10 minutes with…..Nikki Giant

I am the founder of two social enterprises, Full Circle Education and Girls Circle, working to inspire children and young people. I am the author of four educational books and one young adult fiction book, Hello Me, which will be published in January 2018. I’m an ambassador for US organisation Girl Rising and I’m passionate about girls’ rights. I was listed as one of the top ‘35 under 35’ business women in Wales in 2015.

What gets you out of bed on a Monday morning?

A strong cup of coffee gets me up on a Monday, and the thought of the work I will be doing over the week – although it sounds a little cliché, being part of a social enterprise is about more than just doing a job or earning money. It’s truly about making a difference in the world, and that’s a big motivator!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Last month I interviewed former Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and former President of Mexico, Ernesto Zedillo, at an event in front of Richard Branson and a Facebook Live audience of 50,000! That was definitely the oddest – and greatest – achievement I’ve had, but the smaller things count just as much. Seeing a young person grow in confidence and self worth in part because of the support of my organisation is an incredible achievement, and those ‘small’ wins keep me focused and growing.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee. Black. Plenty of caffeine!

What is the one thing you would tell your 16 year old self?

Believe in yourself and be confident in who you are. And know that absolutely everything happens for a reason, so just trust you are on the path you are meant to be on.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I don’t have any! Typically I spend it working. The joys of running a small business!

What is your favourite thing about running your own business?

I love the autonomy and independence I have by being my own boss. I like to make my own decisions and to feel completely in control of my own life and destiny, and running my own business helps me to feel that. I also like that I have complete creative freedom to develop personally and professionally, and can take my business in any direction I like, rather than being told what to do or having to stick to a narrow job description.

What’s one quality you think an entrepreneur needs to possess?

Determination!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I am inspired by the people I meet every day who are running their own businesses, and by the young people I work with – when I hear about their struggles or the incredible things they are doing to make the world a better place I feel so inspired to do more myself. I also really admire Michelle Obama and her work to support girls and young women.

What are your Top Tips for a winning business pitch?

Speak clearly, from the heart, and be concise. Less is more, but choose your words carefully, and deliver your pitch with passion.

What’s your favourite TV show/podcast and why?

I love the Radio Lab podcasts, which are from a New York City radio station. So interesting with incredible storytelling.

Big night out or quite night in?

I’m too old for a big night out now – it’s a quiet night in for me!