Nicola Nation, CEO of The Akina Foundation
My first job as at a supermarket during school, then at university I switched it up into Pascoes the Jewellers!
My first career job was as an entry level management consultant (grad job) at Deloitte.
The Big 4 get a bad rap, but I loved my 3.5 years at Deloitte. I was never going to be a "lifer" at Deloitte, instead I treated it like an apprenticeship and squeezed everything I could out of the opportunity. I learned a lot from some clever people and I am grateful for that, and I enjoyed the focus on quality.
You need to be your own career advocate. Put yourself forward for opportunities, generally speaking no one is sitting around thinking "how can I give Nicola her next work or career break"
Deloitte was also an excellent for opening door in the UK, when I went to do my OE. Deloitte was a known and trusted brand. I had no idea just how useful a background in "professional services" would be for me when I started at Ākina and we have leaned more and more into being a for-purpose consulting business.
From about 16 I knew I wanted to run my own business, however I didn't think so much about the title of CEO. I wanted to have the opportunity to run my own thing and see if I could do it. Someone told me at Ākina - before I was CE - that I "worked like I owned the business" and I responded "of course, why wouldn't you?".
I was asked to apply for the Ākina role, and I thought of a lot of reasons not to, and why I wasn't the best person for the job. Then I told myself to go for it: that it was for others to decide whether I was the best person for the job.
My path to being CEO was more focussed on leadership than "Being the CEO" and it still is. I had intended that after a few years at GM for Ākina I would move into a larger Corporate Services role for a larger organisation. While that might have paid more, I am glad that I did not pursue that. The opportunities for growth in my current role have been tremendous.
When I first started as CEO, I found people looking to me for a decision, or for guidance a bit unnerving. People shutting up when you speak in meetings was a bit of a surprise too, as I noted people listening more than previously and I found that a bit amusing, because my voice carried more weight than it has done, however was voiced in the same organisation. I put that down to human nature. I am used to it now and am careful to wait to add my flavour into any conversation. I am happy to take advice, consider the views of others and then make a decision.
Go into the office! I was terrified on day one and I hide away WFH. I have learned to be present - that's your job. It is important to be available and open for questions and conversations, and to give guidance when required.
Working for an organisation that leads with its purpose is really special, and leading that team is a privilege that I don't take for granted. I recognise the unique opportunity that is leading Ākina and what it has provided me over the past 4 years. It is about leading the team at Ākina to contribute to something bigger than the sum of its parts.
Just be you. You've been chosen to be the CEO for a reason - be you. Everyone else is taken
