Thinking business with Shona McManus, owner of Osborne. ‘This team has driven the business to its greatest achievement.’
What’s in a name?
The company was named after the person who founded the business back in 1996. We changed the name from Osborne Recruitment to simply ‘Osborne’ in May 2016 as part of our rebrand project.
What about funding?
I took over the business in April 2013 with no funding. The subsequent turnaround of the business in the last three and a half years has been the most rewarding challenge of my career. In this time, we have quadrupled our turnover and tripled employment. The 2013 takeover was a very stressful time. Like many businesses, Osborne was coming out of the recession. Our passion, tenacity and a clear focus allowed us to make our way, step by step, towards the strong business we have today. 2016 saw Osborne celebrate its 20th anniversary in business.
Pet peeves in business life?
Negative attitude, dishonesty, sense of entitlement and complacency are my biggest pet peeves. Lack of passion is also a bugbear. The team I have around me in Osborne has a huge passion. We are never happy to sit idle and become complacent, continuous learning and development is a huge part of our culture.
Where do you see yourself in five years? (Had to ask a recruiter that question)
Bigger. Better. Savvier. Global, with an epic culture.
Biggest achievement in business to date?
The team we have at Osborne is by far the number one achievement. This team has driven the business to its greatest achievement in that we have quadrupled our turnover.
Are you book-smart or street-smart?
Both. In my career to date, my learning and development have primarily come from being street smart and gaining hands-on practical work experience. However, in 2013 I returned to college to do an MBA which I completed in 2015.
What marketing/PR do you do? What do you think is the most useful for your business?
We take a blended approach using traditional marketing along with social media. This combination best represents Osborne and what we do. This past year has seen us partner with a PR company and a marketing and communications company to drive our rebrand and market position.
Are there any magazines, blogs, newsletters or brands on social media you read religiously?
The Irish Independent online and Harvard Business Review primarily. I also follow business groups and institutes on social media. I’m also on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
What job would you love to have?
I’m in the job I love. I love the purpose of Osborne and that our mission is to find the right person, for the right role with no compromise. Every day is different. I love working with our team.
If you were ‘ruler for a day’ what would you do to change the business or social climate in this country?
The list is huge. However, the first thing that comes to mind is the housing crisis and the many homeless families around Ireland. Socially and culturally, I also feel that a sense of entitlement and complacency has crept into Ireland’s approach to customer service in recent years. I fear we are losing the warm welcome we are famous for globally.
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Interview by Barry Walsh.
