By Business & Finance 
Kenneth Rouse, BNP Real Estate Ireland
Kenneth Rouse, Managing Director and Head of Investment, BNP Real Estate Ireland takes on the Business & Finance 60-second interview challenge.
Q. What was your first job? Credit Analyst at AIB Capital Markets. I was lucky to work on a dynamic team with some great people who have gone on to be very successful. It instilled the ethos of strong team spirit and I learnt the value of reward in hard work. Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date? Besides my beautiful little girl, Ellie, being appointed Managing Director of an International property company at the ripe old age of 36 and leading a great team of driven people. Q. In three words or fewer, how do you define success? Commitment – Resilience- Results Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Stay convicted to your beliefs and never do something for someone else’s approval Q. How do you motivate yourself and your team? Look for the silver lining by always trying to turn negative experiences into positive ones. Q. If you could step into the shoes of one business person for the day, who would it be and why? I had the pleasure of working for Dermot Desmond’s investment vehicle QED Equity. I really admire Dermot’s business ethic and foresight and I think a shadow in his workday would be an experience worthwhile taking. Q. How do you relax? I don’t, since taking over the role of managing director at BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland in January 2018!! But when I do I enjoy spending time with my family. I am an avid Rugby and GAA supporter (Mayo, God Help Us!). I also enjoy the gym, I hate going but always feel rewarded leaving. Q. What’s your motto? Mayo4Sam There is a lesson in this….if you get knocked down keep coming back! Q. What are your aspirations for the future of your business? BNP Paribas Real Estate is a Top 3 Commercial Property Consultancy in Europe. We are building off this strong platform, we just had our best year ever in 2018 and we intend to grow to a commensurate position in Ireland in the coming years.
I also enjoy the gym, I hate going but always feel rewarded leaving.
