Carmel McKinney: Northern Ireland Fire And Rescue Service (NIFRS)
Meet Carmel McKinney…
Carmel McKinney is the Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).
After studying English and French at university, Carmel went on to become a teacher and one of Northern Ireland’s leading experts in the area of Dyslexia. This journey eventually resulted in her becoming the principal of a school and receiving an OBE for her work in education.
Later in life, Carmel pivoted into a career into the public sector, sitting on and advising many boards — some which where she was the only woman out of 35 people — before becoming the chairperson of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
The impact of her work has been recognised through a number of highly prestigious awards including the Institute of Directors Non-Executive Director of the Year Award and the Guardian Public Services Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Carmel is also an acclaimed Irish-dancer and has taken part in competitions all over the world. Her claim to fame in that department of her life was dancing for the US President on St. Patricks day.
In today’s episode, we talk about the importance of ‘giving it a go’ and trying new things, the role Carmel’s family has played in her success and how to really change the world.
Introducing ‘The Disruptors’ — a mini-series presented in partnership with Fleet Financial
Our chat with Carmel McKinney is the fifth episode in ‘The Disruptors’ mini-series.
By partnering up with the guys at Fleet Financial, we’re able to bring you six exclusive interviews with some of Northern Ireland’s most disruptive industry leaders. Recorded in the usual Best Of Belfast style, these hour-long conversations will give you insight into what it takes to adapt in an ever-changing world, become a disruptive leader and make a difference through your work.
The best part is, every episode is available as a video podcast too with a new episode being released every other week on our podcast channels and the Fleet Financial YouTube page.
This is unlike any series we’ve brought to you before, and a real opportunity to learn from men and women at the top of their industry who influence and shape our day-to-day lives.
How To Listen
If you don’t have time to watch the full video, you can listen to today’s show with Carmel McKinney on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast or your favourite podcast app.
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Treasure Trove For Carmel McKinney:
Favourite book: The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald (affiliate link).
Favourite quote: There is no elevator to success - you have to take the stairs
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Thanks again to Carmel McKinney for taking the time to share her story with us!
See you next time.
- Matt
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