In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Cara Macklin, an innovative award-winning entrepreneur and visionary success coach. She launched her new company Caram in 2020.
What was your first job?
I had my first business at school running buses to nightclubs. My first job was as a kitchen porter in Malone Lodge Hotel.
What qualifications do you have?
A masters in business administration and a BA honours in consumer studies.
What do you attribute your success to?
Creative thinking to do things differently, and ambition and focus to make these a reality.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I was previously described as a ‘creative disruptor’. Ambitious and warm.
Who do you look up to in business?
There are so many, but I always admired Richard Branson for his different way of doing things and his philanthropic mindset.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I try to make the effort to really understand what energises them and put them in a role to feed this. I also constantly look for ways to grow and develop them. I am always mindful to be open, and include their ideas and opinions in the dream we’re trying to achieve.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
There are many leaders in Northern Ireland who are world-class, but don’t see themselves like that. I’ve worked with leaders all over the world, and I’d love to see more Northern Ireland leaders expand their mind and thinking to compete on a world class level, which they’re capable of.
What website or app could you not do without?
LinkedIn is so powerful, as long as you use it to build authentic and genuine relationships
What was the last book you read?
Shoe Dog by Nike founder Phil Knight. What a game-changer he was!
What car do you drive?
Mini
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
My dream is to get on Strictly Come Dancing!
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I enjoy getting out in the fresh air and also love being creative. So, walks on the beach or painting, millinery or playing the saxophone are big passions of mine.
Visit www.caramacklin.com for details of Cara’s offering as a success coach
