Business

High Flyers: In her shoes, Sinead sees the world from a different angle

In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Sinead Cavanagh, who after 25 years working in commercial sales, has been appointed deputy managing director of the Irish News Group.

What was your first job?

At school I worked weekends in a shoe shop, which I now credit for my addiction to shoes.

What qualifications do you have?

I completed my A-Levels but didn’t go to university because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I returned to education graduating with an MBA from the Ulster University in 2016. It was a terrifying experience to go back to studying and, while very challenging, I loved the experience.

What do you attribute your success to?

A very strong work ethic which I got from my family. I am also determined, ambitious, and enthusiastic and I believe anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I have been fortunate to have had a lot of support throughout my career from amazing friends and mentors.

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

I am an eternal optimist, with high expectations of myself. As a leader I am firm but fair, and I genuinely love to see those around me succeed. At 4ft 11inches I am vertically challenged and therefore I see the world from a different angle!

Who do you look up to in business?

I would have to say those I work with every day. I am surrounded by a team of people who strive to be the best they can be, who take on each challenge with enthusiasm and are passionate and committed to the success of our business.

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

By being honest, emphatic and supportive. I set challenging but achievable goals and I don’t move the goalposts. I trust them to find the right answer, to try new things and to not to be afraid to make mistakes, but instead to learn from them.

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

I would like to see more women in senior leadership positions, which although improving we still have a way to go.

What website or app could you not do without?

Booking.com. I am constantly planning trips and checking out hotels.

What was the last book you read?

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It is one of my favourite books and after going to see it on stage in London a few weeks ago, I wanted to read it again.

What car do you drive?

An Audi A3.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I spent more than 20 years working with my husband in a not-for-profit music promotion company, bringing independent musicians to Northern Ireland. I met some incredibly interesting and talented people, many of whom continue to be friends. There were also a few famous faces along the way with Gwen Stefani turning up at a gig in The Empire, and finding Meg White from The White Stripes in my kitchen early one morning.

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

Travelling the world is a big passion but I would have to say people. I am constantly amazed and inspired at how different we all are. I love finding out what is important to people and I am always surprised, which keeps life interesting.