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Five Minute Focus On: Caroline McSorley and Nicola Woods, Glandore

Glandore Members & Partners

Tell us about yourself (Nicola)

I was born and raised in a rural village on the Armagh Monaghan border and moved to Belfast over 6 years ago for University. I hadn’t really left Armagh before I decided to go to Kenya for a month to carry out charity work and as a result I love travelling and embracing new cultures. Since then I’ve spent a year studying Business Management in America and travelled to China to learn basic Mandarin.

Tell us about yourself (Caroline)

Like Nicola I also come from Armagh. I came to Belfast for University and fell in love with the place then. Even after living overseas for 10 years in Middle East and Australia I had to get back to where I most feel at home! I now have two little girls who keep me busy when I’m not at work.

Tell us about your role in Glandore (Nicola)

My role at Glandore revolves around our members. It’s great because it is literally my job to get to know all the incredible people in our buildings and try to tailor wellbeing, social and business advisory programmes and events to their needs.

Tell us about your role in Glandore (Caroline)

I am Sales Manager here at Glandore Belfast so I work closely with new and existing members to find the right flexible working space for them. It’s always interesting, I getting to meet a real mix of businesses and personalities, showing them our stylish space and finding a solution that will meet their different needs.

Tell us one reason why workplace communities matter for business (Nicola)

Without a community it’s very difficult for organic cross team collaboration to occur. Our members come from various sectors and range from start ups to large FDI’s. With this broad range of people comes a broad range of skillsets and by having a community like we do at Glandore we can tap into the skills and talent around us.

What do you like about living and working in Belfast? (Caroline)

I love how vibrant this city is, I first landed in Belfast in 1997 so the changes I have seen in that time are phenomenal. It’s become genuinely cosmopolitan with a vast choice of bars, cafes and restaurants. Events are happening all the time – all whilst still retaining what keeps it uniquely Belfast.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? (Nicola)

Short answer –Play sport.

I play both Gaelic Football and Camogie for my club Middletown and then Camogie for County Armagh. When I’m not playing, I’m helping out at underage level and on committees. I’ve recently been nominated secretary for St. John’s Camogie Club and I’m Public Relations Officer for Middletown GAA. Aside from sport I enjoy going along to gigs especially to hear local bands.

Who inspires you and why? (Caroline)

I think anyone that comes out of adversity stronger, with determination and creates success inspires me. I also enjoy the work of Simon Sinek founder of ‘Start with Why’.

I really believe in trying to understand the human element that drives people’s behaviour especially in a business context and he has a very optimistic take on leadership and supporting those you work with.

What what your proudest accomplishment in 2018? (Nicola)

That’s a tough one. Probably managing my first full year back in competitive sport after surgery on my knee.

What are your goals for 2019? (Caroline)

I’m looking forward to continuing to get to know our existing members in Arthur House and Arthur Place, raising more awareness of Glandore and how we can help businesses locally and further afield.

Beyond that I am determined to try out as many of the city’s great cafes and restaurants over the coming year. I might have to couple that with training for a 10km road race just to even things out!

Does working in Belfast appeal to you? Find out more on our Belfast Glandore office space here.  Or, if you are already living and working in Belfast, let us know what your favourite things are about the city @GlandoreNetwork.

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