Noelle O’Connor is an experienced Managing Director and Founder of TanOrganic, the only eco-certified self-tanning brand in the world. With a demonstrated history of working in the cosmetics industry, Noelle is skilled in negotiation, business planning, advertising, sales, and retail.
Noelle graduated from MIT Sloan School of Management and was the winner of Best Business Pitch and overall winner on Female High Flyers Program 2015 at Ryan Academy DCU.
Can leadership be taught? If so, how?
I am currently on a leadership growth academy programme in the hope of learning more about myself and my team and becoming a better leader. I do believe we can be taught to understand, listen respectfully, and communicate more effectively. I think we can always learn to be better versions of ourselves.
If you had to leave your organisation for 1 year what would you ask of your team and what advice would you give them?
If I was to leave now for a year I would probably not be as worried as I was two years ago as I am very lucky to have a great team with a great spirit. I would ask them to keep doing what they are doing and work as a team to make the best decisions they can to continue our growth. I did not get to where I am in business by myself and this would be an opportunity for them to show what they do best.
What are you doing today to make sure your organisation will be relevant in 10 years time?
As an innovative company, we are always pushing the boundaries of what can be done and stay on the cutting edge. Right now, we are working on the first ever patentable sunblock compound ingredient which will be a game changer in sun protection.
What leaders outside your own organisation do you admire and why?
I have learned a lot and admire John Maxwell who has written some great books on leadership. I admire most leaders as it is not an easy task and then to do it well even more challenging.
If you could wind back the clock to when you were starting your career what advice would you give yourself?
I wish I had learned more about myself and how to improve my communication with others. People buy people.
What are a few resources (books, blogs, podcasts, courses etc) you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader?
3 Great Books:
John Maxwell – “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”
Verne Harnish – “Rockefeller Habits”
Dale Carnegie- “How to Influence People and make Friends”
