What business person do you most admire?
I really admire Pat McCann, founder and former CEO of Dalata Hotel Group plc. For me he is the epitome of authentic leadership. I’ve learned over the years that there’s only way to be – yourself – and that the right company will allow you to flourish. Cpl has been that company for me.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I love reading the Twilight Saga books by Stephenie Meyer. I read them on repeat, and I still find passages that feel like I am reading them for the first time. It is a world so entirely different from my own – complete and utter escapism – with a really great love story at the heart of it.
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How do you unwind?
I walk every single day and recently I’ve started listening to fiction on Audible, which is making me want to walk even more! I am forever watching the news, I love politics and like most people I’m following the crisis in Ukraine daily, so it’s nice to get out in the fresh air and listen to something completely lighthearted.
How much money is in your wallet?
Right now, I have 12,000 yen in my wallet as I am travelling to Japan for a week. I rely almost entirely on Apple Pay otherwise!
The last book you read?
Normal People by Sally Rooney. Beautiful book and it kept me gripped right to the end.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
Look around corners – always.
Who is the most famous person in your contacts list?
Johnny Sexton, he was Cpl’s brand ambassador for three years. He’s an absolute gentleman.
How do you manage your work/life balance?
I have three children – aged 11, eight and six – and obviously I work full-time. I have found that family and work have to come first for now – at least while the kids are young. Most of my friends are in the same boat – just trying to juggle all the balls in the air.
The last film you watched?
The last film was DC League of Super-Pets, with my kids. Surprisingly enjoyable!
What is your favourite possession?
Assuming I can’t say my kids, it’s my iPhone. It is my instant connection with work, family and friends. I’m not really a ‘phone’ person when it comes to keeping in touch – I much rather meeting people in person or texting -, so it feels at times like my life is in that phone. I also splashed out on my first ever designer handbag this summer – a small YSL cross-body. Just looking at it gives me joy!
What’s your most memorable holiday ever?
It was my honeymoon where we went to Disney World in Florida. Such a feelgood experience, and I loved the atmosphere in the parks. I wasn’t brave enough for most of the rides, so it was purely the atmosphere that I found so uplifting.
What social media do you use?
LinkedIn and Facebook mostly, and then Twitter and Instagram.
If money were no object, what would your fantasy purchase be?
A holiday home in Wexford. Might seem a little low-key for a fantasy purchase but I truly love Wexford and spend time there as much as I can. Knowing I have my own holiday home there would be a dream!
What is the first website you look at every morning?
SkyNews.com to see what developments there have been overnight in Ukraine.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird on a normal night, bit of a night owl when it comes to Cpl nights out!
If you were Taoiseach for a day, what would you do?
Housing is the biggest issue of our times. I don’t think I would achieve much in one day but that would be my focus and I would make sure it was an absolute priority on the Government agenda.
What person do you most admire?
Honestly too many, I am surrounded by the very best people in work and at home. I would have to say, though, my Mam and Dad. They gave me the best start in life that they could, and I am 100 per cent where I am today because of them.
What’s your favourite place in Dublin and why?
I love Grafton Street. There’s always a lively atmosphere, good shops and it’s a popular spot for tourists. I love to see tourists come to Ireland and explore our beautiful country.
Anything you would like to plug?
Cpl of course! We operate across the entire talent spectrum from specialist recruitment to complex business process outsourcing. We operate in thirteen countries worldwide and across every sector. Cpl’s The Future of Work Institute also delivers wellness, leadership and people value proposition programmes, which support companies meet the future head-on.