30 under 30 previous winners: ‘Winning helped confirm I was on the right track’

Rhian O’Leary was named one of the original #Gef30Under30 in 2018, and we caught up with her five years later to chat about how her accomplishments have only grown – all the while she’s still only 24 years old!

Gef: What did being recognised as one of Gef’s 30 Under 30 mean to you?

Rhian O’Leary: It was honestly so lovely to be recognised as part of the 30 Under 30.

At the time I’d run my own business since I was 16, then moved into the corporate world and then to Malta for experience within the iGaming industry.

It sounds silly to say it now, but back then I really felt there were limited female role models that I could aspire to, so winning helped confirm I was on the right track. I’ve also had a few people quote back my winner’s interview to me…which was just bizarre!

Gef: How have you grown since you were named one of the winners in 2018?

Rhian O’Leary: When I moved back to the island from Malta I set up my company specialising in paid social media buying and working with clients in the UAE, Malta, UK and loads of amazing businesses on the Isle of Man.

The best part for me was working as a mentor with young talent. We expanded to take on employees and local freelancers, all of whom were older than me, so that was an adjustment!

We are currently going through our next evolution where we are pivoting from an agency model to focus on building our own products and brands, which is something I am unbelievably excited about!

Gef: What advice would you give to young leaders who are just getting started in their careers?

Rhian O’Leary: I fully believe that the biggest obstacle in life is yourself, once you can control and manage your thoughts and emotions then everything else in life becomes easier.

Failure in some way is totally inevitable, but how will you act in the face of it? Entrepreneurship is resilience and grit like no other.

Things go wrong, stuff happens and there isn’t anyone to hide behind or protect you. It’s literally a practice of falling down 6 times and getting up 7 with more excitement and drive than before. It’s so worth it!

We’re on the hunt for a new crop of under-30s to celebrate across all sectors. Entries close on April 6 and only thirty names will make the final cut. Nominate a friend, colleague, or even yourself at 30Under30.im. #isleofman