60 Seconds With

“Respect is earned.” 60 Seconds With: Sarah McDonnell, Head of Interiors and Refurbishment at Ardmac

By Business & Finance
26 June 2019
Sarah McDonnell, Head of Interiors and Refurbishment at Ardmac.

Sarah McDonnell, Head of Interiors and Refurbishment at Ardmac takes the Business & Finance 60-second interview.


Q. What was your first job?

Stacking shelves in the shop of a family friend at the age of about 12 on a Saturday morning for 50p pocket money! I loved being in the shop and earning my own money. My first ‘real’ job was as a Site Engineer with Sisk, working on the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin.

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

My two children. Babies are the toughest project I’ve ever taken on but the most rewarding as I see them grow and flourish.

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

Work Life Balance.

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

You have two ears and one mouth. Use them accordingly!

Q. How do you motivate yourself and your team?

I try to motivate our staff by giving them ownership of the projects they are working on, while also being engaged through open communication and feedback. I motivate myself by giving the team the tools and space to do well and this then gives me the motivation to drive on.

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

Probably Richard Branson. He has built hugely successful and exciting businesses whilst also maintaining a work life balance, not just for himself but also for his employees, and then he is also involved in great philanthropic activities. He just seems to have the whole mix nailed. I would also love to spend a day on Necker Island!

Q. How do you relax?

I love to golf. It’s great head space – if you think about anything other than that little white ball you will miss it.

Q. What’s your motto?

Treat everyone as you would like to be treated. Respect is earned.

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

To grow the Ardmac brand within the commercial interiors and refurbishment market in Ireland. Ardmac’s vision is to be the contractor of choice for our clients and the workplace of choice for great people. Great projects come from successful collaboration between teams, and our repeat clients are a testimony to this.

You have two ears and one mouth. Use them accordingly!