Invitation-only Member of Forbes Communications Council at Forbes Councils for senior-level PR & Communications executives.

https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Marie-O'Riordan-Board-Member-Nomination-Committee-Chairperson-AsIAm/80e7cd64-0b22-4520-a3a5-8ca5f3895996

Mother Teresa Interview

Marie O'Riordan Mother Teresa

In 1997, Marie O'Riordan was honoured to conduct the final interview with the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mother Teresa, also recognised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. The interview took place at Mother Teresa's residence in Calcutta, India, during Marie's production of a radio documentary that delved into the impact of Irish individuals on the lives of those in the city's densely populated slums. This experience in the developing world profoundly influenced Marie, driving her to volunteer in similar communities across various developing countries. Her interaction with Mother Teresa and the individuals she assisted deepened Marie's commitment to social justice and human rights.

Early Life

Marie O'Riordan baby

From her early childhood, Marie O'Riordan's extraordinary talents were apparent. Her family observed her exceptional problem-solving skills when she was merely ten months old. Entering her preschool years, Marie exhibited an impressive photographic memory. She absorbed vast quantities of information from adult and children’s encyclopaedias, telephone directories, license plates, quizzes, and film trivia. A distinguished professor from a top-tier School of Medicine, captivated by Marie's abilities, described her as having "massive Savant skills. I have never met anyone as talented as her before. The IQ is extremely high." He said that Marie would have been more suitably placed in a university programme for gifted youths at five rather than in a regular primary school. Marie continues collaborating with medical researchers from elite universities globally, furthering the fields of Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, and Memory Disorders.

Media Career

Washington DC

Marie O'Riordan is an accomplished media professional, bringing over fifteen years of extensive experience in roles ranging from Broadcast News Journalist and Presenter to Senior Producer. Her foray into national and local radio started at the tender age of thirteen, and over the subsequent six years, she honed her craft. By the age of fourteen, Marie expanded her skill set to national television. A year later, her talent was recognised on national TV when she received an award for a short film sponsored by Sony.

Fuelled by a deep-rooted passion for media, Marie furthered her studies in Media Techniques: Journalism and Radio and Public Administration at a private college and Business School. In 2019, she completed a Journalism course at the University of Cambridge.

With an international media career spanning over three decades, Marie has carved out a reputation as a seasoned journalism and media production expert. Her career path and academic achievements testify to her commitment to excellence and ability to navigate and flourish in the ever-evolving media world.

Further Background

Marie is committed to supporting marginalised communities, including dual minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, those on the Autism spectrum, individuals with unique personality traits, and Migraineurs. Her dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy was kindled after losing two family members aged two and four. This personal tragedy spurred her to embark on humanitarian missions worldwide. Her efforts have been recognised with numerous honours, most notably an international humanitarian award in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for her philanthropic projects in Africa.

International Speaker

Marie has extensive expertise in delivering presentations on Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Media, Journalism, Investigative Journalism, Success Psychology, and Diversity and Inclusion. She has delivered keynote speeches on international platforms across five continents and has served as a guest lecturer at numerous universities and organisations worldwide.

Career Milestones

Oprah OWN

In corporate consulting, Marie's name shines brightly. From 2009 to 2017, she became an asset to twenty-nine Fortune 500 elite, interfacing directly with the C-suites, from Chairpersons to Presidents and CEOs.

2014 marked a standout moment: Marie consulted for NASA, a professional goal realised.

Brexit was another domain Marie navigated adeptly. In 2016, she spent 20 days in London, assisting FTSE 250 companies in deciphering its intricacies.

Beyond the boardrooms, her acumen stretched into sports. Marie's eight-year study into how Olympic athletes communicate caught the spotlight in Entrepreneur magazine during the 2016 Rio Games. It earned airtime, discussed by an Olympian on NBC's The Olympics.