Meet Lydia O’Donnell – Finance/Office Manager.
This month, we interviewed the longest-standing employee at Abrivia.
So let’s get to know Lydia better! ☺
1.What is your favourite hobby?
Pre- mammy years, my favourite hobby would have been Pilates and regular TRX/HIIT classes. Now it’s running after my 6 year old son on his bike shouting at him to slow down.
2.What is your favourite quote?
“Forgive to heal yourself!”
3.How do you think people would describe you?
I think my work colleagues might describe me as outgoing, easy to talk to and maybe the Mammy of Abrivia. Hopefully not the opposite anyway!
My family and friends might say I’m patient (too patient sometimes), soft and maybe tolerate too much.
4.If you could instantly learn a new talent, what would it be?
Piano – I’ve always loved the sound of the piano. I would love to be able to play it.
5.Are you a morning person or a night owl?
100% a morning person. I hate sleeping in late, I feel it messes with my day and I hate to lose a day! I’m ready for bed by 10pm.
6.What is your favourite sport or physical activity?
I love walking I find it very peaceful. I do enjoy a run in the rain with mascara running down my face.
I am a very proud DUB so watching the Dubs play a game or match day in Croker have been some of my fondest memories growing up.
7. What’s your dream car?
This is a tough one! I am definitely partial to a nice car, however the practicality of my chosen cars have changed over time. My favourite car that I’ve had so far was in my early 20’s, I had a Mazda6 Touring called Bluebell, she brought me a lot of happiness and independence. Now I’m your typical soccer mom SUV type and I fully embrace that 😀 😀 . If I was to come into a few quid I would treat myself to BMW X7 M-Sport or Range Rover Sport.
8.Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
I’m not sure this classifies as famous but I remember being star struck when I was about 12. I seen Dessie Farrell in McDonald’s in Cabra. He was my idol at the time. I got him to sign my napkin.
9.What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
Get up early, clean the house. Go somewhere nice for breakfast (if I don’t have a coffee before 10am I get cranky and can’t function) and go for a nice long walk with my family and our dog. I do also enjoy the occasional splurge in Zara.
10.Who is someone who inspires you?
I don’t have anyone famous really that would inspire me. Normal every day people inspire me. I really value the people in my life who work hard for what they want, don’t give up and those who have always helped me to believe in myself. A lot of those people I found in Abrivia (you know who you are) and others are family and friends. I really admire people who started off with very little opportunity in life and created opportunities for themselves and their own versions of success.
