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1. What inspired you to pursue a career with Barden?
After 22 years in the construction industry, I decided to explore opportunities in other sectors that might offer new challenges and suit me better. I contacted Barden for assistance, and they suggested a role within their company that could be a good fit for both myself and Barden.
The main reason I chose Barden was the people. Before joining, I met at least six people from Barden, and each one was open, honest, and passionate about talent advisory. I realised I would really enjoy working in an environment with people who shared my beliefs and values, and this has proven to be the case.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career and how has it impacted your work?
It’s difficult to pinpoint just one lesson, but I learned very early in my career that everyone in an organisation brings value and ideas to the table. Dismissing the ideas or suggestions of less experienced or more junior employees can, in my opinion, be detrimental to a business’s success. Therefore, I have always considered the ideas and opinions of all my colleagues, which has led to remarkably close relationships with colleagues across various departments over the years.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Research is key to deciding if you should make a career change. Ensure you enter a new career with your eyes wide open, fully aware of the pros and cons of that industry. Consulting a talent advisory organisation, such as Barden, will help you make an informed decision about this life-changing step.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
It might seem like a small accomplishment to most, but delivering a PowerPoint presentation to my new colleagues on recent updates in employment legislation was significant for me. It was my first presentation in over 20 years, and while the topic might not be considered very stimulating by some, I achieved my goal. At the end of the presentation, I looked around the room and, thankfully, nobody was asleep!
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
It has to be working with such professional, genuine people who are so passionate about talent advisory and strive on a daily basis to achieve the best possible outcome for the talent and clients they work closely with.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
When I finished the Leaving Cert, I was offered a place at the University of London for a degree in Psychology and Criminology. My interest in this area developed from watching Dr Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald, a fictional criminal psychologist in the 1990s drama series Cracker, played by the late Robbie Coltrane. Fitz was a maverick genius and top of his field. Unfortunately, the only attributes I shared with Fitz were physical. For those on tenterhooks, I turned down the place and went to St Patrick’s College in Drumcondra instead.
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I would choose to master the skill of producing legible writing. My handwriting is so illegible that I would have saved a lot of time during my college days if I could have deciphered my own notes. Additionally, when friends tell you it’s really cute that your daughters (aged 6 and 7) wrote the Christmas cards, only for you to have written them yourself, it’s clear that this is a skill that needs attention!
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
I would be the poor man’s Marty Morrissey, commentating on the football or hurling All-Ireland. I am sports mad (watching, not playing), and with the GAA being my favourite, there’s nothing greater than commentating on an All-Ireland final.
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
One thing I’d like to accomplish in the next year is to get into shape, even though I am aware that round is a shape!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Hard work never killed anyone, but there is no point taking any risks.” I say that in jest. From an early age, my parents instilled in me to always treat people the way you would like to be treated yourself. I have never forgotten this and do my best to put it into practice daily. It has held me in good stead in both my personal and professional life.