MY TOP TEN

day simply fl ies by and then it’s time to pick up the kids, dinner, bedtime and repeat!

Colleen O’Hare

Manager of Granite Exchange and Granite Podcast Studio

5. Do you have a specifi c fi tness regime?

I am a member of Maeve Madden’s ‘Queens Don’t Quit’ online fi tness programme. Thanks to my 4-day-working week, I aim to get fi ve workouts done every week. I also enjoy walking whilst listening to podcasts - of course one of my favourite one being The Public Eye, which is hosted by Sarah Travers and is recorded here in Granite Exchange.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive?

I start each day on a positive note by being thankful for all the great things in my life like my family, my job, my colleagues. When I am faced with challenging situations and obstacles, I try to focus on the good things, no matter how small or insignifi cant they seem. I tend to keep positive people in my friendship circle as I feel negative people can bring you down with them.

1. What do you love most about your job?

I love the variety of my work, from showing potential clients around our state-of-the-art serviced offi ces and meeting rooms to soundchecking our podcast users.

Granite Exchange is home to so many businesses and one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is seeing these businesses at Granite Exchange grow and succeed. We’ve created an uplifting and collaborative culture which makes my role so enjoyable.

In addition to my responsibilities, my role facilitates me to enjoy an excellent work-life balance, which helps me retain the energy and passion I need to do my job. I leave the offi ce every day feeling upbeat because I love what I do and work with an incredible team and boss.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I’m in my ideal job, I work with an incredible team and get to meet new people every day. I have the amazing opportunity to work with podcasters and meet the most infl uential entrepreneurs in the country through our podcast, The Public Eye which you can listen in to via www.granitepodcaststudio.com/podcasts

3. What are your favourite hobbies/activities outside of work?

Spending time with my three kids, Charlie (six years old), Holly (fi ve years old), and Rory (one year old). However, I do love a Saturday evening when the kids are in bed and putting on the tv and chilling with my husband, Paul.

4. What is your daily routine?

It can be pretty hectic in the mornings. I wake up early to get everything ready for school and creche before anyone else in the house is up. Then it is time to get everyone breakfast, dressed and dropped off to diff erent places before heading into work.

When I arrive at work, it’s straight into emails, dealing with new podcast studio requests, bookings for meeting rooms, enquiries from new businesses and hosting clients and podcasts guests. The working

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland has so much to off er and it is a fantastic place to live, bring up my family and work. We have so many incredible businesses that have been founded here and lots of opportunities for start-ups and small businesses, some of which I got to personally meet in Granite Exchange. We are also blessed with beautiful mountains, coastlines and landmarks.

8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?

Dream big, stay positive, work hard and enjoy the journey – Urijah Faber

9. Who has been your biggest infl uence?

There’s been so many infl uential people in my life but professionally, Jonathan McKeown, owner of Granite Exchange is someone who I hugely respect for his forward-thinking approach, respect for his teams and innovative ideas. He’s an inspirational businessman.

10. FAVOURITE

Movie:

Holiday Destination:

The Shawshank Orlando Redemption

Drink: Tea

Band/Musician: Adele

Meal: Steak

Book: The Secret

Restaurant: Sinton’s at the Bridge, Scarva