In the Spotlight this week is Danielle McCormick, chief executive of Triterra and founder of the All-Ireland Sustainability Summit, which takes place this year on March 21 at LaMon Hotel & Country Club. She is a sustainability professional with 23 years’ experience in delivering local, national, and European behavioural change and sustainability campaigns, business mentoring and green marketing support
- What was your first job?
I started my career as a hydrogeological assistant for the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland in what was then the Department of the Environment, now Daera. After about three years I moved to Antrim Borough Council as environmental education and awareness officer, focusing on public engagement campaigns across a range of sustainability initiatives including recycling, food waste reduction and Fairtrade to name but a few.
- What qualifications do you have?
I have a pretty solid background in the industry with over 23 years’ experience and have qualifications taking me across both the sustainability and communications sectors. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science; a CIM Level 4 Certificate in Integrated Communications; a CIM training in behavioural change; a PgCert in International Business; and a PgCert in Renewable Energy and Energy Management - both of the latter from Ulster University.
- What do you attribute your success to?
I am a fairly determined person and love a good challenge! I think what has propelled me forward more than anything else is the feeling that I am contributing to something purposeful, that I can help bring people together, and that we have the opportunity to accelerate sustainable progress across the region. I have also been really lucky to have such an amazing network of partners, colleagues and friends, who are so supportive of the work that I do, I certainly wouldn’t achieve a fraction of what I do without them
- How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Optimistic, determined, creative and quirky!
- Who do you look up to in business?
Anyone who is out there, giving it their best shot at doing it for themselves, and who treats other people with respect and kindness.
- How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I am currently the only employee within the business but work very closely with associates and partners on my projects and initiatives. I think that authenticity, shared goals and working to achieve mutual wins tend to work well for me.
- If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
That we could focus more strongly on enabling sustainable progress across the Island, enabling long-term profitability as a greener economy, whilst also working to protect the environment, and contribute towards healthier, more resilient communities.
- What website or app could you not do without?
LinkedIn.
- What was the last book you read?
Fifty Fifty by local Belfast author Steve Cavanagh.
- What car do you drive?
Volvo V40
- Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I teach a weekly yoga class as a hobby.
- What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Travelling, good food and great wine.
