Our People

Mary Harrison, Chartered Director (Institute of Directors), B.A. (Mgnt), M.B.S. in International Marketing (Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business) and Diploma in Business and Executive Coaching

As founder, Chief Executive and Chairperson, Mary has successfully established Optimum Limited as one of Ireland’s leading Training and Consulting practices. She leads all assignments with innovation and creativity ensuring that all delivery brings exceptional benefits to Optimum’s clients. Her learning and development experience spans over a thirty year period. She possesses a unique ability to gain a focussed insight into client’s issues and develops a specific targeted and bespoke response for success. She focusses on measuring results, challenging assumptions, broadening thinking and the reflection on personal responses to work issues and challenges. She possesses brilliant drive and business sense.

Ronnie Harrison, B.Comm UCD, A.C.M.A., A.I.I.S. MMII Dip RSA, Coaching and Train the Trainer QQI Level 6

As Director and Company Secretary of Optimum Limited, Ronnie is responsible for Strategic and Financial Management of the company. He has vast experience and an excellent reputation in business support and consultancy, subject matter expertise includes Business Growth Strategies, Financial Management, Cost Optimisation and Professional Development across a number of key areas in business. His level of insightfulness and perceptiveness is well developed from his academic, professional training, industry experience and creative problem solving techniques in business environments. His business consultancy qualities and analytical ability has been highlighted by Optimum’s key clients as being particularly significant in the success of their business. Before joining Optimum, Ronnie held a number of significant senior management positions in several multi-nationals, including 3M Ireland, Philips and Fuji Ireland Limited

Ronan Harrison, B.A UCD, MBS in Management Consulting – Smurfit Business School, Member of the Institute of Banking (Qualified Financial Adviser), Coaching and Train the Trainer QQI Level 6

Ronan is the Client Relationship Manager and Specialist trainer at Optimum Ltd. He joined Optimum full time in 2017 having worked in the financial services, specialising Portfolio Management and Financial Advice. Ronan worked for Optimum Ltd prior to 2017 as a mentor and tutor on various financial and enterprise programmes. As Client Relationship Manager and Specialist Trainer, Ronan’s responsibilities within the company include Programme Management, Client Relationship Management of key clients and the delivery of professional financial training. Since joining the company, Ronan has professionally and diligently managed the existing client base as well as developing new relationships. Ronan has a passion for continuous learning and promoting a learning culture within organisations.

Fay Harrison, B.A, Msc in Tourism Management, Train the Trainer QQI Level 6 and CIPD Award in Designing Digital and Blended Learning

Experienced Learning and Development Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the professional training and coaching industry at every level, responding directly to the needs of Optimums diverse client base. Fay has gained experience across all business sectors working both nationally and internationally for Optimum. Her role involves a high level of involvement with all activities related to training – including Trainer Management, Client Liaison, Course Material Design, Coordination of Programmes, Project Management, QQI Internal Verification and Digital Learning innovation. Fay always puts the client first by striving to meet/exceed expectations and delivering a high quality professional service.

Barry O'Brien, BBS (Hons) Marketing and Languages, Coaching and Train the Trainer QQI Level 6

Barry is a Training Development Executive / Specialist Trainer & QQI Co-ordinator with Optimum Limited having joined the company in 2016. He works on multiple learning and development projects for key clients as a Programme Manager and Senior Trainer. He specialises in Career Development, Customer Service, Interview Skills, GDPR, Manual Handling and Social Media. Barry, as QQI co-ordinator, is responsible for the oversight of all matters pertaining to quality assurance such as the development of new policies and procedures, programme development, delivery, assessment and continuous review.

Barry is a firm believer in both Personal and Professional development through ongoing creativity and teamwork.

Beatriz Rodriguez, Economics’ Degree, Master’s in International Cooperation, MBA in HR, HRM QQI Level

Experienced professional with knowledge in the area of the Human Resources. Highly skilled in organisation and business administration, with a deep understanding of data management. Beatriz has worked in different organisations including a government agency applying a skillset in relation to human resources operations and administrator skills.

She joined Optimum in February 2022 and is involved in the coordination of all training courses; supporting the relationship manager and working closely with the internal team, against all planning activity. Beatriz brings great professionalism and energy to the company and is a firm believer in the 'growing mindset'.

Louise Burke, Dip in Management, Master Trainer and Coaching Models of Practice QQI Award

Louise Burke has in excess of 15 years experience providing high quality, bespoke training, consulting and facilitation within all main commercial areas. Her areas of specialisation include Personal Effectiveness, Managing Performance, Building High Performance Teams, HR related topics including Talent Management. She has a natural training and facilitation style that encourages full participation and achieves maximum results. She has worked with companies at all levels, is a senior Trainer and Mentor to Optimum’s key clients and has a proven track record in delivering superior training delivery and mentoring support.

Louise holds a Diploma in Management Studies, Master Trainer Skills Certificate and QQI Coaching Models of Practice Level 6

Paul Dicker, MA in Applied Psychology (Positive and Coaching Psychology) University College Cork, BSc in Financial Services UMIST, Dip Coaching

Paul Dicker is a professional trainer, facilitator and executive coach. He specialises in the development and delivery of a variety of training programmes primarily in the areas of leadership, personal improvement and sales capability for clients across a number of sectors in the UK and Ireland on behalf of Optimum Limited. Paul is highly energetic and has an excellent reputation delivering superior training programmes with measurable results.

Paul holds a lst Class Honours Degree in Financial Services and is a qualified Executive Coach. He is a certified practitioner of a range of psychometric tools including Insights Discovery, Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Life Styles Indicator (LSI). Paul has completed a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Programme and an Advanced ACT MBI Course. This ensure Paul can work effectively with clients who are seeking self-improvement particularly in the area of stress management and resilience.

Brian O'Connor, Dip Wealth Management, Member of the Institute of Banking (Qualified Financial Adviser), Adv Dip in Coaching

Brian is a Trainer, Facilitator, Executive Coach & Business Mentor, with over 30 years’ experience in both the Corporate & SME sectors. He specialises in working with individuals and businesses to improve their knowledge, skills and attitude, to help them move to the next level. Brian’s extensive business experience, working in the corporate and SME sectors for over 20 years, in areas such as banking, insurance, compliance, HR, property and sports management, allows him to challenge individuals to set out their vision of where they want to take their career or business and how to get there. He encourages clients to explore their talents and how to make the best use of them on a day to day basis.

Rita Sharkey, BSc in Management Trinity, Dip in Mgt Law, Dip in Legal Studies, DipCST, DipMESK

Rita is an accomplished coach, facilitator and trainer with over 20 years’ experience in the corporate arena. The last twelve years spent specifically working with sales and management teams. She is an accredited Sandler Sales Coach. She is a specialist sales trainer and mentor for Optimum since 2014 supporting individuals in starting and developing their own business. Rita is extremely focused and passionate about developing people to their highest potential.

Mark Ivers, BA Economics UCD, MBA Emphasis Finance

A business professional with strong training and leadership accomplishments, Mark has designed and delivered a wide range of high standard training programmes, tailored to accommodate the ever-changing needs of Optimum’s clients. Mark has studied and worked in Europe, Australia and U.S and believes in having a strong work ethic and vision in order to succeed. Mark delivers high impact professional development across a diverse range of topics for Entrepreneurs, Owner Managers and their teams including Business Planning, Communications, Team Leadership, Supervisory Management, Health and Safety, Wellness for Employees and Management, GDPR Awareness, Marketing and Market Research, Social Media for Business, Mobile integration and Social Media for Recruitment.

Louise Donnelly, BA in Sociology and Economics, Dip in Executive and Life Coaching, Dip in Professional Coaching Practice and Ethics

Highly experienced professional with over 17 years combined experience as an Executive Coach and Senior Sales Manager in a large multinational. Proven track record of consistently motivating and inspiring individuals to overachieve on their career and personal goals. Louise’s background is a blend of practical business experiences combined with expertise in Executive Coaching, Team Engagement, Strengths Coaching, Motivation, Change Management, Performance Management and Career Coaching.

Louise can empathise with the challenges individuals face in the workplace when leading and managing teams.

Louise holds a BA Degree in Sociology and Economics, Diploma in Executive and Life Coaching, Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice and Ethics, QQI Level 6 Training and Evaluation, Strengthscope Practioner Certification and a Member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Paul Murtagh, MBA in Business Administration, MBCS, CITP, QFA

Paul Murtagh is a Training Specialist, business mentor and consultant providing support to start-up businesses across a variety of sectors. He focuses on business planning, business strategy, financial planning, research and development, raising funds and commercialisation. Paul has a background in IT and Financial Services.

Paul is a former Senior Vice President/Managing Director of Fidelity Investments (Ireland). Fidelity ranks as one of Americas top financial services provider with over $7 trillion assets under management.

Paul holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), has Professional Level Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS), is a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), holds a post-graduate Diploma in Professional Financial Advice (QFA) form UCD and is a member of the Institute of Bankers.

Jill Tuite, CIPD DIP HRM, DIP Practitioner Coaching with Neuroscience, Professional Coaching Practice and Ethics QQI Level 6, Training and Adult Education QQI Level 6, Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development.

Jill is an exceptionally experienced and high performing Learning and Development Professional with over 25yrs experience in both Corporate and SME sectors. She has vast experience in managing the training cycle from training needs assessment and performance stages ensuring successful implementation of programmes. Jill’s proven track record of professionalism and excellence in delivering and facilitating has been demonstrated through a number of industry accolades achieved. She has worked with both middle and senior management teams with particular speciality in Communications, Team Leadership, Personal and Professional Development, Change Management, Training and Development, Executive and Career Coaching, Customer Service and Supervisory Skills. Jill’s immense experience and genuine passion for learning, combined with extensive expertise in Coaching with Neuroscience, has resulted in the successful growth of both individuals and their organisations.

Jason Cooper, Dip in Executive Coaching, DIP Satir and Mind Coaching, Sales Coach DIP, QQI Training and Development, QQI Level 8 Management Practices, QQI Level 8 Business, Sales Trainer DIP Richarson Cert, Neuroscience Training/Coaching Cert

Jason Cooper, DIP Practitioner, is a seasoned executive coach and trainer with over 25 years of global experience. He's worked with major corporations like Google and has trained over 500 sales managers. Jason's diverse qualifications, including certification as a Richardson Sales Trainer and Level 6 Training and Development, highlight his commitment to excellence. He brings a multivariate approach, drawing from neuroscience and behavioural economics to create lasting change in individuals and teams. His thought leadership, recognized on platforms like Thinkers 360 and Corporate Visions, underscores his impact.

Beyond his corporate roles, Jason has co-founded two startups, offering a unique perspective on business challenges. His award-winning global sales leader podcast is a testament to his influence in the field. Jason Cooper is a transformative force, empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.

With his practical business and life experience, Jason uses his coaching and training expertise firsthand to help clients grow and achieve their goals.

Philip Murphy, Qualified Financial Advisor, Coaching and Train the Trainer QQI Level 6, Marketing and Sales QQI Level 6, Management Effectiveness QQI Level 6

Phillip is an experienced trainer delivering in the specialised areas of Customer Service, Communications, Business Planning, Time & Stress Management, Personal Development, Self-Reliance and Career Planning. Phillip has an excellent ability to build a rapport with all Optimum clients and diverse groups. He has been involved in the continuous improvement and constant review of unemployment intiatives and 'Start Your Own Business' courses as part of Optimum continuous improvement model, his hands on a practical approach is well received by participant and co-workers.

Phillip is a member of the Institute of Banking (Qualified Financial Advisor) and has extensive professional experience in Financial Banking and Advice.