She Means Business: Interview with businesswoman Mairead Mackle

Today, Ms. Mackle is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a philanthropist, activist, and mentor whose influence extends well beyond business.

“Being a successful woman in business, to me, is about more than just achieving financial goals or building a large company,” she says. “It’s about making a lasting impact and staying true to my values.”

Originally from Aghadrumsee, Ms. Mackle’s commitment to values-based leadership is evident in her work, especially in creating opportunities for women.

Under the umbrella of the Tarasis Foundation, she launched iCare, a charity focused on “kindness without limits”, and Evolve, an educational platform supporting the social and economic empowerment of women.

Through these initiatives, Ms. Mackle has built a network that serves as both a community and a source of resources for women entrepreneurs.

“Women supporting women is crucial in breaking through that glass ceiling,” she states.

“That’s why I founded the Evolve Academy. It’s a network for female entrepreneurs who can learn from one another and provide the support that may not have been there traditionally.”

Despite her accomplishments, Ms. Mackle’s journey was not without its challenges, particularly in navigating male-dominated industries.

Early in her career, she encountered biases based solely on her gender. “In industries like homecare and renewable energy, it can be easy for people to assume you lack the expertise,” she recalls.

“I learned to stay true to myself and let my work speak for itself.”

Surrounded by a supportive team, including her husband, Ms. Mackle persevered, driven by a resilience she attributes to her mother’s example.

“My mother taught me the importance of resilience, hard work, and compassion. These values influenced both my business philosophy and my approach to leadership.”

Ms. Mackle’s approach to leadership combines vision, empathy, and a commitment to social impact, qualities that have underpinned her growth strategy for Tarasis.

“Resilience, vision, and empathy have been my guiding traits,” she explains. “You need resilience to withstand the challenges, setbacks, and the inevitable moments of doubt.”

Her vision has allowed her to build a company focused not only on profits but also on empowering communities.

Empathy, she adds, has been “critical in building a team and a business where people feel valued.”

In recognition of her contributions, Ms. Mackle was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List for her economic development work, and was named Irish Tatler Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019.

These accolades, however, are not her primary motivation. For Ms. Mackle, success is about creating pathways for others.

“It’s not just about success for myself; it’s about creating pathways for other women to succeed as well,” she says.

This dedication to empowerment led her to publish, ‘Evolve – Voices of Leadership’ in 2021, a book that shares her insights and experiences to inspire the next generation of women leaders.

Ms. Mackle believes mentorship and community-building are essential in empowering women to break through barriers.

She emphasises that women should be encouraged to scale their businesses beyond lifestyle enterprises, stressing the importance of taking calculated risks.

“Don’t be afraid to fail – if you don’t try, you fail by default,” she advises young women entering the industry.

“I’ve made countless mistakes, but each one has taught me something invaluable.”

Her advice is grounded in the belief that failure is part of growth, an empowering lesson she learned over the years.

“The most empowering lesson I’ve learned is that failure is not something to fear; it’s a stepping stone to success.”

While Ms. Mackle acknowledges progress towards gender equality, she insists there is still work to be done, especially in her fields of housing, healthcare, and renewable energy.

“We’ve seen more women in leadership positions and a greater focus on inclusivity, but the work isn’t finished,” she says.

Ms. Mackle advocates for policy changes to support equal opportunities, flexible working, and mentorship, areas she believes are critical in levelling the playing field.

As a mother of seven, Ms. Mackle balances her family life with her career, a feat she describes as challenging yet rewarding.

Her family serves as both a source of support and a grounding influence. “Success, to me, is about balance – finding time to enjoy life outside of work and empowering a team that can carry forward your vision,” she explains.

Her commitment to her family and values has remained a constant in her life, guiding her business decisions and shaping her approach to leadership.

Ms. Mackle’s efforts to inspire women extend beyond her businesses and into her work on various lobby groups and think tanks.

Through these roles, she actively champions gender equality and social impact at every level, from local initiatives to global platforms.

“If you’re going to do something, you have to do it right and do it with conviction,” she says, adding that courage to challenge the status quo is essential.

“When you believe deeply in what you’re doing, you find the courage to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Mackle hopes her work will create lasting change for future generations.

“I want the next generation to believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve, regardless of the industry they’re in,” she says.

Her goal is to foster a culture where women feel empowered to lead and effect meaningful change, not only in business but in society as a whole.

Through her visionary leadership and commitment to empowering women, Ms. Mackle has become a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

Her journey reflects not just the growth of a successful business but also the impact one individual can have on the lives of many.

“I hope to inspire women to dream bigger and take control of their own narratives,” she says – a sentiment that underscores her life’s work.

From her kitchen table to a vast enterprise, Ms. Mackle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to creating a better world.