Sinead Cassidy, Marketing Manager of the Galway Races: ‘Be hungry. Be humble. And be hardworking’

Join us for the next IMAGE Networking Breakfast on Friday, 19th October at the five-star Marker Hotel, where IMAGE contributing editor Melanie Morris will be talking to Executive Director of CBRE Ireland, Marie Hunt; Managing Director of Lolly and Cooks, Lolly Strahan, and Sales and Marketing Manager of the Galway Races, Sinead Cassidy. Our fabulous panel of speakers will reflect on all of the lessons that they have learned throughout their impressive careers, such as decisions made in the past, how they would have done things differently in hindsight and any words of wisdom that they can share with us.

We took a few minutes to catch up with Marketing Manager of the Galway Races, Sinead Cassidy ahead of her talk.

Have you always wanted to work in Marketing?

I was always plotting and planning little business ventures when I was younger and was intrigued by advertising campaigns. I truly love what I do and am very passionate about it. However, it was pure luck that I choose marketing for my career path. In school, it was either put down nursing/midwifery (as I love babies) or marketing on my CAO form. I choose marketing which is the perfect fit for me as I felt I may not be the best with blood! Thankfully that’s worked out!

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

That I get to be creative and have fun with our brand, helping create memorable fun experiences for our racegoers in an industry that I love. The Galway Races celebrates its 150^th year in 2019. We’ve lots of plans on making next year extra special. We have such a groundswell of support, it’s remarkable and a testament to the team that have worked here all through the years. The brand is iconic and it’s multi-generational. Born and bred in Galway, I’ve been coming to the races since I was a little girl with my parents, then I used to stay here in the old Weigh Room for Pony Club camp so I’ve a lot of nostalgia associated with the racecourse. I hear so many stories from our racegoers about special moments that happened here at the racecourse and what Galway Races means to them, from meeting their future husband/wife, to engagements and racegoers that haven’t missed a Summer Festival in over 70 years the list goes on.

What do you find the most challenging?

Balancing motherhood with a career. It’s getting easier and I’ve a very supportive boss. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my parents who are my tag team.

Do you have a business mentor?

Yes. I am very lucky to bend the ear of my friend Enda McNulty from McNulty Performance. Our paths crossed a few years ago when we met via the Irish Rugby team who he was working with and he took me under his wing. It was a life-changing moment for me. That’s one of the things I love about life, you just never know what opportunity will present itself to you on any given day. Enda really knows how to get people to perform at their best and to get them to believe in themselves and reach their full potential. His advice has made a huge impact on my life.

Do you have a life mantra that you go by?

Be hungry. Be humble. And be hardworking. Listen to your gut. It’s key in guiding you once you tune in. I tune in daily.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Back yourself more…and think big! Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. I wish I could go back and chat to that younger Sinéad in her teenage years and tell her she has all she needs to succeed in every part of her life. Self-belief is so so important. I feel it’s a message we need to spread to younger people today. There’s nothing that you can’t do once you put your mind to it.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned since starting your career?

Research, look at best practice globally and listen to what the market is telling you. Concentrate on doing really good work and the rest will flow from that. Keep up-skilling and learning. Become an expert in your field.

How do you manage your work life balance?

I’m still working on that. I have a little boy so thankfully he helps influence my leisure time a lot these days. We’re immersed in all types of sport due to his influence and loving it. Daily we’re outdoors on the prom in Galway, swimming, or up to some adventure. He has expanded my life in so many ways.

You appear to be on the road travelling a lot, how do you keep yourself entertained, do you have a favourite station, audiobook or podcast that you listen to?

 I love learning and listening to other people’s stories. I enjoy Ted Talks, Jarlath Regan’s An Irishman Aboard series, Lisa Nichols and Oprah Super Sunday videos.

Start off your day in the beautiful surroundings of The Marker Hotel enjoying a delicious breakfast spread of fresh fruit and pastries, and of course, plenty of coffee to fuel the morning. Get the opportunity to network with guests before taking your seats to welcome Melanie Morris on stage, alongside our esteemed panel of businesswomen. As always, there will be the opportunity to ask any of our speakers your questions at the end of the event. Everyone will leave with a fabulous luxury gift bag, as well as the chance to win some amazing prizes throughout the morning.

When: Friday 19th October
Breakfast treats from 7.30am

Where: The Marker Hotel

Tickets: €45* available on Eventbrite here
*Including luxury gift bag

Alternatively, email events@image.ie
or phone (01) 271 9615