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1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
Good question. I wanted a change of scenery outside of finance, but I really had no idea what that would look like. What I did know, was that I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed working with people and was keen to find a role that valued the 15+ years I had gained working in a number of controllership and finance transformation-type roles.
I first met Ed and Elaine in 2014 when they placed me in a senior finance role. I experienced the full VIP Barden experience from meeting Ed for a coffee in town to having an interview for a great role with a great company to Ed calling me with an offer! As a result of this positive experience, a couple of years later I reached out to Ed as a client to help support me in recruiting a senior finance team.
In April 2023 I decided to reach out to Ed for an initial chat, and the rest is history!
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
Finding that balance between focusing on your career and spending time with your family. I see it a lot with the talent that I chat with – working late evenings and weekends and not spending any time with their young family.
I’m now in a position where I’m extremely fortunate to have that all-important family time. I see my kids training on weeknights and playing matches at the weekends.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Consider all your options first – don’t rush it! Are you considering a career change because you’re bored or annoyed in your current role? Have a chat with your manager and with a mentor or someone you trust. I also recommend having a conversation with a talent advisor like us here at Barden to hear their advice and explore external options.
Make sure you’ve done your homework on both sides of the fence before making a change.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m still very much learning the trade in the talent advisory and recruitment world. I get the most enjoyment out of having chats with people who are at the stage in their careers where they’re not sure where to go next and being able to give advice based on own learnings and experience.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
Definitely the Barden team! They are the best bunch to work with.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
I’m a huge Australian Rugby League fan, so to keep updated with all the matches and the players I get involved in a very competitive NRL fantasy competition with a bunch of Kiwi lads. We have a fancy NRL silver ring plus a good bit of money that is challenged each year so it is fiercely competitive!
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
Being able to sleep on an aeroplane. When I’m flying back home to New Zealand, I’m one of the few lads that’s watching movies in the middle of the night!
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
I’d love to swap jobs with the All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, lead out the All Blacks, play against the Irish rugby team, and score the winning try in the World Cup final. It would also be a laugh seeing Ardie work in my role in recruitment!
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
Get fit and run for 20 minutes without stopping.
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
My Nan always had a saying “Don’t come into my house if you’re in bad form. Only come in if you’re going to be happy.” She lived to be 102…