I recently spoke to Chris and Nik Nikic. Chris is the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman. The son and father duo are authors of the new book 1% Better: Reaching My Full Potential and how You Can, Too, focused on their message of getting 1% better each day in order to reach your dreams.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your story and your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people?

Chris: Thank you for having me, Adam. People would be surprised to know that two years ago, I was so unfit that people can’t believe I am the same person! I told my dad, I’m not the same person anymore. Working out and exercising really helped me build my confidence to do other things like complete the Ironman. 

Nik: Well with the business that I’m in people would be shocked to know that I am an introvert. Sales is definitely a people’s industry so sometimes I surprise myself. 

Adam: How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Chris: For 18 years I was excluded from many things. So, I used that excluded feeling to fuel me to do all the things I thought I couldn’t.  

Nik: I grew up with nothing, so I appreciate how hard work helps you achieve your goals. I like that it is totally within my control.

Adam: What do you hope readers take away from your new book?

Chris: I want readers to know that if I can do this, they can do anything they put their mind too!

Nik: There is a simple plan that can help anyone achieve things they never thought possible in their life!

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Chris: I lead by doing. Do what you say you will do and be a good example.

Nik: Find a way to teach them to inspire themselves to do not just what they want, but what they are capable of. That means helping them define their dreams, come up with goals to help them and show them how to use that to keep them inspired to achieve what is important to them. 

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?

Nik:

1. Help people clearly define what drives them and they will be inspired to be and do their best

2. Teach people to do and think for themselves. Don’t assume they know. Teach them.

3. Support people. Show them you care and believe in them, and they will believe in themselves.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Chris: Focus on your dream, no matter the challenges to get there.

Nik: John Wooden said be OK with slow, steady improvement with a long-term perspective!

Adam: What is one thing everyone should do to pay it forward?

Chris: Accept my 1% Better challenge by helping someone who needs your help!

Nik: Be willing to help others achieve their potential.

Adam: How can anyone develop a winning mindset?

Chris: By developing the 1% Better habit!

Nik: Yes, the 1% Better habit is designed to create a winning mindset by making achievement a habit. One tiny step at a time. 

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Chris: Start small, get 1% Better and never quit.

Nik: Make a friend with Down Syndrome and your life will be richer.


Adam Mendler is the CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversees ventures across a wide variety of industries. Adam is also the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one on one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. Adam has written extensively on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities and non-profit organizations.

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