Breaking barriers to being your best – Alumnae networking with Nikki Alderson

From across our global community, GDST alumnae exemplify what it means to be a GDST girl – whether championing inclusion, innovating in sustainability, or leading with courage. With a network of over 100,000 extraordinary women, their stories continue to inspire and uplift both current students and each other. Our alumnae networking events offer a unique opportunity to hear from this vibrant community, sharing stories, skills, and experiences that motivate and empower.

At our most recent event alumnae gathered to hear from Nikki Alderson, GDST alumna, a talent retention specialist, coach, keynote speaker, and former criminal barrister. Nikki shared how her mindset, resilience and courage – qualities that reflect the GDST’s commitment to helping girls lead lives without limits – have been shaped by her experience as a criminal barrister and her work on a human rights project in Jamaica. Nikki became the first barrister to be involved in an effective trial that aimed to free wrongly convicted prisoners and her story of helping to overturn a wrongful conviction was a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to stand up for others and the transformative impact of courageous leadership.

Nikki’s talk, breaking barriers to being your best, focused on self-belief and unlocking potential. She urged attendees to become their “own biggest supporter” and addressed imposter syndrome, describing it as a natural sign of growth. Her signature advice?

“Think of yourself like a swan – graceful and poised on the outside, paddling hard underneath. Use your game face, visualise success, jump around if you need to, meditate, or breathe deeply. Do whatever it takes to bring your peak state into the moment.”

Reflecting fondly on her time at Sheffield Girls’, Nikki recalled the lasting influence of her outdoor pursuits instructor, Mr Crossland. His adventurous spirit led her and her peers to take on challenges like the Three Peaks in 22 hours and a camping trip to the remote Knoydart Peninsula – where five girls squeezed into a two-man tent, improvising and laughing through adversity.

Nikki left the group with three key takeaways:

• Focus on your goal and stay true to your values.
• Be flexible – lean out from the ladder and explore new opportunities.
• Back yourself, even if no one else will.

Nikki is a shining example of a GDST alumna using her education to lead, uplift, and inspire. After her talk, guests enjoyed the chance to connect and network across our 26 schools.

Feedback from the event was very positive. Jasmine Dennison from Sheffield Girls’ said:

“Thank you for a wonderful event and great opportunity to make connections.”

Our next London Networking event will be held in September. If you would like to attend or speak at a future event, please contact Nic at info@gdstalumnae.net.

The GDST Alumnae Network

The GDST Alumnae Network is the largest organisation of its kind in the country. There are over 100,000 GDST alumnae from across our family of 26 girls’ schools and the network is increasing every year.