We talk cars, Karaoke and Gavin James with Orla Doyle the General Manager at Dr. Hauschka Ireland
Your current car – Love at first sight or just a means to get from A to B?
I’m not a big car person, I probably would say it’s a means of A to B as I changed from petrol to diesel it was more practical but I do love how comfortable a drive it is so maybe a bit of both!
What does it say about you?
Well I am driving a Mini-Clubman so it probably says it’s very girlie it’s also practical as the back can be transformed into a van which comes in handy for work, I tend to not travel light and always have Dr.Hauschka products, brochures or window material in the back of my car.
What’s under the bonnet?
The engine I hope…!!!
Petrol head or Sunday driver?
Oh Sunday driver – my friends will vouch for that, I tend to slow down when I am talking if I have a passenger in the car, I’m concentrating on the chats rather that the location!
What was your first car?
‘Goldie Hawn’ it was a gold Fiat Punto…. There was many a road trip in that car & I’m sure it could tell some stories!
Dream drive in dream location?
Milford Road in New Zealand where Lord of the Rings was filmed. New Zealand is gorgeous, naturalistic views and very like Ireland. I have travelled New Zealand and been to Milford Road but I would love to do it in summer with an open top car… sounds like pure bliss!
Do you have a favourite car gadget?
I am directionally challenged, when in doubt I turn left, so I have to say my favourite Car Gadget is my Sat Nav.
Who taught you to drive?
I am from Kildare and my dad gave me my first few lessons on the Curragh, we would take a long straight road with nothing around, no tree’s, animals, people…. basically nothing I could hit – he was extremely patient. I then did lessons in Naas Motoring School every day for a week and then off I went.
Whom do you most admire in your profession?
The list is endless but who comes top of mind is probably Fergal Mulchrone & Jeannette Kealy, both are Directors of Dr.Hauschka. Fergal has been my mentor over the years his advice has been invaluable. Also, Oonagh O’Hagan from Meagher’s Pharmacy and I recently met Marissa Carter and was so impressed with how business savvy she is and so lovely too.
What was your best career decision to date?
I took time out to go traveling when I was younger, when I returned I decided to take my time and really look for a position that I really loved. I think you really need to enjoy coming to work; you spend so much time there. I took a temp role in Lombard and Ulster (in the motor finance dept) while I searched for my dream job. One of the things that I will take from that job is I met Emma who is now one of those friends for life. I left after 8 months and started with the Dr.Hauschka brand and I am still working with the brand now as General Manager. That was 10 years ago now.
What is on your car stereo right now?
Gavin James – I love the sound of his voice!
One item you couldn’t live without?
I hate to say it but my phone – I spend so much time on my phone. What did we ever do before mobile phones??
How do you relax?
Simple one evening a week, I turn everything off, phone, ipad, laptop and put a face mask on and completely switch off.
Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?
I’d love to do Carpool Karaoke with James Cordon, so maybe him just for fun!
Passenger you’d least like?
Sorry Mum – it has to be you! My mum is the world’s worst passenger; she will sit in the passenger’s side and try to use the breaks to stop! FYI mum there my side.
22nd September, 2016
