In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Paul Clancy, the recently-appointed chief executive of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. To take part in the High Flyers Q&A, get in touch via business@irishnews.com.
What was your first job?
As a student I worked as a sales assistant at a men’s clothing shop. This is where I learned the importance of the term footfall.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a degree in engineering from Trinity College Dublin and a diploma in manufacturing management and human resources management from the Irish Management Institute.
What do you attribute your success to?
My parents’ encouragement, a strong work ethic, a ‘can do’ attitude and the support of my wife and children.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Open personality, a good listener, and committed to maximising his team’s potential.
Who do you look up to in business?
Anyone who, when faced with adversity, sees an opportunity, and goes for it.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Help them deliver on their potential and don’t forget to say “great job”, “thanks for your support” and “how are you doing today?”
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Increase manufacturing of all goods but in particular “essential goods where we can add value”. Encourage business to take on more apprentices and create paths of career development for our young people. Increasing and improving the skills of our young people and graduates will be crucial for the success of our future economy, so developing a skills strategy for Northern Ireland is hugely important.
What website or app could you not do without?
RTÉ and BBC News website. Keeps me up to date.
What was the last book you read?
Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada.
What car do you drive?
VW Golf - although I do like to spend time on my motorbike, a Suzuki GSXR 75, a lot more fun!
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I am chairperson of a Care Home Family Support Group. The group raises funds to help support their loved ones while in full time care. Care homes are full of wonderful and compassionate care workers, looking after our elderly and vulnerable. As the Covid-19 crisis has highlighted, the work our carers and care homes do is invaluable and they deserve all the support and praise they get.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I love travelling. Favourite place in the world is Northern Italy – Venice, Verona, Bassano del Grappa. Sadly, Italy has been very badly hit by Covid-19 but they are starting to recover and we will be back as soon as we can. I also really enjoy cycling.
