Episode 7: Louise Phelan

In Episode 7 of the 'Life and Leadership Podcast,' host Bobby Kerr interviews Louise Phelan, a prominent figure in the corporate world known for her executive prowess. Louise shares her journey from her upbringing in a large family of 17 in County Laois to her rise in the corporate ranks. The episode delves into her professional milestones, including her transformative roles at Woodchester investments, GE Capital, and notably as Vice President of PayPal, where she established a significant company base in County Laois, creating over a thousand jobs. Louise reflects on her life now, enjoying her luxury apartment in Dublin and her transition from a full-time corporate role to pursuing personal interests and family commitments.

Louise's narrative is one of organized chaos in her early life, a strong work ethic instilled by her parents, and a career path marked by tenacity and strategic moves. She discusses her accidental discovery of her current residence, her early career in pediatric nursing, and her pivot to the corporate world after realizing her emotional investment in nursing wasn't sustainable. Louise's experiences at Mars and GE Capital laid the groundwork for her later success at PayPal, where she was instrumental in scaling the company's operations and workforce in Ireland. The episode also touches on her leadership style, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people, being authentic, and maintaining open communication.

The latter part of the conversation shifts to her post-PayPal life, including her temporary leadership role in her brother's renewable energy business during his illness, her views on the tech industry slowdown, and the future of work post-COVID. Louise shares her insights on the evolving landscape of employment, the need for diverse skill sets beyond academic qualifications, and the importance of work-life balance. She also discusses her role as a non-executive director at Ryanair, her involvement in mentoring female entrepreneurs, and her perspectives on leadership and trust.