If there was one word to describe Brid O’Connell it is energetic. Her energy is palpable in this episode of Off the Fence with Purpose as she describes her career and the many lessons learned upon the way.
Having studied Applied Chemistry at the University of Limerick and working as a Biochemist for two years she pivoted into marketing and brand development as CEO of Meath Tourism. This was followed by a period running her own company called Welcome Marketing, working primarily in the area of Strategic and Economic Development and delivering marketing and PR services in the tourism and retail sector for private and public bodies.
Then she became CEO and Executive Director of Guaranteed Irish where she says she has worked hard at punching holes in people’s perception of the organisation.
In a free-flowing conversation Brid speaks energetically and enthusiastically about her learnings in business throughout her career. Some highlights:
· Celebrating people around you is an investment in yourself.
· Be generous in spirit when dealing with people
· Studying is not necessarily learning.
· Either you are all in or you are not in.
· Leadership is about purpose.
· There is more to life than a job and a pay packet
· If you are happy in your work success is around the corner
· If you are searching for a career look for something that you have a real interest in
· And if you fail, fail fast, learn from it and move on.
She has great admiration for Irish companies seeking to break into new markets, particularly the US. She saw this at first hand earlier this year spending St. Patrick’s Day in Washington. There she witnessed the strength of the Irish–American relationship and the extraordinary goodwill that exists for Ireland.
Brid was particularly impressed with the input of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Irish public representatives who put in a gruelling itinerary on behalf of Ireland.
The conversation also covered change in the Irish public service and the need to move away from the ‘blame’ culture.
If you want to learn from someone who brings energy, enthusiasm and a get it done attitude to their career this episode is for you.
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