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1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
Looking from the outside in, I was always impressed with Barden. It had the look and feel of a good professional working environment. I was familiar with many of the people who work here, people I had a lot of respect for within the recruitment industry, so when I was leaving my last role, Barden was the only company I wanted to join.
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
It’s a cliché, but if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life. I think it’s important to be doing something you are passionate about and enjoy. If you are, it won’t feel like work. Surround yourself with good people, too. Find an environment that will offer you support and development and allow you to be yourself. Be kind and respectful to others and stay humble. If you have this, you have a recipe for a good career, and it will positively impact you personally and professionally.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Talk to people in the industry you are considering, ask them about their experience, identify the transferable skills you have, and explore the long-term opportunities and the short-term challenges. I think these are key to setting yourself up for success and managing your expectations of yourself and the new role. I left quantity surveying 12 years ago to pursue a career in technology recruitment and have never looked back since. I was very lucky along the way with the companies and people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I’ve had some excellent training and experience, which gave me the confidence and encouragement to take my chances and make a success out of it.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
I have only been in Barden for 14 months, but I joined the Technology Practice, which would be considered an emerging desk in Barden. To see the practice develop in the short space of time with the team we have – I feel proud to be part of that. It is not a personal accomplishment but a team accomplishment. We have a really dedicated and hard-working team, and I’m proud to be part of that. It is lovely to see when the hard work pays off and our clients are happy with our service.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
It’s an exciting time to be part of Barden—having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally and to see other emerging practices develop. The company is 10 years old this year, but it still has the passion and spark of a start-up looking for its first big break. The energy from the people, the sense of inclusion, and the feeling of being part of the journey are infectious, and this excites me.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
People in Barden will no longer be surprised by this, but I like to write poems. I am not your typical poet, but I like to write about significant events that have happened in my life or have happened to people who are close to me.
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
I have been threatening to learn to play the guitar for years, so I would love to master this instantly if possible.
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be, and what would you do?
I would love to become a professional golfer for a day and play a round of golf at Augusta with Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry. Padraig would have the tips to help me improve my game, and Lowry, as a fellow Offaly man, would make me feel at ease. They seem to be salt-of-the-earth kind of guys.
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
Personally, it is always a goal to remain fit and healthy and to take care of myself from a health and wellness perspective. Professionally, to grow and develop in Barden, and help the practice to keep moving in an upward trajectory and expand my network of clients.
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
If it’s for you, it won’t pass you by. My grandfather often said this to me over the years; be it through college, work, sports, or life in general. If you had your heart set on something, he would simply say this to me. He was one of my best friends and confidants, so I listened to his advice a lot. I think it was his way of trying to manage my expectations. We don’t always get what we want or think we need. I believe in faith and that everything happens for a reason, so if there is something that you are wishing and hoping for but doesn’t materialise right now, it just means there is something else, possibly something bigger, out there for you.