Bidvest Noonan

A market leading provider of facilities services and solutions

Eoghan McGarry

World Book Day – Recommended Reads

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Today is World Book and Copyright day! We are celebrating by kicking off a new insight series. We have asked people across our business what books interest, inspire them, or have shaped their thinking.

This month we asked Fintan Connolly, Michael Kennedy, Simon Giles, Una Ni Mhurchu, Janice Knight, and Cornelia Olivier to share a book that has piqued their interest, and why.

Simon Giles, Finance Director – Freakanomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Lewitt

“What intrigued me about this book was that the authors wanted to focus, in a fun way, on how the study of economics is understanding how incentives, or motivations, work. This book shows how irrational thinking governs our lives. The authors use lots of fun statistics to challenge assumptions around the world. The big takeaway for me that I have tried to remember and use throughout my career is that, as people, we all love to try and find reasons why something happens – to be able to explain it. However, what we must all try to avoid is confusing causation and correlation – one is really helpful, especially in the business world, one isn’t!”

Fintan Connolly, Chief Business Officer – El Diego by Diego Armando Maradona

“I could have picked lots of other titles including ‘Open by Andre Agassi’, ‘Shakespeare by Bill Bryson’, ‘Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall’ or ‘Race of a Lifetime by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin’, but decided on my most recent read, the story of the footballer Diego Maradona. Possibly the most gifted footballer ever, but an individual who didn’t have the skills or maturity to deal with the fame and adulation. This book captures it brilliantly. All the more pertinent, with his untimely passing late last year. A flawed genius!”

Una Ni Mhurchu, General Counsel – Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee

“This book is a great piece of fiction that highlights, using vivid imagery, how fear can control people.  I read this a couple of years following 911 when the idea of controlling the masses through fear really felt so prevalent and damaging. I was a college student at the time and it really emphasised how independence of mind is so important. I think it would still be a great read for anyone interested in the current debates around populism and culture wars.”

Cornelia Olivier, Client Relationship Director – The Art of Possibility by Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander

“The authors of this book bring to life how opening up yourself to ‘possibility’ can encourage creativity, confidence, and great relationships. They take you on a journey of discovery and wonder, inspiring you to constantly challenge the self-limiting beliefs we impose on ourselves and others. There is a lot of fun learning on how to unlock the ‘possibility’ in your life.”

Michael Kennedy, Chief Financial Officer – Unstoppable by Adrian Gilpin

“I saw Adrian speak at a conference years ago and it was one of those eureka moments about having the right attitude to life and casting away negativity. Some months later I read Unstoppable which charts Adrian’s personal journey to living an inspired life. His storytelling really hooked me and changed my outlook. He explains how sometimes we are our own worst enemies and let our negative thoughts get in the way of our ambitions and ability to enjoy life.”

Janice Knight, Director of HR, Workplace Solutions – Coaching for performance: Growing human potential and purpose by John Whitmore

“This book shaped the early start of my coaching career and the book I still refer to. It is one I highly recommend. What I really like about this book is how coaching is expressed as an enabler and that a coaching culture creates conditions for high performance. Whitmore sees emotional intelligence as a life skill that can be taught and claims it to be an essential skill of leaders. It also details how change comes via self-awareness and self-potential. I am a fan of the GROW model and use this frequently, it is a simple yet effective tool that helps shape a conversation but also gives structure and advancement to many situations. He says successful leaders of the future will lead in a coaching style rather than command and control.”

Eve Rushmer – Pushing boundaries and living life to the fullest

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Eve Rushmer is a valued and important member of our operations support team. Eve lives with a rare chromosomal disorder in which all or part of the short arm (p) of chromosome 18 is deleted. People living without this part of their Chromosome 18 have disabilities that make the world more difficult to navigate. Despite this, Eve has been very successful and has even found ways to help others.

She recently appeared on the C18 Podcast where she discussed both life and work whilst living with the disorder. She tells a remarkable story of resilience and determination to succeed at school, learn to drive, and get a good job. On top of that, Eve has completed a number of daring and demanding activities to raise money for Chromosome 18 Europe.

Eve very much lives her life by pushing herself to do the things she loves the most. Her condition doesn’t stop her from dancing, exercising, and even learning how to drive! Her story of overcoming these challenges throughout life are an inspiration to anyone facing difficulties.

“I would like to say to any parent out there (with a child that has C18 disorder) that it is okay to give your child the support they need to thrive in life. I know it is going to be hard, but you will get there. Look at me now. I drive a car, I have passed my driving test. I’ve even got a job in London and it is the best feeling”

Listen to the podcast below:

Bidvest Noonan signs deal to invest in Interact and H20 Solutions

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We are delighted to announce that we have signed an agreement that will see Interact, one of Ireland’s leading M&E Engineering services providers, and H2O solutions, Interact’s highly accredited water treatment business, join our group. This agreement, which is subject to CCPC approval, will significantly enhance our service offering and enable us to offer clients even greater value and support.

Interact is an exceptional business with a reputation for exceeding industry standards and leading best practice. The business employs 80 skilled and experienced people and operates nationwide across Ireland. It has a strong presence in many of our key sectors, including the Retail, Healthcare, Education, Commercial, and Public sectors.

In recognition of their strength, we have decided to retain the Interact and H2O Solutions brands. We will transition our own considerable M&E services business into Interact, doubling its size, and cementing its position as a market leader. Our dedicated transition team will implement a tried and tested integration plan to ensure a seamless transition. There will be no disruption to the services we deliver.

Interact’s Managing Director, Philip Murphy will lead this substantially larger business. Philip will have our full support and will be able to draw on the strength of our group to deliver exceptional service to clients.

We are thrilled to grow our mechanical and electrical engineering capability in Ireland. We do not plan to offer M&E engineering services in the UK, where our focus remains on growing our security and facilities services businesses.

Our CEO, Declan Doyle, MD of Workplace Solutions, Mary Kealy and Interact MD, Philip Murphy have recorded a brief message sharing their perspective on this exciting news.

“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can”

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Pat Byrne is an Area Supervisor at Bidvest Noonan, and an experienced one too! Pat took the long route to get where he is today and is something he is very much proud of. We want to share his unique perspective on life and how it helped forge his career.

“A colleague recently approached me who was struggling with his self-worth and questioned whether he had the ability to progress his career. He felt since he left secondary school, he was constantly being overlooked because did not have a college degree. I was able to empathise with him as I experienced a similar situation too. I wasn’t fortunate enough to attend college, but it never stopped my appetite to forge a career and get to where I am today.

I told him he wasn’t alone with his worries, and there are many others who often struggle to see a clear career path. I shared with him how my outlook changed when I changed my mindset. I firmly agree with the great Arthur Ashe. He says you should “start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can”. I focussed on my strengths, my abilities, and making people see the type of person I am. I believe that as long as you are putting in the graft, you will be noticed. “What’s for you won’t pass you by“.

I have seen first-hand how someone can go all the way to the top in a company by going down the long road. I believe inspiration is all around us, so do not let one person or job define you. Work hard enough and one day you will reap the rewards. Think positive, stay motivated, and above all else, back yourself.”

Editor’s Note:

Subsequent to writing this piece for us, Pat was invited to attend a Train the Trainer course helping him to take the next step on his journey.

Cornelia Olivier on what makes female leaders unique

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What are some of the traits that leader possesses?

I have been fortunate to work with strong leaders throughout my career. There are a few things that strong leaders seem to have in common: they know their strengths, they keep learning, they look to work with people who are different from them, and they work hard at honing their technical and soft skills.

What do women leaders bring that is unique?

I think women leaders bring different perspectives. Women are well represented in our societies, in our customer bases, and our workplaces. Building empathy as an organisation with the traits and needs of that group is valuable. Our perspective as women leaders equips us to formulate solutions that can benefit our teams and our communities more holistically.

In your work situation, it is often women leaders that become your biggest allies. They are often the first to recognise that you are putting in the effort and loving what you do. Determine who your allies might be and start working out how you can earn more of their trust.

Which woman has inspired you the most?

When I was very young, I had a friend whose mother was a small business owner. This lady loved her job! She worked long hard hours, sometimes late into the evening. She sourced meals from people that cooked better than she did. She devised ways to do mundane tasks faster. Watching her showed me that the boundaries we experience are often self-imposed. She taught me that it is okay, in fact it is great, to delegate tasks that you’re not good at to people who can do them well. She taught me that you can be successful in your career while still loving your family. She said you can have it all but takes hard work to achieve it. She also taught me that, in some ways, women have more choices than men do. I always try to remember these when I want to retain strong female colleagues! She made such an enormous impact on me as a little girl and has helped me become the leader I am today

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

From my experience, leadership is a journey rather than a destination. You have to keep working at your technical and soft skills, stretching your abilities, and practicing your humility by doing new things and feeling uncomfortable every so often. Get used to making mistakes and apologising sincerely. Invest in relationships at all levels. Most of all, find joy in your job, it makes you an easier leader to follow.

Chiara Di Rienzo on women in leadership

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In your opinion, what defines a great leader? 

If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic taught us is that great leaders, in work and life, are courageous enough to show vulnerability and lead with empathy and compassion. 

Great leadership in my opinion is also the ability to create a meaningful and inspiring culture that connects people to the brand and purpose; a culture where people are supported to be their best, and achieve outstanding business results in a consistent way. 

What are some traits you think great leaders possess? 

I think that some of the traits that great leaders possess are integrity, a sense of purpose, a clear vision, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. 

Why is it so important that women have leadership positions? 

Research shows that the more diverse and inclusive the culture of an organisation, the better its business results are. 

Our society undoubtedly needs many more women in top leadership roles to help drive important changes in the workplace that can be beneficial for both men and women. Our society is not there yet and much more work is needed to get more women into leadership roles, to bridge the gender pay gap, and enhance work-life balance. It is not just about gender, we need diversity and inclusivity at the top in both government posts and C-suite roles. We also need to engage in tough conversations about what the future of the workplace should look like and what changes we want to see.

Which woman has inspired you the most and why?  

I have been inspired by so many women at different times in my life.

I find Carol Dweck’s research on fixed mindset (abilities are fixed) and growth mindset (abilities can be developed) incredibly empowering. I remember reading an article about it eight years ago in the Harvard Business Review and using it over and over again when leading resilience and leadership training. Her work inspired my drive for continuous improvement through learning and development.

Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability is also incredibly powerful. What she says about vulnerability has pretty much become my mantra: “vulnerability is not knowing victory or defeat; it’s understanding the necessity of both; it’s engaging. It’s being all in”.

How have you developed your confidence as a leader? 

My journey towards confident leadership started when I realised that confidence means courage; the courage to learn from my mistakes, the courage to do something completely new and out of my comfort zone (“feeling the fear and do it anyway” what a great book by Susan Jeffers!) and the courage of putting myself out there. For me, confidence is a muscle that I have to exercise regularly!  

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions? 

I would give them the same advice I would give to myself which is: be yourself, stay truthful to who you are and the things that make you unique and distinctive. Take ownership of your own development and invest energy in building meaningful relationships with people. Focus on your strengths, the things that you love doing, and that energise you. Ultimately those are the things that will make you feel fulfilled and at your best from a work and personal life standpoint.