As the world of business gets more complex and tangled, we need business leaders who are strong, creative and able to make the big decisions.
In this edition of our regular feature “The Last Word”, we are pleased to speak to one such leader, whose dedication to her team and her firm’s values set her apart from most.
In this issue, we speak to Matilda Irvine, Director of Interaction and Wellbeing at Shorts, UK.
Matilda Irvine
Shorts, UK
1. What was the last walk you went on?
I went for a walk on Houndkirk Moor - beautiful heather clad moors in the Peak District and very close to where I live.
2. What was the last book you read?
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. It’s a management classic that everyone should read at least once, although I'm pretty sure I could teach him a few things too.
3. What is your favourite smell?
Food – no preferences really, just food
4. What was the last meal you ate?
I had a walk around the office earlier today as its important for the team to see their leaders up close and personal. I followed up with a really good snuffle around the wastepaper bins and under desks, but nobody had dropped anything interesting to eat. Luckily, it was almost lunchtime, and I had a lovely bowl of Forthglade chicken dry dog food.
5. What was the last item you added to your wardrobe?
My smart new walking jacket – perfect for keeping me warm in winter.
6. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Sleep and then sleep some more. When not sleeping, I run a social media account on LinkedIn sharing my money saving tips.
7. When was the last time you got pats?
I’m a ‘snuggle magnet’ and I haven't found a team member yet who can resist patting and fussing me. It’s just who I am and a big part of my role at Shorts.
8. What was the last great piece of advice you were given?
The last advice I was given was “Don’t eat that lady’s sandwich”, does that count? Probably the best piece of advice I’ve received was to “Be kind to yourself and try not to be too self-conscious. Life is short, so enjoy it.”
9. What is the last thing people would guess about you?
I have an ambition to become a Pug-fluencer and my New Years Resolution is to expand my online connections and build out my dogs with jobs network. I am planning to be the No1 dog on LinkedIn providing management and leadership advice by the end of 2024. Watch this space!
10. How do you know that your human is getting home?
My secret sixth sense. I can tell you he’s coming down the road before he even arrives, but don’t ask me to explain it more than that – it’s a closely guarded secret amongst us four legged friends.
11. When was the last occasion you felt starstruck?
Never! Although, when you’re as fabulous as I am you do get used to people just staring in admiration and then asking if they can give you a pat (of course they can!)
12. What was the last gift you gave someone?
I gave my human a kiss and several licks.
13. What was the last account you followed on social media?
Doug the Pug – he’s a legend from Nashville, Tennessee; a celebrity pug who’s appears alongside Demi Lovato and Justin Bieber. Some humans tell me there is a close resemblance but I’m not sure I see it myself.
