What businessperson do you most admire?
It’s hard to look past Michael O’Leary for what he’s done with Ryanair. The company’s consistent growth is incredible as well as the accessibility it has given us as an island nation. It’s also great to see a new generation of Irish entrepreneurs coming through. Aine Kennedy who created the Smooth Stick is a real inspiration and an example of how hard work and perseverance pay off. It was great to see her win the emerging category at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards recently.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Having a few drinks anywhere in Dingle or further west. Tigh TP’s in Ballydavid on a sunny day is very hard to beat.
READ MORE
How do you unwind?
Getting out for a run a couple of times a week usually helps. If that fails, coaching my daughters’ LGFA team is a guaranteed way to switch off. It’s hard to think of work when you have 50+ girls running around ignoring your every instruction. Better than any leadership course.
How much money is in your wallet?
An emergency €50 is in my phone and also in my wallet. I always like to have some cash available given the number of businesses who seem to have “faulty” card readers.
The last book you read?
Eddie Jordan - Full Throttle. Another real visionary in terms of what he achieved and where he started compared to where he finished up. It’s only reading back that you remember how incredible the Jordan GP story really was.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
Always surround yourself with the best people. Fortunately, at Lidl, we have the best people in retail serving our customers each day. That makes my job so much easier.
How do you manage your work/life balance?
With three young girls it’s certainly challenging but (possibly) getting a bit more manageable as they get older. However, between work, school and their activities, a good weekly planner is a must. Of course, it’s all only possible with the help of my wife and family - the constant juggling and spinning plates.
The last film you watched?
Small Things Like These. A great short story brought to life on screen really well. Cillian Murphy never disappoints.
What is your favourite possession?
Maybe a little unusual but can I say my new radio alarm clock in my bedroom? Simple yes, but it cuts out having to have a phone in the room at night or constantly arguing back and forth with Alexa. Just press one button and the radio comes on without answering back. Magic!
What’s your most memorable holiday ever?
My wife and I were fortunate enough to bring our three daughters to see Katie Taylor’s most recent fight in Madison Square Garden, New York. It was an incredible occasion to see her headline such an iconic venue, sell it out and then top it off with a victory. Very inspiring.
What social media do you use?
I’m not the greatest fan but I stay on top of most channels for the purposes of Lidl and how we are engaging with our customers. LinkedIn would be the only channel I actively engage in.
What is the first website you look at every morning?
The Irish news channels such as RTÉ, the Irish Independent and The Irish Times are a standard part of the morning routine as well as the Belfast Telegraph and BBC news.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Definitely an early bird. My kids constantly pull me up on my early bedtimes but never seem to be as vocal seven hours later.
If you were Taoiseach for a day, what would you do?
I’m sure a day would be insufficient; however, I would endeavour to get into the detail behind the planning challenges that currently exist. Anything that could be done to speed up the process without the unnecessary speedbumps along the way would help the economy greatly.
What’s your favourite place in Dublin and why?
I’m a big fan of the Phoenix Park and everything it has to offer. You have so many options of things to do and it’s such an amenity for the people and the city. I also love to see how the Dublin 8 area has developed into a real cultural spot with great bars and restaurants.
Anything you would like to plug?
Lidl without doubt. We are delighted to be the fastest growing retailer on the island consistently over the past 12 months. It’s amazing to see the growth and development since we first landed 26 years ago. More and more customers are choosing to shop with us each week and alongside our incredible colleagues and business partners we will hopefully continue to grow at pace. We’re delighted to continue our investment in expansion this year and bring stores to more and more towns throughout the country.
