If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Chief Operations Officer at FKM Breda Gleeson

Breda’s main passions can be categorised into two categories: FKM customers and innovation. As Chief Operations Officer, she fosters a culture of ideation and collaboration internally to create amazing customer experiences and best practices for delivering complex fit out projects that help clients achieve their workplace strategy goals.

For more than 20 years, Breda has been involved in the most prestigious office fit outs in Ireland for global and local organisations. Breda oversees the operations and smooth running of the business while contributing to the development and long-term strategy of FKM.

Breda generously shares her wisdom with us below.

Describe your career in three words…

Resilient. Relentless. Resourceful.

What’s one lesson you have learned in business/your career that you wish every woman knew?

Never be afraid to ask. You absolutely belong at the table. Lead with integrity, lift others as you rise, and build your own trusted ecosystem of people who do what they say and say what they do. And always be kind on the way up, especially when you’re tested.

Do you feel your early training and career set you up for your role as Chief Operations Officer at FKM, and if so, how?

Absolutely. I’ve never shied away from hard, smart work, but the real foundation came from my parents, who taught me to do things right the first time. I listen more than I speak, take time to understand fully, and always show up as myself, not a version of what I think someone wants me to be.

Do you believe the Irish educational system adequately supports entrepreneurial spirit and action?

No. It celebrates high academic achievement, but entrepreneurship, the ability to connect the dots, take risks, and build something meaningful isn’t taught in textbooks. Passion, curiosity, and resilience deserve more recognition.

What is the most underrated quality essential for leadership in your opinion?

Emotional intelligence. It’s your internal radar. The ability to read the room, understand unspoken tensions, and lead with empathy is what separates good leaders from great ones.

What defines a resilient leader?

Resilient leaders hold the vision, stay the course, and bring the team with them, especially through the storms. They don’t point fingers. They problem solve, communicate with clarity, and create space to reflect, reset, and recharge.

What is your advice for anyone building a team?

Get crystal clear on what success looks like and then break it down into achievable, measurable steps; it’s what I call “elephant sandwiches.” Hire for attitude, train for skill, and keep the purpose front and centre.

How best can a leader support and motivate a team?

Start with great coffee and good humour! But seriously, recognise their efforts, make time for one-on-one conversations, create solutions together, and always celebrate the wins, big or small.

Is there any life, business or career advice that you were given but (thankfully) ignored?

Yes, “don’t rock the boat.” I’ve made a career out of challenging the status quo.

What’s the most valuable piece of financial advice you ever received?

Maximise your pension contributions. Start early. The future version of you will thank you.

Work-life balance. What are your thoughts?

It’s still a work in progress. I love what I do, which makes it easy to blur the lines. But I’m learning to trust more, delegate more, and remind myself that the kids won’t break the house with the keys.

What has been your most proud moment in business so far?

Transforming FKM into one of Ireland’s leading fit-out and asset repositioning specialists. But more than that, seeing people I’ve mentored thrive in leadership roles is what makes me proudest.

Having a five-year plan – yes or no?

Yes. I have a clear five-year plan that focuses on continued growth both for FKM and for myself. I’m ambitious and excited about stepping further into C-suite strategy and transformation leadership.

What’s your ‘go-to’ quotation for inspiration?

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”

If you knew then what you know now, would you do anything differently?

I’d worry less about fitting in and trust more in the power of showing up as myself. I used to think I had to match the mould, I now know the mould needed breaking.