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Margot Slattery

Country President, Sodexo Ireland

Margot Slattery

Margot Slattery

Country President, Sodexo Ireland

Limerick born Margot is widely recognised for her commitment to D & I (Diversity & Inclusion) and women in business. She has been on the Financial Times’ Top 100 list of OUTstanding LGBT Business Leaders since 2015. Read more View Less

Sodexo is one of Ireland’s largest on-site service providers, delivering catering and FM services to clients in business, education, government services. 

Why did you decide to join the IoD?  

To enhance my knowledge and learning and grow our business network 

Since joining the IoD, how have you benefitted from your membership? 

Enormously, great events and training and meeting new members 

What do you particularly value from your IoD membership?  

Insights into business and governance 

What is the most important business lesson that you have learned in your career to date?  

No matter what your business is in, everything is about people, it starts and ends there.

Is there someone who has had a major impact on you as a leader? Why and how did this person impact your life? 

Lots of people, particularly Mary Robinson. I have been inspired by her over the last 30 years, she is a leader who has values and works for change, not ego.

Where are the biggest changes you have seen in business over your career?   

Digital is truly changing our world, global warming and climate change are challenging us all, especially in geopolitics. 

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? 

Empathy, followed by listening skills and the ability to collaborate and make decisions. 

How do you think business leaders can best prepare for the future? 

Keep learning and listening. Inspiration and solutions can sometimes come from the most unlikely quarters!

What advice would you offer to new or aspiring directors in Ireland?

Along with my answer to the previous question, be open, take calculated risks and bring people with you.
 
(Published July 2019)