In The Spotlight this week is Caroline Rowan, head of retail operations for Musgrave
- What was your first job?
My first job was working as a Christmas temp in M&S in Lisburn, and I absolutely loved it! I still remember getting my uniform, the first Saturday I ever went on a till and collecting my first pay from the office.
- What qualifications do you have?
I have a degree in management and a Level 7 qualification in strategic leadership.
- What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work and determination have played a part in my success to date, I always give 100% to everything I do and I’m always looking for better ways of doing things.
- How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
The most obvious answer is tall! After that I’d say I’m positive, intentional, decisive, and organised. I’m known as the ‘social secretary’ amongst my friends!
- Who do you look up to in business?
I don’t think I look up to one individual, but I love to hear stories of success. I love listening to inspirational people who are leading their field being interviewed. Being a positive role model for working women is something that is extremely important to me and it’s something that I aspire to be.
- How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I’m a huge advocate for developing my team and embracing their individuality so they can deliver their best. I place a lot of trust in my team, I always think a wrong decision is better than no decision and my role is to support and develop improved decision making.
- What website or app could you not do without?
I really enjoy listening to podcasts when I’m driving or out for a walk so, I would struggle without that. I also love Instagram for recipe ideas and keeping up with sporting fixtures and results.
- What was the last book you read?
I tend to have a couple of books on the go at once, I have just finished The First Half by Gabby Logan and I’m re-reading I Don’t Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson. From a personal development perspective, I’m reading The Authority Gap by Mary Anne Sieghart.
- Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I love cooking and entertaining, there is nothing I love more than having family and friends’ around for a home cooked meal.
- What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I enjoy exercising and alongside my weekly exercise class I have recently returned to playing hockey after a 15-year break. It’s been great to be back with old friends and enjoy some quality me time.