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

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.