01.
What is the book you’ve given most as a gift?
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo.
These are true short stories that illustrate the lives of inspirational women from the past and the present. I received this book as a gift when I first attended a Female Leadership Course in Irish Life back in 2018. It is a course that inspired me so much I now facilitate it. If I get a chance at all to give this book as a gift to my nieces or nephews, I do – a great inspirational read to motivate and educate the young leaders of the future!
02.
What purchase of €100 or less has impacted mostly in your life?
My monthly subscription to Spotify – I listen to podcasts to educate myself and make me laugh. There is also nothing better than upbeat music to help you get in the zone for a high stakes meeting. I get my money’s worth!
03.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
I am a believer that following an apparent failure you have two options – dwell on the negatives or build on the positives. Any ‘failures’ in my career so far have led to subsequent even more rewarding positives. I love the saying “there is no such thing as failure, only feedback!”
04.
Are there any quotes you think of often or live your life by?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou.
05.
What are the best investments you’ve ever made?
When I got my first promotion, I bought myself my favourite car – a Mini Cooper. I still love getting into it every day as a reminder of how proud I am of my career journey so far.
06.
What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?
Reality TV – I watch it all!
07.
What new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your life?
Learning about the “Crow” / “Inner Voice” / “Chimp” – it is the inner voice in your head that can stop you pushing yourself forward at times. My new habit of actively turning my “Chimp” from a negative voice into my cheerleader has been transformational.
08.
What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student?
Be yourself and focus on maximising your strengths rather than dwelling on your weaknesses. I am a true believer that being yourself and being confident and authentic to who you are is your superpower.
09.
What have you become better at saying no to in the last five years?
In work I try to be more strategic about the different projects I take on – one of my previous role models advised me once that “every career move should be a stepping stone to the ultimate job you want” so I try to see everything I say yes to as a strategic stepping stone to what I am trying to achieve next.
10.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go for a walk and listen to 90’s music or a funny podcast. Fresh air and a laugh really helps me get back to myself and focus the mind.