We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chris Nicolaou . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chris below.
Chris , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
When I was a little younger, I got into some trouble and wound up in county jail. In jail, I met a sixteen year old who was arrested for stealing pampers for his newborn baby. As if this wasn’t already shocking, I then found out he had been bouncing around from pod to pod for two weeks and hadn’t even been arraigned yet. I remember being floored, explaining to him how unfair that was and that they (the county) has stolen time from him. The chance that he’d done time at all is marginal, had he just seen a judge.
I’ll never forget how un-moved he was. None of my irate rambling budged his needle at all. I thought about it a lot – and eventually realized he doesn’t believe his time valuable. As if, there wasn’t much out there better for him than this – being in jail, was just a part of the deal.
Two weeks later I got out and immediately started building my first business. I was so ashamed that I had taken my opportunities for granted that I never looked back. Changed me forever.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Since starting my first business, Audia Creatives back in 2015 I’ve had the honor of helping build and/or being apart of many other enterprises including The Dragon Fly Agency and Phantom City Records. Right now my focus is to continue to provide access, exposure and professional opportunities to anybody with the guts to pursue their dreams. All of my professional interests center around bringing the best and most eager voices to the table regardless of where they come from. Each person I meet presents a new and exciting opportunity whether it be financially, professionally or personal.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
GO GO GO! – In order to keep your dream in focus, you have to GO GO GO! The slower you are to move on things the more you let external forces influence your progress.
Money and Time are interchangeable – you can always spend one to save the other. When building, having money is great but, its not a prerequisite to forging a successful life or career. When you don’t have the money, offer your time, commitment and effort, it’ll get you there too, I promise.
Where’s the Money? – Get comfortable with asking this. Many times you’ll be doing business with people in your immediate circle. Nobody gets a pass, you worked for it you earned it. COLLECT IT. Being nice will bury you alive.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Im a huge history buff and am admittedly obsessed with Winston Churchill – a while back I read a book called “The Last Lion” which detailed his life and struggles before becoming prime minister. There’s a five or six page passage that always stuck with me. Without going into to much detail it outlines Churchills eye for glory or his knack for showing courage at times where bargaining, retreating won’t.
I realized this man simply sought out tough situations and inserted himself into them. While most were running or wishing they were somewhere else – he reviled in the opportunity and had already envisioned himself emerging the hero.
Stop avoiding conflict, stop avoiding challenging situations – rather, take them on enthusiastically – knowing the saga will later be used to support your title as a hero (heroin).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phantomcityrecords.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poofymanpcr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRlife
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgzsFLMApTRhy2lCFOc6Eg
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/VIJUVCBNWU
Image Credits
Photography by LT Da Governor & Ashley Koops
