Business

Aideen is scaling the heights in the recruitment sector

Aideen Duggan
Aideen Duggan Aideen Duggan

In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Aideen Duggan, managing director of Belfast-based Keenan Recruitment

What was your first job?

I worked for an independent video rental shop on Rosetta in South Belfast when I was 16, after school and over the weekends. A fantastic couple, Alan and Dorothy, owned the shop and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a BA (hons) degree from the University of Hull and I am currently studying a part time masters in human resource management at ICS Learn.

What do you attribute your success to?

Transparency and hard work! Setting up a business is difficult and growing it is even more so. I love to learn new skills and network as much as possible. Hearing about other people’s journey warts and all, fascinates me. I have gained so much from listening and learning.

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

A grafter who genuinely cares about people.

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

I listen and learn from everyone I work with, especially colleagues. We work closely with the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), and empower our team through accreditation, support and promotion.

What website or app could you not do without?

Trello, an online project management tool. This app sorts my life out!

What was the last book you read?

Our principal consultant Laura-Lee is a book worm and often recommends good reads to us. I am currently working my way through ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama, a very compelling book.

What car do you drive?

An A Class Mercedes called Martha.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

My husband and I climbed Ben Nevis a few years back to raise money for Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, without doing any training at all. Lesson well and truly learned during the following week of not being able to walk. The daughter of a family that attends our kids primary school has Dravet Syndrome, a rare disease that needs funds raised for research purposes.

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

I volunteer for Childline once a week speaking to young people offering support and guidance. The service they provide is second to none and I find it to be very rewarding.