An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir April 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 40 | By CPl lEE CoylE Vinny Mccoy Meridian Security & training Ltd, and MotiVationaL Speaker 27 inf Bn An Cosantóir recently met up with Vinny McCoy, a Defence Forces veteran, now Manag- ing Director of Meridian Se- curity and Training Ltd (MSL) to tell us a bit about himself and his life after the DF. Vinny joined the Defence Forces in 1977, enlisting in the 27 Inf Bn soon after he had left school before the age of 17. At that time Vinny says there was a lot of stigma around not fin- ishing school or completing a Leaving Cert. Even before he had left school, Vinny always had a vision of working for himself. With 23-years-service in the Defence Forces and two peacekeeping missions overseas behind him, Vinny then focused on starting his own security company. His new career as Managing Director of MSL soon began. The family run company mainly deals with event security. His two sons, Shane and Barry, are directors. The company works nationwide with many reputable and well-known organisations. Vinny joined his local Toastmasters Club, a community organ- isation that helps people improve their speaking and leadership skills. There he realised he had an ability to communicate with people and encourage them to fulfil their potential and follow their dreams. In 2006, Vinny was awarded the Security Institute 'Trainer of the Year Award', and that gave him a bigger incen- tive to do more with his speeches and talks. After winning numer- ous speech competi- tions, Vinny represented Ireland in the Toastmas- ters International Speech and Evaluations Competition in 2013 and 2016. He has been a member of Toastmaster Club for over 12-years. Vinny always knew that one day he would be in a position to give people advice on what he has done and learned in his life as he is all too aware of the challenges that face students who feel they have to do well in their exams to achieve something in life. What motivates Vinny is to help those who do not like school but have an abundance of creativity and what the pos- sibilities are for them. With this in mind, Vinny put his name forward to qualify for a TEDx talk to be held in Drogheda. He had to submit a two- minute video and a written talk on the subject of Private Lives and Identity. After a high volume of applications, Vinny was one of 8 speakers invited to give their talk. His presentation, 'You Are Not Who You Think You Are', takes the listener on a journey of self-discovery. At the start of the talk, Vinny asks: "What are you doing for the rest of your life? What are your dreams and aspirations? Who says your identity is influenced by culture, art, social media or fashion? Who says that is the norm? What about what you want to do?" Vinny asks the listener to look at them- selves, what influences them, what fears do they have, and their identity. Vinny ends his talk with, "That person in the mirror is you, you're unique and you're per- fect. It's what you don't see is what you need to sort out. A compass will point you in the right direction, but it won't take you there." Vinny left school determined to do something different, after his career in the Defence Forces he believed in himself and was prepared to work hard. This is the secret to his success. A compass will point you in the right direction, but it won't take you there. 77th Irish Bn Lebanon, 1995 Glen of Imaal, 1980. 'You Are Not Who They Think You Are' - Vinny McCoy, TEDxDrogheda. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mw7Qbp8GT0 46th Irish Bn stand-down of colours Merrion Square.

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