At Praxity, it’s about the people.
You may know of Praxity professionals through their work, but there is more to explore about every single one of them. In this issue’s edition of the Last Word, we put Laurie Hoose, senior manager and ESG leader at Plante Moran in the USA and Owen Sheehy, Managing Partner at McInerney Saunders, Ireland in the hotseat, to get to know more about their literary tastes, favourite restaurant, routines and more…
Laurie Hoose
Plante Moran
1. What was the last song you listened to?
The ABC’s, which I sing every night with my daughter when she brushes her teeth.
2. What was the last book you read?
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. She’s one of my favourite authors, and the book takes place in one of my favourite places, northern Michigan.
3. What was the last TV programme that you watched?
General Hospital. It’s the last thing people would guess about me, but I’ve been watching since my elementary school babysitter monopolized our only TV. Ask me about Luke and Laura!
4. What was the last meal you cooked?
Hawaiian crepes, which is a dish my grandma taught me to make. When my grandma passed away, she left me all her handwritten recipes — but making her dishes is always an adventure. Most recipes include things I don’t normally eat, like oleo instead of margarine and coffee creamer instead of half and half. She also used shorthand, which I’ve had to look up online, and her handwriting was terrible. Decoding her recipes has been a fun way to exercise my investigative skills.
5. When did you last work out?
I try to exercise at least a couple times a week, mainly yoga, running, or biking.
6. What was the last app you downloaded?
The Garmin app. My husband got me a running watch for my birthday, so now I can track my workouts (and all the days I barely move!).
7. What was the last photo you took?
My daughter with her new kittens, Okey and Dokey.
8. What was the last restaurant you went to?
Aventura! It’s a Spanish restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I went with my husband for our ninth wedding anniversary.
9. What was the last great piece of advice you were given?
You must push your limits occasionally, otherwise you won’t know where your boundaries are.
10. What was the last gift you gave someone?
I made my mom a photo album of a family trip we took to the Middle East for a wedding. My mom planned and arranged the whole trip for our extended family. As a thank you, my sister and I put together the book—it has over 400 photos! When my mom received the book, she was excited to look through it and relive the trip.
11. When was the last time you hugged someone?
I’m a hugger, so probably earlier today!
Owen Sheehy
McInerney Saunders
1. What was the last song you listened to?
“Paradise” by Coldplay. I’m going to their concert in Dublin later this month.
2. What was the last book you read?
“Open” by Andre Agassi. I was a big fan when he played tennis back in the day. The book is an excellent read and gives an insightful look into real life and how he dealt with his struggles.
3. What was the last TV programme that you watched?
“The Sopranos”. I had watched episodes in the past but recently watched all 6 seasons in full. I think it’s the best TV series ever.
4. What was the last meal you cooked?
My signature meal – a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
5. What was the last item you added to your wardrobe?
A pair of Adidas Stan Smith trainers. My daughter thinks I’m 30 years too old to wear them!
6. What was the last photo you took?
One of my son’s hurling team.
7. When was the last time you laughed?
Regularly, every day.
8. What was the last great piece of advice you were given?
“Life is too short not to celebrate nice moments. It’s not important what people think when you come in but what people think when you leave.” Some advice from one of my heroes, Jurgen Klopp.
9. What is the last thing people would guess about you?
I worked on a farm and drove a tractor from age 11 during my school years.
10. What was the last account you followed on social media?
This is Anfield – It’s all about Liverpool Football club.
11. When was the last occasion you felt starstruck?
At Christmas time a few years ago sitting at a table in a restaurant in Dublin next to Shane MacGowan of the Pogues!