No two days are the same for local government worker Anne Donaghy
The post: Chief Executive Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
The post holder: Anne Donaghy
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I began my career as an environmental health officer and worked my way through various posts in local government. I have been a chief executive for 12 years. It is so encouraging to me that local government offers a career path to satisfy ambition and I recommend local government as an excellent career choice. It’s a career path that builds on people’s talents and offers a good work/life balance and excellent support, while you are helping to improve the quality of people’s lives in their area.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I actually discovered my favourite subject at University – leadership and management. That really made me tick and inspired me for my career journey.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I went to Ulster University, where I studied environmental health.
How did you get into your area of work?
There was no secret – it was purely down to hard work. I’ve always been very focused and driven to keep going and progress. I love working in the public sector and being able to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s very rewarding and everyday is different. I heard it said that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life, and that’s how I feel.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Back when I was a child I probably couldn’t have told you what a chief executive did, let alone aspire to be one. Through each stage of my career, the vision has changed and I always look towards the next step and challenge. There was no grand plan it has been a step progress.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
A university degree was essential in the beginning but for me this is merely an admission ticket to an interview. The real learning for me began on the job. Much more important to me has been life experience and being able to work well with people. Academic qualifications have their place but the so-called softer skills are vital – people management, leadership, ambition and vision.
Are there alternative routes into this job?
There is no single pathway or route but dedication is essential and sacrifices do have to be made to achieve your goals. It’s all about balance, prioritising your time and identifying what really matters. You have to love what you do and have a real passion for it.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
In my role you have to be agile and consistently think on your feet. People skills are essential and the self-belief to be courageous when making decisions. You go with your gut instinct and draw on your experience every day. My job is all about judgment.
What does a typical day entail?
There is no such thing as a typical day in my role and that is what excites me about my job. One minute you could be dealing with an operational matter such as an issue at a cemetery, the next a multi-million pound investment – and everything in between. You are constantly taken from one aspect of the spectrum to another. I feel blessed to have such an amazing job which allows me to meet the most incredible people and hear their vision and then help them to deliver.
Describe your working environment?
We are very much a team Mid and East Antrim, including local businesses, our community and our stakeholders. I am passionate about getting everybody working together and I believe this is the vital ingredient of the success of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as a top performing council. Being able to make decisions which change people’s lives for the better is extremely special.
What are the best aspects of the job?
The best is having a very supportive council with an appetite for risk, which allows us to push the boundaries of traditional local government and become involved in some of the most ambitious programmes. I don’t think anybody could have imagined that Mid and East Antrim would have one of the leading bids involved in the building of the third runway at Heathrow.
What are the most challenging aspects of the job?
Working with a political environment is always challenging but my belief and respect in local democracy ensures the challenges are always faced head on and resolved. My biggest challenge is a personal one, with balancing my role as a mother of two young children while giving so much energy and commitment to being the Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Why is what you do so important?
It is about improving people’s lives. I am completely driven to create an overall eco-system within our community, including housing, investment, jobs, innovation, leisure, tourism and much more. Community self-esteem is more crucial. We want people to feel completely connected with their area and to learn, work live and raise their families here. Being at the heart of this excites me so much and I love everyday of what I do.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Work hard and give 100% to everything you do. Listen to advice from others but set your own journey. Respect your critics but follow your gut and do it your way – and believe, believe, believe.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
My daughter Andrea has Down syndrome and is my complete inspiration in life. In my view the world is much kinder and humane place with the addition of people with special needs. My job as Andrea’s mum is to find her talent and so, for me, if I was to change career path it would be my pleasure to work with children and young people with special needs and help them find their talent and to the fabric of all our communities.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Just enjoy every moment and love what you do, the people and the place. Without that, you will never have the ambition needed to be a chief executive.
Describe your ideal day off.
I’m a complete home bird and my ideal day off is one spent close to home and family. I love nothing better than spending some time with my family – the small things such as going for coffee with my sister Kathleen and taking my children to the park or McDonalds. There’s nothing more special in my life than getting hugs from my children. If only I could bottle that feeling.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Always respect where you are at on your career path and give it your very best. Make your own opportunities. Define your calling card and work hard at how people perceive you. Finally respect everyone you meet along the way and follow your heart.