1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
What inspired me the most to make the change was the opportunity Barden gave me to use my ACA Qualification in a different way by helping people. I knew straight away that Barden’s core values aligned with mine, specifically caring about people and always doing the right thing for people. To that effect, I knew that I would really enjoy the talent advisory aspect of working at Barden, I instantly felt that I belonged here, and my 3 years have flown by!
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Two lessons in particular stand out:
- Always give 100% effort
- Always keep your word
Hard work and integrity are key attributes to succeed in any career and no matter what, if you always stay true to those values day-to-day, you can go home content.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Be as informed as possible. Have conversations with trusted advisors, peers who may have made similar career moves, etc. Be curious and ask questions so that you have all the information you need to help make the best decision for you.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
Being promoted to Senior Associate last year, alongside my amazing colleague, Bernie Duffy. Bernie and I started together with Barden on the exact same day 3 years ago and it has been so nice to share this journey with her. She keeps Brian and I on our toes, in fairness – which is needed at times!
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
The people aspect! Whether it is working closely on recently qualified accounting roles with my teammates Brian and Bernie, working with talent through advisory sessions, CV reviews, and interview preparation, or going to meet clients at their offices – I really get energised from meeting people and helping them!
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
I am big into tennis. I am a member of Sunday’s Well tennis club at home in Cork and it is a fantastic club, in a beautiful setting overlooking the River Lee. The highlight (this came as a surprise to me also!) was being asked, along with 10 other club members, to play some exhibition matches at Queen’s tennis club in London for a weekend last summer. Needless to say, I don’t think I won any of my matches, but it was a great experience to play on their famous grass courts!
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
To be fluent in the Hindi language! For some context, my wife, Monika, is originally from India. We met in college at UCC 6 years ago, and she is perfectly bilingual in English and Hindi. We travelled to India quite recently to celebrate Diwali with her family and had the most amazing time. However, when my wife and mother-in-law converse in Hindi and, on occasion, look at me and laugh, I would love to understand and be in on the joke! I have picked up some key words, such as “Sundar”, which means beautiful, and “Maff Kardo” which means “I am sorry” but these words only win me a couple of brownie points, especially when I overuse them!
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
I would swap jobs for a day with the Formula One driver, Charles LeClerc. The opportunity to drive a Ferrari in a Formula One race would be simply incredible – for the adrenaline rush alone! Also, the fact that LeClerc lives in Monaco, surrounded by luxury and yachts, sounds like a nice lifestyle! I even noticed that he got VIP seats at Wimbledon this year and recently, attended the Gladiator II Premier in London with Paul Mescal – so yeah, a day in the life of LeClerc could be really enjoyable!
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
In January of 2023, not content with just playing tennis, I decided to take up padel tennis as a sport, and I actually came up with a 2-year plan to make the Irish Padel Tennis team by the summer of 2025. A fanciful New Year’s Resolution let’s say! Well, we are over two years into that plan and let me tell you, that dream is no closer to becoming a reality! It is a bit like when you are growing up and you say I want to be a professional soccer player – a pipe dream really, but you never know!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Just be yourself! Be your own authentic self in everything you do and don’t be afraid to create your own personal style. That is one thing that stood out when I joined Barden 3 years ago – Barden really champions and encourages the mindset of embracing your individuality, and it really makes working here a fun and comfortable environment to thrive in! So, yeah – be your authentic self!
