From Dublin to Silicon Valley: The Inspiring Journey of Deirdre Mahon

From her early days studying economics in Ireland to leading marketing and growth strategies for startups across the Bay Area, Deirdre Mahon has built a career defined by grit, creativity, and purpose. In a recent episode of The Wall, she shares her story with host John Costigan, offering insights into leadership, growth, and the human side of business.

A Career Defined by Reinvention

Deirdre’s path is a masterclass in reinvention. She transitioned from finance to sales, from corporate structures to startup chaos, and from executing tasks to shaping how others think. Along the way, she has led teams through growth, change, and uncertainty, learning that success relies less on skill and more on attitude, energy, and curiosity.

People First: A Modern Leadership Philosophy

One of the core lessons from Deirdre’s journey is her mantra:
“People, customers, and product, in that order.”

She emphasizes that great leaders focus less on control and more on connection. Building motivated teams and fostering a culture rooted in purpose are just as important as achieving measurable results.

Navigating Change in Today’s World

Deirdre also discusses the evolving dynamics of leadership, including:

• Managing hybrid teams
• Balancing process with creativity
• Driving rapid innovation in uncertain environments

Her approach prioritizes hiring for attitude over experience and finding meaning in the work itself, offering practical insights for leaders in any industry.

Seeing the Wall as a Challenge, Not a Barrier

The conversation goes beyond business strategies. It’s about learning to approach challenges—the “walls” we face—not as obstacles, but as opportunities to climb, dig under, or move around, armed with the right mindset and a supportive team.

Deirdre Mahon’s story is a reminder that a successful career is built on adaptability, curiosity, and human-centered leadership, inspiring anyone looking to make an impact in today’s fast-paced business world.