How do you usually start your day when nothing is pressing?
We head downstairs to the kitchen as a family, cook breakfast and listen to music. We have a toddler in the house, so that provides plenty of entertainment and/or hazard control.
Tea or coffee – and what’s your ideal cup?
I’m an avid coffee drinker. Two cups per day, 7 days per week and always before 3pm to protect my sleep. I take my coffee black. No milk. No sugar. Like tar.
What’s a small routine or habit you quietly enjoy?
I have a habit of twisting my wedding band around and around when I’m in deep thought or reflection. I find it very therapeutic.
What song, book, or programme do you always return to?
Bon Jovi – Living on a Prayer. I went to see him perform in Croke Park in September. An otherworldly experience!
What’s something people often get wrong about you?
That I’m a complete extrovert. I’m actually quite introverted in my own way. I’m a creature of habit and enjoy structured routine. I like my alone time, which is rare with a 9-year-old and 1-year-old at home. But when I am alone, I like to sit with my thoughts and ponder!
What’s a moment in your life that changed how you see the world?
It has to be the arrival of my daughter last year. Until you experience it for yourself, there’s no way to prepare for the euphoria. When Emily-Rose was born, it immediately softened me and I had an entirely new perspective on what really matters and how I want to spend my time.
What values matter most to you when making difficult decisions?
Integrity. If you lose your integrity, you lose everything. The good news is that it’s something that is entirely within our own control.
What has leadership taught you about yourself?
I’ve learned that we are all more resilient than we think. Over the first 10 years of my corporate career, I’ve learned I can endure intense pressure and bounce back stronger.
What keeps you grounded when things feel demanding or uncertain?
Listening to the news and hearing what’s going on in the world always provides a reality check and reminds me of how fortunate I am to have a healthy family, a roof over our heads and food on the table. Everything else is secondary.
What always helps you switch off and reset?
This may sound counterintuitive… But to switch off, I blast 80s classic hits in the car until the speakers vibrate, and I sing along to Bonnie Tyler at the top of my voice. As soon as I step out of the car, I have a new lease of life.
What’s a simple pleasure that never fails to lift your mood?
A lunchtime walk. Fantastic for breaking up the day, clearing mental clutter, and sparking ideas.
If you had a completely free weekend, how would you spend it?
We enjoy being an active family, so a free weekend would definitely feature a day trip somewhere. We try to visit towns we haven’t been to before. Our last day trip involved a detour to Mahon Falls, Waterford, and we had the place to ourselves… because of the pouring rain!
What’s something you’re genuinely looking forward to this year?
I published a book in June for early professionals and graduates, called Lessons from the Ladder & I have a number of speaking engagements scheduled at universities and businesses. So I’m excited to get in front of people to talk about career growth. I’m passionate about continuous learning and development.
What’s a joke, saying, or story that never fails to make you smile?
Believe it or not, I still get this nursery rhyme recited to me by people:
“There once was a man named Michael Finnegan; he grew whiskers on his chinnegan; the wind came along and blew them in again, poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin again.”
