Season 7
The Global Interview season 7 is marked for our two first artists on the website. We are very proud to find and interview loads of amazing people and includes more creatives in our community. We also have guests in technology, marketing and communication, and craft-sustainable industry.
“Draw every day, create every day. Don't be perturbed by rejection or opinions because you are the only person that can do what you do. People put a monetary value on everything; there's more to it than finance.”
Gala Tomasso
Gala Tomasso
Artist, Illustrator and Founder of Project Gala
Gala Tomasso was born in Edinburgh and brought up in the new town of Livingston, West Lothian. Gala followed her family and moved to the West of Ireland in 2000, currently settled in Connemara with strong roots in Clare and Galway county.
Her interest and creative development stemmed from encouragement given by her artistic parents from a very young age. This creativity also evolved as a coping mechanism and the need to escape the chaos of a dysfunctional childhood. Gala immersed herself in art-making, drawing, sewing, and modelling.
“
Don't be afraid to try something that you believe will and can work. If it doesn't work, learn from it and try again. Never stop trying and always be yourself.
”
PJ Byrne
PJ Byrne
Chief Executive Officer of flexifi Europe
PJ Byrne is Chief Executive Officer of flexifi, a consumer finance company whose parent company is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
Starting his career as an engineer, he pivoted to the hospitality industry before ending up in financial services where he has demonstrated his entrepreneurial ability, scaling companies in domestic and international marketplaces.
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As technology moves forward, our need for empathy remains. Empathy is fundamental to effective adoption of a technology change. We should also be selective in what we de-humanise, and we should determine where it is beneficial to retain the human element.”
Caragh O'Carroll
Caragh O'Carroll
Distinguished Engineer &
Data-focused Digital Co-Creation at Fujitsu
Caragh O'Carroll, Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, has a keen interest in data strategy and the potential of data-centric companies. Her particular focus at present is unpicking the 'value from data' concept – finding the keys to actually extracting value.
Having graduated in 2019 with a Masters in the 'Management of Information Systems Strategy' and as the sector lead for both the telecoms and defence industries, she focuses on transformation through combining business challenges with technology solutions.
“Be confident in your work.
Heinz is a worldwide brand that bought my very first ketchup paintings, and I have been blessed to work with over the years.
”
Orla Walsh
Orla Walsh
Artist (OrlaWalsh.com)
Orla Walsh is a full-time artist. From the very first set of drawings being taken to the Waldock Gallery to numerous internationally recognised exhibitions. Orla has accomplished a lot and has worked closely with a growing number of global brands and commissions. Orla has an impressive portfolio of work.
Her work encompasses a journey from the studio to the Shard, from 'The Lost Warhols' to the world's boardrooms, and other relevant awards and conferences around the world.
“Defend your ideas, contest ideas, and remember the golden rule: "this is supposed to be fun".
Just be the best that you can be—every day. And don't beat yourself up, because tomorrow is another day.”
Jude Browne
Jude Browne
Director of Marketing at Newcastle University
Jude Browne started her working life as a psychologist, turned London agency account planner - fascinated why people chose 'this' over 'that'. After a spell at News International plc, sharpening her commercial skills, Jude took leave off work to study full-time for an MBA in London, to learn the theory behind the practice.
Returning to the client-side, she rose to be Marketing Director for major UK players in retail and telecommunications.
“There’s no use in wasting hours and hours nose-deep in theory. The only way to get really good at crafting great experiences is to roll your sleeves up, get to deeply know the people whose problems you’re solving, and do the work – always testing and iterating.”
Branka Injac Misic
Branka Injac Misic
Founder of One Tiny Tribe and Co-Founder of GigSuper
Branka Injac Misic is Co-Founder of GigSuper – a superannuation fund built on the simple idea that you shouldn’t need to be a finance expert to do super properly when you’re self-employed. Branka currently looks after CX and community at GigSuper.
She was previously in charge of developing and optimising business communications with evidence-based marketing across multiple platforms, by combining psychology and online behaviour with persuasive copywriting methods and kickass UX.
“Regardless if you are trying to build a million euro industry, and have thousands of employees, or you want to run a small business with a particular ethos, you need to figure out how to "do you" and go for it. Then work-life will always be easy.”
Janni Sjostrand
Janni Sjostrand
Chairperson and Co-Founder of
Imagine Sporthorses & Janni Bars
Janni Sjostrand, Swedish. Living in Ireland for over ten years. She moved to Ireland because she thought Ireland was the best place for her to follow her passion, horses.
In 2016 Imagine Sporthorses was founded, and it has since sold and exported hundreds of horses. They are also breeders and active within Showjumping in Ireland.
“Success can be measured on a number of levels. If the balance sheet is healthy or stakeholders and customers hold you in high regard, and you have struck a good work-life balance, then you have it nailed. The key learning in life for me is that you shouldn’t be afraid to say no.”
Conor Battigan
Conor Battigan
Chief Executive Officer of Sandyford Business District
Conor Battigan is Chief Executive Officer of Sandyford Business District, the largest business improvement district on the island of Ireland and home to 1,000 companies employing over 26,000 people.
He is responsible for developing the District into a world-class destination in which to work and live, and he has driven a number of initiatives to deliver on that ambition.