Inspirational Leaders: An Interview with Nicci Take

myGwork spoke to Nicci Take from Mercer who was recently nominated for a British LGBT+ Award.

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself? 

I am Nicci Take. I run my own consultancy and I am currently Head of Growth at Mercer. I am trans which means I used to be a boy, but I am ok now [since transitioning]. 

Congratulation on being Shortlisted for an LGBT British Award, what does be an inspirational leader means to you? 

The first time I was nominated was for the LGBT leaders FT list in 2017 and I almost turned it down because I did not think I was an appropriate role model, no “adversity to overcome”. But the lady who nominated me explained that seeing me live as a happy, reasonably successful transwoman without the usual drama is what led her to feel hopeful that one day she could transition. So it feels now like we might need more role models like me who haven’t had to fight to be accepted and are gaining success because we are trans not despite being trans. 

What has been your best testimonial from people? 

Bodhi from Kai Flow wrote: “Nicci Take is a huge contribution to the LGBTQ representation. She provides the space for me as a gender-fluid person to embrace my fluidity. How she breaks open space for LGBTQ individuals, and communities in businesses by in her words ‘walking through walls’, and this is how she opened spaces, not by asking for acceptance in heteronormative workplaces and organisations, but by taking down the walls of those spaces so that everybody can walk in. Nicci not only takes the walls down, but because of who she is, people walk in with their whole selves. In Nicci's claim, people step into their authenticity knowing they are valuable and knowing they can be proud. Nicci takes the community with her, just through her being unabashedly herself, we all walk into safer spaces. Thank you, Nicci”. 

Can you please tell me how you came out? 

I never really had to come out. I knew when I was 12 I wanted to be a woman, not a man, but in 1980 that wasn’t an option so for 30 years I buried the idea. Then 16th Dec 2012 I put a dress on for a Christmas party at the office and changed my life. It started a journey that has included blackmail, physical violence, sexual attack but also joy, acceptance, love and impact. I am lighter, fitter, prettier, happier, more successful and make more of a difference than I ever could before this journey started.  

What have been the reactions of your colleagues around your nomination? 

The reactions have been amazing, I got so many emails of support from my colleagues. This has been truly overwhelming. My colleagues are so used to me that I think most have almost forgotten I'm trans. My boss said the other day “If someone has a problem with you, they are not the kind of person we want to do business with”. 

What are the key elements for a trans-inclusive workplace? 

You must get the trans employee handbook right and encourage everyone to be allies to the trans community. Organisations should send a clear message on which bathrooms trans people are free to use and expect their policies to affect their employees’ views of them. I don’t think I should fight for trans rights; I think cis women should. Transwomen like me should fight for women’s rights and let the sorority fight for us.   

What does this award mean to you?  

When you put your head above the parapet you expect to take a few bullets. Winning this award would help me keep going, keep advocating, keep sharing. Recognition feels like validation and sometimes we all need some of that.  

What are your passions outside the workplace? 

I am married with 3 kids, and I have put a large amount of effort into keeping that together. My biggest success in life is that I managed to transition and keep my family together. I found a way (not easily) but my relationship with my kids and wife is better and solid. I also do a stand-up comedy show on Tuesdays at Freedom Bar called “Laughers Gets Better Together: LGBT” and J’étudie le français 

Is there any advice you would give to your younger self? 

I would tell myself to transition sooner, my motto is One life: Live it! 

What would you like to say to the people that have helped you achieve this recognition? 

I would like to tell them a huge thank you and I am so grateful for all their support and especially to everyone that has sent me amazing testimonials. 

What would you like to say to those that have tried to stop you in your journey? 

I don't think about them often. When I meet people that have a problem with me, I say to myself they have the problem, not me. These people select themselves out of my life, so I don't have to do it for them, it is amazing! I once got upgraded on a BA flight to 1st class because someone famous didn't want to see next to me and Mel B from the spice girls once told me “You may look like a woman, but you’ll never be pretty!”  I think she was missing the point entirely.

You can vote in the British LGBT+ Awards here.