and you can go on with that and just say, hey, this is, I just need to get over this. And you come back and you are the better person of yourself. Because if you are employed and you're giving 100% of yourself, we do burn out. We do burn down sometimes. The negative call when we have the calls is why different booths in train stations, you know, we will not accept abuse because people do scream at you, do stuff. But in people's jobs, you know what they're doing, thinking, hey, hey, I'm just a person doing my job. But you also find that people give, you know, above and beyond that, you know, if there was a quiet space to say, this is how I feel. Because when they come back out, they're energised. I'm going to give you 100%. Otherwise, they're only firing on 90% or getting lower. That you as that peer, you know, in the peer group that you have, to say, look, you know, this has been quite stressful. What's led to that? Is there any other issues? Because, you know, what you pay and what you lose— 40%, you keep, you know, when you let somebody go, is what it costs them to rehire somebody. It's a lot of money. But you know, if you invested that money into somebody that needed that, because during this pandemic there are people, there's people you're going to meet when you go into that new office that are smiling through as if you don't know, but they've trained themselves to cover their mental health. That is like you, but you're somebody that sees through a soul, so you would see quite instantly, you know, what was going on. You would always offer that invisible hand. But do you think this is something, Nic, that could work in a corporate world? Yeah, definitely. But I, I just think firstly, I just hope that, you know, people have that relationship with their colleagues, uh, you know, their line manager. And let's face it, you know, that they're also your friends that you work with. I just hope that they'd have that relationship to just be able to make that phone call, have that conversation. I think, you know, having Putting it under a theme, having space for it is absolutely brilliant because it makes it more of a day-to-day thing. But I just firstly would hope that, you know, anyone could give us a call and just say, look, I'm not feeling great today. And there's nothing more important than your health. You know, I have a saying that health is wealth and everything else is a bonus because without it, you know, nothing else works. So yeah, I really think it could. But I just encourage people to have that conversation and to share with people if you're not feeling great and take a bit of time for yourself. My other favourite phrase, which you know, you listen to the first part of my interview, is, you know, no one's died, and sometimes you just have to take half that day, you know, a few days out, whatever you need, and the work will still be there for you to do, and funnily enough, it won't have fallen over, and everything will be okay, but it's more important you take your time out for yourself. Yeah, because sometimes if people are trying to climb the ladder, and one of the questions for yourself is this, Nick, is trying to climb that ladder to get up there, is people fear that if they're off, it's going to go against them because they've been off all day. They feel that it's a sign of weakness when it's not. It's a sign of strength to open up and say, yeah, I'm having this day like that, because you're being honest, you're connecting, you're working together to get through. It's more of a strength to say. But I think sometimes people are afraid to speak out because they won't— oh, well, 'No, we can't give John that job because, you know, oh, 2 months ago he suffered a little bit with his mental health.' You know, it's not really strong. It's actually stronger, I think, to employ somebody like that because they're open, they're telling you, and the systems around them are real. So, you know, for yourself in that team, do you think that should be the way forward? Absolutely. I think honesty and transparency is key. And I also think, you know, we are living more hectic busier lives, you know, connected to our phones and technology 24/7, and we absolutely need those, those days, um, those down days to just take a bit of time out. Um, yeah, and, you know, for example, I, I shared my story with, with my new employer, um, in my interview. Um, they asked me a question, it was a great question actually, they said, you know, we can see you're very ambitious, but talk to me about a time when it's not gone so well. And, you know, I shared the story of Spencer taking about 6 weeks out of work you know, how I felt going back, all of that, you know. And before Spencer passed away, I, you know, really was, you know, was on one of those sort of periods in your career where everything's going right, you're on top of your game, you feel really good, you've landed some great projects, you're building some great future strategy. And it's, you know, I think we can all resonate, everything's just going well. You go, you're going into every meeting, you're having a great meeting, you can feel the momentum building. And before Spencer passed away, that was really there, that, that magic was gaining. And obviously Obviously, when I went back, my career just wasn't my priority. Getting well and moving forward with my grief was my priority. And it was really tough because you're sat in meetings and have to share. The Co-op has food sites. They also have lots of funeral homes. They have travel. And one of my first meetings was sitting in a funeral meeting and talking about a bereavement platform. That was a really tough meeting to be in, having just come back off bereavement. Believe. And I remember, you know, having to leave the room, welling up a few times, and just going through that journey. And my colleagues definitely helped me out during my journey of grief afterwards, that, you know, there were times I would not have been on the ball, wasn't feeling up to it, and, you know, just had to be honest and transparent in order to move forward from it. Yes, which is wonderful with doing that, you know, and showing transparency that you have. So if I was to ask you, Nick, where do you see yourself in 5 years? That's a great question. Well, for the last 5 years it's been marketing director, and now that's happening, I'm just kind of like, oh my gosh. I would have to say I would, for the first time, I've started to explore, you know, chief marketing officer, managing director, you know, CEO, etc. So I definitely say in 5 years it would be one of those roles. I would love it to be with the company that I'm starting with. This role is about, definitely about consistency and really building a future with a business. So that would be absolutely great. And then I just hope happy and healthy. Definitely hope to be continuing with my charity work, the work that I do with schools and building this this women's network I'm continuing to do. So yeah, that's where I'd see, but my first answer should be really, you know, happy and healthy is the most important. Yeah, and we've got a little bit of that because, you know, we can tell the viewers that you do have a boyfriend now. Yeah, yeah, I do. So yeah, in a new relationship, which is great, and, you know, he's been a brilliant support and you know, has definitely helped me with this new role and is really supportive, which is brilliant. She's exactly what you need. So yeah. Yes, and that's lovely because I say with all that with Spencer going, you know, that love you've got. And the thing is, you know, and I've been fortunate to meet your new boyfriend who's Jeremy, and he's amazing. He makes me laugh so much, you know, in his happiness But one of the things I think is one of his best qualities is he doesn't erase Spencer. Spencer's part of that, he's gone on, but your love is a different love to that. And, you know, I take my hat off to him because you do see sometimes when people do, you know, go into other relationships, you know how it is, that when that day or that trigger day comes for Spencer's birthday or stuff like that, You will always remember. But I think he would be the sort of person that would make that day special by going off somewhere, not taking away from that, but to let you know that he was there for you. Yeah, definitely. He's been really great. And I think it's important to, you know, when someone passes away, is to talk about them, to, you know, mention their name, talk about the good times, what makes them laugh. I think there can be I've witnessed, especially in my parents' generation, and this comes from an absolute place of love, this is said with no judgment, that they don't talk about their loved ones that have passed away. And I find that really difficult because I know they love them. I know they had great relationships with their parents, and yet they don't talk about them. And, you know, I do talk about Spencer. I've often had feedback, "Oh, you talk about him too much," which was really hurtful at the time. But I understood the place it came from. And yeah, I find it immensely helpful to talk about him and talk about him with happiness as well. It's not always a traumatic period when I talk about him. There are things that will happen and I'll just sort of laugh and, you know, think, oh God, he'd hate that, or he'd really like that. I often think I'm turning into him, especially with the dog and my sort of fanatical about keeping a routine. But yeah, I think it's really healthy and it was a huge part of my life. So I think it would be really odd be odd if I didn't share that. But, you know, Jeremy's been great about it, really supportive, kind, and understanding, and that's, you know, all you can ask for. And also, you know, he's lost really loved ones as well, so I think he understands that. Yes, it's having that line where you do understand, you know, the grief and moving on with that. So The next question is for you, Nikki, you know, with the strategy and everything you're doing on there, is how do you get to be at the top of your field? It's a really great question. A lot of hard work and commitment, dedication, and consistency. So I'd say kind of, you know, to anybody out there who's, you know, looking to move up to the next level, whatever it is, it may not be direct Director, it may be Head of, it may be Marketing Manager, all those were goals of mine throughout my career. So have a plan. I think firstly you need to decide what your goal is. No one else can decide that for you. As you know, I coach and mentor quite a number of different people and sometimes they're looking for me to give them the answer and I'm always really clear, I can't tell you what's right for you. I can suggest things, I can give you advice, but advice is only advice. I will not be offended if if you don't take it. You are the only person who can decide what your goal is. Then you need to build a framework and a support group. I call them your trusted advisors, of which I have a few. The people that are going to help you do it because you're not going to be able to do it on your own. Say, for example, if your goal is head of department. You need to be looking at what are your strengths and weaknesses. Have you completed— do you know them? Have you asked other people what they are? Because we can often, as humans, have this quite blinkered view of ourselves, of which all of us do, by the way, including me, and you need to do some 360-degree feedback. I took that one bit further. I did the 360-degree feedback with my friends as well about me because I was on a different journey, not just in work. And then you need to work with them. Always lead with your strengths. And then also, you know, have the conversation with your line manager in your review. Where do they think you're at? Are you both at the same place? Really important. And if you're not, you need to, you need to ask why. So, you know, if they put you one step higher, you're like, oh, brilliant. But if they're putting you in another box that you don't feel is quite where you think you're at, you need to explore that. And then the third thing is about having the plan. So what do you need to do to get there? So say if your development area is around, you know, being a stronger leader, what sort of projects and things can you you be getting yourself involved with that they're going to strengthen those skills, or is it visibility, or is it you need to do a course on marketing? So I think, yeah, to sum it up: 1, have a goal and explore that goal. What's your why? Why are you doing it? 2, gain some feedback and understanding on where you're at. And 3, build your plan to get there, but with the support of others. You have to have the support of others, and sometimes you have to listen to some really, you know, tough feedback. I've been told before, you're not quite ready, and you think you're ready, and then you look back and realize you weren't ready, but you didn't want to hear that. So you've really got to listen and put the work in, is what I'd say, and be consistent. Show up every single day, even, you know, when you don't feel like it, or even when it's not going so well. That's not to confuse things with mental health when you're not well, but yeah, I would definitely say that those are 3 things that have been really great and helped me in my career. Oh, that's sort of— well, on that note, I'm going to play a song actually, and I want to talk to you about this song. I've seen you say, "Why have you played that, Jack?" But, and this is for the viewer, this is by Jack Savatini, and I want you all to just take the time out and listen to it, and I want to talk to you about it after. So that was the song that I heard the other day, Nikki, and it reminded me so much of you. And for the listeners seeing, you know, what was going on there, because after Spencer, you know, it was no matter what you were saying, you know, you didn't have to say you love me to be true, that where he went. And I was just sitting there in this hotel room, I was like, my God, that just reminds me so much of you. But you're, you know, because you became quite angry as well, you know, when he was singing with that passion and giving that strength there, as if to say, you know, to get his message across that you've done that. So it's funny how a piece of music resonates when somebody's on your mind, etc., like that. But you don't have to stay here, you know, for your love to be true, which it doesn't. You've gone on like with Jeremy Now Moving On, Nick, and going on with that song, is it shows the strength because you have this passion and this anger that's been in it that you've let go. I did say earlier on in the interview that I would just touch base on that because people, you know, when we've had a trigger or something that might come through, A song may do that. Do you have a song that reminds you of Spencer? Yeah, it was actually one that his best friend would always ring me and say. It's Thursday by Jess Glynne, and it's really powerful. And again, strange how the world works sometimes. It often comes on in my car or when I'm out and about. It'll come on at a really poignant time in my life when I need to hear it. There are also a couple of songs that I played at his funeral as well. A beautiful one called Francis Set Sail, which is absolutely an amazing song that he played me. I can still remember to this day where I was standing, what I was wearing, how I felt, everything when he played me that song. Passenger Let It Go. And then a beautiful folk song actually from our favourite TV series. We love The Detectorists and they played this really folky music at the start. Forgive me, I forget the band. And I played that as well. But It's Thursday by Jess Glynne is the one that would really stand out. See, for me, when I was listening to that music, how far you've come along, because with your partnership with Angela and with the hypnosis that you had, that, you know, the form that you had with this, like, oh, like that, you know, because the anger, which is, which is gone. And that's what I say, you know, so when I broke down the words, that's 'Now you left me all here by myself, now you've gone.' But you've come on and you've got strength, your new job, everything. And like you're saying, how the songs may come on into your car, wherever you are, a poignant reason for that. Because are you— would you say you're a spiritualist? I'd say more recently, yes. I think a number of people have introduced me to it. Um, so I think I am becoming much more aware, um, around spirituality. So yeah, learning, learning from the circle. I mean, it's very, you know, for people, um, uh, Howard, who's the boss of the women's radio, uh, station with Russ Kane, he is a spiritualist, very much so. And it's funny by that with the connection, I am a spiritualist. I'll I was raised a Catholic and being part of the spiritual always— because these signs are there that I was ignoring and they keep coming back in front of you to see that. So my thing is, there must have been signs over these years that have pushed you, because, hey, now you are a marketing, uh, director, you are managing director for the women. If you're on a pedestal, Nick, that is so empowering to people. People, you know, you talk freely and openly about your own life journeys and things, about the new way, how to mentor people, what you're doing coming forward with that, which is just like second to none. And I wonder, would there be, obviously with Jeremy, like that, if you get the sign from the two, you know, because we've been, the love that you have actually from two great people and going forward into that. But you know, like you say, you always talk about it and you always say that they're there, etc. But going into work in your, in your new role, um, I want to know that guiding force of strength coming through to put you there. Um, so you know, I do believe there'll be some sort of sign, whether it's the message in the car driving to work. And the reason I said it now is because that happens, that will be spooky because you do say, I know these. Sometimes you call me a white witch. I don't know what it is, sometimes you just know something and it's like, wow. And that's probably opened up my mind towards it and, and then, you know, all the freedom of the mind, probably being free in my mind, not allowing the mind fog to bring it down anymore. I guess with the trigger days we have going on. But for yourself in this part, is, I suppose, with this new job, will that take you all over, traveling all over the UK, or will you be in one place? You know, what is life going to be like as a marketing director for you? Yeah, I think we've got a number of different venues all over the UK, so definitely traveling all over over, but I'm UK-based, though Stexo are a global company. So yeah, which is super exciting. We've got some absolutely brilliant venues that we've mentioned, um, sort of Ascot, Chelsea Flower Show, a number of large football grounds, M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, lots in Scotland. I think I'll be spending quite a lot of time in Scotland, which is great because I love it. I love Edinburgh. Um, so yeah, Edinburgh, I'm coming into Edinburgh, uh, we're going to be doing a big seminar Oh my gosh, well, definitely, um, have to think in— I've got a word from the USA, and myself and Dr. Arthur Cassidy, and some people looking for a venue to work with the Mentorverse girls, to bring people in there with the foods and foods and drinks. So it'd be great to work with you and your companies, you know, somewhere. I'm just trying to do that. Wow, that was like— there we go, who knows who would say that. So what sort of things will you be doing in there, if I can just touch on that? Well, essentially contract hospitality, so catering, venue sales, etc. Obviously, I'll know a bit more when I start, but essentially it's sort of all the marketing and hospitality for those venues and events. We've also got quite a large heritage portfolio, so I know that we've just worked on our marketing plan for the next couple of years. So we're looking forward to hearing and seeing that from the team in a couple of weeks in Liverpool. So yeah, so it's super exciting. But first and foremost, I'm just really looking forward to getting to know the team and the different areas that they work on. And I'm sure I've already experienced, as I've met everybody a few times now, everyone talks in their own little language. You've got their acronyms, acronyms, and I keep saying sort of, you know, hang on a minute, what do you mean by that? So I'm going to write my own Sodexo glossary and then pass it on any new starter, um, just so that they're aware of what everyone is actually talking about. So what do you mean, what they're talking about, this different language? Can you— yeah, so, so I think it's probably leave the listeners a little bit confused to what you mean by that, their own language. Is that where they've like niched together and you come in like, oh, are you here, you're new, how do you think you, you're feeling, um, bit shocked yourself, or do you think it's Is it like a secret coding or? No, it happens in every company you join because everyone's worked together. If you think about it, everyone's worked together for such a long time and you develop, you shorten your language or you use, you know, you just use a couple of words or syllables instead of the word. But because you've done that for so long, you presume that everybody knows what you're talking about. Or if you give a project a certain name, So Fireside didn't start out as Fireside, this pub coat was called Project Stretch, but, you know, Project Stretch could be absolutely anything. But until you— and actually, no one— often people don't start from the start of the story, they start in the middle or at the end. So we're like, oh yeah, Project Stretch, so we're opening all these pubs and we're doing this, and you'd be like, hang on a minute, rewind, what's the objective? What's the purpose? What's the brief of the project? And often because people are so in the detail that they forget that you're brand new, and you don't know even the meaning of the title, or you presume when you start a new company. I think one of the worst things you can do is presume, because you may make an assumption that is absolutely not true, and then years down the line you'll still be unpicking that. So it's really important, it's about listening, it's about asking questions, actively listening and asking questions, and keep asking the question and not being afraid to say, 'Could you help me understand? I'm not quite sure,' because everyone will just presume that you know what they're talking about and you'll just be like, I just don't know. So for example, when I went to Chelsea Flower Show, they call their main hospitality area JB. Well, until I visited that area, I wouldn't know what that stood for. It's just small things like that. But you know, I've done this a number of times, looking forward to it, and there are a number of other people that started and been in there for a couple of months, so I'm sure I'll have a good catch-up with them as well. Yeah, but the thing being is, yes, of tremendously wonderful events, you know, Chelsea Flower Show. Do you know, I've never been— this will surprise a lot of the listeners— I've never been to Chelsea Flower Show. And I was in London and a good friend of mine messaged to say, oh, you know, great hotel review you did on the Warren Hotel. Oh, thanks. And he said, you're heading home? I was like, yeah, he's having Chelsea Flower Show. I went, why didn't you tell me? Nobody ever tells me about Chelsea Flower Show to go. And you've just said it again, the Chelsea Flower Show, and going to be doing that. So can I come next year? Yeah, I'm sure I will be going next year, so I'm sure, uh, we, we can go together. It's an absolutely— I went for the first time this year. It's an absolutely brilliant event, um, you know, with fantastic, um, hospitality areas, fantastic shows. And obviously I'm going to say because FedEx were doing it. But, you know, the marketing team and the whole team have done an absolutely brilliant job. Um, and yeah, I can't wait to go back. So yeah, maybe we'll go together. Yes, yes, hopefully. And but hopefully I don't fall in the, um, one of the, uh, what do they call them, Nick? Um, the, the show stands, isn't there? They have— no, yeah, I hope, I hope you don't either, because that would be such a shame for you and the flower Yeah, because Ainsley's sister did, didn't she, the chef? Yeah, yeah, it is quite slippy, especially if it gets raining in there. But yeah, there's some absolutely beautiful, beautiful displays in there. As I, I particularly, I saw the one from Birmingham. I love seeing that, as you know, I'm from the Midlands. Um, but just some amazing David Austin roses is also big. Um, yeah, um, big David Austin and his roses are amazing. I know, he's, he's got again another David Austin was my mum's favourite grower of roses, and she often said, I had 90 rose bushes around my bungalow, like mum, you know, and everybody, she'd sit there on her bench, Nick, with her 90 rose bushes and all her stuff. It's why, you know, why did I never take it to the Chelsea Flower Show? It's one of those things that opening up with with that. But yeah, you've got that, and Ascot. I mean, your company will be feeding the people in my box, the Gallery of the Fox. Yeah, they are. They're well— they've had a lot of advance notice about this. So I'm also fortunate to be attending the day, obviously in a work capacity, in Royal Ascot in June, and then enjoying some gorgeous hospitality in the box with yourself and about sort of 20 other of us. So I've also told both sides they need to be on their best behaviour, so both Sodexo and the lovely bunch of ladies that we are taking with us. So yeah, I absolutely can't wait. Yes, yes, because there is a certain— like with the hospitality that you're saying, with, you know, with what you're doing, there is a lot of work that goes into this, isn't it? Because when, for myself, you know, hosting the box. I've got this list, you know, these are the canapés. Do you want afternoon tea? Do you want hot? Do you want cold? You know, are you having a champagne? Including all what you want to drink in the box. But this comes down to what's put in there. So all these people— there's a lot of pressure on the work to do this because people come around and say, oh, you know, I do hospitality like weddings, but you take out a something goes wrong, that's your name, isn't it? Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, also these are just absolutely massive events. If you think of the volume of people going through those venues and, you know, the chefs and the teams, but, you know, all of the teams behind it, it's like an absolute military operation and it really is all hands on deck. So absolute, you know, total respect to the teams and they work incredibly hard and this, you know, this starts months months, even years in advance for us. So people just turn up and kind of have a lovely day, but the planning of this has been years and months and months, planning in process. So it'd be wonderful to experience it in my new role, both working and as a guest. Yes, I know I'm looking forward to it on there and what they're doing, and a great company, Nick. And you will do them proud, I know that. I have that in my own heart and feeling, you know, and wishing every success for this. And, you know, the pictures and people that have been following you on LinkedIn or myself, you know, if you want to see this, um, but Nikki will be doing her TV version of this with Marc Stephen Boulet. So you'll be seeing him react to that because he wants to go, and I don't think he's he's got a ticket to go to the Ascot. He's going to National Television Awards, but will you be doing the food there? No, I don't think we've got the NTAs actually. No, I haven't. We haven't, but I'm sure we can sample it and give the competitor the feedback. That's right, best way to go in there. So Nick, you know, we've just got over 10 minutes to go left of the show. I'm gonna hand this mic over to you. What would you like your legacy to be, Nic? I think it's a great question. I think one of— I think it's about how you make people feel. So I would like to leave people feeling empowered. I would like them feeling— I'd like them to believe in their own self-belief. Um, and I would like them to feel supported. Um, I keep meeting— I'm spotting some themes as I go around and meet lots of different great women and men, and this just seems to be this real issue with confidence and self-esteem and our own belief. Um, so I really want to gift back to people, um, or unlock their potential around what they're capable and I meet some absolutely amazing people and they just, they just don't see it. And I'm like, what are you not seeing? And, you know, everyone opens up and shares their story. So my legacy would be about connection, communication, and, you know, creativity, having, having some fun along the way. But it would be about how I make people feel. I would hope that everyone I encountered would see what I'm about and what I want to achieve. But the thing I'd like to say to everyone is, you know, you can literally do anything you want to do, and that is within your gift to give. I had a great conversation with one of my mentees the other day, and it was a few weeks ago actually, and I shared my theory on self-development, and I said, you know, but it's your responsibility 'And she said, what do you mean?' I said, 'Well, your own personal development is no one else's. It's not your bosses, it's not your colleagues, it's not your partners, it's not your best mates. It's your responsibility.' And I've had this, you know, come up a lot in my career when people are sort of like, 'Oh, what are you going to do to get me promoted?' And I'm like, 'I'll help you, of course I will, but it's your own. You have to be responsible for that. You have to put the work in.' And yes, there'll be loads of people that will help you get there, but it is your job to do the work. I also have another theory that you're often doing the work, the job, for 6 months before you get promoted, for free. Unfortunately, that's just how it is, and that's my other theory. And, you know, be prepared to try some different things. You know, there's nothing— I call it a portfolio career, which I'm loving at the moment, when people change industries, do different things, but they take the set of skills with them. But you're not pigeonholed to just one industry or one job, and I love it because those people bring such a different dynamic. And also, you know, if you take a different step that may not be necessarily upwards, that's absolutely fine because that will give you a stronger skill set moving forward. So I think everyone's different. You need to stick to your own plan. You need to go at your own pace and just do what's right for you. But I guess I notice a lot of people ask the question because they want me to tell them, but I can't tell you what's right for you in your life. Life. No one can, only you can know that. You can get advice, but only you can make that decision, and only you can put the work in, in order to get there. And be prepared for the word no. You're going to get it a lot. You're going to get a lot of knockbacks. They're going to be times when you think, why am I doing this? No one believes in me. And, but you only need one yes, and you just have to keep on going. And as long as you believe in it and you've put the work in, you put the work in. I have to say this, we cannot be delusional. There's no point me saying I'm going to be an astronaut and I want to be it next year because physically I'd need to have put training in, invested millions of dollars, and that's just not going to happen between now and next year. I might say I have a 10-year goal and that's different. But yeah, you have to be resilient and always be kind. And, you know, I would love to help everybody, but I only I don't have so much time, um, and it's important that, you know, I have to be 100% as well, which is why I do, you know, work with schools, work with the Reach Summit, because I can talk to 80 girls at one time. And online is great because you can speak to more than one person and do masterclasses. The networking event is great because I can see sort of 50 women in one room and help them like that. I'd love to mentor everyone, but, you know, realistically, I've currently sort of mentoring about 4 people and that's, you know, with a full-time job, networking, charity ball, life, friends, family, that's probably enough for me. But there are other avenues to do it where I can reach more people, such as, you know, writing my book, doing a TED Talk, etc., all future goals of mine, not right now because I really need to focus on my new role and the work I'm doing for charity and networking in schools, etc. But yeah, I would say it's how people, how you make people feel. Feel is my legacy, and I just want them to walk away feeling inspired and believing in themselves, if I could. We certainly can do that, because anybody that meets you, Nikki, and sees that wonderful smile and what you project out from within is pure beauty. As you know, I always call you the Duchess. Because you are, you should have been born a Duchess. You are born a Duchess in my eyes. But you know, when I look at Duchess, you know, Kate Middleton, you do get asked a few times, a reminder of her, don't you? I do actually. It's, yeah, it's quite funny. And I've also ordered some of her wedges for Ascot so I can walk around, the LK Bennett ones. So yeah, I do think she has great style, um, all the works that she does. And so it's a nice person to be, um, associated with. So thank you. Yeah. So are you saying— so she wears wedges? Because, you know, that's one of the biggest, uh, things is what shoes to wear at Ascot. So you've already researched this as well? Well, actually, it was our great friend Sonia, the, um, amazing, uh, fashion stylist. And I was talking about going to Ascot and saying, you know, obviously I'm going in a work capacity and then I'm going in a social capacity later on in the year, and, you know, I need to walk around and have a look and everything. And she was like, that, you know, LK Bennett wedges, which is why Kate wears them, because they're comfortable. But also, anyone that knows me knows I'm 5 foot 3 and I very rarely wear flats because I'm very petite. So it's great, it's style, it's comfort, and it gives you a bit of height light. So that's my secret, ladies. Thanks to Sonia, that was definitely her tip. Cinnamon, isn't it? Yes, yeah, the fashion stylist. Okay, um, out to you, because I know I'm going to be looking myself, you know, for some wedges. It's the key for Ascot, ladies. And, uh, you know, for any future ones that, you know, when this goes out, Ascot would have been, but other races and also probably for weddings as well. I would say, Nick, in a hospitality thing, you'll be in wedges. If the marketing director's in them, that's the shoe to wear. Yeah, but knowing us, we'll have a few different pairs of shoes, possibly a different outfit change, and just got to make sure the hat is the right height. So yeah, I'm sure we'll make it work. 4 inches? Yeah, yeah, I have— I forgot to rate your hat collection actually, so I need to get watering mine. So yeah, you will, I'm sure. Yes, because you'll be going, won't you, Paul? Oh no, we'll have one, we'll have a look, we'll go hat shopping for when we go in July, so that'd be great. But so for me, Nick, can we ask you, as we're going to be closing now the show, and very insightful into different areas, very different than your the first one because obviously we are talking corporate, um, touching a bit on there, put a bit of music in on this one, um, to give people time to absorb what was being said. Um, but how can people contact you, Nick? They can contact me, uh, best place is LinkedIn. Um, so I'm on LinkedIn, um, as Nikki Clark. I'm also on Instagram as Nick Star 84. And then, uh, just, just go from there. Just, uh, drop me, obviously it's in a work capacity, you know, it's LinkedIn. And, you know, more personal, you can follow my travels on Instagram. So yeah, it'd be great to hear from you. And I'm always, you know, updating. So much so, new people said, oh, you're always out and about on LinkedIn. I'm like, yeah, it's great. And that's been a brilliant, brilliant platform for me as well. So that's the other thing I say to people, you know, make sure your LinkedIn is up to date, you're sharing what you're doing. Your network is your net worth and connecting and making some brilliant connections and keeping in touch with people. That's the most important thing because when you need them, if you've kept in touch and nurtured that relationship, it's a lot easier than having to go back in cold, is what my advice is. And that takes time and it's hard work and I don't always get the balance right. I probably do a little bit too much sometimes in terms of always out and about, but yeah, trying my best. Balance is key. Balance is key. Mrs. You're always out and about, it's drinking our champagne, Nicky Glass. Yeah, definitely, that's definitely our favourite drink. Yeah, and when I next see you, I'm going to share a nice bottle of Dom Pérignon with you. We were going to have it when you came down and we just had all that lovely massaging and stuff when we went to the beach, which was fun. Yeah, we did the most thing that no one, I don't think that hotel had ever experienced it, we were like, no, no, we don't want a glass, we're just gonna— we're just not gonna have a drink at lunchtime. And they were a little bit puzzled, but that is on our day off. Why we're not having a drink at lunchtime, what horror! I'd like to say that is on our day off, um, uh, you know, gonna hashtag #drinkaware, uh, that was on a day off that we were having a glass of champers at lunchtime, but most Monday to Fridays that is not an option. I also don't particularly really drink in the week actually, because I've always got lots, lots going on. Um, so yeah, there we go. Just, just going to get that plug in. Very good. Well, that's the end of our show, and it is a Saturday lunchtime. No, we're not going to have a drink, we've got too much going on. Um, but one day we'll have a share of glass. Now, thank you, Nikki Clark, for supporting mental health by doing this show and your contribution of £150. Thank you very