This Working Life interview: Eddie McGoldrick, co-founder and director of The Electric Storage CompanyNetworking isn’t just about sales – it’s about widening your knowledge base, advises Eddie McGoldrick, co-founder of The Electric Storage Company
Interview with Pat Lucey of Aspira: ‘People who are curious about a job will learn a whole lot more than those who just want to get the job done’Aspira chief executive Pat Lucey learned from a mentor the value of surrounding himself with ‘learn-it-all people’, rather than know-it-all people
Niamh O’Flanagain: ‘Most things you learn can’t be taught, you learn on the job, often from making mistakes’How you work within a team and connect with people, and how you deal with change and with stressful situations will determine how you succeed in any profession, says the successful ballerina
This Working Life: ‘We trust our people to make the right choices’Niamh Geraghty always knew she wanted to become a chartered accountant. Now, as a partner with Deloitte, she relishes shaping and executing the firm’s talent strategy
How I manage: ‘As a leader, the best thing you can give people is your time – quality time where you actively listen’Promoting women in Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) is now a priority and a passion for Anna Rafferty of Johnson & Johnson Ireland
This working life: ‘To achieve anything, you must choose a challenge and step out of your comfort zone’Giving people the opportunity to master a task or challenge and empowering them to make decisions emphasises independence, adaptability and trust
How I work: ‘There is a wealth of untapped talent out there if the right thinking and structures are in place to recruit beyond the traditional norms’With a determination to succeed and the help of the Dublin City University access programme, Steven Colgan is now pursuing a rewarding career in law
This Working Life: ‘One of the most important and powerful skills is self-awareness’ Paul Dooley of Typetec, the IT services provider, says that although making mistakes is a hard lesson, we can learn from it and do better next time
How I work: ‘Knowing that the HR function has a seat at the table shows me how serious a business is about its people strategy’Companies that understand the importance of creating a good working environment, while engaging and empowering people, will benefit from a stronger employer brand and better performance
How I work: ‘Collaboration will always be key, whether it’s with a team, partners or clients’For Bundledocs chief executive Brian Kenneally, one of the most important things the company does is to never sell promises but to actively engage with customers on solutions
This Working Life: ‘I firmly believe change should be embraced as it brings about new challenges and opportunities’Clear communication, transparency and collaboration help create a positive working environment in the ever-evolving telecommunications sector, according to Elaine Carey of Three Ireland and Three UK
This Working Life: ‘Starting out in business, time is your most valuable asset'While networking is important, freeing up your time so you can look at the bigger picture is even more crucial, according to Ailbhe Keane, founder of Izzy Wheels
How I work: ‘Being an entrepreneur is a team sport’For Ian Blake, the founder of Squaredot, succeeding as a small business owner requires confidence not just in your own abilities, but also in the abilities of those you’ve hired
This Working Life: ‘A key trait which sets professionals apart is the embracing of lifelong learning’For Payslip’s Padraic Mulligan, the willingness and ability to rapidly learn a new skill always makes an impression
How I work: ‘We cannot treat the people we work with as resources’In our careers and lives, we have the power to challenge the status quo or enable it to continue, says Moninne Griffith of the Belong to Youth Services
How I work: ‘You can’t be an expert in everything, but you can help others to be the best in their fields’Respect, effective communication and interpersonal relationships are key to good teamwork in the workplace, says Karen O’Connor of Datapac
This Working Life: ‘No matter what stage you’re at in your career, if you’re not learning you’re staying still’As chief executive of The Insurance Institute, Dermot Murray understands the importance of training and of continuing professional development
How I manage: ‘Provide clear direction for your team and then get out of the way’Blackberry Hearing’s Matthew Gleeson believes a team needs to see a straight line between what it is you’re asking them to do and what results that will achieve
How I manage: ‘Authenticity is king. People respond best when led by someone comfortable with showing their personality’Sleek, airbrushed leadership can breed distrust and resentment, especially during times of uncertainty like we’re experiencing now
How I work: ‘If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others to?’Guaranteed Irish’s Brid O’Connell says you need to be your own brand if you want to succeed