By Business & Finance 
Elaine Tomlin, Managing Consultant, Avalution Consulting (Photo: Robbie Reynolds)
Elaine Tomlin, Managing Consultant, Avalution Consulting, takes on the Business & Finance 60-second interview challenge.
Q. What was your first job? My first Saturday job as a teenager was working at the iconic Bewley’s Café at the hot food counter. I found out rather quickly that catering wasn’t for me and unfortunately to this day as my husband would attest – cooking isn’t one of my top skills! Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date? It has been a great opportunity and honour to serve as a Board Director on the Board of the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) for the last two years. The BCI is a global institute with over 8,000 members from 120 countries. I am delighted to continue to give back to the risk community and will continue to support the Institute as Chair of the Risk and Governance Committee going forward. From a personal perspective, as an art lover and hobby artist, having some of my own artwork sold in various galleries and the National Gallery of Ireland, has been a real personal high point for me. Q. In three words or less, how do you define success? Life Balance = Happiness Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Life challenges are inevitable so seek out the hidden opportunities within them… Q. How do you motivate yourself and your staff? We really have a great team in both the US and Ireland and work hard towards achieving the same goals. Working together with a team of high performers is motivating in itself, particularly as we all strive to constantly innovate the way we deliver our services globally. On a personal level, I always try to find positives regardless of the situation, then I make a plan and prioritise. I like to feel like I am constantly achieving and accomplishing things and I do love to tick tasks off my ‘to-do’ list! Q. If you could step into the shoes of one business person for the day, who would it be and why? Well, it could only be Michelle Obama – what an amazing, charismatic woman! Highly educated, a lawyer and businesswoman in her own right prior to becoming the First Lady, plus, an amazing mother. Her drive, passion and strong character supports her to lead, motivate and inspire millions around the world, particularly women and girls. Her compassion and dedication to philanthropic projects are so very admirable. Q. How do you relax? I love to paint, particularly abstract landscapes using acrylics – I just get lost in it and find it very relaxing. I have sold many original and limited-edition paintings which really gives me a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. Q. What’s your motto? Life is short so recognise, evaluate and take every opportunity that comes your way… Q. What are your aspirations for the future of the business? It’s an exciting stage of growth for Avalution Consulting. We opened up our European headquarters here in Dublin last year. So needless to say it’s challenging and exciting and I am delighted to be heading-up the European office. My key aspirations are to hire top talent, grow our EMEA revenue and expand our professional services portfolio this year.
On a personal level, I always try to find positives regardless of the situation, then I make a plan and prioritise. I like to feel like I am constantly achieving and accomplishing things and I do love to tick tasks off my ‘to-do’ list!
Avalution is the leading provider of business continuity consulting, IT disaster-recovery consulting, information-security consulting and software solutions for organisations of all sizes in almost every industry. From their European headquarters in Dublin, Avalution serves its EMEA consulting and Catalyst software clients, as well as supports its business partners in mitigating risks, documenting recovery strategies while ultimately protecting their operations, resources, profit and brand.
Its international business perspective, combined with core values focused on simplicity and results, provides valuable, actionable business continuity and information security capabilities that align to its clients’ organisational strategies.
