Ciarán O’Reilly is CEO of Expert Ireland Retail and President of Expert International GMBH. He has over 30 years’ experience in the electrical appliance industry. Expert Ireland is a buying/marketing group in the electrical appliances retail business with 44 members across 67 stores, Expert International is located in 23 countries. As CEO Ciarán has helped Expert Ireland to become the strongest retail chain and market leader in the industry by providing strategic direction to member retailers, creation of store branding and developing supplier relationships. Ciáran is a family man with 4 children, a keen sports player and manager.
Under what conditions do you get your best work done?
I work best under pressure and on time schedule. I am at my best leading a team and bringing each team member with me but knowing when to make a call and move forward.
As organisations get larger there’s often a tendency toward dampening inspiration. How do you encourage creative thinking within your or your client’s organisations?
It is important to involve all stakeholders at every stage in development to ensure each participant can feel a part of the progress.
Have you had a mentor and if so how did this person impact you?
No, I never had a mentor but I used my contacts over the years to bounce ideas around.
What is the one mistake you witness leaders making more frequently than others?
The key error that leaders make is putting an I in team.
Have you ever been professionally stuck? How did you become unstuck?
I have been stuck many times and the only way out is to take a step back and have a full review of the situation.
What qualities do you believe are the most important to be a leader? If not all these qualities come naturally, do you have any tips on how to cultivate them?
It is absolutely vital to be able to make a decision and stick with it. You should always be willing to take advice and trust in others.
