30 Seconds with Michael Gavin

Who in the business world do you most admire?

Michael O’Leary - He’s incredibly commercially minded and has built one of Europe’s most successful airlines by being relentless about costs, efficiency, and execution.

What do you wish you knew before you started in your career?

That you don’t need to have everything figured out early on. Work hard, build good relationships, and take opportunities when they come. Your career will probably take a few unexpected turns you never expected.

What is your career highlight to date?

Helping build Onate into what it is today. I’m particularly proud of the lending I have originated and the relationships I have built along the way, but seeing the business grow from a much smaller operation into a leading player has been the biggest highlight.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?

Probably something entrepreneurial

What do you do to relax?

The gym, spending time with my wife and my dog and getting away whenever we can. I also follow Liverpool and Clare pretty closely so there’s usually a match or two to keep me occupied!