When we support each other, we’re Stronger Together. We asked Dee Kehoe, CPD Director with Engineers Ireland to share with us some insights on her experiences and how she draws inspiration from the environment around her, role models she had during her careers, the best advice she received since Covid-19 hit the world, and what does the slogan “Stronger Together” means to her.

Engineers Ireland is the membership and professional development body of the engineering community.   Its 25,000 members make up a community of creative professionals delivering solutions for society.

Voltedge: What is your current role and how long you have held this position?

 Dee: I am CPD Director with Engineers Ireland and I also have responsibility for the STEPS programme, which is a non-profit outreach scheme that promotes interest and awareness in engineering as a future career to school students through a portfolio of projects.  I have been in this role since 2015 and have been with Engineers Ireland since 2010.  

Voltedge: Where do you draw inspiration from? 

Dee:  Primarily from nature, other people and reading.  I like listening to TED talks, podcasts and watching arts programmes.  I love fiction and have been in the same book club for over 25 years.  Children continually inspire me with their openness to new ideas and fearlessness.

Voltedge: During the course of your career, was there a role model or mentor that stands out for you? 

Dee: I have been fortunate in having worked for really great people in my career to date and have learned much from all of them.  Mary McAleese is a role model for me.  She was an excellent President of Ireland and I particularly admire how vocal and frank she is on significant issues that are important to her and society.  She is so empathetic and, in my view, has consistently exhibited all of the best qualities of a great leader.  I am looking forward to reading her memoir.

Voltedge: What is the best piece of advice you received since Covid-19 hit the world? 

Dee: Take it one day at a time.  Covid-19 has thrown us all into a major sociological experiment of how to live mindfully.  I have got much better at not worrying about relatively minor issues and challenges and making the most of the day that is in it.  I hope I can maintain this mindset post Covid!

Voltedge: Can you share with us 2 or 3 positives in your personal life that you have discovered during the pandemic? 

Dee: The lockdown meant spending a lot more time with my family which I loved.  My children may have a different view! I have also developed a much bigger interest in the garden and plants and flowers and while I have gone to yoga classes once a week since my twenties, moving to online classes has enabled me to practice it much more regularly which has been great for both my body and head.

Voltedge: In light of so much remote working and social distancing, what practices or approach have you taken to try to communicate and collaborate effectively during this time and to support employees? 

Dee: As a team we have continued with our usual comms channels in the remote environment –e.g. weekly team meetings, regular all staff meetings and 1:1s. I also call my colleagues to check in with them and I think this is really important as remote working can be isolating.  SMT also initiated some cross-team projects at the early stage of remote working which helped with inter-team collaboration and a sense of shared purpose.

 Voltedge: What does the slogan ‘Stronger Together’ mean to you? 

Dee: Team spirit.  We are social animals and Covid might challenge us in this regard at present, but it cannot change that fact.

Voltedge: What is your favourite quote and why?

Dee: Jim Rohn, the late American entrepreneur, is quoted as saying ‘Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment’.  I like it because he places the emphasis on the process or journey rather than just the desired outcome.  CPD is a journey and it keeps life interesting and purposeful.  We need to stay curious, connected and engaged if we want to be productive and purposeful.  It saddens me when I hear someone complain that ‘they have to’ undertake CPD for their job or professional body.  With a growth mindset, CPD is considered the fuel to adapt and grow so who wouldn’t want that!