By Business & Finance Aoife McGinley is Head of Operations for Bibby Financial Services. She works with SMEs across a range of sectors, advising businesses on alternative sources of finance, how to safeguard their cashflow, and how to protect themselves from bad debt. She holds an MSc from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
What was your first job?
I worked on and off in my Dad’s store-fitting business during summers from school and university, which is where I got my first taste of an office environment and working with customers. Other summer jobs included a dry-cleaners, and as a hotel receptionist. After university, I joined Bibby Financial Services and have been here ever since!
What would your regarding as your greatest achievement to date?
Becoming Head of Operations in 2016 was a very proud moment for me. When I started in Bibby as a graduate in 2007, I remember the Head of Operations at that time and being in awe of them, their role and responsibilities. It seemed impossible to me then that I would ever be able to achieve that in my career.
In three words or less, how do you define success?
Accomplishing any goal.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“You don’t build a business, you build people and then people build the business.” I read this years ago and it stuck with me and resonates with me every day. You can’t do anything in business alone. It’s all teamwork one way or another.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
By keeping our objective at the forefront of everything we do and repeating it daily – helping Irish SMEs be the best they can be. Seeing the businesses we work with grow and evolve is extremely motivating and rewarding.
How do you relax?
I like to spend time walking, and try to get outside most evenings after work. I use this as my thinking and reflection time.
What’s your motto?
Honesty is the best policy.
What are your aspirations for the future of business?
To continue encouraging businesses to consider alternative financial providers such as Bibby Financial Services ahead of traditional banking institutions.
The financial market is already changing in this regard and, with more and more alternative funders out there, there are more options for businesses to find a solution that best fits their needs. Traditional banking institutions are still heavily restricted in what they can do and we are often better place to provide a quick turnaround on funding or a more ‘outside the box’ financial solution.
Aoife McGinley, Head of Operations, Bibby Financial Services
