About John

Contact

I have been working as interim CEO with the Irish Deaf Society since December 2018.You can find out more about the Deaf community and culture in Ireland at www.deaf.ie

Experience

Over the past 20 years I have worked as a visual communicator working in graphic design, brand identity and website design and development. During that time I have also been a passionate volunteer and a board member of organisations in the community and voluntary sector.

In December 2018 I embarked on a change from my design career path to become the interim CEO of the Irish Deaf Society. For me this is a combination of the management experience I have gained running design companies and my passion for organisations that have a social impact.

In terms of my design career, I have worked with more than 500 clients in all sectors of business and governance in Ireland. These projects have been in areas as diverse as education, finance, state services, culture, heritage, not-for-profit, national organisations and many more.

As a result of tens of thousands of client and design team interactions I have learned how to navigate difficult situations, resolve problems at an organisational or an inter-personal level and how to conduct design projects in a way that optimises outcomes. I have learned how to inspire and motivate teams, to listen to clients and understand what they mean (which is often not what they say) and to determine what they need (which is often not what they ask for.)

In my career I have embraced change and I am as excited today about being creative in my work, as a CEO or as a designer, as I was when I graduated.

My background

I have a Degree in Visual Communications and Postgraduate Diploma in Sales, both from DIT. More importantly, since graduating in 1994 I have run and managed a number of companies, worked in-house in Ireland and Australia. Since 1999 I was a business owner and creative director of Roomthree Design in Dublin.

During this time I was responsible not only for the creative direction of the company and management of the design team, but also client interactions and ultimately all of the business aspects of running a company including studio management, marketing, accounts and HR.

What my clients say...