Bríd O'Connell

As part of our 25-year celebrations, we’re catching up with graduates from the class of 2001 through a slightly different kind of alumni interview: 25 quick-fire questions reflecting on college memories, career journeys, life lessons and everything in between.

First up is Brid O'Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish and one of Ireland’s leading voices in branding, strategic leadership and business development. Since graduating from TU Dublin with an MSc in Strategic Management in 2001, Brid has built a career spanning tourism, marketing, governance and organisational change, while championing businesses that support jobs, communities and Irish provenance.

And if you’re part of the class of 2001, we’d love to hear from you too. Get in touch at alumni.network@tudublin.ie to share your story and where life has taken you 25 years on from TU Dublin.

 College Days 

1. Which campus did you call home?
   Cathal Brugha Street. 
2. Your graduation year?
   2001. 
3. One word to describe your first day on campus?
   Exciting.
4. What was different about studying in an executive learning environment? 
   We were all in executive education, so coffee breaks were brought to our classroom door. But the real value came from learning from each other. 
5. The hardest exam you ever sat?
   I honestly can’t remember. They were all manageable and enjoyable from what I remember.
6. One lecturer or lesson that stayed with you?
   They were all great, but remember, we were senior executives doing a Masters in Management, so we learned as much from each other as we did from the lecturers. The peer-to-peer learning in that type of environment is the secret sauce.
7. Did you ever pull an all-nighter for assignments?
   Never. Life is way too short.
8. What surprised you most about returning to study later in your career?
   How energising it was to learn alongside people with real-world experience from different industries and backgrounds.
9. Most memorable moment from graduation day?
   I graduated with my MSc Management 38 weeks pregnant with my first child.
10. Looking back now, what did the MSc give you most?
    Confidence. It gave me the confidence to eventually set up my own business.

Your Career Journey 

11. What was your role when you studied at TU Dublin?
    I was already CEO of Meath Tourism, seconded from Meath County Council, while completing the Masters.
12. What happened next?
    After graduating and having my first child, I set up my own business, Welcome Marketing, which I led for 15 years. I specialised in PR and brand communications and was fortunate to work with incredible clients. I loved the pace and energy of working for myself. The hustle suited me.
13. What do you do now in 10 words or less?
    CEO of Guaranteed Irish, supporting businesses that support Ireland.
14. The most valuable skill you learned during your studies?
    Leadership.
15. Your proudest professional win so far?
    Setting up my own business and building it successfully. Later, reinvigorating the Guaranteed Irish brand and creating a company culture that is ambitious, but also genuinely fun. Everyone who works at Guaranteed Irish loves coming to work every day.
16. Biggest lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
    People perform best when they feel valued, trusted and inspired.
17. Biggest piece of advice for the Class of 2026?
    Work smart. Stay relevant. Be kind. Have fun at work — you’re only passing through. If you’re miserable, move on. Become financially independent no matter what. And remember, there is no substitute for hard work.
18. How do you spend your first 25 minutes of the workday?
    After reading the headlines and checking social media and emails, talking to my team is my main priority. They inspire me every day.
19. One book or podcast every alum should check out?
    Books:
    Rich Dad, Poor Dad for financial independence. 
    Wonder for kindness. 
    Anything by Donna Ashworth for the soul. 

Podcasts: 
The Guaranteed Irish Podcast. 
David McWilliams. 
Karl Henry — because your health really is your wealth. 

20. Working from home, the office, or a mix?
    A mix works well if you’re experienced. But if you’re starting out in your career, get into the office. Learn to socialise,collaborate and network. That’s where the real learning happens. Every day is a school day in the office. 

Just for Fun 

21. It’s May in Dublin. Where are you heading for a walk?
    Portmarnock Beach or the Hill of Howth.
22. One thing you’ve done 25 times and would happily do again?
    Pilates.
23. If you could go back 25 years, what would you tell yourself?
    Don’t judge other people by your own standards. Everyone is doing their best. Be kind.
24. Favourite way to spend a sunny May bank holiday?
    Walking, gardening, a BBQ, and family and friends dropping by. No fuss.
25. Finally, what’s one way you’d like to reconnect with TU Dublin in the future?
    In the early days, I guest lectured and mentored students. I’d love to do more of that again. No one had reached out until now, so thank you.