Dr Nikky Gordon has never been one to shy away from a challenge. So, during her undergraduate degree in exercise physiology, Nikky decided to focus on the challenges and complexities of cardiovascular rehab.
While completing her Honours and PhD studies focussing on blood flow responses to various forms of exercise, Nikky realised there weren’t many opportunities in her line of work. Exploring this niche, Nikky set up her business Heart Health and Fitness to filling a gap in a system.
As the Director and Lead Exercise Physiologist at Heart Health and Fitness, Dr Nikky loves explores new ways to serve her patients. From starting new group class types to establishing the Strong Hearts program, she is always on the lookout to improve the way cardiac rehab is delivered.
Nikky wants to expand her cardiac rehab business to help as many people live their life limited only by their imagination and not some perceived inability or restriction.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
“Richard Branson – I love that he doesn’t do things by the book. He creates his own way of doing things even if others don’t agree with his process. He’s not afraid to change the status quo to make something better.”
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
“I enjoy the autonomy of being able to choose my own direction and being able to change it when I want or need to. I can change and improve a service without having to justify to a higher authority or going through red tape.”
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Choose your own schedule and others will adapt
- Think outside the box and narrow your focus
- Find a supportive group of like-minded people that you can work with collaboratively. It’s great to get help when you need but it also feels amazing when you can help others.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
“Do it right the first time – legally and financially. Set yourself up for success and ask for help early in your process, don’t wait for the molehill to become a mountain.”
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Know and understand your finances.
- Know your ideal customer and understand how to communicate effectively and efficiently.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
“A supportive and helpful community of patients and health professionals who can help each patient through their own journey. Everyone has a clear pathway and knows who and when to contact someone if they need it.
I’d like to be mostly hands-off in terms of the day-to-day running’s of the business and jump in when my expertise is requested.
I want my business to continue to innovate and progress as times and needs change.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
“Being apart of a supportive network of like-minded women who work collaboratively together to help everyone in the group. This really helps me to not feel alone and isolated in my journey and business..”
Learn more about Nikky Gordon and Health, Heart and Fitness today.
