Introducing our Head of Wellbeing!

Martin McGinley is our Head of Wellbeing, he focuses on growing our wellbeing strategy for our student guests, our team and partners. We asked Martin 10 questions, so you can get to know him a little better...

1. What has been your favourite true moment to date?

It would have to be our Glasgow Welcome Party in 2017. We have become famous for our welcome parties and I was lucky enough to be part of the team to plan and run the event in Glasgow. The party (and after party) were a huge success, but the best bit was the first chance to meet some of our student guests from all over the world.

2. Have you ever ended up doing something unexpected on a shift?

All the time! That’s part of the fun working at true, you always get challenged to do new things. As well as my “normal job” you could say I have also held the following jobs at true – Bus Driver, Camera Man, Toilet Cleaner, Workshop Presenter, Cocktail Barman, Gym Instructor, Personal Chef, Student Mentor, Interior Designer, Sports Coach, Delivery Man and Tour Guide. The fun never stops!

3. You’ve got the private cinema to yourself for two hours – what would you watch?

Match of the Day or the latest Celtic game. I’m a big football fan and would pretty much watch any game no matter who was playing. It would be a real treat to watch a game on our comfy sofas and on our massive TV screen with surround sound!

4. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Has to be watching Disney films with my wee boy Daniel. His favourites are Lion King, Finding Nemo and Frozen, which is good because they are all my favourites too!

5. What’s your go-to midnight snack?

Chocolate rice cakes and almond butter. Quick, easy and sort of healthy - try it! It will change your life.

6. If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?

Golf! It’s the hardest sport in the world and can drive you crazy at times but a great challenge and chance to get outdoors with your mates for 5 hours. Failing that I wish I could be fluent in Mandarin or Spanish without all the hard work.

7. What is your favourite memory of being a student yourself?

My favourite part of Uni was having the freedom and independence that came with being a student. As part of finishing my degree, I got to travel to California and was lucky enough to coach football for the LA Galaxy as part of my Sport Science degree.

8. If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?  

Use it for a workout in the gym every morning. Having 2 young children has meant that I’ve had to cut back on my gym time and the “Dadbod” is slowly creeping in.

9. If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

The world leaders being able to unite to tackle global warming properly. I worry about my kid’s growing up in a world that has become unsafe and limited by pollution.

10. What is your secret talent/ party trick?

I can make almost every part of my body click - neck, knuckles, ankles, hips… I must be getting old!