I have worked within the retail industry for the last 20 years.
I started my career with Tesco, moving across to Sainsbury’s 18 years ago. I worked across many areas of our business, spending the majority of my time working with colleagues and supporting customers across many of our stores in Northern Ireland. I was a Store Manager for 10 years and in the last six months have been given the opportunity to lead the team in Northern Ireland as the Regional Stores Director. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles has profoundly shaped my perspective on conflict, division, and the importance of change. The tension, unrest, and deeply rooted divides I witnessed as a child left an indelible mark on me, teaching me the devastating impact of inequality and intolerance. In a society where communities were divided by political and religious lines, it became clear that the consequences of injustice, exclusion, and lack of understanding could lead to long-lasting harm. I saw first hand how fear, mistrust, and a lack of dialogue could fuel conflict, and I began to understand the power of inclusivity, empathy, and, most importantly, change. As an adult, these experiences have instilled in me a deep desire to make a difference. I became passionate about creating environments, whether in my personal life or in the workplace, where everyone feels valued and heard, regardless of their background.