Interview: Nick Singh
Meet Nick, the Mid Market Manager from IKEA, who now joins our judging panel for the prestigious People in Retail Awards 2024.
With a keen eye for talent and a deep appreciation for the power of recognition, Nick brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. His dedication to nurturing potential and celebrating success in the retail sector makes him an invaluable addition to our team of experts.
Through his work with IKEA, Nick has witnessed first-hand the transformative effect that acknowledgement and praise can have on individuals and teams alike. His philosophy is simple yet impactful: to do good business, you must have good people. And recognising those good people is not just beneficial but essential for sustained success and growth in the retail industry.
In his own words, Nick shares his motivations for joining the awards, the importance of rewards and recognition and the vital role people play in the business ecosystem.
What inspired you to become a judge for the People in Retail Awards?
I believe that you can’t do good business without good people, and the People in Retail Awards is a strong advocate for recognising the best in the industry, who strive to progress and evolve the retail industry. To be a part of the judging panel and play a small part in their journey is a privilege. The positive impact my great retail colleagues have had on my career is huge, so to be part of celebrating these fantastic people is hugely rewarding.
What role do rewards and recognition play in the retail industry and why do you think they are important?
They’re vital. People who get recognised will feel more valued and appreciated, and are more likely to perform at a higher level, which I think is hugely beneficial for personal development and workplace satisfaction.
The People in Retail Awards provide another level of recognition that motivates, and drives companies to become standard bearers in their field of expertise. When this happens, I hope it can also encourage other businesses to evolve and strive for excellence.
Can you share an experience from your career that exemplifies the significance of recognising excellence in the industry?
IKEA has always made me feel visible by recognising my eagerness to learn, my skills, and my performance at work which is exactly what I’d want from an employer as I’m a firm believer that recognising individuals can propel people forward from a self-belief perspective and career progression. I certainly feel that my fellow IKEA co-workers have always given me a platform to thrive and celebrate the work we’ve achieved – a particularly proud moment that comes to mind is when I presented to our global board members about my leadership journey.
Why are people vital for business success, and why prioritise individual focus?
I’m of the mind that people are at the heart of all businesses. The collective effort of driven and passionate individuals delivers some of the most extraordinary results, so putting our energy into great people makes good business sense. Working with people in a supportive way drives strong results and makes for a positive work environment – a great catalyst for attracting future talent.
What criteria or qualities will you look for when evaluating nominations for the People in Retail Awards?
I will be looking for how people have managed to move their respective businesses forward and are able to articulate how they have used their own leadership skills, entrepreneurship, and drive to make a positive impact. It’s important that people celebrate their achievements – I believe that sharing how you have achieved goals, in turn, motivates others to also do the same.
Any advice or top tips for companies entering?
We’re here to celebrate people going above and beyond in the everyday of business. I would love to see clear examples of how businesses are working with the talented people within their network to move the industry forward.
