InterTradeIreland employs many remarkable women. To mark International Women’s Day, we sat down with one of them.
Nicola McGuinness works in InterTradeIreland's Research & Policy team and is also the founder of the Lean In circle in the Newry area.
What was your first job?
Millets in the Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Newry
What qualifications do you have?
BA Hons in Hotel and Tourism Mgmt (UU at Magee)
MSc in Business & Management (QUB)
What do you attribute your success to?
Recently my amazing work colleague Kerry Curran who has been a phenomenal mentor to me. She has supported my drive to ensure that every woman unlocks their potential, finds passion for what they do and lives their life without regret.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Friendly, warm, encouraging and ambitious.
Who do you look up to in business?
Sheryl Sandberg, she was the one who created the spark in me that turned into my passion for empowering other women. They say never to meet your hero/idol but within the first 6 months of starting the Lean In Newry circle I had an opportunity to meet her in person and she did not disappoint, thankfully!
How do you get the best out of people who work around you?
It’s important to look at a situation from the other person’s perspective particularly if it is incongruent with yours and accept that differing views are a good thing.
If you could change one thing about doing business, what would it be?
More women in senior leadership roles!
What website or app could you not do without?
LinkedIn, the opportunities I have received over the past year through my connections on this platform have been amazing.
What was the last book you read?
Stephen Covey ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People’. Although I do have a thriller close by when I need a break from personal development (and a glass of wine!).
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I was the Front Desk Supervisor at the Fitzpatrick Hotel, Manhattan, NYC and met a number of celebrities during that time. I found myself searching a dumpster for Dame Edna’s wig (she left it behind after staying.) I also got a whole 25 cents for personally steam cleaning Ethel Kennedy’s dress for an event for JFK Jnr.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Lean In Newry and all things ‘female empowerment’.
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