Anna Daly: ‘Going freelance was a risk. It’s a scary world without the security of a regular salary!’

Being a TV presenter never even registered as a career option, if I’m honest.

There wasn’t anyone I knew who did the job so it didn’t really exist in my world. In college, I studied Marketing, like lots of people who weren’t sure what they wanted at the time. I knew I enjoyed business – creating something, marketing it, selling it and making a profit appealed to me from the time we set up a mini company in Transition Year. The practical elements of that project really struck a chord with me. 

My most formative work experience was in a hotel on O’Connell Bridge called the Clifton Court Hotel.

I had notions of landing into The Shelbourne or somewhere a lot glossier but on reflection, it was a super introduction to the hospitality industry. It taught me the basics of things like welcoming guests, dealing with issues and complaints, liaising with various departments – lessons for life. 

The most invaluable thing I learned early on in my career was that there’s no such thing as a silly question!

During my school years, I had part-time jobs in local pubs and in Roches Stores but my first full-time job was in a bank as a trainee in the marketing department.  It didn’t excite me as much as I’d hoped!

A common misconception about what I do is that it’s always glamorous.

There’s the travel, graft, research, and hustling that people never see. It’s far from glam most of the time! 

My main responsibility in work depends on which hat I’m wearing that day!

As a freelancer, I do telly and radio. This week I’m on the Home Show on Newstalk which I’m really enjoying – talking Korean influences on home decor trends, I’m in my element! As a presenter, your main role is to anchor a show; open it, close it, engage viewers or listeners with the right sound bites and most importantly, listen. Listen to every word your guest says so you can ask the best next question and take the interview to interesting places, get new angles or stories from your guest that people haven’t heard before. Make it unique, move it on! 

I think I learn something from every presenter I’ve ever worked with.

Mark Cagney was an early mentor, Simon Delaney was like the bold child in the class but his fun spirit always transfers and it’s so enjoyable to work with him. Ivan Yates brought a new perspective and fresh thinking, he has a different (often controversial) approach and I found that so fun to watch. Miriam O’Callaghan is someone I’ve always admired – she’s so calm and elegant but is always asking the right questions and moving the story on. Miriam has been incredibly kind to me in terms of support and advice with me moving over to RTÉ. 

The biggest risk I have taken in my career so far is going freelance!

It’s a scary world out there without the security of a regular salary! 

I wake at the sound of my children!

The first thing I do every morning is hug my kids while getting my coffee! My morning routine is often varied and again, depends on what work I have on that day. I could have an early start and leave before my crew is up for a filming project or I could be mum on the school run. I like that mix though. It gives me a chance to be a very present mum who’s there at the school gates for my kids and sitting by their side for homework later that day and then in busier work weeks, I’m delving into projects and chats or interviews I really enjoy, giving me a sense of my own identity and value. I find these work projects help my confidence too. You show up, you dress up, you do your research or rehearsals, there’s a good outcome and it feels really good. 

I can’t go to work without coffee, make-up, research. 

Then I’m ready for the red light! 

On an average workday, I meet great people, learn something new, laugh at myself, and discover new locations.

I travel to work by car and sometimes by dart and the first thing I do at work is check in with the team I’m working with that day. Who are they? What needs to be done? What notes do I need to read? The most useful business tool I use every day is my phone – very predictable, I know. 

I rarely get through my working day without a good laugh!

Thankfully I’m in the business of people and stories so this is achieved pretty easily!  

The best part of my day is those magic moments when something has fallen into place and you know it’s going to develop into something great.

This is why I’m so excited to be involved in this year’s GOAL Mile campaign, proudly supported by AIB. Being able to encourage everyone to step up together and make a meaningful difference this Christmas is so important to me.

The most challenging part of my day is when things are running late and my mum mode is clicking in.

That juggle between home and work can be tough. but I know it’s been a good day if I’ve laughed a lot.  

After a long work week, I destress by going to my local pub (Horse and Hound in Delgany village) for a glass of pinot grigio by the cosy fire.

Before I go to bed, I’ll try to read a few pages of my book – I usually end up scrolling on my phone though. I often prepare for tomorrow by looking at the diary and prioritising what needs to happen first. 

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is being a mum to three great boys.

If you want to get into my line of work, my advice is to hustle hard! Never be afraid to send that ‘gentle reminder’! 

Anna Daly, Presenter & Broadcaster, pictured at the launch of the GOAL Mile, proudly supported by AIB, encouraging people across Ireland to ‘step up together’ this Christmas to support GOAL’s vital humanitarian efforts. Taking place in over 160 locations nationwide, the GOAL Mile invites participants to walk 2,000 steps to help raise funds for communities in need.

Early bird registration is now open at www.GOALmile.org. Participants and supporters can also donate directly to GOAL through the AIB app.

Photography by ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan.