What business person do you most admire?
He was probably more of a writer or a business observer, but I was a big fan of Charles Handy and I was always inspired to think about work in a different way whenever I heard him speak.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Six hundred thread count sheets on a freshly made bed. Heaven.
How do you unwind?
TV drama shows and home-renovation programmes – I can plan your house decor and a perfect murder all in one go. I get a lot of value from all my streaming services – and yes, I have more than one subscription.
How much money is in your wallet?
Never have cash any more, fully digital – after 40 years in financial services you can take the thinking woman out of the bank, but not the bank thinking out of the woman.
The last book you read?
Beyond the Tape by Dr Marie Cassidy. A recommendation from my daughter who knows I love a good crime novel, so this was a great behind-the-scenes read from an incredible trailblazer.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
From a previous boss on my first executive promotion: “Keep being true to yourself – integrity is what got you here, and it’s what creates lasting value.”
Who is the most famous person in your contacts list?
I’ve built an incredible contact list in the last seven years, that I’ve been really grateful for, but I’m known for my discretion, so I’ll never tell.
How do you manage your work/life balance?
Badly. Each year it’s my new year’s resolution to do better; maybe 2025 is my year.
The last film you watched?
A Real Pain with Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg
What is your favourite possession?
A framed photograph of some peeling paint that my husband took when photography was his latest hobby. You can see it on my LinkedIn wallpaper.
What’s your most memorable holiday ever?
First trip to California in 1981 – it was like another world for a teenager from a Dublin suburb.
What social media do you use?
Mainly LinkedIn. I’ve tried to avoid social media addiction unless I’ve really needed it.
If money were no object, what would your fantasy purchase be?
I’m not big on possessions or shopping, so this is a tough question – maybe a family trip, I’ve always wanted to do the luxury train trip across the Canadian Rockies.
What is the first website you look at every morning?
Genuinely, The Irish Times business page, then RTÉ business news.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’ve trained myself to be both, but probably if I wasn’t working I’d be more of a night owl. In trying to be both, though, I’m not at my most productive at 3pm in the afternoon
If you were taoiseach for a day, what would you do?
Ask for more days, as I’ve more than a day’s worth of ideas on things I’d like to do.
What person do you most admire?
My two capable and independent grown-up children who are navigating this crazy world in their own ways.
What’s your favourite place in Dublin and why?
Dún Laoghaire east pier – no matter the weather, it’s my happy place. I love the views equally on the way down and the way back, and I know exactly how many steps I can count to the blue door when I need to be healthier, but there’s always a Teddy’s ice cream at that point.
Anything you would like to plug?
New research from the 30% Club that shows no matter how polarised the global narrative becomes, business leaders can change the world by constantly reviewing and removing barriers so that we can all thrive and be our best. Today, care – family, elder, self – is one of the biggest barriers for both men and women. Follow us on LinkedIn to learn how you can support our mission.
