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1. What inspired you to pursue a career in talent advisory with Barden?
I met with Elaine for an advisory chat about my next career move in finance. We talked about what was important to me in my next role like having the opportunity to work with and support people and working for an organisation that aligned with my values. After listening to everything, Elaine said that I was talking myself into a job with Barden! We spoke about it more and I went home with a lot to think about.
In years previous, a couple of people had told me that I would be a good fit for working in recruitment, including Elaine and Ed. I had worked with Barden for a long time as both a hiring manager and a candidate. I always admired the team and how they treated people. What started as a conversation about my next move in finance, ended with me taking a leap of faith and trusting Elaine, Ed, and everyone at Barden. Here I am two years later and haven’t looked back!
2. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far, and how has it impacted your work?
You spend so much of your time at work, make sure you are spending it with people that you trust, respect, have fun with, and whose values resonate with your own.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career change?
Having made a career move myself from Finance Director to Recruitment Consultant, I understand only too well how moving careers can be very daunting. Knowing your ‘why’ and recognising what you already bring to the table can make it easier. Do your homework, figure out your non-negotiables, and don’t rush your next move.
4. Can you describe a project or accomplishment at Barden that you’re particularly proud of?
It’s probably the very first placement that I made in Barden a few months after joining. I helped this person to get a role with a company that she had been trying to work with for years. She was over the moon when I gave her the good news that she got the job, and I got such a buzz from it. This made me realise the positive impact that we can make on people’s lives. Being able to help and support people to figure out the stepping stones of their careers is very fulfilling.
5. What aspect of your work at Barden excites you the most?
Being part of a very talented team where innovation, creativity, honesty, and building teams are what we are all about and not just filling jobs. Having been a client of Barden’s for so long, it has been a fascinating journey to make the move to the other side of the table and learn from the best. Day in, day out, I see how passionate the team is to support people on their journeys; always putting people first and transactions second! We focus on building lasting relationships with those we work with, advising and helping them to navigate and advance their careers. This is the part of my job that I absolutely love.
6. What’s a hobby/ interest you have that might surprise us?
I love travelling and have been to over 50 countries, including places like Zanzibar, the Galapagos Islands, Colombia, and Vietnam. My two kids are curtailing this somewhat now, but I am looking forward to when they are older, and we can start our exploration again! Although we did manage to travel to Alaska with them last year – albeit on a Disney cruise!
7. If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be and why?
For me, it would be speaking a new language. I have been learning Spanish on Duolingo for nearly a year now and my Spanish is still basic, at best! I would love to properly immerse myself in the language and become fluent.
8. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
Aimee Connolly, the creator of Sculpted by Aimee. I would love to walk around for a day in her shoes, understand what motivates her, and how she has achieved so much already. She is such a powerhouse, a truly impressive lady. She was my wedding make-up artist and was such a lovely person too. I have been keeping a close eye on her career trajectory since and find it amazing what she has done in such a short time. A lot of the Barden ladies wear her products too!
9. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish, personally or professionally, in the next year?
I have just joined the CAI Leinster Society Committee, and I am really enjoying it so far. I see this as a great opportunity to support and give back to the accounting profession.
10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Go with your gut, trust yourself. Your first instinct is usually right. You can second-guess yourself but even after you have been through all the pros and cons, your first instinct is usually the right one.