From HR Hero to Serving Gold Standard at the Olympics

Leadership Laid Bare

In this episode, we sit down with the phenomenal Nikki Timms to explore her extraordinary journey from shaping HR teams to orchestrating gold-standard hospitality at the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games. With a wealth of experience working for Costa Coffee, Nikki led the teams responsible for serving world-class athletes at the Olympic Village and ensuring unforgettable experiences for spectators. Her story is one of leadership, resilience, and the power of a shared vision to achieve the impossible.

Key Talking Points:

Nikki’s HR Roots:

• How her expertise in HR laid the foundation for her success in team leadership.
• The challenges and rewards of building high-performing teams in the fast-paced world of retail.

The Olympic Call to Action:

• The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead hospitality teams at the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games.
• The excitement and magnitude of being part of such a historic event.

Leading with Purpose at the Olympics:

• Insights into the preparation: the rigorous planning, the training, and the mindset needed to serve on a global stage.
• Managing the dual demands of providing exceptional service to athletes and creating magical moments for spectators.
• How she inspired her teams to deliver under immense pressure.

Challenges on the World Stage:

• Navigating the logistical and emotional complexities of the Olympic Village.
• The importance of adaptability, communication, and maintaining morale in high-pressure environments.

Lessons in Leadership and Teamwork:

• What the Olympics taught Nikki about resilience, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.
• How those lessons translated back to her career and beyond.

The Legacy of Paris 2024:

• How being part of such an iconic event shaped Nikki’s leadership journey.
• The lasting impact of the Olympics on her approach to building and inspiring teams.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• How to transfer leadership skills across industries and challenges.
• The importance of setting a gold standard for yourself and your team, no matter the circumstances.
• Nikki’s advice for staying grounded and focused when working under pressure.

Call to Action:

Feeling inspired by Nikki’s story? Reflect on how you can lead your team to achieve their own “Olympic moments.” What gold standard are you setting in your work and life?

Tune in to hear Nikki’s incredible journey and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, resilience, and delivering excellence on the world stage.