Logged In With…Nicky Pattinson, business speaker and motivational expert

NICKY Pattinson is a Yorkshire-based business speaker and motivational and sales expert who has helped companies in very different markets, ranging from cosmetics brands, airports and law firms.

Nicky is a regular speaker at major conferences across the North and is preparing to launch a career in the US.

Describe yourself in a Tweet

Red haired oddball (or genius)  – who sometimes doesn’t know when to stop.

What are your career highlights?

At 16 working in a shoe shop I sold more in a day that others did in a week…every great day in business has been a different manifestation of that one highlight.

What’s on your iPod?

Classical, LOADS of classical, soul, Motown, Elvis , Amy Winehouse, Shirley Bassey, Cher , Adele.Tom Jones older stuff…a little ‘jingly jangly’’ meditation stuff to keep me on the straight and narrow.

What has been your favourite/worst job?

My first job ever, in a petshop in Huddersfield lasted 17 minutes. Cleaning out the mice was the end.

This is and always will be my favourite job. Nothing could beat it – creative heaven.

Who is your ideal dinner guest or which public figure do you admire most and why?

Michael Jackson..with all his shiny buttons, tassels, wigs, and makeup. I’d like to see the connection between the shy man and the greatest performer of all time…. then he’d have to dance with me after. Ohhh and sing me a song.

I always thought I’d end up with him..I was quite surprised when I didn’t!

Public figure – Ann Widdecombe,  she just doesn’t give one and I love that.

Are you worth what you’re paid?

YES. In fact 10 times more….. PRICELESS.

What is your pet peeve?

People who get right up your rear and flash you out of the way when you’re doing 90mph in the outside lane.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

The people who do the so called ‘’smallest jobs’’ (how ill perceived) in the companies I work with – with such grace and enthusiasm.

There is noone I know in the UK that does just what I do, I have no-one to follow…

What do you enjoy most and least about your role?

Most: When we see the numbers jumping in those companies… or hear an audience laughing and clapping when they expected something entirely different from a “business speaker’’.

Least: It’s a lonely life.

What’s the key to managing people?

Give them something BIG to go for and go with them!

What are the barriers to your success?

My greatest asset also – my BIG MOUTH.

What could make Yorkshire even better?

No idea! This place is heaven on earth to me, when that plane touches down after a long trip working away, I’m not ashamed to say I can be moved to tears by the greenery.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I’d work mornings in an animal sanctuary and afternoons in an old people’s home.

Then I’d have my tea and look after wayward kids ‘till bedtime.