Coffee Break Conversations... with Bernardo Pina

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?

When I went into recruitment, I did it with the intention of having my daily interactions with people be filled with a spirit of collaboration. As cliché as it sounds, I wanted to help people. That remains my driving force. However, earlier on in my career in recruitment, I was sometimes made to feel like that view was somewhat naïve or too romantic. But at Barden, talent advisory and providing a first class experience to the individuals we interact with is truly at the heart of the business – its “why” is fully aligned with mine and it allowed me to come full circle and put in practice the motivations that drove me into recruitment in the first place.

2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?

I can be quite a “head down” type of person when I’m at work. I like to focus on the task at hand, cancel out the noise, and be as fast and efficient as possible. However, the downside of that is that one might miss out on learning opportunities from other colleagues or come across as not too sociable. I think I’ve learned (or am still learning I guess, work in progress!) to put my head up a bit more, spending more time bouncing ideas off the people around me or asking for someone else’s advice.

3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?

Always go with the people that feel right for you. This sounds obvious but it can be tricky to get right. The “follow your gut” advice has the right sentiment behind it, but you should also question your gut instincts. There will be people that will tell you all the right things, will tell you all you want to hear and give you all the reassurance in the world. It can be easy for your gut to tell you to follow this person or company. I would prefer someone who gives me the good, the bad, and the ugly. Someone who tells me what the challenges or difficulties might be, where the department or company is lacking or can improve, where my expectations might not be met, etc. So absolutely go with people who make you feel good but who are also real and genuine.

4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m a qualified lawyer from Portugal and, although I was very lucky to come into Ireland with a great job lined up, when I did want to move away from said job, I saw how difficult it can be for a foreign qualified lawyer to have the same opportunities as an Irish or a UK qualified Solicitor. Because of my experience, I have a soft spot for professionals in these circumstances, particularly when they have come to Ireland without a job lined up and in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families. I’ve been privileged to help some foreign legal professionals throughout my career but a recent one stands. A Brazilian qualified lawyer, a single mother, with excellent experience back in Brazil but none in Ireland and who was doing everything she could but was having a tough time finding a good opportunity for her. I introduced her to a company and role that was quite coveted in the market, and she was able to shine through and be the successful candidate in the end. Getting such an opportunity can really change someone’s life and set someone to be in a much better position in the market for potential future opportunities if they ever choose to progress their careers elsewhere. Her tears of joy when we extended the offer to her said everything – it’s why I do what I do.

5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?

Being surrounded by like-minded and exceptionally talented people. I look around and feel such admiration for everyone I see. I think that is so rare!

6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?

Well, I’m 39 years old and still love playing video games, so some people might find that surprising. Also, I’ve recently ran out of tv series to watch and started putting on some of the reality tv shows on Netflix just to have something playing in the background – wouldn’t you know it, but I got hooked on it! Those that know me well would definitely not see me as a reality tv type of guy but there you go…

7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?

It would either be playing the guitar or playing golf. I’ve always loved music and had this dream of being able to play an instrument. I’ve tried and failed – I don’t think I have it in me. Golf is something I’ve only taken up recently and I think I still have time to get decent enough at it. But if I could snap my fingers and be good overnight, I wouldn’t say no!

8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?

For one day only (and no more than that!), I’d like to know what goes on behind the scenes as President of the USA. I’d probably spend most of the time trying to gather all the classified information I could on aliens or UFOs. It wouldn’t be a very productive day.

9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?

To be honest, my main goal in life at the moment is very personal and I can’t say it’s very concrete. I have 3 young kids, the youngest being 1 and half years old. It can be really difficult to have time for myself or one-on-one with my wife or to socialise in general. I can already see some glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel and as things become progressively easier, I want to recover some of that sense of self or identity, which I think is inevitably lost when you dedicate the good portion of a decade to these little human beings. What does that look like in practice? I’m not sure!

10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received? 

When I was a teenager, going through all the internal turmoil that teenagers go through, an aunt of mine asked me if my room was messy. It was. She suggested I try to tidy and clean it up to see how I felt. I did, and I felt much better. What she meant and what I’ve come to realise and still practice to this day, is that if my physical surroundings are tidy and organised, I will usually have a much clearer head and can be much more present in the moment.

At Barden we invest our resources to bring you the very best insights on all things to do with your professional future. Got a topic you would like us to research? Got an insight you would like us to share with our audience? Drop us a note to hello@barden.ie and we will take it from there. Easy.