In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Jennifer Neff, co-founder and chief executive of Elemental Software
What was your first job?
I started working in my dad’s office when I was 12, helping with admin and basic tasks. I got enough money to buy Smash Hits magazines and Dairy Milks. More interesting though, my granda in Cork lived beside a man who was a stationery wholesaler. When we went to visit, he would give me books and those pens with four different colours. I had so many that I decided to sell them in school. So I had my own little business going at the age of 12 until I got caught by the teachers.
What qualifications do you have?
I have nine GCSEs which I am proud of, three A-levels which I am not proud of, and a 2.1 honours degree. I worked hard to outshine the horrendous A-level results.
What do you attribute your success to?
I have never been the most academic person in the class and have had to work really hard to get to where I needed to be. I learned this at a young age therefore was able to find other ways to succeed, by being creative, ambitious and passionate about things. I don’t give up easily either. When I hear no, I believe I have another to chances to try and find a way around the no. This has helped in business.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Full on, fearless, and chief of the grammar police.
Who do you look up to in business?
My dad. He is 40 years in business this month. He started his company from nothing. I definitely get my communication and negotiation skills from him and my determination from my mum.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Involve them in decision making and I always say thanks for any help I get. I don’t take myself too seriously too which helps.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
That it wouldn’t be as difficult to do business in Northern Ireland. It seems easier everywhere else for some reason.
What website or app could you not do without?
Headspace - I need to wind down more these days and am relying on Headspace to help.
What was the last book you read?
'How To Stay Sane in an Age of Division' by Elif Shafak
What car do you drive?
Mini Cooper Countryman. However, I can be seen on my scooter more these days, nipping across the Peace Bridge and back.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I used to play the cello. I played in a Nirvana tribute band and for a band that Elbow supported. I am not very good at it, so I am starting to get lessons again as I want to join an orchestra.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Seeing what happens when people and ideas come together. I believe that anything is possible when people find their passion.
