Describe yourself in a few sentences:
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“50 Women You Should Know – Female Game Changers in Ireland” – Her.ie 2016
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“Top 100 Digital Influencers in Ireland” – Goss.ie 2016
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“Irish Self-made Women to Admire” – Lucey Fund 2016
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“Top 5 PR Pros to connect with in 2016” – Media HQ
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“Top 60 People to Follow on Twitter” – Goss.ie 2016
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“Top 50 People to Watch in 2015” – Lovin Trends
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“One of the most successful digital influencers in Ireland” – Sunday Business Post
What is your proudest moment to date?
I’ve been very, very fortunate in life and have been gifted so many incredible opportunities but if I’m honest, my proudest moments are always when my parents tell me they are proud of my achievements. I was a bit of a wild child in school and college and know I caused a lot of worry for them so it’s always fantastic to share moments of success with them, they are always the first people I call with good news and if I’m nominated for awards, they are always on my arm at the awards ceremonies which makes me proud as punch! My dad is a senior manager in the banking sector and my mum an entrepreneur with two businesses so they have always been pillars of support for me, I couldn’t ask for better role models.
Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?
Oh anyone who knows me will tell you I have a quote for everything, so hard to choose just one, but one of my favourites is “work on your vibe and it will build your tribe”, which I guess means, stay true to yourself and be conscious of how you make others feel and it will mean that the people around you will always be meant for you.
A wise woman once told me “the one thing people are guaranteed to remember about you is how you make them feel” so I guess I’m always aware of that.
Favourite book and album?
So many favourite books, most recently though they are Andrea Hayes’ book “My Life Goals Journal”, I’m really enjoying discovering myself whilst reading it, and then Jules Col’s “Flabrynth”, it’s a tonic, literally a laugh a minute and yet inspiring at the same time.
Favourite Album would have to be anything from Postmodern Jukebox, always stick these guys on when I’m working late and instantly lifts my mood.
Tell us a bit about what you do?
The ultimate social media addict! When she’s not busy working as Head of Digital at Insight Consultants you will find her chained to a computer or glued to her phone somewhere in the city! Having spent many years learning and sharing digital communication skills she has built up a vast knowledge of the sector and campaigns in the integration of digital marketing into Irish businesses. A lover of analytics and SEO, when it comes to stats and facts her enthusiasm can be infectious.
Known in the digital community as Ciamhie Mc Digital, she brings a wealth of experience to Insight Consultants online PR and digital marketing offerings. As former lecturer in social media and digital marketing, and director of digital education at the European Institute of Communications, as well as successfully running her own digital and communications agencies, Ciamh has worked with an impressive array of clients from all forms of industries including government bodies, non-profits, film and TV, entertainment and lifestyle, events, awards and festivals, tech start ups, sports, finance, legal and insurance, SMEs and multinational corporate organisations and is a regular speaker at conferences, summits and events, most recently the Sunday Business Post’s Swipe Summit, The Smart Business Show, and the Irish Blogger Conference.
Ciamh also loves to give back as much as she can in her (little) spare time and sits on the board of the Irish Homeless Street Leagues, volunteers overseas in Haiti with Haven and mentors a number of young communications graduates.
Has anyone been a big influence in your life?
Again, I know I’ve mentioned it above, but my parents real are my role models. I always go to my Dad to sound out new business ideas or get advice but then go to my mum for more emotional support and creative advice. I was also blessed with phenomenal grandparents who inspire me so much, still, particularly my two grandmothers Lilly and Patricia – these two ladies were really before their time, and my gran Lilly still surprises me with words of wisdom (and an hysterical sense of humour)
Have you faced any challenges getting to where you are right now?
Absolutely! I dropped out of college after a year as I was probably the least academic person I knew, and I was lost for a few years, not really knowing who I was or where I was going. I didn’t know what I wanted in life, never mind how to go about getting it. It’s funny to think, but my job didn’t exist when I left college, never mind when I was finishing school! What I have learnt though is life has a funny way of guiding you in the right direction and if you love what you do then it’s worth working hard and excelling.
What do you do to relax?
My “me time” usually consists of partying the night away in the city surrounded by friends, there’s no better way to let your hair down! I also love to escape down the country to my parents and chill out with family.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
Good news! It might sound cheesy, but I’m volunteer on the board of a charity called the Irish Homeless Street Leagues who are a partner of the Homeless World Cup, and last weekend I got to share with our players that for the first time ever, our women’s team have qualified for the Homeless World Cup, and that we’ve also secured a corporate partner for the year. Their faces and the joy and hope that news brought them will stay with me for a very long time.
What are your 3 best qualities?
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People skills (I LOVE people),
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Creativity (I love to find new, fun ways of telling a story),
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Determination or drive (If I want something, I will do whatever I can to make it happen)
