60 seconds with Sharon McMaw | Thrive Business Consulting Ltd

Monday 16 June 2025

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I’m the Founder and Director of Thrive Business Consulting, where we specialise in providing strategic, integrated solutions across change, marketing, communications, and engagement.

We partner with SMEs and corporates to navigate complexity, align teams, build brand value, and deliver impactful change during periods of growth, transformation, or restructuring.

We support organisations by bridging leadership gaps, accelerating change, and unlocking scalable growth through our interim management, strategic consulting and advisory services.

Our flexible model delivers enterprise-level expertise without the overheads, making Thrive a high-impact, cost-efficient partner for organisations ready to move quickly and evolve with confidence.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

My career spans over 30 years as an interim consultant, with expertise in change, marketing, communications, and engagement, which includes guiding organisations through growth, transformation, and restructuring.

I’ve worked with start-ups, SMEs, and corporates on a global scale across London, Ireland, and the Middle East, spanning over multiple sectors including Telecoms, Media, Technology, Government Bodies and Professional & Financial Services.

From company, product, and world-first technology launches, to IPOs, large-scale migrations, new operating models and digital transformation programmes—there’s never been a dull moment, and I’ve met some truly brilliant people along the way.

Now based back in Northern Ireland, I launched Thrive to provide strategic clarity and hands-on leadership to organisations across Ireland and the UK.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

Resilience: I believe it earns trust and respect and plays a key role in career progression.

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?

Always do the right thing for both yourself and the business—not just what you’re told to do.

I love the saying: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

As Thrive Business Consulting is in its early stages, I’m excited to start working with new clients, helping leaders and organisations with their growth and transformation plans.

One thing’s for certain; change is constant, and managing it the right way is essential.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

One of my early career directors, Sandy M, an American woman who’s small but mighty in every way. Fearless, I’d say!

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?

Shake It Off, by Taylor Swift

How can our members best connect with you?

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Monday 16 June 2025