International Women’s Day is a United Nations–sanctioned global holiday that aims to celebrate women’s contributions to society and raise awareness to the areas of society that need to improve to reach gender equality. At No.1 Media we use it as way to amplify women’s voices and however you choose to celebrate it, we are here to listen and learn. This week we are spotlighting some of Irelands most beloved businesswomen and entrepreneurs.
Each year has an official theme, but unofficially, many people use it as a day to remember all the women that have made an impact in their lives through sharing International Women’s Day quotes, thoughtful messages, and more. Right now, we are all apart so what better way to bring us together than engage some of our favourite most vibrant women in an interview.
What does IWD mean to you?
For me International Women’s Day symbolises the positive change and recognition of all gender identities, from within society, the workplace and as parents.
What does your role entail?
Being a qualified dentist we are thought from the outset to be very ethically and morally driven. I have taken that mindset with me and firmly embedded it within my business. I strive daily towards educating my patients on the safe, effective and natural application of treatments. As a business owner I feel that responsibility must be upheld by everyone who joins my team from other dentists and doctors on the clinical team to our support team. We as a team are forever developing ourselves not just through ongoing courses to be able to offer the most cutting edge and minimally invasive treatments and technologies but also from the perspective of being able to empathise with our patients and having a holistic approach to treating our patients, by getting to know them and treating the whole person.
What have been some of the biggest struggles and triumphs as a woman in business?
I am happy to report that my experience as a woman in business has been very positive. I feel that there is a great level of respect and support amongst my colleagues within the industry for one another. I am proud to be opening my seventh Eden location and I thank my peers for that as it’s been an amazing experience to both work alongside of and learn from the best within the field of aesthetics. That challenged me everyday having experienced their knowledge and wisdom to push myself further and further and provide my patients with an exceptional experience with care being delivered to the highest of standards, it’s better again when your biggest supporters are the loyal patients that you have had the pleasure of being trusted to treat.
What skills are important to have in your sector?
The most important thing is possessing a passion for what you do. That is what drove me to complete years of rigorous training in Dentistry and Facial Aesthetics. This training gives an absolute foundation for you to be able to build essential skills in professionalism, confidentiality (GDPR), patient care, medical knowledge and specialist knowledge for accurate diagnosis of a patient’s condition, leadership skills to be able to adapt to changing environments and help others adapt and develop also, and interpersonal and communication skills to name but a few, but these are a good start.
What are the current challenges for women in your sector?
What I see emerging in the medical sector at the moment is a focus on professional growth, the reshaping of healthcare in a new digital age, and the forging of a
resilient and responsive holistic patient journey focus key for long-term success for all genders across the sector. The sector is quite lucky in that the levels of respect shown for one another are quite high, which makes it a nice landscape to work within and be part of.
What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
Being a parent in the workplace has improved leaps and bounds, it’s something all genders have struggled with in the past, that, work-life balance. In Eden we have placed a large emphasis on this as we believe flexible working is an important factor in lowering both workplace and home life stresses. We feel this results in happier team members and parents, who are then more successful within both of their respective environments.
Describe the 3 characteristics about yourself that you believe led to your success in business.
I believe what has helped me achieve what I have to date and will continue to drive me is the passion for what I do, what excels that is my attitude to my work and my love of it and my strive for precision in both the care and the treatment I deliver. I have an uncompromising focus on quality patient care and being conservative in my approach. And finally, I think my empathic nature and building a rapport and deep level of trust with my patients is the most important thing to me.
What woman has positively impacted/inspired you in your career, and what is one lesson she taught you?
My mum of course was the first woman who I drew inspiration from in my life, she has supported my dreams and aspirations ever since I can remember, she taught me how to be compassionate, driven and how to be a great mum to my own little ones and I can never thank her enough for that as being a mum is a huge role in itself. However, I have met so many other women over the years, my sister is another one of my biggest supporters and I hers. I have been lucky to be mentored over the years by some amazing women and benefit from their experience and gain from the highest of standards they set for themselves. These relationships have encouraged me to pay it forward and be in a position to mentor those new to the industry, offering support and development opportunities.
What do you do on a regular basis to celebrate your woman self?
Outside of appreciating the team I have been so lucky to build around me in my work life. I like to surround myself with the biggest positive influencers in my home life, my family and friends. They remind me to appreciate everything!
What is a daily or weekly ritual you have that contributes to your ongoing success?
For me it boils down to recognition, recognising everyone’s efforts whether that be at home or in work, I think it’s always important to stop and take stock and have a good look around wherever I am. It could be as simple as delivering someone a thank you message or having a chat with someone about the things that they have contributed to help ensure a happy patient experience or great teamwork, at home it could be being on the receiving end of a lovely hug from one of the kids.
What is something interesting you are currently working on? Personal or professional.
I’ve a very exciting new project that I’m currently working on, it’s been years in the making and I hope to share it with everyone soon. I can’t really believe it’s only around the corner but it’s something I have always set out to do and the support I’m getting is so very appreciated, couldn’t ask to be part of a better industry or have the friends and family I do around me really.