Coffee Interview with Rowena Doyle

Could you share a bit about where you're from and what your childhood was like? How do you think those early experiences influenced your career journey?

Hi there, My name is Rowena, and I'm from Ireland. I grew up in a small remote town where summers were warm and full of endless fun playing in the hay fields. Winters were harsh with snow so high that we had to dig our way out of the house! Community projects were a big part of our lives, and I spent many years acting and dancing in a local town hall. Looking back, I think those experiences shaped my career journey. They taught me about the importance of working with others, public speaking, and always showing up. I carried those lessons with me into college life and beyond.

Career & Upskilling

Your career journey sounds fascinating! Before landing in Denmark, what were some of the standout roles and experiences you had in your professional field?

I ran my own company in Ireland for 10 years. It was a great experience and I had many standout moments. I never had the Sunday blues for all those years and even during stressful and challenging times, I always had a good feeling about what I was doing. However, when I moved to Denmark, I faced a new set of challenges. It was tough breaking back into the job market after so many years of working for myself. It took many interviews to finally land a job offer. 

To stay motivated, I made it a point to get out and about as much as possible. I talked to people in coffee shops and found a regular place to go where the staff knew me. These simple things helped me stay motivated through the transition."

Looking ahead, what are your career aspirations here in Denmark? And how do you plan to keep growing and evolving in your field?

This year I am being more trusting in myself and also leaning much more into my soft skills.

In your experience with learning and development, what do you believe are the key components of effective learning, and how do you ensure that these elements are incorporated into your programs or initiatives?

Creating effective training programs involves understanding your audience, strategic planning, and interactive learning methods. Tailor your training programs to be more effective and engaging by considering your audience's learning styles and needs, ensuring that your efforts align with the overall vision of the project, company, or organization. 

I am a big fan of interactive training to help promote collaboration, engagement, and enjoyment.

Continuous learning is key in today's rapidly changing landscape. What are some of your go-to strategies or resources for staying up-to-date with industry trends and personal development?

According to a recent survey, there will be a global skills shortage of over 85 million people by 2030. This is a hot topic right now and is being widely discussed. 

Personally, I enjoy attending events and conferences every year to meet people who share similar interests and to build connections within the industry.

Any advice for those looking to climb the career ladder in your field? What strategies have worked best for you?

Being open to embracing new technologies, I have either self-taught myself or sought the help of experts in areas such as E-Learning, APP-based technology, and AI. 

One other advice I would give is, always be true to your values. Through my experience, I have learned that something more amazing will always come along that is a better fit for you, whether it be in business, career, or life in general.

Mentorship and Leadership Development:

Have you had any significant mentors or role models throughout your career? How have they influenced your professional growth?

Yes, these have come in many forms, from teachers, family, business mentors and women here in the Career Club DK.

Work-Life Balance:

Are there any specific practices or routines you follow to prevent burnout and maintain your well-being?

Pilates is what works for me. I have practiced it for over eight years, and you can't beat a good glass of wine with a girlfriend. 

Reflecting on your experiences, what would you say are your top three transferable skills, and why are they so valuable?

I would say my strongest skills are leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. I honed these skills while running my own business, and now I apply them to every project and opportunity I undertake.

Having run a successful business, you must have some great insights to share. What top three recommendations would you give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?

Looking back, I would say it's important to find at least two people who can assist you in areas where you know you are not strong. You can have them on your advisory board or as partners. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely experience, so having a support system is crucial. 

Cultural Differences:

Cultural adaptation is such an important aspect of relocating. How have you navigated the similarities and differences between Danish culture and your own? Any key learnings you'd like to share?

It hasn't been difficult for me to settle into Denmark as there are many similarities between the two countries, including the weather.

Social Life and Communication:

Building a network and social life in a new place can be challenging. How did you go about it in Denmark, and how has CareerClub DK supported you in this journey?

I did a lot of networking when I came here. I signed up for events and visited various coffee shops to have conversations with the baristas as they are usually knowledgeable about the city. Thanks to the career club, I now have a community of supportive women to connect with both professionally and personally

Before we wrap up, any final thoughts, life mantras, or strategies you'd like to share with the CareerClub community?

“We are all trying to figure it out, you are not alone”

Interviewee

Rowena Doyle,
Training Manager at Pandora, Career Club DK Advisory Board Member

Connect with her on Linkedin

Article By

Judy Cohen

Career Club DK Advisory Board Member
Learning Development, Talent Management, Neurodiversity Specialist, AI Prompt Engineer
Host in Radio ShalomDK

Connect with her on Linked-In