Business

Sports mad Nial leading the way in flexible workspace

Nial Borthistle
Nial Borthistle Nial Borthistle

THIS week's High Flyer is Nial Borthistle, business development manager at Glandore, the leading provider of flexible workspace in Belfast and Dublin.

What was your first job?

One of my first jobs was putting up road signs around Ireland as a summer job. When I started university, my first proper job was working for the Belfast Telegraph. The job involved selling advertising for their Motormart publication.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a BA Hons Business Studies from Ulster University.

What do you attribute to your success to?

Connecting with people. Business is about building relationships and learning from those who have walked the path before you. These are two important factors to remember when starting out on your own journey.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?

Easy going, approachable and a good listener.

Who do you look up to in business?

Michael O’Leary. He’s a very focused businessman and I love his attitude. He just gets on with it.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

By treating people with respect and understanding their individual strengths and ways of working. In doing so, I can then offer the right type of support and guidance to support their development. We’re lucky at Glandore that the culture of the company is really valued. Encouragement is also really important, so a team feels motivated to succeed.

If you could change one thing about business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

For a small region we punch above our weight when it comes to FDI and trade and we’ve been fortunate to provide the first home for many of these companies at Glandore. We just need to blow our own trumpet a bit more.

What website or app could you not do without

My five weather apps. Isn’t everyone obsessed about the weather?

What was the last book you read?

Paul O’Connell’s autobiography. It was a great insight into his leadership skills, his drive to succeed and his determination to not let his family and community down.

What car do you drive?

I would like to say a fancy sports car, but a slightly more practical Ford is the reality…for now!

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

My family are the only Borthistles in Ireland.

What is your greatest passion outside work and family

Sport is a big part of my life. I enjoy most sports but rugby and golf would be my two favourites. Unfortunately, I don’t get to play either as much as I used to. The geeky side of me loves to go travelling or watch history documentaries (much to my wife’s dismay).