Business

Empower people to perform and you'll get the job done

Mark McNaughton
Mark McNaughton Mark McNaughton

In the spotlight this week is Mark McNaughton, senior delivery lead at Liberty IT

What was your first job?

Pumping fuel at my local service station when I was about 14. I still remember how cold it was in the winter time and the types of characters who were regular customers.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a BSc Biomedical Science which is perhaps not the most natural entry point to a career in IT. After attending Queen's UniversityI enrolled in an IT conversion course which allowed me to take a graduate position as a software developer in Nortel Networks.

What do you attribute your success to?

Early in my professional career I realised that I had an aptitude for leadership and enjoyed working with people to solve problems. I’ve also been able to quickly and capably understand the complex needs of my customers. In turn, this has allowed me to have informed, honest conversations to build good partnerships at Liberty IT.

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

Approachable, honest and always willing to talk.

Who do you look up to in business?

People who believe in their convictions, can spot an opportunity and take it. Companies who understand their position in their community and the power they have. Whether it is a local business creating jobs or multi-national with the power to affect change over millions through their leadership and products.

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

I firmly believe that the way to get the best out of people is to trust and empower them to perform the job they have been trained to do and manage the details in their day to day jobs. Empowered people working in a positive, engaging and fun culture can achieve stability and great success.

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

I think the local business community needs to be working in partnership with a working Stormont Assembly to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses are well positioned to deal with the upcoming challenges and changes raised by Brexit.

What website or app could you not do without?

Twitter.

What was the last book you read?

1984 by George Orwell

What car do you drive?

Audi A5

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I’m a keen open water swimmer. I enjoy the sense of freedom it gives you.

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

In recent years I’ve become a committed runner. I find that it maintains both my physical health and allows a natural break from the busy world of work.