Mairead Mackle: a woman in her heyday

11 minute read time

I first came across Mairead Mackle when, in a previous job as editorial director at a magazine, I was collating a list of female entrepreneurs for consideration by a judging panel in an annual Women of the Year awards (which she ultimately and unanimously won). Yes, I hate those lists too, but the job required it. Anyway, her story fascinated me. Her capable, determined energy paired with her commitment to mothering her seven children inspired me. Now, I don’t agree with any sort of profile feature that pits certain women above others, or that lists career achievements over everything else in life. We all ‘achieve’ - don’t we get through each day? But sometimes, seeing how someone else approaches her life can be both interesting and inspirational. Mairead’s vision, tenacity, and sense of purpose hooked me in, so I had to ask her about how she views her life now, in midlife.

Which three adjectives describe you best?

Purposeful, innovative, energetic.

What is on your mind most these days?

Getting our new businesses in the Tarasis Enterprises suite, up and running.

What is the last thing that you said no to?

Speaking on the radio about Brexit.

What is the last thing you said yes to?

Doing a TEDx talk and also Speaking on RTÉ re my entrepreneurial journey.

What made you decide to do what you are now doing in your life?

I had a passion for making my own way in the world and I love to do something that makes a difference in people’s lives. I also love the flexibility of running my own business which fits with our decision to have seven children!

How many things have you been in your life so far?

Daughter - I grew up on a farm in Fermanagh.
Sister – I have eight siblings.
Student - Attended University in Belfast and studied Podiatry.
NHS employee – worked as a podiatrist in the Health Service.
Self-employed - Opened my own Podiatry Practice for two years.
Founder - Started HCIL domiciliary care at my kitchen table in 1995.
Entrepreneur - Expanded into Homecare Housing in 2004.
Philanthropist - Co-Founded iCare Charity in 2010.
Voice for change - Founded Evolve Women in 2018.
Strategist - 2019 created Tarasis Enterprises – our suite of innovative and progressive businesses, focused on the future of living.
Mother - Mother of seven children from 29 to our youngest five-year-old twins

Where do you come into your family, and did this have any influence on you?

I’m a twin and I’m fourth in a family of nine. I’ve read that middle children are the negotiators and thankfully we are a very close family.

What is the best, and worst piece of advice you have received in your life so far?

BEST: “If a business doesn’t give you more life, it’s taking your life away,” – from the E-Myth by Michael E Gerber.

WORST: “Hard work achieves success,” but I’ve realised that it’s so more than that…its’s about your strategy, it’s about your team, it’s about your vision!

What does midlife feel like to you?

It feels amazing. You’re not afraid to do your own thing and follow your passions.

PROS: My older children have become my friends which is lovely to do stuff with them, work out together, spend evenings at home together, etc. Experience teaches you to live in the day, be grateful, be present, enjoy the moment, appreciate the important things.

CONS: None, really. I believe in enjoying every step of the journey. You are where you are...just look forward.

Has there been a place or experience that has transformed your ideas and given you a new perspective?

I visited India in 2011 as part of the Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland programme which was an experience. It was there we were introduced to the concept of CSR, (Corporate Social Responsibility) and we realised on that trip that we could use our business to create a better world so we came back and started our own charity iCare, which is committed to spreading kindness without limits.

In 2019 I participated in the Global Ambassadors programme with Vital Voices in Paris; female leaders from across the world coming together. We had some really powerful conversations about the challenges women face globally and it really inspired my strategy and plans for Evolve Women and how I can play my part in helping to create an equal society.

Is there a milestone you are working towards in your personal or professional life at the moment?

Evolve, the Community Interest Company I set up in 2018 is hosting its first Global conference virtually on Thursday 11th March to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021 called “Leading Change”. We have fantastic guest speakers and interactive sessions planned, so I’m very excited about this.

I’m taking part in a February fitness challenge to support Armagh Ladies GFC and I’m publishing a book this year called “Voices of Leadership” which is a collaborative piece shining a spotlight on female leaders across the world. I’m in the process of developing our new wellbeing clinic too, so that’s an exciting project and building our new home office range so that’s exciting also - we have amazing teams who bring the vision into a reality every day!

How do you think the world of work can improve for women?

My recent TEDx Talk delves into this question in more detail and how we can influence culture and behaviour within the home and the workplace. We need to continue challenging both policy and societal behaviours and culture. Creating awareness is critical –we should be aware of global issues affecting women, not just in our own county.

I believe female leaders have a responsibility to build and develop confidence in women and also to encourage the next generation which is why I set up Evolve in 2018. We also need to call out inequalities – we need to challenge for change.

The current pandemic has shown that the qualities of female leaders are what we need in a crisis. Research has shown that equality is good for the home and good for business.

I’ve read so many reports on how women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic – women are overrepresented in some of the hardest-hit industries – retail, healthcare, food service, entertainment – over 40% of women in employment work in these industries – this will continue to have a critical impact on women globally.

What do you spend too much time doing? And what do you spend too little doing?

Too much: My personality test came out that I’m an innovator and a bit of a dreamer so I probably spend too much time thinking about the next project to get started on. I only work to deadlines so I leave things to the last minute and then and have to do all-nighter ( like answering these questions!).

Too little: Cooking. My husband is a better chef than me anyway and the kids all agree! The kids all say that they’ve all had to learn to cook themselves or they’d starve, but I think that’s a good thing. They are learning real-life skills!

How do you care for your own wellbeing?

Online PT sessions, I also take part in mentor groups sessions which are great. Family time is my relaxation, so lockdown allowed for much more of that. Before the pandemic, I was travelling a lot and I’m delighted that I can do a lot from home now. I’m currently doing a course on ‘functional medicine’ and how we can create a strong mindset which helps us to help make good decisions for our health and our personal and professional growth.

What do you feel free of now that you are at this life stage?

I still have little ones, so I’m glad not to be free of that. Although I wouldn’t say no to an odd sleep in!

What gives you the most stress at this life stage?

Making sure I balance my time appropriately. Dedicating enough time to the important things; both my family and my amazing team at work...the benefit of this life stage is that we realise what the important things actually are!

Do you sleep well?

Mostly, but I’m an early riser and my husbands the opposite, he would stay up late. When the babies were small it worked out well for the night feeds!

What advice would you offer to yourself in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s?

If I could go back 25 years to when I started in business, I would have built a leadership team straight away – I tried to do it all myself for too long but now I have learned that it’s better to delegate and let my great team help make our vision a reality.

At home, I have also learned to let go a little and take help when it’s being offered. You don’t have to do it all yourself - surround yourself with great people. Enjoy the journey at every stage.

What do you love about yourself?

I think I’m resilient and grounded. I also like that I try new things without worrying about how they’ll turn out…take a chance, especially in business. I like the fact that I get so much joy with iCare when we can help someone out, even with the smallest gesture.

When do you feel truly alive?

That’s a hard question… but I love just sitting down with the family, getting the popcorn, and watching a movie together or having a good hearty discussion where we all have different views! Cocktail/whiskey nights with the older ones are great fun too and we can chat to the early hours. I love to hear all the views and craic of the younger generation and their dreams and plans.

I also love working on the iCare and Evolve projects. My passions are leadership, kindness and equality.

What do you consider your biggest achievement?

My children, and also I’ve been married for 30 years.

What was a major turning point in your life?

I took part in an AIB Women in Enterprise Growth Academy a few years ago and it completely re-energised me. It was a safe space with amazing female business leaders in Ireland and it totally changed my perspective on things. Our AIB ladies still have a very close and trusted bond and we can reach out to each other for any advice or guidance. During this time, I was also introduced to Lift Ireland (Leading Ireland's Future Together) and was so delighted to be able to support their founders and meet the great John Maxwell in the process.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

Evolve has some exciting plans in 2021. We support equality, female founders, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and leaders in all walks of life, from their kitchens to their boardrooms, to unleash their full potential, achieve success and reach their goals and dreams.

Our International “Leading Change” Conference is on 11th March (www.evolvewomen.org), we have an amazing line up of different perspectives. The Launch of our book “Voices of Leadership” - Shining a spotlight on female leaders across the world who use their voice to encourage, support and inspire – will be released in the summer.

Are you a good friend?

I think so! I hope so! I have a few close and trusted friends.

What in life is beautiful to you? Where do you find inspiration?

My family, my husband – he only sees the best in others. I also love listening to audiobooks when I’m driving – listening to people’s stories about personal development, their wellbeing, businesses built from the ground, how they define success – I find that inspiring.

Any regrets?

That would be pointless - only look forward.

Knowing what you know now, what is most important in life?

My Family, appreciation and also taking the opportunity to help or support where you can. “You rise by lifting others.”

What makes you feel at home?

We built our home 16 years ago and just driving through the gates makes me feel home. I used to get the same feeling driving home when I was young and lived on a farm in Fermanagh – butterflies driving up the lane.

Favourite book, and why?

I’m not a reader, to be honest. I rarely read unless it’s reading with the kids (homeschooling). I really enjoy listening to audiobooks or podcasts especially about business, nutrition or personal development. One of my favourites is The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership – John C Maxwell.

Favourite piece of music, and why?

I love Christmas, so Greg Lake’s I believe in Father Christmas is one of my favourites. There are a few Concerts that I’ve really loved - Tammy Wynette in Belfast in the ’80s, Kris Kristofferson in the Olympia, Sitting in the front row at one of The Vamps first concerts in London...I remember I was seven months pregnant and walking through London with my daughter in the rain!

Last time you cried (tears of joy count!)

I cry at the end of movies, even when they’re happy.

How do you draw on your own inner strength?

I don’t know if it’s nurture or nature – I just tend to get on with things. I took after my mother!

What are your feelings about this new world we find ourselves in now?

Strange and challenging times for us all but “necessity is the mother of invention.” We need to support our communities and look to a more positive future and believe that new times will bring new opportunities.

How do you draw on your creativity and productivity in times of stress?

I love talking to my older children, getting their perspective. I have a great close and trusted team in work, who will tell me how it is – this all helps with creativity and looking at a project with fresh eyes, new ideas and finding solutions.

Has life throughout the pandemic changed anything major for you, or made you reassess your direction at all?

In 2020 I had a chance to look at where we are going as a business. I want to focus now on more purposeful projects, be more reflective in the work I do. The last year has allowed me to slow down and get in some thinking time under my belt.

I’ve also discovered what a Netflix binge is all about … I personally recommend Bridgerton!