- What was your first job?
When I was 17, I worked for a year after school as part of the school cleaning team. I then moved to an office position in Debenhams at weekends and during the summer months throughout my university studies.
- What qualifications do you have?
A 2:1 LLB law degree from Queen’s University Belfast (2010), a postgraduate from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (2012), and a Certificate in American Business Practice from McKendree University Illinois (2009) on a scholarship with Study USA (formerly BEI).
- What do you attribute your success to?
Several things. Firstly, a good work ethic that is modelled on my hard-working parents. Family support and encouragement – and having the drive and desire to push and challenge myself to ensure I progress in my career – is also important.
- How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Hard-working, driven and kind, and a devoted mother to my three young children.
- Who do you look up to in business?
It is hard to pick just one, but Anna Whitehouse – journalist, editor, and powerhouse behind the Flexible Working Bill which came into force in England, Wales, and Scotland recently – is incredibly inspiring, and a great example of how hard work, determination and resilience can yield results.
- How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
By offering clear, direct communication, and gratitude. Also, modelling a good work ethic and being prepared to get hands on and stuck into hard work myself.
- If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
With Stormont back in situ, ensuring continued and regular legislative updates so that businesses can benefit in real time, and we aren’t left behind our counterparts in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
- What website or app could you not do without?
There are several – but definitely Amazon!
- What was the last book you read?
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It is a moving historical fiction novel that tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II and their struggle to survive and resist the German occupation of France. An inspiring read.
- What car do you drive?
Volvo XC60
- Tell us something interesting about yourself?
In my 20s I acted with my local amateur dramatic group – Lislea Dramatic Players – competing on the All Ireland Amateur Drama Circuit throughout the island, making memories on and off stage!
- What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Exercise and keeping fit. It can be a challenge at times, trying to fit it in with family life, work and my other love, which is chocolate, but it is something I continue to try and prioritise each week. Also, supporting my children to keep fit and enjoy exercise, so our Sunday mornings are now spent at Saval GAC, where my husband coaches one of the under-age teams and two of our children play.