Karyn Leonard works as a Business Support Specialist with Barden. She joined Barden in January 2023 and is part of the Support Team in Cork.

We recently caught up with Karyn to learn a little bit more about her…

Where are you from?

I am from Dublin and moved down to Cork in November 2021 – quite nice down here in the south I have to say!

Where did you study?  

Griffith College where I was awarded a Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice and Rathmines Senior College where I was awarded a Certificate in Secretarial and Office Administration.

What did you enjoy most about your time studying?   

I enjoyed studying caselaw for certain subjects – I learned truth is definitely stranger than fiction!

How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it? 

I was 16 and worked in a pub as lounge/bar staff. When I was even younger, I would do the ironing for my parents every week to get pocket money (needless to say I’m not a fan of ironing after that!).

Where did you work before joining Barden?

I worked pre-dominantly in various law firms before joining Barden.

What made you decide to move into the world of recruitment? 

I love helping people and so working in recruitment seemed to me the perfect next step in my career.

Why did you choose to work with Barden? 

It was upon meeting the team and learning more about the role and what it involved that led me to choose to work for Barden.  They genuinely have a real interest in making a difference in people’s lives – both for the people who come to them for their services and also the people who work for them.

What’s the best thing about working here?  

It has to be the people. I sometimes have sore cheeks from laughing so hard with the team!

What was most surprising to you about Barden? 

That they do exactly what they say on the tin!

What does your role in Barden involve? 

I provide business administration support to the various teams in Barden.

What top tip would you give to those looking to change role?

Change is always nerve-racking no matter how small or big it is.  If the role feels right, go for it and if you are feeling nervous to make the change, it is never as bad as you think it will be. After a while, you will be asking yourself why didn’t I do this earlier?!

What three words best describe you? 

Authentic, Ambitious and Loves-to-Laugh…not sure if that can count as one word?

Who is your role model, and why? 

I don’t have any specific role model, but I really admire any person who has, or aspires to change things for the better, be it for themselves or for others.

Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?  

I am proud to be part of the Greater Chernobyl Cause charity where I helped pack an aid container that was brought to the boarder of Slovakia before Christmas.

Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?  

“Then the day came when the fear of remaining in a tight bud became more painful than the fear of opening up and blossoming.”

Glass half full or half empty? 

Half full

What’s your favourite song?

Sooo hard to choose a favourite song! I love all kinds of music from different eras and genres and would have a few favourites across the board.

Where in the world would you most like to visit?  

There are many places on my bucket list to visit but I would most like to visit the Maldives or Bali.

And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman? 

Have not got a clue – would have thought they are all on the same team fighting evil. If there was a fallout though, I think Wonder Woman would say something like “c’mon lads, let’s not fight, let’s have a tipple and chat about this!”