Be prepared to reinvent yourself
NI Business Now talks to Nigel Brady, director of Bryson Energy, to find out about his job and what makes him tick in and out of work. His key piece of advice: “be prepared to reinvent yourself.”
What was your first job?
My first job was working for the National Trust at Florence Court House in County Fermanagh. I have always been interested in conservation and sustainability and am very fortunate that I have had a long career in an area I am passionate about.
What qualifications do you have?
I have an Honours Degree in Combined Humanities as well as qualifications in Business Studies, Energy Efficiency, Transport and Renewable Technologies.
What do you attribute your success to?
Doing something I enjoy combined with the ability to adjust to change. You cannot afford to stand still and need to be prepared to reinvent yourself and acquire new skills.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I am passionate, confident and committed to what I do.
Who do you look up to in business?
I admire social entrepreneurs, people who want to make a real difference and change their community for the better. It takes a level of determination to make that vision a reality and I truly admire those who have that ability.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
It’s all about engagement and opportunity. It is important that people feel part of a team and are clear about what we are trying to achieve and their role in helping achieve that goal. Many of the people that I work with have been with Bryson Energy for a long number of years and have had the opportunity to progress their careers in the organisation.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I would like to see a significant increase in the number of businesses operating on the social economy model which puts people before profit.
What website could you not do without?
Bryson Energy’s of course! www.brysonenergy.org
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I am voluntary Chairman of Drumlin Wind Energy Cooperative. Drumlin is Northern Ireland’s first wind energy cooperative and has raised almost £4M in share offers to build 6 x 250KW wind turbines. Drumlin offers large numbers of local people the opportunity to invest in and benefit from wind energy.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
With three young sons I don’t have much downtime but I enjoy reading.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
Do something that you enjoy. If you can get personal satisfaction from what you do then it follows that you will give it your all. Don’t waste your talents doing something that makes you unhappy.
