Success Factors Series – Chiara di Rienzo
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World Book Day – Recommended Reads
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.”
Bidvest Noonan acquires waste management leader, Ancove
We are delighted to announce Ancove, a highly innovative and award-winning provider of waste management solutions, is now part of Bidvest Noonan. Ancove applies waste management expertise and cutting-edge technologies to help clients cut waste disposal costs, comply with regulations and reduce their carbon footprint. The business operates throughout Ireland and supports clients in a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing and education.
Ancove offers a range of compactors, balers and waste handling accessories that enable companies to sort and decrease their overall waste volume. With Ancove’s support, clients send less waste to landfill and generate new revenues from waste materials such as cardboard and plastic.
Bidvest Noonan will retain the Ancove brand, which benefits from market leadership. Ancove’s management team, led by General Manager, Paul Nolan, will remain at the helm of the business.
Welcoming this announcement, Mary Kealy, Managing Director, Bidvest Noonan said “I am thrilled to welcome Ancove to our group. Ancove is an excellent business with a strong brand, a talented team and an exceptional portfolio of clients. I look forward to working with Paul and all of our new colleagues to realise the tremendous potential Ancove offers”.
Commenting on behalf of Ancove, General Manager, Paul Nolan said “This is excellent news for Ancove, our people and our clients. We are excited to have Bidvest Noonan’s support. I am looking forward to working with Bidvest Noonan to continue Ancove’s success and deliver even greater value to our clients.”
Darren Kinnane is going the extra 2807 miles
Darren Kinnane is a Bidvest Noonan Security Manager in London. This year Darren is cycling 2807 miles in aid of GAIN charity. Why 2807 miles? That is the sum total of 14 conqueror fitness challenges. We asked Darren to share what inspired him to take this challenge on.
To support GAIN charity and encourage Darren’s challenge, click here to donate.
Why did you choose to support the GAIN Charity? Tell us about its cause.
My Key Account Director Alan O’Connor deserves recognition for choosing this charity. Every year we choose a different charity to support. In October 2020 one of our colleagues’ daughter was struck down by Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is a rare autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually leading to temporary or long-term paralysis. As a team, we decided that we would help GAIN as they are the charity that raises awareness about this syndrome and they were also supporting our colleague.
How did you come up with the idea of these virtual challenges?
The whole portfolio of our teams has been amazing doing all kinds of events to raise funds such as 100 sit-ups a day challenge. While I prefer walking, cycling, and hiking, I wanted to do my bit to help. I came across these virtual challenges and thought I can bang these out in a couple of months. I ditched my public transport card in February and bought a bicycle. It took me a month to get used to being on a bike again.
On March 8th, I started the first of 14 virtual challenges, which you simulate and travel virtually to different routes around the world. When complete, it will total 2807 miles and I am currently 50% complete on my 5th challenge.
What motivates you to keep focused?
The fact that raising money for such a worthwhile cause in solidarity with a colleague is enough to get on the bike and keep on track, but I also get a nice sense of achievement after completing every event.
What’s been the most positive thing to come out of your challenge?
The most positive outcome from doing this challenge is that it is helping me a lot in trying to quit smoking. The trial period on the bike was very hard for me but now I see how I have progressed a lot.
What is the impact of being active on your mental health during the lockdown?
Throughout the pandemic I have been coming in to the building every day. Keeping this routine was important to me. I have a great team of ladies and gents who have been onsite during this time. I feel that as their manager it is my responsibility to be there for them especially for the days they are anxious and fed up and need a bit of levity.
Louise Bangee – Leadership lessons that helped her forge a successful career
What are some traits you think great leaders possess? And what do women leaders bring that is unique?
Being a great leader is about leading with integrity to deliver a vision that everyone can understand and play a part in. This vision has to be clearly communicated and delegated whilst showing empathy, courage, and respect.
I believe anyone can develop the traits needed to be a great leader. However, I think some are more prevalent in women. These include empathy, humility, and resilience. Apparently, we are also really good at multi-tasking.
Why is it so important that women have leadership positions?
Female leaders can be amazing role models for women at all levels. They show others that success can be possible and how it can be achieved. Most importantly they show what difference a woman can make in a leadership position and that there are no barriers that cannot be overcome.
Women from different backgrounds bring different perspectives and can add multiple dimensions to the thought process and decision-making.
Which woman has inspired you the most and why?
As a Mancunian, I think of Emmeline Pankhurst and what she did for women in such a fearless and brave manner, which reflected how passionately she felt about the right to vote and fighting for women’s rights.
More recently I have been inspired by Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. She is a great example of success because of how she has handled the responsibilities of her role, the pandemic, and being a new mother all whilst being true to who she is – not an easy job to do in this scenario!
How have you developed your confidence as a leader?
I once believed that I needed to know everything about everything to do my job well.
I learnt that I don’t need to know everything I just need to know who to ask and what questions to ask! I believe that was a turning point not only for my confidence as a leader but also in my style of leadership.
What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?
Decide for you what makes a great leader and what doesn’t. It will help you grow your own style.
Understand the difference between managing and leading.
Be brave to take the next steps and remember – it’s ok to make mistakes along the journey – just make new ones each time.
Janice Brannigan – Female leadership
Janice Brannigan is the Managing Director of Facilities Solutions at Bidvest Noonan. Janice has had a transformative impact as a leader in our business. In the run-up to International Women’s Day, we asked her to share her view on the importance of female leadership.
