Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Kizzie Nicholson, Marketing Consultant & Director
How could you describe your career path in few words?
It’s not linear!
Having a career goalpost to aim for has not been a straight-forward, continuously positive journey. There have been ups and downs, sideways moves, pauses and re-considerations. However, having a goal has helped me to focus in my career and grow my award-winning digital marketing agency, Social Fireworks Ltd.
I read once that having a goal is like a missile on a target - it will move around obstacles to get to the target. I could say the same about my career. I always knew I wanted to work in the creative industry - my dream was to work producing TV adverts for car brands. Now, TV adverts have changed and my real love is telling stories on social media. I’ve stayed on the same parth, though it has changed as the world has changed.
What was your most challenging experience and it has changed your mindset?
I love this question because it is one I get asked a lot and my answer remains the same; it isn’t a name that makes a business, it’s the team and people behind it.
I’ve worked in many different business environments from small to corporate and whilst a brand may persceptively seem fantastic to the consumer/ buyer, the reality for the team can be quite different! Since learning this, my mindset changed to one of focusing on finding a collaborative attitude, not competitive. Everyone is unique with their own backgrounds, interests and individual personalities, understanding these can make for a very productive environment. I’m delighted that the team who work with me at Social Fireworks have this attitude as it has create an efficient and effective environment.
When you get surprised by unusual or uncertain context, what do you think?
Everyday is a school day and in business, you need this attitude. There will always be unexpected things or new things - approach everything with curiosity and ask, ask, ask.
As an award-winning female entrepreneur, I have learned to embrace the unexpected and think on my feet when faced with unusual or uncertain contexts. When I am surprised, my initial reaction is to take a moment to gather my thoughts and assess the situation. I ask myself questions such as: What is the context? What are the potential risks and opportunities? What is my goal in this situation? Once I have a clear understanding of the situation, I focus on finding a solution or taking action that will help me achieve my goal.
I also believe that it's important to be open to learning from the unexpected. When things don't go according to plan, it can be an opportunity to gain new insights, learn from mistakes, and improve our approach in the future. As an entrepreneur, the ability to adapt and pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances is essential, and I believe that staying calm and focused in the face of uncertainty is key to success.
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female leader / manager?
Persist, persist, and persist. I’ve had so many “no’s” and “rejections”, I’ve never let it stop me just simply asked for feedback. I’d say a key factor is to remember you are one of a kind, unique and no two people are like you - get out to the world, do not let one person, or one group of individuals tell you who you are (or hold you back) and go for your goals. If I hadn’t of persisted, my company, Social Fireworks Ltd, would be where it is today.
As an award-winning entrepreneur, I believe that the key success factor for any leader or manager is the ability to balance confidence and humility. Leaders often face unique challenges that can make it difficult to gain respect and build credibility. However, it's important to approach leadership with confidence and a strong sense of purpose, while also being humble enough to listen to feedback, admit mistakes, and learn from others.
Another important factor for leaders is the ability to build and maintain relationships. Leadership is not just about achieving individual goals; it's about bringing people together to achieve a common vision. Leaders who are able to cultivate a positive and supportive work culture, build strong teams, and foster collaboration are more likely to be successful.
Finally, I believe that resilience and perseverance are essential qualities for leaders. Building a successful business or leading a team is not easy, and there will inevitably be setbacks and challenges along the way. Leaders who are able to stay focused on their goals, maintain a positive attitude, and keep pushing forward in the face of adversity are more likely to achieve long-term success.
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