What Brings You To Life? *Part 3* The Entertainer

Part 3 of my Passion Q&A series from my blog post What brings you to life?

NIKKI MULLER

International TV Presenter & Host

An intelligent and talented beauty who I'm proud to call my friend and sister. We've had our ups and downs but no matter what, we've stuck it out and she's never failed to be my unending supporter. I admire her willpower, unwavering confidence, and for taking the reins of her life to follow her dreams. See what Nikki is up to on Facebook and Instagram.

What brings you to life?
I love Sheryl Sandberg's burning question from her book "Lean In": what would you do if you were not afraid? When you answer that honestly, you've identified your passion. For me, I found it out early in life. I thrive on LIVE TELEVISION. I didn't even think about a career in TV until I was interviewed outside my high school gates with some friends, by MTV Asia. When I took the microphone from the producer and interviewed my friends instead, he saw that perhaps there was a reporter in me somewhere. The thrill of being on air, of thinking on your feet, of managing several cues and external factors, and most importantly, meeting new people from all walks of life and different fields - that's what I enjoy the most. I am a people-person and I am forever curious. TV has given me the flexibility to meet tremendous individuals. Every day is new. I am never bored!

What do you love most about being a TV presenter & host?
I love that I'm in a field where I am always learning. I believe you must challenge yourself everyday and take on projects that scare you. Living outside of your comfort zone is when you learn the most about yourself. You are often pleasantly surprised by what you can do when under pressure.

The Bicycle Diaries (Channel News Asia)

What goes on behind the cameras at Fox

How long have you been a TV presenter & host and how did you get into it?
My first job with MTV was when I was 15 years old. I had a short spell at the United Nations Headquarter in New York but in total I've worked in television for 11 years. It's not just a job for me. I'm one of those people who associates who I am with what I do for a living. I have tried the desk job but it's not for me. I need to go out into the world because that's my classroom!

Nikki with her co-hosts during her time on Disney Channel's Studio D

What advice would you give someone who is starting out or thinking about getting into TV?
I started young but I believe if you enter this industry for the right reasons, then it's never too late. If your goal is to be a star, to be recognised, to be famous, then that's not a passion. You need to be curious. You must love telling stories. And you must remember it is NEVER about you. You are the medium but you are not the subject. You must make your path and go out of your way to meet influencers in the industry. Seek out people you admire and find ways to intern in a newsroom or set. You learn by doing. But most importantly, find a subject you care about very much and discover your voice and style.
 

With Aussie F1 race driver for Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo

How do you keep your passion for TV alive? Do you have any dull moments? If so, how do you get back on track again?
Television is unpredictable and involves long hours. There are times when I've burned out. I think it's important to take breaks on my own. I often travel by myself to recharge and focus. I am still grappling with work/life balance. I am doing my best to spend more time with friends because for a long while I was working for months on end without a social life. Even if I enjoy my work, I must make time for balance.

At this point in time, where in the world would you want to be and with whom?
At this very moment I want to be hiking in Switzerland. I go back often but never long enough to get to know my country well enough. And I would go alone. I am constantly surrounded by many people so traveling by myself is a luxury. I'm half Swiss but haven't lived in Switzerland longer than a year. I find it incredibly important to connect with my cultural heritage. I've spent a lot of time in the Philippines but not in Switzerland. It's also a way to feel closer to my grandmother who was my best friend. If there was someone I'd want to come along with me, it would be her. She passed away last year but she's always with me now, so perhaps I have everything I need after all.

Behind-the-scenes at a shoot I did with Nikki for Yahoo!

More BTS shots with our hilarious director Ian Kenny

*All photos provided by Nikki Muller.