“We hope to continue our international expansion across Europe and into the Middle East” – 60 Seconds With Dan Sheedy, Principal of The Tuition Centre

What was your first job?

I was a pot washer in the flight kitchen in Shannon Airport at 16, and also worked in my local takeaway – Mammia Mias!

What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?

I hope to solidify the company’s position as Ireland’s leading provider of online support for schools, teachers, and students by leading a team of dedicated teachers, tutors and staff.

We have experienced rapid growth in the two years since I took the position, and I hope to continue and further this growth.

What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?

I had taught in second-level education for over 20 years and wanted to challenge myself, to be the boss, to have that responsibility for growth and for the team.

I was previously in a wonderful business, which was family-owned and therefore, the opportunities for advancement were limited.

How do you motivate yourself and your team?

For me its all about the team. I try not to have a pyramid structure within the business, one where I am seemingly at the top and “in charge”. We have a straight line structure where my role is at the level of the team.

Yes, I am responsible for strategic direction, motivation, innovation and achieving targets, etc., but I view that as simply my role within the team. I feel that when we leave ego aside and work as hard as we can, colleagues identify with that and it creates a common purpose, a unity that can drive the business towards targets.