In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Ciara Connolly, founder of mytownland.ie.
What was your first job?
Picking mushrooms for my lovely neighbours Jack Woods and Seamie McKernan in Middletown and also waitressing at Castle Leslie.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a BSc in geography and MSc in leadership for sustainable development, and a Level 3 in geographical information systems.
What do you attribute your success to?
Thinking there is always more than one way do things. I have often thought, just because something has been done a certain way doesn’t mean that way is the only way or indeed the right way. I always like to challenge myself in my own way too. I genuinely like learning new things too and find with My Townland history and stories that every day is a school day.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Practical, open-minded, easy going
Who do you look up to in business?
Mairead Mackle from Evolve and Steven Bartlett
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
It's just me at the moment working away but the people I work alongside – they are experts in their own field so I try to let them get on with doing their thing while keeping the lines of communication open.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
With the fallout of Brexit still the topic of conversation, I would like to see a cross border specific business support organisation, one that recognises the needs of women from rural areas on the border as those issues are quite specific.
What website or app could you not do without?
Instagram Facebook and Google for everything.
What was the last book you read?
'Did ye Hear Mammie Died' by Seamus O Reilly/ Translations (the play) by Brian Friel.
What car do you drive?
Volkswagen Passat.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I trained in make-up artistry some years ago and had the privilege of doing make-up for a number of brides on their wedding day. It was so lovely being part of that. I used the opportunity and skills gained to participate in the Look Good feel better programme, where I volunteered my services in applying make-up to people going through cancer treatment.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Rural areas and development/communities. I love getting out for a walk or a run, helps to clear my head and where I do most of my thinking and planning. Visiting different local places and learning that each of those places has a story to tell.
