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.
Barden, one of Ireland’s leading partner-led recruitment and talent advisory firms, has announced the appointment of Sinéad Donovan as Strategic Board Advisor.
With over 20 years’ experience as a Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland, Sinéad brings a wealth of leadership, governance and strategic expertise to Barden. She served as Grant Thornton Ireland Chairperson for the past four years, and, during her tenure, the business grew from a team of 90 people, to almost 3,000, with Donovan playing a pivotal role in expanding and diversifying the firm’s service offering.
A Fellow and most recent Past President of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), Sinéad led a landmark vote to amalgamate CPA Ireland and CAI, an historic step that established CAI as the largest professional body in Ireland. She is also a Trustee of Girls Not Brides, a global NGO working to end child marriage.
Barden is an ambitious, innovative firm, driven by values that deeply resonate with me, Sinéad said of her move into Ireland’s professional recruitment sector.
“The Barden approach focuses on challenge, empowerment and enabling people to realise their potential; all of which aligns with how I believe great organisations operate. It is good to find a team so committed to doing things differently, and placing the wellbeing of their people and clients at the heart of everything. Barden has this attitude in spades”, the business leader said.
In her new role, Sinéad will work collaboratively with Barden’s leadership team, to build on the Irish company’s success by expanding strategic networks and deepening partnerships, while upholding the firm’s core values and first-class professional services.
Elaine Brady, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Barden Leinster, commented:
“Sinéad is a groundbreaking chartered accountant whose influence has shaped the industry and profession in Ireland. Her values-driven approach, professionalism and passion for client experience perfectly align with our mission to redefine recruitment and talent advisory. As recruiters, we have the power to change people’s lives and to influence clients’ success, so we are delighted that Sinéad has chosen to join us in this next chapter of her outstanding career.”
Welcoming Sinéad Donovan to the Barden team, Ed Heffernan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Barden Ireland, said that Donovan’s career and expertise will be instrumental in advancing the recruiter’s strategic ambitions.
“Sinéad’s appointment not only validates our vision, but also accelerates our journey to transform recruitment into a true professional services discipline. We are delighted and honoured to now call her a colleague, and to have her support in the evolution of our business.”
We are delighted to announce that Rachel McGuckian has been promoted to Senior Associate with Barden.
Rachel joined Barden in March 2023 and has been instrumental in growing Barden’s Technology Practice, specialising in Software Development, QA, and DevOps.
“I’m delighted to step into the role of Senior Associate at Barden. It’s been a fantastic experience taking ownership of a key area within our Technology Practice and contributing to the growth our team has experienced over the past two years. I have had the privilege of working with exceptional talent and clients across various areas, particularly in Software Development, QA, and DevOps. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, this next chapter offers a great opportunity to continue to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in this space.” – Rachel McGuckian | Senior Associate | Technology – Software Development, QA, & DevOps
“I am very proud of what Rachel has achieved over the last few years, and I am truly delighted with her promotion! Rachel is one of the smartest, most diligent, and hard-working people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The leadership team and I here in Barden are very ambitious for her over the coming years. The first step of many, I have no doubt! Congratulations, Rachel – you earned this!” Ed Heffernan | Managing Partner | Barden
Congratulations Rachel!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
The people, hands down! I met Kate Flanagan for an initial advisory coffee in Cork when considering my career options in tax. I never considered a career in talent advisory until that day. As soon as I met the rest of the team, my decision was made ☺️
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
Be a sponge, not a rock – a quote from our very own Cole Carroll. It’s so important to actively seek and embrace new ways of doing things! The business world has evolved significantly over the last few years, and technological advancements are accelerating this pace of change even more. Day to day, I try to question whether there is a more efficient way to complete a task that may save me time. I also believe chatting with your peers is important to see how they approach similar tasks.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Take your time. It’s easier said than done, I know, but it’s so important to understand why you feel you need to make a change and then inform yourself about the market and your career options before taking any action.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m probably the proudest of making the move to the world of talent advisory and sticking with it. It was very much an unknown for me at the beginning, and Covid was thrown in the mix 6 months in, so I have definitely built up a sheer amount of resilience over the years!
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
The potential to make a difference in someone’s life.
How you feel on a Sunday night really matters, and it can have a massive impact on your professional and personal life. In Barden, we focus on providing advice first, 100% of the time, for professionals and businesses. Our guidance can truly shape a professional’s career decision or a business’s hiring strategy.
I also really enjoy the commercial insights from the businesses we partner with—it might be the tax nerd inside me! I love getting to know a business, understanding what it does, how it generates revenue, and what its future plans are.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
Does reality tv count?! I’ve probably seen every single episode of Below Deck (no judgement!)
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
Cooking! I will preface by saying I can actually cook, but I’m lucky to have a husband who outshines me in the kitchen, so maybe two weeks in Ballymaloe Cookery School would do the trick!
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
I’m not really answering this question, but if I weren’t in Barden, I would love to set up my own fashion boutique focused on pre-loved, affordable fashion for both women and men -essentially a Depop or Vinted with nicer merchandising! Conscious fashion consumption is something I’m passionate about, and I was very inspired by similar boutiques I visited in Sweden a few years ago.
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
It’s been on my bucket-list to take up golf so hopefully I get a chance to kickstart this before the Annual Barden Golf Invitational in a few months!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Always believe in yourself and celebrate the little wins. It’s normal to struggle with self-belief, but the key is to remind yourself of all the things you’ve overcome and achieved. Progress, not perfection, is what matters most.
We are delighted to announce that Sabrina Mendes has been promoted to Senior Research & Operations Associate with Barden Leinster.
Sabrina joined Barden in June 2022, initially in an administrative capacity. Since then, she has grown into a pivotal member of the team, playing a key role in enhancing and evolving Barden’s research and data capabilities.
Most recently, Sabrina earned her Diploma in Project Management, further strengthening her skill set and enabling her to take on broader responsibilities across operations, research, and project delivery.
“Since joining Barden in June 2022, I have had the privilege of contributing to the remarkable growth of our internal operations team. Stepping into the role of Senior Research and Operations Associate marks an exciting new chapter in my career, where I am eager to enhance our research capabilities and streamline operations. Leveraging my Project Management expertise, I aim to further improve business processes and organisational effectiveness. I look forward to continuing to contribute to Barden’s growth and success.” – Sabrina Mendes | Senior Research & Operations Associate | Barden Leinster
“As soon as she joined Barden, Sabrina quickly established herself as an integral part of our team. Her promotion reflects the passion, integrity, and brilliance she brings to everything she does. She has pushed not only herself but the wider team over the last few months. Her promotion to Senior Associate is extremely well earned and deserved. I’m so proud to see Sabrina take this next step in her journey. Congratulations, Sabrina!” – Michelle Geary | Head of Research, Support & Innovation | Barden Ireland
“Sabrina joined the Barden team 3 years ago, and it has been such a pleasure to work alongside her over that time. From originally joining us in an administrative capacity, Sabrina has completely transformed processes, making us all more efficient and freeing up much-needed time for the team of associates that she supports.
She has undertaken and led projects, which have had a substantial commercial impact on the business and also became PMP Certified during this time. On top of all of that, Sabrina keeps the office and the teams running smoothly, and always has a gold star, and a treat for the office hidden somewhere! Sab, we’d be lost without you.. Can’t wait to see what you achieve over the next 3 years.” – Elaine Brady | Managing Partner | Barden Leinster
Congratulations Sabrina!
At the recent annual Employment & Recruitment Federation (ERF) Fellowship Dinner, ERF CEO, Geraldine King, surprised Edward Heffernan, Managing Partner of Barden Ireland and ERF Treasurer, with the exclusive Honorary Fellowship Award. This exclusive recognition celebrates Ed’s dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the recruitment industry and ERF members over the past decade.
In her address, Geraldine praised Ed’s outstanding contributions:
“Ed has served as Treasurer and a member of the executive board for the past ten years. His passion for elevating the sector’s image and professionalism, alongside his support to me and the ERF staff and its members, cannot go unnoticed.”
The award was met with resounding applause from the 80 VIP guests in attendance, culminating in a heartfelt standing ovation, a true testament to Ed’s impact on the industry.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Employment & Recruitment Federation. It has been an honour to serve on the executive committee over the past decade, and I truly believe that, as a profession, we have something very special here in Ireland. I count people inside and outside of the walls of Barden as colleagues and am excited as to what the future holds for the role of the talent advisor and recruiter in both business and society” – Ed Heffernan | Managing Partner | Barden Ireland
Congratulations Ed!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
Having trained as an accountant with KPMG, it was clear that tax and accounting were not the path for me. I was keen not to let that experience and training go to waste, so I was delighted when I met with Ed in Barden and had the opportunity to use my ACA qualification in a different way and help others on a daily basis.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
You’re never on one career path – if you’re not enjoying your current role or area, there are plenty of other options. I thought I’d give recruitment a try for 3 to 6 months, and here I am 8 years later!
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith – if you’re curious about something, give it a try. Nothing is forever unless you want it to be.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m really proud of our partnership with CASSI. We have put a lot of time into this over the last few years, and I do not take for granted the opportunity to guide and support newly qualified accountants at what can be a daunting time in their careers once they are qualified through this partnership.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
I really enjoy meeting new people, learning their stories and what brought them to where they are today, and helping them with their next opportunity. We always say we’re here to make sure someone doesn’t have that Sunday or Monday night fear. I love being able to help people plan their future careers.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
I’ve really gotten into running the last couple of years. I’ve always run, but I’ve taken up longer distances in the last two years. I’m not sure it’s surprising, but I love getting out for a run to clear my head, and you can’t beat fresh air! I’m currently training for my fourth half marathon.
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I would love to be fluent in another language. I did Spanish in school, and I have the basics, but I would love to be fluent in it as it is such a widely spoken language. I love to travel, so it would definitely be useful!
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
Aimee Connolly I think – she impresses me so so much! She has built a global brand in a matter of years from just her own savings and determination. She still runs, goes to the gym and travels – I would love to see how she manages her day! She never stops! Another job I always thought would be fun to try for a day is a photographer – I love taking photos and capturing memories, no matter what the day or event. To be able to do this for people during their biggest life events would be brilliant!
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
We’re building a house at the moment so I really hope we can finish that in the coming months and move in – it’s really exciting! I’m already looking forward to the housewarming! 😊
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I’m not sure if it’s advice, but I always live by What’s for you won’t pass you – I think things are meant to happen for us when we are ready for them. Of course, you still have to work for things but I’m a great believer in what’s meant to be, will be.
