Stephen Omeara has used his broad working experience as a stepping stone to becoming a Board Advisor
What’s your story?
I am the son of an Irish Advertising creative who moved to Jamaica in 1960s; the Grandson of a salesman who travelled the globe selling cakes. Their innate curiosity, love of people and being of service were genes passed to me.
I have worked across diverse sectors. I interned at the EU Commission & Parliament. I moved into export marketing roles for a food exporter. Next I dived into technology, and outsourcing, growing business for 20 years.
In 2020 I began contracting as a Global Program Lead – running complex change programs. Now I operate as Board Advisor where the learning is enriching.
What excites you most about your industry?
As Board Advisors, we have a big role to play. We see these existential challenges ie climate change, AI & big tech, less accountable global behemoths, broken global supply chains.
As a modern Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Board Advisor and Investor, I am hopeful as I see the massive potential of SMEs to lead a more sustainable, responsible economic growth – with the right expertise from us Board Advisors, and with better access to capital.
We can leverage the generational shift as babyboomer owners retire. Supporting SMEs to grow faster and to help handle SME succession phases will benefit our economies.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
My lived experience shows me that our only limit is our thinking. I see from my many immigrant friends a more adaptable mindset. I see in many living in a new place; they work effectively, participate fully, take a long-term view and are adaptable. I believe in that adaptability, owner and learning mindset. My own motivation is to make a strong impact by serving others to create more sustainable prosperity.
I believe that we underestimate ourselves. With self-belief, a bias for action, patience and with collaboration, we can achieve many worthwhile outcomes.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
I learned early on about the importance of shutting up and only listening. My curiosity to understand others and different views, ways of thinking and living has also served me well. I also understood early on that we individually don’t have to know all the answers but rather be good at coming together to collaborate and solve problems together.
I find the richness of life is in the diversity not in the uniformity…
And always treating everybody with respect no matter who they are is important.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. Be careful of your environment, spend time with people who are smarter, further ahead, and are positive. Also master your mind or it will master you.
Who inspires you?
My family and friends. My parents – my father and mother – for giving us space in our childhood to experiment, find adventure. Also, my children as they head into their early careers. They are all grounded, self aware, fun-loving, smart people. One is a doctor, another is a software engineer. My youngest may yet be a scientist or business woman..! She is still in college.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
That people the world over want to engage and help – if they are approached the right way, without threat, or without a patronising manner.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Maybe I would have realised and applied wisdoms about our own power and people sooner; then left corporate life earlier for a more independent entrepreneurial path. I find it more interesting and rewarding…
How do you unwind?
I love to engage in outdoor activities like sea swimming, hiking, walks in the forest, cycling and picnics. Also, I love to support exciting team sports like rugby, field hockey and Ireland’s greatest secret, GAA hurling.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
From working with a wide range of organisations, teams, and people, I realised how important collaboration skills, cultural and self awareness, relatability, and an open mind are in order to succeed big in this digital 21st century. Limiting our time on social media distractions is another way to enable us to achieve deep work.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I have a few.
- Influence – The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Caldini
- How to Win Friends and Influence by Dale Carnegie
- The Prince – Nicolo Machiavelli
- The Shortness of Life – Seneca
Shameless plug for your business or career:
If you are one or know of an SME CEO who currently does not have a functioning Company Board and who needs direction, please refer them to me directly about Advisory Board creation.
As part of a larger Board Advisor community, I myself address or can refer such SMEs to talented Advisory Board professionals and teams.
How can people connect with you?
Today I can be reached through contact option at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjjomeara.
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjjomeara
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.