60 Seconds With

“My first job was as an Apprentice Carpenter – I was terrible!” – 60 Seconds with John O’Driscoll, Sales Director, Ireland, Equinix

By Business & Finance
13 April 2021
Pictured: John O’Driscoll, Sales Director, Ireland, Equinix

John O’Driscoll was recently appointed to the position of Regional Sales Director, Ireland at Equinix. O’Driscoll brings more than 20 years of sales experience to the role, with more than 16 years in senior leadership roles in the cybersecurity, technology and telecoms sectors. In his new role, O’Driscoll will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for all of Equinix Ireland’s sales channels, leading domestic and international business development efforts, while overseeing renewals and Channel sales.


What was your first job?

My first job was as an Apprentice Carpenter – I was terrible! I wanted to leave after a week, but my dad made me stay on for the full three months of the summer.

What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?

Undoubtedly, my family. I am very lucky to have an amazing wife and four fabulous children.

In three words or less, how do you define success?

Motivation, Purpose, Impact.

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

Always listen carefully to your customers’ needs.

How do you motivate yourself and your staff?

There are a few elements that are integral to maintaining team motivation. I try to make sure there is clear and regular communication with the team, and that everyone feels they have a real sense of purpose in their role and feel valued. Beyond that, it is important to make sure they are provided with the support and tools they need to be successful.

When it comes to motivating myself, I am extremely active and enjoy going to the Gym early before work. This sets the day off on the right course for me. I always work off a to-do list, and have short and long-term goals. I am optimistic and tend to surround myself with like-minded people: “The answer is YES – the question is how will we get it done”? I think working with likeminded people and committing to end goals as a collective is a fantastic way to keep motivation levels high.

How do you relax?

I like to go to the gym to relax, and cooking is one of my most favourite pastimes at the weekend, as well as spending quality time with my family.

What’s your motto?

I have a few: Never give up; what is meant for you will not pass you; and everything happens for a reason.

What are your aspirations for the future of the business?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company and the market leader in Ireland. One of our goals is to enable our customers to achieve competitive advantage via our global platform that combines all the right places, partners, and possibilities they need to succeed.

I feel very proud to be a part of this organisation and look forward to contributing to the future growth of Equinix in Ireland and the ongoing collaboration with our customers and partners.

Having earned our credentials as the platform of choice for some of the world’s most dynamic companies, we are firmly committed to guiding the digital transformation strategies of large swathes of enterprises on the international stage and here in Ireland. We are particularly excited about helping Irish businesses leverage our unrivalled global reach to broaden their growth horizons and innovate at pace.