10 minutes with… Ruth Kennedy

Posted on July 18, 2019

Ruth Kennedy has contributed to the Commercial Sales Division for over 19 years in multiple roles gaining experience across radio, television and digital media. In her current role she manages all Group M Sponsorships and non-spot activity across Television, Radio and Digital.

The best piece of advice I was ever given…

It's my Dad’s phrase but it’s got me to where I am today: “What is meant for you won’t pass you by”… well except for the 145 and 46a buses

The one electronic device I couldn’t live without is…

My iPhone 8, I could not get through the day without it! I love photography so never miss an opportunity to snap a pic when I’m out and about.

The best part of my job is…

Seeing all the hard work and the journey from pitch to live on air, there’s nothing like it. There’s always a fear something will go wrong right up to the wire and that’s never changed!

The most rewarding part of my job is…

Working as part of a team to deliver much needed commercial revenue for RTÉ, to continue to make and produce award winning content.

Digital detox - yay or nay?

Absolutely Yay – life’s too short to have your head stuck in a phone all the time but I do need to remind myself of that regularly.

What was your first job?

My first proper job was as a Waitress in Blakes Restaurant in Stillorgan. This restaurant was an institution on Dublin’s Southside for food and drinks, serving many famous faces but also working alongside Ryan Tubridy and David McCullough before RTÉ came calling. Fun times.

What was the last book you read?

I will admit I’m not a book worm and never was but do try to get through a book or two on holidays when I can with a 4-year-old. Gift of Friends by Emma Hannigan was my most recent holiday read and unfortunately her last ever novel, which is really sad. She had a real gift for storytelling.

Tell us something interesting that people may not know about you?

I was a Line Dancing instructor for about 15 years. I, like thousands of others in the ‘90s, started the dance craze to keep fit, but then ended up becoming an instructor and performing at events with a certain Colin Farrell a fellow dancer. Being honest he wouldn’t be where he is without me. He knows it, I know it and that’s fine with me!

What's the most overused word in your industry?

Innovation - next!

What's your favourite app?

Instagram is my life, I love it.

What's your favourite brand and why?

Jo Malone. I love perfume always have since my teens, but this brand was a game-changer for the perfume industry. The powerhouse behind the brand Jo Malone with no training built the fragrance empire from her kitchen table to what it is today. Through her ups and downs after selling the brand to Estée Lauder she always stayed true to herself and her passion to create unique fragrances.

What or who are you a 'closet' fan of?

Darts - I could watch all day! World Darts Championship at the Lakeside is one of my favourite events. In the ‘80s darts was in its golden age, and I grew up watching Jocky Wilson and Eric Bristow rule the world. I will confess I am prone to late-night re-runs of the game show Bullseye on Challenge. Like, who living on the 11^th floor of an apartment block in Birmingham wouldn’t want a speedboat and enough cash for the bus fare home?!

Have you ever met anyone famous?

Luckily lots working with The Late Late Show, my favourite up close and personal was probably Liam Neeson. Not only is he wonderful Irish actor, but he’s also fierce handsome and very charming. The day Tom Cruise was in RTÉ was also one of the funniest and best days the buzz about the place was amazing.

How do you define success?

I don't know if I can define it in general as I think it depends on our individual perspectives and drives. For me finding the right balance in my life is important to be fulfilled and happy. This would be my key success metric.

What one memory do you most cherish?

I don’t have just one, there are lots! I suppose the most treasured was spent with my family growing up. ‘70s kids had so much freedom, we were allowed to play and explore without constant supervision, and we took full advantage. Holidays on farms, picnics in the rain, we were always out and busy. Seatbelts didn’t exist which meant you could cram as many kids as possible into the car going anywhere along with the dog, and we did. My older brothers were my babysitters and not fit to look after themselves let alone me, plus we never knew where our parents were actually going and never asked! Simple times, and the funniest memories to treasure forever.