THIS week's High Flyer is Emma Kieran, consultant at Clarendon Executive
What was your first job?
When I was studying for my GCSE’s, I worked part time in Budget DIY. There were many different products so the quick learning curve for me was if you don’t know the answer ask someone that does!
What qualifications do you have?
I graduated with a 2:1 in Business Studies, completed through a part time study course at the tender age of 30. I also am a certified recruitment professional with the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.
What do you attribute your success to?
Mostly I would say my parents, who have run their own successful business for over 30 years. They are hardworking, determined and enjoy a great rapport with all their customers/clients. They have always supported me and taught me the values of integrity and how reward comes to those who work hard.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Honest and caring with a tendency to worry unnecessarily over things.
Who do you look up to in business?
Steve Jobs, he didn’t necessarily invent the wheel, but he sure did reinvent it. As the iconic face of Apple he allowed computers to become more accessible and exciting to the entire world. iPhones are my favourite.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I’m a firm believer that if you treat people how you would like to be treated then they will support you. Respect for each other is key.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
It would be a good start to get a working government in place.
What website or app could you not do without?
Google. I use it for everything, even silly things that I don’t know the answer to. It certainly is a lot faster than sifting through the Encyclopedia Britannica (Am I showing my age?)
What was the last book you read?
A holiday read - Michael McIntyre, Life and Laughing.
What car do you drive?
A lovely sparkly shiny white Seat Leon (and I’m a geek with a personal plate)
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
Some people would call me crazy going to the gym every morning during the week at 6am but it gets me focused for the day ahead. I enlisted my fiancé, but I am not sure he shares my enthusiasm for the early starts…
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I love to go on holiday and am very lucky to have travelled to so many countries throughout the years. In the last year I have been to France, New York, Mexico and Portugal. Time to plan the next break….
