Nick Elston is an inspirational speaker on the topic of anxiety and mental health. In his seminar at Accountex Summit North 2019 he’ll be sharing his personal experience with mental health, along with expert advice about how to manage anxiety in life and business (Theatre 2 at 3pm).
We caught up with Nick ahead of his session at the conference to find out more.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be an expert speaker on the topic of Anxiety?
As a child I had OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) which morphed into GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) into my teens and adult life – personally and professionally.
Fast forward to six years ago – I reached a breakdown point – outside of a Premier Inn in Somerset, immediately after a Networking meeting!
The reason I got to that point? I was wearing a mask. A mask for all of my responsibilities in life – but all of them were different. When we struggle with low self esteem, low self confidence and mental health challenges – we try and be what people see in us – what situations demand of us – but we sure don’t show ourselves.
So I decided to share me – the uncut version!
Two weeks after my ‘meltdown’ I spoke at the same Networking meeting – and for once, I shared it all.
All of those reasons why we don’t speak about this taboo subject – the fear of being judged, disliked or shamed – disappeared – as everyone gave me a round of applause, offered their support, their insights and at the very least – hugs! And I love hugs!
It became my therapy – and still is in some way – but from that point I spoke more and more – fast forward to today it’s my ‘job’ – travelling the world as a Professional Inspirational Speaker on Anxiety – but delivered in my unique ‘brutally honest’ and ‘utterly engaging’ style!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
It’s the power of sharing. I share everything. In return, my audience share right back. Essentially in life people just want to be heard and understood – not fixed as such – that’s what I love – giving people the platform to question everything and the phenomenal feedback that comes from that.
And the most challenging?
I am empathic – I feel what people feel when they talk to me. I use massive energy – mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically when I speak. Plus – to deliver emotion – I revisit my ‘stuff’ – so a ‘gig’ can absolutely wipe me – recovery is key!
The conversation around anxiety has grown in recent years, why do you think the issue is becoming more significant?
This is a big question! Put simply – now more than ever we have many platforms to share, awareness has tackled a lot of the stigma plus there is a willingness to understand – both personally and professionally. However, I think a lot of the conversations – especially on social media – can be quite damaging – so it’s not always a good thing – but as I say it’s a huge question!
What do you want visitors to take away from your session Accountex Summit North 2019?
The ASN audience will learn some effective tools and tips on managing Anxiety in life and business – plus they will get to know themselves all over again!
What one tip would you give someone to help them manage their Anxiety?
Never assume! It’s important to know that we only get anxious about the THOUGHT of doing something – not the actual doing it. We project an assumed outcome – usually negative – usually incorrect! Set out to prove yourself wrong – as Mark Twain said ‘Some of the worst things in my life never actually happened!’ – we create Anxiety just from the idea of things.
How important is Accountex Summit North to the industry?
ASN is very important to the Accounting industry – I am a passionate believer in the power of networking and connections – plus I know from speaking at Accountex 2019 in London – mental health is right up there on people’s priorities – whether it be for themselves, their teams or their friends and families.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
‘Question everything!’ – I believe that the way we see the world and our experiences essentially come down to our Conditioning (learned behaviour), Narrative (the way we talk to ourselves) and Perspective (morals and beliefs) – most of these go unchecked! To gain control over your own life – you need to start to question everything!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.
I represented England at Football. Computer Football! Sensible Soccer to be precise!
See Nick at Accountex Summit North 2019
Talking Anxiety – a Twist on Managing Anxiety in Life & Business! in Theatre 2 at 3pm on Tuesday 10 September.