Cork Profile: Ezara Ahern Easter

When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up?

When I was little, I wanted to be an actress. When you’re younger, you have so much less inhibitions and I loved performing and being on stage. I was in a lot of drama groups, and it is there I met many of the people I am still friends with today.

Tell us about your career progression to your role today:

I moved to London when I was 22 and to be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do. My cousin Deborah worked in marketing and loved it, so even though I had no idea what that meant, I thought, 'I’m going to do that too!'. I started with a fantastic salon group in London, where I was the in-house PR and marketing manager for four years, before going agency side and eventually going out on my own as a freelance PR consultant. I returned to Cork in 2021 and messaged Judy Hopkins, my now boss, to see if she wanted to meet, and we hit it off! I have been in Hopkins Communications for two years now, as part of the PR team. We are Munster’s largest integrated marketing agency, so as you can imagine, we are quite busy, which I love. After being away for 13 years and wanting to grow my network, when Judy suggested I join MII Cork, I jumped at the chance, and in March 2023, I hosted the MII Cork Maritime Ball and am now the Chair. The Marketing Institute Ireland is the professional body for people working in marketing in Ireland, and in the Cork branch, we host regular networking and educational events in the city.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?

I am very lucky – I love what I do, so there is quite a lot. Most of all, I love working with companies to help them grow.

What motivates you?

Excellent question…

What advice would you give your 15 year old self?

You are smarter than you think you are, trust yourself.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

I am very lucky as I love what I do. I would still be working with people, maybe coaching full time.

What is your greatest life or career achievement to-date?

I think becoming Chair of MII Cork is up there!

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?

My mom and dad, without a doubt. I always knew I had 'cool' parents. I was quite spoiled when I was younger, but they really instilled a sense of self in me and encouraged me to be true to myself. I struck gold with them.

What is the life dream now?

I wouldn’t mind winning the lotto…

How do you switch off?

My husband would say that I never do, but a nice walk on the beach – being near water always makes me feel better.

What is your favourite Cork memory?

I have thousands, and I hope to make more. I used to love coming home for Christmas when I lived in London, and I have nice memories of that.

What is your favourite place in Cork?

Howe Strand. My grandfather had a little cottage there when I was growing up and it holds a special place for me.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

“Keep banging on the door – someone will let you in”. My dad says that to me.

When are you at your happiest?

Cooking with my husband. My sister has just had a baby, so I am pretty happy being near her and my nephew at the moment.

What is your hidden talent?

I can sing.

What might we be surprised to know about you?

I have a Higher Diploma in Coaching and Coaching Psychology from UCC!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’d like to give MII Cork a plug! We have loads of events happening over the next while. They are open to members and non-members, and I would love to see you there. I am particularly excited for our January event, Masterclass in Marketing Excellence - Brewing Award-Winning Campaigns with Birra Moretti, on Tuesday 16 January at 6pm, at the Heineken Brewery. And then of course, there is the infamous MII Cork Ball, taking place on 9 March at the Vienna Woods Hotel and tickets are already selling for that! You can find out more on MII.ie.