CEO Corner: Episode 10

Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer, CEO of Make-A-Wish

In episode 10 of CEO Corner, Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer, CEO of Make A Wish, discusses the differences in leadership within the private sector versus the charities sector, why there is stigma around salaries in charities and the happiness granting wishes bring to terminally ill children and their families.

Susan has been the CEO of Make A Wish for 12 years, where she heads up a staff of 12 and a volunteer force of 200.

Make A Wish

Make-A-Wish was established in Ireland in 1992 and grants wishes to children between the ages of 3 and 17 years living with life-threatening illnesses. Under Susan’s leadership, Make-A-Wish has grown significantly and developed expertise in building solid relationships with all types of donors.

Make A Wish has reinvented its fundraising approach and transformed the business since the start of the pandemic. The last two years have been among the most challenging and rewarding for Susan and her team.

Originally trained as a Montessori teacher which was her chosen career path, Susan now says that fundraising is her passion. Susan has also completed an MBS in Business Practice from UCC.

Watch Now:

CEO Corner, With Sarah McGrath

Each month, we deconstruct world-class industry leaders, asking them about their leadership style, the psychological drivers behind their success and how they became who they are today. This platform is for those who want to gain tips and insights from the best of the best and for those who enjoy hearing other success stories.

Sarah McGrath is a Partner and Co-Owner at 360 Search Recruitment Service in Ireland and the UK and a Co-Owner of Vy Nutrition.

Sarah helps ensure senior professionals get access to their employer of choice and obtain their desired objectives while building their careers. She works with some of the most prolific entrepreneurs within Financial Services.

Sarah holds a Degree in Business, a Four-Year Diploma in Nutrition and a Degree in Psychology. She is passionate about organisational psychology and corporate well-being, advising and speaking at many industry associations.

Listen On Spotify

Listen On iTunes

Watch On YoutTube