60 Seconds With

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” 60 Seconds with: Vivienne Nyhan, Best Western Hotels & Resorts

By Business & Finance
26 March 2019
60 Seconds With
Vivienne Nyhan, International Development Director, Best Western Hotels & Resorts

Vivienne Nyhan, International Development Director, Best Western Hotels & Resorts takes the Business & Finance 60-second interview challenge.


Q. What was your first job?

I had a few jobs growing up, from babysitting to Saturday work in a retail shop – washing hangers (!) but my first real job was with Laura Ashley.

Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?

I have had many achievements both personally and professionally, one of my greatest ones is being fortunate to work in an industry that embraces diversity and equality and rewards people based on their ability. I have achieved great successes in this industry through all the changes that have taken place in the hospitality sector in Ireland.

Q. In three words or fewer, how do you define success?

Happiness, Passion, Achievement.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

To always be yourself, don’t try and change to please others.

Q. How do you motivate yourself and your staff?

I imagine achieving my targets and how it makes me feel. I have always been a motivated person and I set myself clear goals and work to achieve them and my targets. Working within a focused and dynamic team is great a driver in our success.

Q. If you could step into the shoes of one business person for the day, who would it be and why?

Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She started the Special Olympics to change people’s perception of what was once abnormal to now be normal.

She has changed so many people’s lives. Everybody is special, everything is achievable, and she never took “No” for an answer. She never believed in hiding away from anything or anybody. Her passion for good and her philanthropy are a great inspiration

Q. How do you relax?

I have recently taken up golf, I find that when I’m out on the course with the mountains in the background and the sea in front of me all is well with the world (even in the rain!)

Q. What’s your motto?

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Q. What are your aspirations for the future of your business?

I am excited to be introducing Best Western Hotels & Resorts to the Irish market. We have changed considerably over the last 3 years, from our introduction of new brands to the portfolio including our new boutique brands, Sadie and Aiden, whether for hotel conversion opportunities or indeed new builds, to our acquisition of WorldHotels in February. There are now 16 brands in the Group portfolio that cater for all market segments, from 3 to 5-star and to luxury property types, which gives developers and owners the opportunity to be part of a powerful global brand on short term flexible agreements.

Working within a focused and dynamic team is great a driver in our success.