In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Alex Todd, head of operations at MCL InsureTech and Its4women
What was your first job?
When I was 12 years old, I worked in an amusement arcade, making candy floss and selling popcorn. I worked 40 hours a week and got paid £40. I worked there for five years; it was great fun!
What qualifications do you have?
APA, which are insurance qualifications, and I’m working towards a certificate of insurance (CIP). I also have a diploma from Ulster University.
What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work and determination. I also believe that planning and prepping is the key to any task. Thankfully, I also have a fantastic team who are extremely organised and accomplished, which makes my job so much easier.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Friendly, considerate, outgoing and bubbly.
Who do you look up to in business?
I respect people who use the skills that they have and work hard. As a huge football fan, I really admire Karen Brady, chief executive of West Ham United Football Club. She’s an incredibly successful businesswoman. Locally, I look up to Louise McDonnell. She started off as a make-up artist, then opened her own make-up studio, launched her own product lines and is now a beauty influencer in her own right.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
By treating everybody fairly and with respect, and by communicating clearly. I have a dedicated team and if we encounter challenges, we discuss them, address the issue, evaluate the outcome, and incorporate any learning into future planning.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Brexit. The business repercussions have been immense and are likely to continue. In the past 12 months we’ve opened an office in Swords and employed a team of people there. It has been very challenging.
What website or app could you not do without?
WhatsApp. It’s how I stay in touch with friends. I also take 10 minutes on occasions and use the app Buddhify to refocus.
What was the last book you read?
A crime novel called Jack Reacher.
What car do you drive?
Audi A1. I’ve had it for five years and hope to change to an Audi Q3 soon.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I love make-up and have completed a five-week make-up course.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Make-up. Whenever I was younger, people used to think I was a boy from the way I looked with my short hair and tom boy mannerisms. I often wanted to appear more feminine. I think that’s how it started. My dream is to have my own make-up studio someday.
To take part in the High Flyers Q&A, get in touch via business@irishnews.com
