1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
For me, my career in talent advisory began 20 years ago, when it was primarily just recruitment – a very transaction-oriented role, rather than the advisory profession it has evolved into now.
When we set up Barden 11 years ago, we always knew that Barden could move the dial in terms of service delivery, ultimately enabling it to stand on its own in both client and talent experiences. We wanted it to be seen as a professional service, and that’s exactly what it has become.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
Genuinely caring about human beings and what’s right for them, regardless of what is right for me or for Barden, is always the right thing to do.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Research it… Really and truly understand what the change will entail, be afraid and scared, but do it anyway! Nothing brilliant was ever achieved by staying somewhere you’re not challenged.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
Well, for me, of course, that is helping to create Barden; helping to create a small little bit of this magic that permeates this business on a daily basis. Externally, it’s looking at how many people’s lives we change on a weekly basis. People who get to be in better environments as a result of what we do.
Internally in Barden, watching the team grow professionally and personally, for me, that’s something I am the proudest of.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
Over the years, this has changed significantly as the business has evolved from a pure start-up to its current state, where it is now more closely aligned with professional services. But right now, it’s the growth and positioning of our executive search practice, competing with traditional Exec Search firms, and being The New ‘Old Boys Club’ in town.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
I literally don’t have any! Only joking, I don’t have anything that would surprise people, unfortunately… but maybe let’s just say possibly the most surprising might be my newfound love of golf. That’s not to say I’m any good at it, but I’m certainly enjoying it.
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I would love to learn some basic Portuguese. My family and I have been going on holidays there for the last few years, and I still can’t speak a word! Given that we have 2 native speakers in the Barden office, I really have no excuse for not getting started!
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
This is going to sound cheesy, but for me, I wouldn’t swap jobs with anyone, as to me, I have the perfect job… but if only for a day, I’d take being Shane Lowry coming down the 18th in Beth Page just as he was putting for Europe to retain the Ryder Cup. Given the psychological warfare that was going on over the whole Ryder Cup, how he had the mental strength to put that hole under such immense pressure is beyond me!
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
Professionally, it is continuing to make strides and inroads into the executive search market, showing clients and organisations that there’s a better way to do this. And just because it’s been dominated by certain multinational exec search firms, doing things the same way for 30-odd years, doesn’t mean it can’t be done in a different way, and better.
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
There are probably 2- one professional and one personal.
Professional: You can’t work ON the business when you’re continuously working IN the business. What I mean by that is it’s very hard to grow in any type of sustainable or strategic way when you’re still so deep in the business that you can’t see the wood for the trees. Taking the time to build an ecosystem of excellent people around you and allowing yourself time to step back and look properly will return tenfold.
Personal: Spend time with your children while they still want to be around you!! Very tongue-in-cheek comment there, but as my kids grow, you start to realise how fast they grow, and there’s only a small window where you are their everything, so try and enjoy that time as best you can.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
When I initially moved into recruitment, my intention was to apply my existing skillset in a new context. During my discussions with various recruiters as I considered changing roles, I became interested in their responsibilities and in how recruiters can influence professionals’ careers and offer a unique perspective.
Joining Barden was all about the people. I had worked with Jonathan and Kate, so I knew we had similar ways of working. Additionally, the prospect of growing Barden in Cork, having seen what Ed and Elaine had built in Dublin, was very exciting!
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
Things have a way of coming full circle, so doing right by people and treating everyone as you would want to be treated builds trust and often comes back in unintended positive ways – the best form of relationship building!
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Take your time. We are all so busy day-to-day, so taking time out to think is really important, especially when making a decision as big as changing jobs. It is important not to make decisions while stressed or not in the right frame of mind. I suggest taking time out for yourself to think about what is important to you. Perhaps there are changes that can be made in your current role to make things better.
Also, remember that it is important to consider what you want, not what is expected of you.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
Being part of a team that is trusted by businesses and professionals in Cork to provide advice and insights before they start to grow their team or look for a new role. Being trusted advisors has always been at the core of what we do, so it is great to be recognised in this way.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
Seeing the people I’ve advised over the years progress in their careers, for example, hearing back from someone years later who is now a hiring manager, growing their own team.
6. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
Being more decisive, I am a real procrastinator!
7. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
I love following Sam Barry’s career, an amazing Cork woman who is now Editor in Chief of Glamour, in her role she has the opportunity to shape culture, meet incredible people, and she is front row at every fashion event and awards show!!
8. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
A wise person in Barden once (or maybe more than once!!) said – People might not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel… valuable advice in all aspects of life!
Barden, Ireland’s leading Talent Advisory and Recruitment Firm, is proud to announce the appointment of Jack O’Regan ACA as Associate in our Recently Qualified Accountants team in Leinster.
After studying Commerce at UCC, Jack began his trainee contract with the Deloitte Dublin audit department. During his time there, he worked with large PLCs, gaining great exposure to complex financial environments and building a strong technical foundation.
After completing his contract and obtaining his ACA qualification, Jack moved to Australia, starting with regional work in Queensland before settling in Sydney, where he held two contract roles in property accounting. These roles gave him a fresh perspective on the industry and allowed him to adapt quickly to new environments and ways of working.
On his return to Ireland, Jack became increasingly curious about exploring new ways to apply his qualification beyond traditional accounting roles. After meeting with the Barden team, our people-first approach strongly resonated with Jack, reaffirming that Barden was exactly the kind of organisation he wanted to be part of.
“I am really looking forward to working with the fantastic Barden team. Everyone I’ve met so far has been incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. It’s clear that Barden has built a culture where collaboration, learning, and genuine care for people are at the heart of everything. I’m excited to be part of that environment and to contribute to it. I’m also looking forward to working with clients who are leaders in their industries, as well as with interesting, fast-growing businesses.
Having very recently been part of the newly qualified talent pool myself, I’m particularly excited about working with newly qualified accountants. I believe I can offer valuable insights and guidance to others navigating that same transition. It’s a space I understand well, and I’m passionate about helping others make confident, informed career decisions.” – Jack O’Regan | Associate | Recently Qualified Accountants | Barden Leinster
“We are delighted to have Jack on board the Barden Recently Qualified Team! Having trained in practice and worked in industry overseas, he brings a fantastic blend of expertise and insight to our team and will be well placed to help other recently qualified accountants achieve their career goals. We are excited to have him on board as we continue to grow and evolve.” – Brian O’Connor | Team Lead | Recently Qualified Accountants | Barden Leinster
“Thrilled to welcome Jack O’Regan to Barden. Jack’s ACA qualification, training in Big 4 Audit and post-qualified experience in accounting and analyst roles in Australia make him perfectly positioned to support the growth and evolution of our Recently Qualified Accounting Talent Advisory and Recruitment Practice. His intellect, sense of humour and genuine interest in making a difference in people’s lives make him the perfect fit for Barden.” – Elaine Brady | Managing Partner | Barden Leinster
Welcome to the Barden team Jack!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
I joined Barden in the very early days, but to be honest, recruitment wasn’t a career I thought of before I met with the team in Barden. However, after lots (and lots!) of meetings with Ed Heffernan and Jonathan Olden, I took a punt on them as opposed to the profession. In conjunction with this, it was also a way I could continue to lean on my finance experience and put it to good use, so it made sense at the time. I haven’t looked back since.
Ultimately, it was the opportunity to work with the likes of Ed & Jonathan, who had a clear vision, that inspired me to join Barden.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
The most valuable lesson I have learned in my career so far is not to close any door until it needs to be closed. What do I mean by this? Keep your options open, explore different avenues; you don’t know where things may take you, rather than dismissing or missing out on potential opportunities.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Trust your gut. It’s really important to gather market information from your network, friends, ex-colleagues, etc.; however, don’t let someone else’s experience impact your decision-making.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
Being able to support people achieve their career goals has been and always will be extremely fulfilling, and it makes me proud to be a part of it. Also, being able to support colleagues through promotion cycles in Barden is something I am really proud of.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
Problem solving! People don’t see the challenges we face daily, from a client or talent perspective. And when you are dealing with human beings, no two situations are the same – it keeps you on your toes.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
Pretty boring here really TBH. I’m a basic man, ha! I enjoy spending time with family and I love socialising with my friends. Throw in the odd game of golf and I’m a happy man.
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
Something music-related, being able to play an instrument would be cool.
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
It would have to be an elite sports person in a highly competitive environment, like McIlroy coming down the stretch in Augusta, an F1 driver going for the championship, Ronan O’Gara drop kicking a goal for the 6 nations, Katie Taylor minutes before the bell rings for a title fight. It’s their mindset that intrigues me.
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
We have lots of exciting plans in place for Barden’s continued evolution that I can’t give away just yet…. Plenty to accomplish!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I am not sure if it was advice or I read it along the way, but it’s to Think Big. Don’t limit yourself with a ceiling, the world really is your oyster!
Also, if a deal doesn’t feel good/right, walk away.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
I love what Barden is doing – the way we are rethinking how recruitment is seen and experienced is exactly the kind of thing I wanted to be a part of. I’ve always taken a consultative approach throughout my career, even before getting into recruitment, so the focus on being genuinely advisory really resonates with me.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
Things sometimes don’t go to plan, and that’s ok! Being adaptable has made a huge difference in how I approach things in my job. It means I focus on finding solutions rather than getting overwhelmed by the unexpected!
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Trust your gut – if you’re craving change, don’t ignore it. Career paths aren’t always a straight line, and sometimes the best moves come from taking a bit of a leap. Talk to people, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to explore what’s out there.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
Having only joined Barden a few months ago, I have had the opportunity to get involved and support with several exciting hires. The technology team here in Barden is forever evolving, and I’m proud to get to be a part of that.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
For me, it’s all about getting to work with people. Having been in industry myself before moving into recruitment, I really understand the importance our role can play in supporting people in making career moves. So, getting to do that every day is a great feeling!
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
Think it’s become pretty popular these days, so likely not too surprising, but I’ve a keen interest in reformer Pilates – not a form of exercise to be underestimated!!
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I know it’s something people say all the time for this question, but I’d really love to master a new language. Honestly, I think it would just be pretty cool to be able to have something like this when travelling! Maybe this is the year I will do it!
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 an actress – Not sure exactly who, but someone filming some sort of action movie for sure! Wouldn’t be too shabby to hang out with some celebrities for a day and film some cool stunts!
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
As I mentioned, I’m currently really into reformer Pilates, having practised it for over a year. It’s one of those activities where the more you do it, the better you get, so I’m just looking forward to keeping it up, trying out different style classes, and hopefully continuing to enjoy it while improving!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
What is meant for you won’t pass you! It’s something that I always come back to both in my personal and work life – just trusting that what is meant to be, will be and for a reason!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
After a year in accounting, I realised I was more drawn to people-focused work. I majored in HR during my final year of college, so I always knew I could explore other paths if accounting didn’t feel like the right fit.
Initially, I wasn’t sure about recruitment, but meeting the team at Barden changed my perspective. Their people-first approach – how they work with, support, and genuinely care about others – really resonated with me. That mindset is what ultimately drew me to a career in talent advisory.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
To stay curious and always look for opportunities to learn. This mindset has been key to my professional growth.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
If you’re thinking about a career change, it’s probably worth exploring. Work takes up a big part of our lives, so it’s better to explore your options than to live with regret.
Another thing to keep in mind is that technology has made it easier to access courses that help you upskill, making it simpler to pivot into something new. Talk to people in the field, do your research, and take small steps to test the waters.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
One project I’m proud of is publishing our quarterly tech report, In Focus – Technology Talent Strategies & Insights. (see here>>>). I dedicated a lot of time earlier this year developing the report, and it was rewarding to see it come to life. As Ireland’s tech market undergoes significant changes, the report offers insights into how these shifts affect hiring, talent retention, and career development.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
What I enjoy most is meeting new people every day and hearing their stories. Every conversation is different and helping someone take a step forward in their career, whether big or small, is very rewarding.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
It might not be a huge surprise as I’m known for being a huge dog lover, but I spent some time in the past working at a dog groomers. I love helping friends and neighbours with their dogs – whether it’s dog-sitting, walking, or giving them a quick trim to tide them over until their next groom.
I would love to run a dog rescue one day. My childhood dog, Sparky, was a rescue and lived to the amazing age of 21. He is the reason behind my passion for helping dogs.
There have been some memorable moments – like taking in a Bichon for the night after finding it wandering the streets or helping reunite a lost Jack Russell with its owner, who had been searching for hours. Helping and caring for dogs is something that brings me a lot of joy!
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
My team might laugh at this one, but I’d actually love to learn how to code. Since I work with software developers on a daily basis, I’ve always been curious about what goes on behind the scenes and how it all comes together.
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
I hadn’t really thought about this question before, but the first person who comes to mind is Lee Asher. I watch his YouTube videos and often find myself thinking how much I’d love his job. He runs a nonprofit animal sanctuary in the US called ‘The Asher House’, caring for all kinds of animals, with lots of stories about rescuing dogs in need.
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
A wise man once said – don’t tell anyone your plans until they materialise!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.
1. What inspired you to work with Barden?
The people. Everyone at Barden has such a good sense of humour, it makes the busy days fly by and makes work feel a lot less like work.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is how important it is to manage my workload in a way that helps me stay on top of deadlines. I work off a to-do list to prioritise what needs to be done first and keep track of everything without getting overwhelmed.
It’s made a big difference in how I work.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
I’d say, just go for it. Life’s too short to be stuck waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment, because it rarely shows up. If you’re thinking about a change, there’s probably a good reason. Trust your gut. You’ll figure things out as you go.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m really proud of how much I’ve learned over the past six months. Coming into a recruitment and talent advisory firm was completely new to me, but I’ve been continuously learning every day, whether it’s about the industry, the people, or the processes. It’s been a steep but rewarding learning curve.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
There’s never a dull moment when you’re in the office. There’s always something new & exciting happening.
6. What’s a hobby/interest you have that might surprise us?
I love baking! My nan taught me when I was younger, and even though I don’t do it much these days, it’s honestly so therapeutic when I do.
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I think I’d go for something like public speaking or presenting with total confidence – no nerves, no second-guessing. It’s such a useful skill, no matter what you’re doing, and being able to communicate clearly and confidently can really open doors.
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
Very random, but I did a safari recently in South Africa, and I’d probably swap with one of the guides who takes people out on the horse-riding safaris. I did one while I was there, and it was such a cool experience. The guides definitely get to see something different every day with the animals and the views.
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano. It’s been on my list for ages, and this year I’d love to finally make time for it. I think there’s something really calming about playing it.
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is to treat people how you’d want to be treated. It’s such a simple thing, but it really does go a long way. Being kind and respectful, especially when things get stressful, makes a big difference. People tend to remember how you make them feel.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
I have known about Barden for a long time, even before joining, as I spoke with Ed and Johnny when I qualified as an accountant with KPMG in 2017. I was abroad then for 7 years, but I always kept an eye on Barden, and their people and approach really resonated with me.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
Challenges can be overcome, no matter how big or small. Don’t worry too much about setbacks; just take the learnings forward.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Do it. Life is short, but careers can very be long.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
As an accountant who worked in Finance recruitment in London, I took on a project to grow an engineering desk with Barden in 2024. This has been a great success over the last 12 months, and we have massive plans to keep this momentum going.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
Each day, I have the opportunity to work on different projects with different people. These experiences offer a lot of variety and challenge to the workday.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
Any physical activity, really, whether it be running, exercise, swimming, or golf. I have caught the Hyrox bug over the last 12 months too, like half the planet!
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I would love to either learn an instrument or speak Spanish. Or both.
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
Michael Scott from Dunder Mifflin. Despite his “way with words”, he always seems to circumvent HR! Or I’d love to caddy for Shane Lowry on day 4 of the Masters. We wouldn’t win, but we’d have a great day.
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
After a lot of battling in the market, I’m about to close out on a property in the coming weeks, so I am buzzing about that. Touch wood!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Be more open to saying yes to things and moving outside your comfort zone.
Barden, Ireland’s leading Talent Advisory and Recruitment Firm, is delighted to announce the appointment of Minh Tran as Video Editing and Animation Lead.
Originally from Vietnam, Minh moved to Ireland in 2018 during a two-year gap period. In 2024, she graduated with First Class Honours in Computing & Digital Media from ATU Galway.
With a natural talent for visual storytelling, she has always been passionate about using imagery to communicate powerful narratives. Minh believes that every image and symbol carries a profound meaning, and she strives to uncover and share these deeper layers through her work. In her role at Barden, Minh works collaboratively with the marketing team to create and capture innovative video and animation content to convey Barden’s story, in line with the company’s branding and vision.
“Almost half a year in, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of Barden. It is a place where I can show up as my authentic self, contribute meaningfully, take initiative, and bring real creativity to my work. I am surrounded by friendly, talented people, and I’m learning so much from everyone here.”- Minh Tran | Video Editing and Animation Lead | Barden Ireland
“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Minh Tran to the team. Her talent and fresh perspective are already helping to elevate the way we share our ideas, giving even greater clarity and impact to what we have to say. As we continue to evolve our creative vision, Minh’s work will play a key role in shaping how Barden walks and talks about recruitment and about the wider world we’re part of.” – Luke Austin | Creative Lead | Barden Ireland
“As we look to evolve the recruitment profession in Barden, it’s key that we innovate and look to speak with our customers in a different way – that’s where Minh Tran comes in. Minh’s creativity, attention to detail and innovative approach to all things video and animation will be an essential part of our journey ahead! Welcome to Barden Minh – we’re going to do some incredible things together!” – Ed Heffernan | Managing Partner
Welcome to the Barden team, Minh!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
It really came down to my first advisory conversation with Barden and how impressed I was by that. I was sitting at the other side of the table as an accountant looking for my first role in Cork after spending 9 years in Australia. I left that conversation knowing I wanted to work with people like Barden in the future.
When I started exploring the idea of leaving a career in Finance to work with Barden, the opportunities to help people with their careers and work with a great team led me in this direction.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
I have learned many valuable things throughout my career that have impacted my work. Work hard. Surround yourself with people you respect and can learn from. Do what you love. Find a good mentor. And aim big.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Do your homework. Understand what’s driving your move. Make a wish list of all the things you are looking for in a role, whether that’s progression opportunities, learning a new skillset, better flexibility or WLB… And have chat with Barden.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
I think successfully transitioning from a long career in Finance to talent advisory has been my biggest accomplishment so far. It wasn’t easy, but it was so rewarding from day one. It was made a lot easier by having a team of people around me happy to help, all with their own unique styles and different things to teach me.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
There is no greater feeling than working with someone for a period of time and helping them land their dream role. You are there with them from the very start, you understand what’s motivating their move, educating them on the market, helping them with their CV and interview prep all to way to receiving an offer. It’s an honour to be able to go on that journey with someone and know you played a part in changing their life.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
Not very original, but tennis is my biggest hobby outside of work.
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I think it would have to be a killer serve to help with my tennis career
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
There is nowhere I would rather be than Barden 😉
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
There is nothing specific. Just keep learning and improving every day, at work and home as a mum, my health and fitness. If I had to be specific, I wouldn’t say no to a tennis win this Summer 🙂
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Maybe never give up, and if you put in the hard work, you will get the rewards. Rory McIIroy could teach us a thing or two about that.
