Nicola's 'bin' very happy in career

I wanted to be a stunt woman, army officer, part of the SWAT team, sports coach, ski instructor, property developer, the list goes on.

2. Can you remember any advice your school careers advisor gave you?

A test that they made me do on the computer which apparently told you what job you were most suited to, I came out as a dustbin lady but didn’t choose to take that route. I was the only person out of my year not to go to university and it worked for me.

3. How important was your education in getting you where you are now?

The knowledge that I took from school has given me the ability to become a much more confident personal trainer.

4. What was your first proper job?

It was working in a bar/ restaurant during my first ski season in Val D’Isere, I loved every minute.

5. Did you have a Saturday or part-time job?

I worked as a waitress at the Plough Inn, Hathersage. I think everyone should have one, it’s great character-building and it made me understand the value of money.

6. Do you think young people have a tougher or easier time in their chosen career these days?

Unfortunately I think too many people jump straight into university and are in exactly the same job situation after three years as they were after their A levels.

7. If you weren’t where you are now, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t where I am know I would most probably be in the army.

8. What is your ultimate goal?

To have a chain of summer/ winter camps dedicated to tackling child obesity.

9. What has been your greatest success?

Hopefully I have great success to come and I am currently working towards it.

10. And your most dismal failure?

You learn from your mistakes, I’m sure there will be a certain element of dismal failure ahead but it will be used as a learning experience.

11. What has been your most rewarding experience?

Straight after completing my A levels I jetted off to Melbourne, Australia on my own. I had a job set up working as a junior sports coach in a mixed school. The experience of going alone made me grow up in an instant and the whole experience of meeting new people and having major responsibilities was amazing.

12. Are there any regrets?

I do not have any regrets in my entire life so far and I hope to keep it that way.

13. Do you have a role model?

My dad, John Cox – he’s MD of Mollart-Cox Engineering in Chesterfield. He’s worked hard all of his life and is now a successful and happy man.

14. How do you get away from the stresses of working life?

I don’t class my work as stressful because it’s doing what I love but I do like to part take in a few hobbies. My most recent one is wakeboarding, like snowboarding but on water, which I’m getting addicted to. Hockey is another major hobby of mine, I play for Sheffield Hallam Ladies who have recently been promoted into National League, congratulations girls.

15. Whose opinion do you most value?

Dad, Mum or either brother, I know that they will always give me an honest opinion and get straight to the point.

16. What was the best piece of advice you ever received?

‘You can do whatever you put your mind to’ and ‘you never know what’s around the corner’.

17. What would be the best advice you could give?

Treat everyone with respect, don’t be scared to follow your dreams and don’t be scared to ask for help.

18. Retirement – when will it be and what will you do?

I’m only 21, retirement is a long way off for me. All I know for sure is that I hope to be lucky enough to never have to retire from participating in sport.

19. How do you think other people see you?

I know my friends think I’m a fitness freak and I’m happy with that analysis.

20. How do you see yourself?

As a person who is doing something they love, with unlimited opportunities ahead. Life is good.