THIS week's High Flyer is Angeline Murphy, marketing manager at firmus energy.
What was your first job?
I was brought up on a farm so some of my first memories were out in the field picking ‘spuds’. When I was 14 I worked on a mushroom farm during my school holidays getting up at 5.30am for the morning shift and then back again to the mushroom house for the evening shift at 4pm. It was a hard grind but the experience I gained set me up for the real world of work.
What qualifications do you have?
I left St. Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel with three A’s in my A Levels. I went on to graduate from University of Ulster with a First-Class honours degree in Communications, Advertising and Marketing. In the fast-paced world of Marketing I believe it is vital to keep up to date with the latest industry standards and developments, so I continued my studies part-time gaining a number of postgraduate diplomas in marketing related fields. You are always learning, my role at firmus energy has seen me continue my education in the gas industry, attaining a Level 3 City and Guilds Energy Awareness with NEA in the process.
To what do you attribute to your success?
Hard work and attitude. Without a shadow of a doubt attitude has been my number one key to success. Having a positive outlook has helped me through many stages of my career progression. My work ethic and solid education have also stood me in good stead, giving me the platform to achieve my goals in both work and everyday life. Oh, and one last one… never turn down an opportunity.
How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I like to think of myself as very determined and strong willed. Once I see something I want I normally won’t stop until I get it.
Who do you look up to in business?
I admire several business women throughout the world, however I will keep it local. I have great admiration for Professor Deirdre Heenan, a mother, a wife and a business woman. I am still trying to figure out how she juggles a career as a high-profile academic, broadcaster and author and always manages to look so glamorous.
How do you get the best out of the people who work for you?
Within my role at firmus energy, I try to encourage creativity and thinking outside the box. I have worked under many managers and the best ones are those that have given me the space to grow and live out my ideas. I take my steer from them and treat my staff with the same freedom and support. Treat others how you like to be treated.
If you could change one thing about business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I don’t feel a need for change in business is required. We are lucky in Northern Ireland that we have several great networking and support groups. One thing we are good at is talking and there is no better way to learn than to listen to people who have been there and done that.
8.) What website or app could you not do without?
My podcasts app.
9.) What was the last book you read?
The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage by Ryan Holiday.
10.) What car do you drive?
BMW 3 series MSport.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I love to sew. I was a contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee Series 4 on BBC2 and currently have a regular daytime slot on the RTE Today Show with Daithai O’Shea and Maura Derrane. I have also completed Europe’s highest altitude marathon through the Swiss Alps.
What is your greatest passion outside of work and family?
Fabulous dresses and fabric.
