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Credit unions are for people, communities, hope and inclusivity

David Malone, chief executive of the Irish League of Credit Unions, talks about his passions and influences

The Irish League of Credit Unions has 400 locations in Ireland – everyone should be a member, says chief executive David Malone
The Irish League of Credit Unions has 400 locations in Ireland – everyone should be a member, says chief executive David Malone
Wed Dec 06 2023 - 05:00
What business-person do you most admire?

My aunt, Gillian Bowler, the founder of Budget Travel, who sadly passed away in 2016. She was a true trailblazer in the Irish business landscape.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I’m an avid collector of sports memorabilia. My most treasured piece in my collection is one of Shane Warne’s Australian test cricket shirts.

David Malone: 'The great thing about my role is the variety – no two days are ever the same'
David Malone: 'The great thing about my role is the variety – no two days are ever the same'
How do you unwind?

I listen to lot of podcasts, one of my favourites being Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO series. It’s fascinating to hear leaders from so many different backgrounds share their personal experiences. I highly recommend listening to it.

How much money is in your wallet?

I have €40 cash in my wallet at the moment. I use my contactless Credit Union Debit Card on Apple Pay as a main form of payment. However, it is handy to always have a small amount of cash on hand.

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The last book you read?

After the Annex: Anne Frank, Auschwitz and Beyond. I was deeply moved following a visit to the museum in Amsterdam a few months ago. It’s a sad read but also shows the resilience of Anne’s father, Otto, who was the only survivor of the Frank family.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Anything is possible if you have the mindset, the will and desire to do it.”

Who is the most famous person in your contacts list?

I have a very broad list of contacts in my phone – I couldn’t possibly say who is the most well known.

How do you manage your work-life balance?

The great thing about my role is the variety – no two days are ever the same. I spend time each week visiting credit unions, usually travelling by train, which means I can use the time wisely to catch up on emails etc. On the weekends, I like to golf. I may not always play well but I always enjoy it.

The last film you watched?

I am currently re-watching the Hitchcock series; I love classic films. Vertigo is my favourite. It is a very complex, mysterious film, with a haunting soundtrack. Although it’s more than 60 years old the ending is still a real shocker.

What is your favourite possession?

My watch, gifted to me by my father on my 21st birthday. It holds great sentimental value.

What’s your most memorable holiday ever?

Our honeymoon in South Africa always stands out as the most memorable. We spent time on Robyn Island, in Soweto, Cape Town and the Shamwari safari. It was a truly breathtaking experience. Despite its complex history, it is a unique, once in a lifetime trip.

What social media do you use?

I have accounts on all the main platforms but mainly LinkedIn, as it’s a great way of connecting with our credit union network and colleagues past and present.

If money were not object, what would your fantasy purchase be?

It would have to be a villa in Marbella.

What is the first website you look at every morning?

I begin with RTÉ News and then move on to the other big Irish news sites.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I’m a bit of both.

If you were taoiseach for a day what would you do?

I would bring all key stakeholders together for a day to come up with a sustainable solution to the housing crisis. Credit unions have a key role to play in this.

What person do you most admire?

My mother. She has been hugely influential to me. She is a real role model, setting out a clear value system.

What’s your favourite place in Dublin and why?

St Annes Park in Clontarf. My school organised treasure hunts there every summer, of which I have very cherished childhood memories. There so many different parts of the park to explore. Every visit is unique.

Anything you would like to plug?

Everyone should be a member of a local credit union. We have 400 locations across the country that can meet all your needs including loans, mortgages and current accounts. It is important to note, credit unions are not for profit. Instead, they are for people, communities, hope and inclusivity.