Mark Clifford

Cork Profile - Mark Clifford

CEO of SOMEGA Food Supplements

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

Footballer or a writer.

Tell us about your career progression to your role today:

Like a lot of people, I went to college without really knowing what I wanted to do. I was lucky that I eventually studied food science and that lead me onto a range of rewarding roles from R&D to sales and marketing and working for multi-nationals and for SMEs.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?

Since Paula and I started our own business in 2018, I find the most enjoyable part of what we do is the interaction and relationship we have with our customers. It’s truly humbling and satisfying to hear our customers tell us of the positive impact our products have on their health.

What motivates you?

To continue to grow and foster the above type of relationship with our customers and to achieve a happy work/life balance.

What advice would you give your 15 year old self?

I would probably tell him to try a few more things, be they sports, hobbies, interests. It takes a while to realise that the more you ‘put’ into life, the more you get out.

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

Hmm.. probably working away in an office but thinking about changing careers to my current job.

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

Definitely my marriage and family. For my career, it is starting SOMEGA with Paula.

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

I’ve been lucky I have had some great bosses that mentored me at different stages. I have also had not-so-great bosses, who also in a different way, influenced me and my approach to work. But overall, the biggest influence has been my parents. They both came from relatively humble beginnings and to see how hard they worked and the sacrifices they made to give all five of us a better life without losing their integrity, positivity and goodwill has left a lasting impression and legacy with me.

What is the life dream now?

To continue to do what we love doing and that our family remains healthy and happy . . . and for Spurs and Cork to win the double again.

How do you switch off?

By not looking at the phone, reading and exercising.

What is your favourite Cork memory?

I have lots of childhood memories from Cudmores for sweets and fruit, the pick and mix in Woolworths (there’s a theme here), the smell of bread and cakes from Thompson’s Bakery, 99s in Myrtleville. My mum passed away in 2020, so now many of my memories about Cork are invariably about her, so one of my favourite memories is being brought by her to the old Roches Stores café for a coffee (her) and a slice of cake (me).

What is your favourite place in Cork?

It can vary from season to season and year to year, but for now, I love the long strand near Clonakilty. What a great place to bring your dog for a walk.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

No. Like a lot of people, I’ll quote lines from favourite movies for a while and then forget them.

When are you at your happiest? Now.

What is your hidden talent?

I’m afraid it’s so well-hidden, even I can’t find it!

What might we be surprised to know about you? My hidden talent.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

No, I think I’ve shared plenty!

Factfile

Name and position: Mark Clifford, CEO SOMEGA Food Supplements

Age: 54

Lives: Bandon

Family: Married to Paula, three children - all more talented and smarter than their dad or so they tell me.

Pets: Mocha (dog), Tabs and Oreo (cats).

Favourite thing about Cork: Impossible to have just one favourite thing about beautiful and magnificent Cork – that’ll be like choosing your favourite child!

Least favourite thing about Cork: That you have to leave it sometimes.

One thing you’d change about Cork: Ah come on, you can’t improve on perfection.