58. BREDA MCCAGUE

Key Takeaways with Breda McCague From Curious Girl to Trailblazing Leader: Breda’s journey began with a childhood curiosity about the military, leading her to become a leader in both the defence forces and the corporate world. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity and determination. First Leadership Roles and Challenges: Breda shared her early experiences in leadership, starting as a corporal and quickly rising to officer. She was the first female officer in her unit, facing challenges like unconscious bias and loneliness. Her insights into these experiences are both eye-opening and inspiring. Military vs. Corporate Leadership: We delved into the differences between military and corporate leadership. Breda highlighted how the clear hierarchy in the military contrasts with the fluidity of the corporate world, offering unique perspectives on leadership dynamics. Emotional Intelligence is Key: Breda emphasised the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. She believes that many leaders are promoted based on technical skills but lack the interpersonal skills needed to truly inspire and connect with their teams. Overcoming Unconscious Bias: Breda’s journey was marked by overcoming unconscious bias and proving her capabilities despite societal expectations. Her determination to advocate for diversity in leadership is truly motivating. The Role of Music in Leadership: Did you know Breda has a passion for music? She shared how joining a show band to support herself through college not only honed her performance skills but also provided an emotional outlet. Music, she believes, is a powerful tool for emotional expression and stress relief. Vision Boards and Manifestation: Breda’s use of vision boards to manifest her goals is a fascinating part of her story. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she turned to vision boards to reignite her hope and take action towards her dreams. Mentorship and Empowerment: One of the most touching parts of our conversation was Breda’s story of mentoring someone who was struggling to find their path. Her guidance helped transform their life, showcasing the profound impact of mentorship. Advice for Young Leaders: Breda’s advice to young leaders is to be brave, courageous, and bold. She encourages confronting fears and taking action despite feeling afraid, reinforcing that courage is a skill that can be developed. Pursuing Passions at Any Age: Breda’s journey of rediscovering her love for music by joining a rock band at 40 is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Joy and fulfilment should be prioritised at any stage of life.