Meet our Member: Carley Quigley

The meet our member series introduces some of our members at The View. This time we meet Carley Quigley, Founder and CEO of Grey Dog.   

Can you tell us about your work, what you do, and how you came to be?

I'm originally from Portmarnock and grew up in a family of four children. We're all still incredibly close —in fact, for a long time one of my brothers, Jay, worked alongside me at Grey Dog as my right-hand man. Family has always been at the centre of everything I do, and it's something that's shaped both my personal life and the culture of the business we've built. 

When I was younger, we spent six years living in Amsterdam, where I attended an international school. Looking back, that experience had a huge influence on who I became. It sparked my love of travel and adventure, introduced me to people and cultures from all over the world, and taught me the value of building deep relationships. At the same time, it gave me an even greater appreciation for home and the importance of strong family and community connections. 

After spending a few years working in London, I returned to Ireland and founded Grey Dog in 2011. Today, we're a strategic event, marketing and design agency, partnering with organisations to create experiences and communications that genuinely connect with people. 

I'm a self-confessed conference and event nerd. I genuinely love bringing people together and designing experiences that leave people feeling inspired, connected and energised. In a time when so much happens behind screens, I believe face-to-face moments have never been more valuable. 

These days, my biggest "why" is much closer to home. My husband, John, our three children (Skye, Axel and Piper — and our pooch, Bobb) keep me grounded and remind me every day why connection matters. Building a business I'm proud of is important, but creating a life that's full of family, friendships, adventure and meaningful moments is what really drives me. 

What has your co-working experience been like?

My co-working journey actually started during COVID. My best friend, Kate, and I decided to share an office in The View, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions we could have made. At a time when the world felt upside down and so many of us were working in isolation, having somewhere to go each day (and someone to share it with) kept me sane. 

What started as a practical solution quickly became something much more valuable. The View gave me a routine, a sense of normality and the chance to be around other people again, even if it was just over a coffee or a quick chat in the kitchen. It reminded me how important human connection is, something that has always been at the heart of both my personal life and my work. 

As Grey Dog has grown, so has our presence here. We've gone from sharing an office to having our own space, and it's been brilliant to be part of a community that's full of ambitious, supportive and genuinely friendly people. There are so many opportunities for collaboration, but equally, there's a real sense that everyone wants to see each other succeed. 

The View is much more than an office, it's home to a community that has supported both me and my business through some pretty significant years. 

What keeps you well?

For me, wellness isn't about chasing success, it's about having the right balance. 

The biggest thing that keeps me "well" is my relationships. Whether it's time with my family, catching up with friends, or having a laugh with the Grey Dog team, life has helped me realise that the people around me have the biggest impact on my wellbeing. Life is busy, but making time for those connections is something I really value. 

I'm also a big believer in looking after myself physically. I have three kids, and my body has been through a lot. So, three mornings a week, you'll find me in the gym at 6am lifting weights. A few years ago, I probably would have focused on how it made me look, but these days it's much more about feeling strong, having energy, and looking after myself so I can show up for my family, my team and the people around me. 

Creativity is another way I recharge. I love painting and sketching, and have done since I was a kid. There's something incredibly calming about putting pen or paint to paper. It's one of the few things that completely quietens my mind and lets me switch off from the pace of work. Even better, it's something my kids love too, so it's become a lovely way for us to spend time together, getting creative without any pressure or screens. 

And finally... having the craic! I think we can all take life a little too seriously sometimes. I love a good laugh, spontaneous adventures, weekends away, dinners with friends and making memories with my family. A life that's full of connection is a life well lived.

What's the best career advice you've received?

To ask myself one simple question whenever running a business starts to feel overwhelming: 

"Would I rather be dealing with this... or would I rather be in a big corporate, answering to someone else?" 

Every entrepreneur has moments where the pressure feels heavy. There are difficult decisions, sleepless nights and plenty of responsibility. But that question always helps me put things into perspective. Almost every time, my answer is that I'd still choose this path. 

I also think it's a great litmus test. The day my answer changes is probably the day I need to make a change, whether that's taking a different direction, stepping back, or moving on to something new. Until then, it's a reminder that the challenges are part of building something I genuinely believe in. 

What's your favourite book/series/film and why?

I'm an unapologetic hopeless romantic! If I had to pick favourites, they'd be The Summer I Turned Pretty, Grey's Anatomy, Virgin River, Chesapeake Shores, Ransom Canyon, My Life with the Walter Boys and Off-Campus. Give me a great love story, small-town charm and characters that I care about, and I'm hooked. 

One of the things I've loved most as the kids have gotten a little older is having time to read again. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy getting lost in a good book, and it's become one of my favourite ways to switch off after a busy day. 

I can't watch scary films or TV shows, they freak me out! But, I don't mind reading a thriller or something a little darker. It somehow doesn't have the same effect, so books let me step outside my usual comfort zone. 

What does the future of work look like for you?

I think (and hope) the future of work is going to become much more human. 

Technology and AI will continue to transform how we work, and that's exciting. They'll make us faster, smarter and more efficient. But I don't think they'll ever replace the value of genuine human connection. 

That's why I believe bringing people together—in offices, at conferences and through shared experiences will become even more important. The organisations that invest in culture, relationships and creating moments that matter will be the ones that thrive. 

Personally, I want to build a business that gives people the flexibility to do great work while still having time for the things that matter most outside of it. Success shouldn't come at the expense of family, health or happiness. If we can create workplaces where people feel connected, trusted and inspired, I think we'll all do our best work.