5 Minutes With.... Nick Elston

Nick is an inspirational speaker on the lived experience of mental health and founded Forging People in 2019. Nick had a desire to take a human approach to empowering and engaging people with emotionally led coaching and mentoring with a strong wellbeing focus.

Forging People specialises in Speaking Academies, 121 Speaking Coaching, Training Workshops, Events and 121 Mentoring.

Nick has used his life experiences and adversities to forge a powerful, emotional, brutally honest, heartfelt and humorous message which he delivers globally – his signature keynote seminar being ‘Talking Anxiety’.

What is your elevator pitch?

“Are you an HR Leader who struggles to get engagement with your Mental Health and Wellbeing initiatives? I can help! By sharing my story, insights and ‘brutal honesty’ - I always increase engagement in what you have going on right now!”

What challenges have you faced when setting up the Forging Academy?

The Forging People Speaking Academy was set up for me to help people to share their stories - but what I have learned since launch is that people use it just as much for Personal Development as Public Speaking. Because I create a safe environment which is non-judgmental and fully inclusive.

“Be you - but amplified!”

What have you been most proud of since setting up Forging Academy?

 I have now watched so many people ‘go pro’ as Speakers - which has empowered them to share their stories, launch businesses, chase their dreams and boost their confidence.

How would you describe your personality and how does that impact on your business.

I am very informal. I always deliver authentically even in a ‘corporate’ environment - I’m cap, shirt, jeans - because that’s me - and I’m encouraging people to be them - so anything else wouldn’t be genuine. 

Forging People has come a long way since the Speaking Academy launch - we now train, coach and run events in the Wellbeing & Personal Development space - bring in guest speakers and trainers - all with the sole focus that we are a ‘new breed of people development’. Be you - but amplified!

 If I gave you a million pound, how would that investment change your plans?

I would fund my Speaking Academy sessions to run globally as I want people to experience the liberation, therapy and empowerment that emotional storytelling brings.

What sessions are you putting on in 2020 and where can we see more of you?

All of my public sessions are listed on www.forgingpeople.com and www.nickelston.com, however, 90% of my work is for private clients, corporate businesses, organisations and events/conferences. As a speaker I also work in schools, universities and prisons.

Nick’s next Forging People Speaking Academy workshop is being held on 28 February 2020. Personally, having attended this workshop, this is the best speaking workshop that I have been on. Nick is extremely humble but passionate about getting the best out of you for your own future success. 100% recommend!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forging-people-speaking-academy-february-2020-tickets-81497131113

“The ability to convey a message, to amplify your voice - can have a massive impact on your personal and professional success. Nick will give you all of the tools you need to use your new found voice to achieve what you aspire to - including videos, social media, personal brand, blogs and advice on getting the right speaking engagements for you!”

How can we follow your journey?

I am everywhere on Social Media - all of my links can be found on www.nickelston.com.

Twitter:              @NickElston_

LinkedIn:            https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/nickelston/

Instagram:         nickelston_

W:                      https://nickelston.com/

Twitter:              @ForgingPeople

LinkedIn:           https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/forgingpeople/

W:                      https://forgingpeople.com/

Instagram:        forgingpeople

Facebook:         https://www.facebook.com/forgingpeople/

Thank you Nick.