- What was your first job?
I was a work study officer for Short Bros, responsible for assessing efficiency and effectiveness.
- What qualifications do you have?
I hold an MBA, diploma in company direction with the IoD, chartered fellow CIPD and, since 2019, chartered companion status from the CIPD board. It’s the highest level of recognition that the CIPD can bestow on an individual.
- What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, dedication, commitment and enjoying what you do.
- How would you describe yourself to someone who had never met you?
People usually tell me that I’m a good listener and that I have a genuine interest in people.
- Who do you look up to in business?
Currently Simon Sinek. He’s a leadership guru whose concepts around truly human leadership align with my own personal values.
- How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
We need to pay attention to everyone in the organisation, ensuring employees are engaged, empowered and supported to reach their full potential with appropriate learning and development opportunities. We’ve recently achieved Platinum accreditation from Investors in People, which only 3% of accredited companies in Northern Ireland have obtained, which reflects how much importance we place on our people. Our latest Employee Engagement survey demonstrated an engagement score of 88%, which is the highest we’ve ever achieved.
- If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Less than 10% of employers in Northern Ireland embrace apprenticeships, and I believe it’s fundamental for the success of our society, businesses and the individuals, so I’d like these routes to be embraced more fully. It’s predicted there will be between 28,000 and 50,000 new jobs in the green energy skills sector in Northern Ireland over the next 10 years, which carries huge potential. An apprentice or trainee in this area will have opportunities that others could only dream of. I’m very passionate about young people being encouraged to achieve a fulfilling career that maximises their potential and provides opportunity for secure, well-paid employment.
- What website or app could you not do without?
LinkedIn.
- What was the last book you read?
Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by Bob Chapman.
- What car do you drive?
A five-year-old Mercedes GLE, but I use an electric bike where possible. My next car will be electric.
- Tell us something interesting about yourself
I’m a drummer in a pipe band.
- What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
For 35 years I competed on a worldwide basis at the highest level with the 13-times grade one world champion Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band and I was also the leading drummer with grade-wo world champions City of Dunedin from Florida.
