Helen Nicholson - Building better businesses through purpose

Highlights from this episodeIf I had sat down when I was 22 and actually retraced the steps of my life up until that point, there were clues along the way. I was Debating Captain at school, Alice in Wonderland in the school play, I used to read at church when I was little. So I was always in plays and drama, and I was talking a lot.I think that you are put on this earth to fulfil your purpose. And I think you have an obligation as a person to find out what it is, and be then to align your purpose with your career, because that's when you will be in flow and things will happen easily.We are often unconsciously competent. We just think that it's normal to have that specific thing, and it's only when someone says to you — you know, you do that so easily and so — that's always an instant sign.There are clues in the companies as to what's important to them — where they spend their time, the kind of people that they've pulled into the organisation, the kind of work they do, the way their clients talk about them.The team that I have now, it feels like everyone is in the right place, doing the right stuff — right people, in the right seats, doing the right stuff — and that can only happen if our purpose, our value systems, and our passions align.Virtual reality helps because it microwaves behaviour change.It's much more than women and men, it's actually around a masculine versus a feminine style of leadership.Realise how important it is to have days where there are no meetings and no appointments for everyone. I always thought it was more important for me, but what I've realised is, it's actually really important for the team. More about HelenHelen Nicholson has been called the “Networking Queen” by many of her clients. She began her career as an accountant and has evolved into the CEO — Chief Excitement Officer — of the Networking Company, where they help people reach their full potential through training programmes, online learning and virtual reality simulations. Helen has published two best-selling business books and has spoken in 43 countries around the world. She is a board member for the global entrepreneur organisation (EO) in South Africa.Helen has international corporate experience and lived in the Middle East for 5 years where she developed and sold her own successful business in Dubai.On her return to South Africa, Helen has run the Networking Company for 15 years – she is a passionate South African, was interviewed by GIBS Business School as one of South Africa’s leading female entrepreneurs, has run the New York marathon in 2011 and has been a single mom to 23-year-old identical girl twins since they were 3. She is a passionate connector and walks her Networking talk!Find Helen here:LinkedInThe Networking Company Show NotesPeople:Conor NeillDean CarlsonJacinda Ardern (New Zealand Prime Minister)Donald TrumpKatrín Jakobsdóttir (Prime Minister of Iceland)Places:LondonDubaiMiddle EastAmerica (United States)Miscellaneous:IkigaiGallup Strengths FinderDeep Work by Cal Newport (Book) How can you help?There are four ways you can help us out.Give us your thoughts. Rate the podcast and leave a comment.Share this as far and wide as you can - tell your friends, family and colleagues about us (caveat: if you own a family business, these may all be the same people)Tell us how we can create a better podcast - tell us what you liked, didn’t like, or what you’d like to hear more (or less) ofTell us who you’d like to hear on the podcast. Suggest someone that you think we should interview.One More Question is a podcast by Nicework a Brand and Service Design Company. One of the things we do best is asking our clients the right questions. This podcast came about because we want to share some of the best answers we have heard over the last 13 years. We talk to significant creators, experts and communicators who we have encountered. To share the useful insights, inspirations and facts that made us stop and take notes as we go about our work. Hosted by our Founder Ross Drakes.Subscribe iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google PodcastsMusic by: @dcuttermusic / http://www.davidcuttermusic.com
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