In our ongoing 60-second interview series, we recently had the pleasure of talking with Marina Goncalves, our EHSQ Executive and EDI Ambassador.
Marina started her career 10 years ago as an environmental graduate in the construction industry in Brazil. Since moving to Ireland over six years ago, she has become increasingly involved in health and safety. This transition was natural to her, and although her background was in environmental and sustainability, she also fell in love with health and safety. At Bidvest Noonan, she has been able to experience different environments, ranging from hospitals to pharmaceutical manufacturers to corporate offices. Each workplace is unique, which is what makes health and safety so special.
For Marina, health and safety extends beyond just a job; it is about caring for and protecting our people from hazards they sometimes don’t realize exist. She said, “I don’t personally protect them, but my job is to provide them with the tools to protect themselves and their colleagues.” At Bidvest Noonan, we prioritize our people, which is why health and safety are at the heart of everything we do.
Find out more about Marina, her role, and her experiences in her 60-second interview below:
How would you define what you do at Bidvest Noonan?
My primary role is Health and Safety for Integrated Solutions. As part of this job, I support our operations teams in identifying risks relating to the day-to-day activities, and together, we come up with control measures to reduce the likelihood of injury for our workforce.
I also have 2 other jobs, which I am very proud of, the EDI Council and the ESG Board for Ireland. The EDI Council Ireland’s role is to help the business become an employer of choice, where everyone feels included. The ESG board is responsible for ensuring the business is on track to achieving its carbon reduction targets.
What has been your best day at Bidvest Noonan?
It is hard to point out one specific day, especially after a very special last couple of years. Last year was full of milestones for me, I was nominated for the “outstanding contribution” category of the Bidvest Noonan awards, I saw the EDI council receive 2 external awards, and I took over the Environmental pillar of the ESG Board. So many great things have happened!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
When I started in the business just over 4 years ago, Cormac Sheils told me that the job was hard, but I could count on the people. And over the years, this has been proven to be right over and over. So, anytime I am stuck, I know there are people who will go the extra mile to support me.
How do you motivate yourself?
What truly motivates me is knowing that my work contributes to our people going home safely after their day of work.
Who or what has inspired you the most?
I am very fortunate to work closely with countless inspiring individuals in operations. But there are 2 superstars in the Health and Safety Team that truly set the standards high: Helen Emerson and Declan Ryan. I am inspired by them everyday.
If you had a motto, what would it be?
I would probably say if you don’t know an answer to something, don’t be afraid to ask the question.