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UU Connects in collaboration with Women in Business brought alumni and business owners together at the Academy Restaurant, Belfast, on 24 September for an inspiring conversation with Ulster University alumna and entrepreneur, Olga McAteer, Founder and Director of McAteer Solutions.
Interviewed by Karen Delgado, Deputy Director of Alumni and Corporate Engagement, Olga reflected on a career spanning construction, quarrying, asset management and property. She also shared how she founded McAteer Solutions with just a small number of property listings and developed it into one of Northern Ireland’s leading estate agencies. Her career has not been without setbacks. Olga spoke candidly about redundancy early in her career, rebuilding her confidence and navigating challenging periods in business. Her advice was to treat each setback as an opportunity to learn and return stronger; values that continue to shape her leadership.
Olga's message was clear: resilience grows through action.
Every hit you have, you’ve got to take it, pick yourself back up and go again, harder and smarter the next time.
Olga also reflected on returning to Ulster University later in her career to complete her Master’s in Business Administration whilst also working full-time and raising a family. The experience strengthened her business knowledge and helped give her the confidence to pursue her ambitions. Olga was very proud to share that her success has also been supported by a close network of family, friends, colleagues and mentors. Olga highlighted the value of having trusted people who challenge her thinking, keep her accountable and provide support during difficult periods.
Olga encouraged guests to know their worth, ask for opportunities and avoid allowing rejection to become a permanent barrier. She also advised aspiring entrepreneurs to make decisions based on strong values, professional integrity and a clear vision rather than simply following competitors.
Discussing leadership, Olga encouraged attendees to support others and bring their teams with them. She also highlighted the importance of mentoring, delegation and surrounding yourself with positive people. Olga encouraged leaders to focus on building and investing in people to develop their talent and hire people who are better than you to oversee business operations that are not your passion. In doing so, affording you the time as a leader to work on the business rather than in the business; that is how your company will grow.
Olga also had a powerful stance on how business success should be recognised.
I’m an entrepreneur. I’m not a female entrepreneur. No one ever says, ‘I’m a male entrepreneur.’ I’m an entrepreneur.
We were pleased to be joined by A-level Business Studies pupils from St. Cecilia's College. For the pupils, Olga offered practical career advice: gain work experience, develop communication skills, find something you genuinely enjoy and do not be afraid to put yourself forward.
The conversation was followed by facilitated networking led by Women in Business. Attendees were encouraged to meet someone new and consider how they could help or inspire others, reflecting Olga’s view that networking should focus on contribution as well as personal opportunity.
The collaboration demonstrated the shared commitment of UU Connects and Women in Business to connecting people, celebrating success and helping alumni, students and professionals learn from one another. Both organisations hope the event will be the beginning of further opportunities for their communities to connect and collaborate.
Reflecting on the event, Deputy Director of Alumni and Corporate Engagement, Karen Delgado said,
Our alumni community is built on connection, shared experience and mutual support. By collaborating with Women in Business, we can bring people together to exchange ideas, grow their networks and find inspiration in each other’s journeys.
