As a contemporary CEO and president leading 5000-strong teams through major change at international companies, financial analytics are second nature. I’m highly skilled at strategy, stakeholder management and deadlines. And yet my dream was to be on the stage. Yes, along with business and accounting qualifications I have two acting diplomas, memories of theatrical roles and enduring heartache from not being able to sing. Triple threat I am not, but creativity is a core part of my personality. That’s important because it informs how I develop high performing, engaged teams who drive rapid expansion. While one half of me is a pragmatic master of business operations—M&A deals, integration, brand onboarding—the other is very human. Typically, finance professionals are seen as introverted and reserved. There’s a lot of color and mold-breaking with me. Not in a showy ‘look at me’ way but thanks to innate leadership skills. Sure, everyone says they’re a leader who effortlessly rallies and cares for teams. Truth is, most don’t but it’s cool to say. Me? I’ve had people hug me after I let them go. I make tough decisions. I collaborate. I build cultures where it’s okay to be honest and make mistakes. Whether it’s inviting neighbors to a street party or inspiring international teams, I lead by example to motivate people to get behind a common goal. I’m transparent and relatable. My empathy is sincere. My relationships real. I put my neck on the line. Because always saying what is true creates trust. I can be a business’ head and heart—the numbers side and the human. That dichotomy has worked fabulously over my life, whose hits and memories include being raised in rural Ireland, meeting my British husband (a karting world champion!) in Spain, working in industry for years then relocating from Europe to the US with two young children while successfully evolving from group FC to CEO. As president at Applegreen USA, I grew the US business 500% to a ~$1bn enterprise across 18 states. I led 5000 people and established 2 separate business divisions. I led through Hurricane Michael, COVID-19 and 7 business acquisitions in 6 years. I oversaw 1000+ system transformations and created an innovative executive leadership team. And that’s for starters. In mid-2023 it was time to seek a new challenge in alignment with my values of honesty, courage, positivity. Meanwhile I’m enjoying extra family time. I love scuba diving and skiing while supporting my husband and sons in motorsport and soccer. That doesn’t mean I’m on the sidelines—I’m all in, whatever I’m doing.