How would you describe your eating habits during a working week?
I try to be as healthy as possible. When you’re on the road, that isn’t always possible, but at this stage of life, I know what foods I like and what suits me. I try not to drink alcohol during the week, but some weeks I’m better than others with that rule! I eat breakfast late, so I don’t always have lunch, and I like to try and have supper with the kids if our schedules allow. It’s a lovely time to catch up and have a chat.
What happens after work?
You name it, it happens — rugby, football, GAA, hitching up a horse box, the endless laundry! My time is not my own!
What is your nighttime routine?
It’s my time! I have a bath, read and switch off. I find it hard to sleep if I haven’t given myself time to wind down. I need a little morning and evening time to myself to stay sane!
Tell us about your beauty routine.
I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to beauty routines. I could count the number of facials I’ve had on two hands. I am conscious about using a really good SPF. At night, I use a really hydrating moisturiser or balm. I like to lock in all the goodness overnight. I do have lots of moles, so I get them mapped once a year. After that, it’s the basics — cleanse, serum, moisturise.
What is your most important self-care ritual?
It has to be the bath and/or fresh air – both settle me. I listen to podcasts when I walk — the themes are usually mental health, positivity, reducing anxiety and stress. I think stress is one of the biggest disease triggers, so anything we can do to reduce our stress levels is important.
What are the biggest challenges you face in the day-to-day juggle of business and life?
I think the same as everyone — carving out time for what is important and managing the guilt when it doesn’t work as you’d hoped. Juggling work and life can be hard. It’s a challenge not to feel like you’ve failed when the balls drop, but that is inevitable and we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves.
I had some mentoring a while ago. The aim was to look at my career and where I wanted to go in the future. What came out of it was really surprising — I came out of it feeling good about where I am career-wise right now. I set some personal goals for sure, but the mentoring allowed me to step back, look at what I’d achieved in my career to date, and be proud of that.
We’re always looking at what’s next, but sometimes we need to sit in our space and work out whether we are happy and fulfilled where we are and, if not, what changes we can make to alter that. It might not mean a big move — it could just be a small adjustment.
I don’t think the Irish are wired to clap themselves on the back, but sometimes we need to be a bit more American and high-five each other for achieving and surviving the juggle!
What does your ideal weekend look like?
Oh, so many lovely things in my perfect weekend — is it okay if I pack it all in? I’d be on a sideline with the kids on Saturday morning, and then I’d like to go to an evening race meeting and have a winner with my syndicate, Glamour and Glory. On Sunday, I’d like the sun to come out for a lovely lunch party with family and friends — young and old — in the garden at a big, long, pretty table. Lots of lovely flowers, food, wine and chats. Wonderfully organised chaos. I might need Monday off, mind you.
If you think about replenishing your energy and creativity, what does this for you?
When I travel for work, I find it really helps me get a different perspective. I usually come back brimming with new ideas and reinvigorated.
Have you any tips from your daily rhythm that you’d love to share with other women in business?
I would say don’t be scared to step away from the daily rhythm sometimes. We can get bogged down in the day-to-day and it can be overwhelming and draining. Sometimes we can be more productive when we stop answering emails, block out the diary and use the time to clear the decks — or just go for a walk and clear your mind for half an hour.