Position & Organisation: Interim Director of People and Development

Irish Wheelchair Association  

Number of Employees: 2300 

Give us an idea about your early life and career: 

I grew up in Dublin in a house with 5 children under 10 so was always destined to work in a busy environment. I studied HR in college and started working in retail as a teenager. I stayed in retail after finishing my studies and spent 12 years in various management positions across the east of the country. I spent a short time in the waste industry after leaving retail.  I’ve gone back to study a few times over the years and studied Mediation which has become my passion. I joined Irish Wheelchair Association in 2017 with a 3-year plan. Such is IWA and its culture; I am still there.   

What are the key challenges you face in your role?  

One of the most pressing challenges is talent acquisition and retention. There's a national shortage of qualified healthcare professionals which makes recruiting and keeping the right people incredibly difficult. We often find ourselves competing with the public and private sectors, which can offer more attractive salaries and benefits than we can. Employee well-being and burnout are also major concerns. The nature of our work can lead to burnout and high turnover rates.  

 

I am very lucky to live by the coast so a walk along the beach or the cliff recharges me every time. Friday night is movie night with my kids so that helps too.  

 

I can’t think of one. I did have someone tell me recently in an interview when I asked about if they would fit the culture “If I don’t fit, I’ll know fairly soon, and I will leave you.” I respected their honesty.

 

You can have all the education and expertise in your relative field but if you want to excel in any career to a leadership role, I believe you need to build relationships and connections to achieve. 

 

Where Relationships Thrive, Success Follows.