Member spotlight on Orla Sherry
We want to shine a light on the incredible women who make up the Meat Business Women community in all job levels and functions.
We want to highlight their career journeys, not only to celebrate their achievements and unique perspectives, but to help to inspire and encourage other women along their own way.
Orla Sherry is Technical Director at Kepak. Orla grew up in agricultural surroundings and is passionate about empowering others in her company. We asked her to share her thoughts with us to understand more about her role and what motivates and empowers her.
Tell us more about your career journey, how did you come to your current role?
Anything in life is possible once you have a goal and a positive mindset towards achieving it. This life motto and honest work ethic were instilled in me from a young age by my parents while growing up on our family poultry farm in Co Monaghan.
Growing up on a farm, it was natural for me to pursue a career in the food industry. I graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology Management, which paved the way for my first job in Monaghan Mushrooms.
Like any journey, over my 25-year career in the food industry has had its twists and turns and even led to a period where I worked in the construction industry as a Health and Safety Manager. I eventually found my way back to the food sector, as that is where my true passion lies.
For the last eight years, Kepak has empowered me to instil this passion in the industry through my role as Technical Director.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career path and progression so far? Who’s inspired, supported and lit the way for you?
Without a shadow of a doubt, my parents, Owen and Adelaide, have been the biggest influence on my career journey. As the oldest of three sisters, I was blessed to be surrounded by a group of strong women and our parents encouraged us to engage with and experience every aspect of farm life – no task was too big or too small. This motivation has inspired me throughout my education and career, as well as the strong support from my husband, Fergal.
Since joining Kepak eight years ago, I have built a strong rapport with so many excellent colleagues who have taught me so much about leadership and communication in an environment that has increased my belief in my ability to make a difference and succeed personally and professionally. No day as Technical Director at Kepak is ever the same. It’s an excellent company to work for and one that values all of its employees, encouraging us to live its values and enjoy our work each day.
Tell us about a time where you’ve had to recognise and harness your inner power or strengths to overcome a challenge. What skills have you developed along the way that enabled you to do this?
My life and career journey has taught me the importance of being able to relate to employees and respecting people’s roles. Every employee is valued, and their job contributes to the highest quality produced at Kepak. Change management has been a core part of my role at Kepak, and bringing people on the journey of change has been a major learning curve for me. In order to enact change, you need to understand how it impacts people and how you can empower them.
Working at Kepak has allowed me to enhance my skills as a mentor and to trust my instincts. This has only been possible through the unwavering support of my colleagues and a positive work environment.
I am passionate about Continuous Professional Development, as applied knowledge is powerful. I have completed a range of courses during my working life at Kepak, including a Diploma in Organisation Development and Transformation, a Master of Science in Food Business Management and Technology and Scotwork Advancing Negotiation Skills training.
What advice can you give to other women who work in the meat industry?
I would encourage you to be assertive, trust your skills and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for what you want. I strongly believe that we should all support and build each other up, as collectively, we can make a positive impact! I have never felt inferior or intimidated in the meat industry. I think it’s important that we, as women have a core belief in ourselves and remember that we are as capable as anyone else, regardless of gender.
For me, exercise and outside interests have been important throughout my career. My love of running, golf and showjumping has helped me to understand the benefit of switching off and addressing problems with a fresh mindset. I’d encourage everyone to have a hobby that allows them to balance work and life equally, to switch off when needed, as this is the time where the best ideas come to being and creativity is allowed to flourish.
Orla Sherry, Technical Director, Kepak
