The people at McKinsey are the reason I have been with the firm for as long as I have been. I have built connections with so many inspiring colleagues, from Olympic medalists to incredible social entrepreneurs.
I am partner in, and leader of our Dublin office. I help deliver organisational transformation in health care, with a special focus on designing and implementing integrated care strategies.
My path to McKinsey
Before joining McKinsey I did a PhD in Molecular Microbiology at Trinity College in Dublin. Halfway through my studies I realised that a career in academia wasn’t for me, although it had been my original intention. While I was enjoying the topic I was studying, I missed having broader strategic considerations, as well as a view of how everything fit together. I also found the experiments I was carrying out were repetitive, so I was ready for a change.
I decided to apply to McKinsey after attending a recruiting event because I was amazed by the breadth and nature of meaningful work that was available across several industries and functions. Early in my careers with the firm, after exploring different sectors, I started to focus my work in Healthcare Systems & Services, which I loved. I have worked in that space almost continuously. A few years ago I took over as the leader of our Dublin office and my work has diversified, and now includes work on sustainability, a topic that I’m very passionate about.
Image versus reality
Before joining, I wasn’t convinced consulting was for me: I was afraid of how competitive the environment would be. Fortunately the reality was nothing like that.
What has surprised me most was how supportive and helpful everyone was, from my peers right up to partners. And this nature has persisted to this day – I am still amazed at the amount of support and help I get from colleagues every day.
Why I chose McKinsey Dublin
The Dublin office gives us all the advantages of being part of the wider McKinsey network coupled with the personal support you get from belonging to a small office community. We may be travelling to be with our clients, but we always try to spend time together in the office to connect.
The people at McKinsey are the reason I have been with the firm for as long as I have been. I have built connections with so many inspiring colleagues, from Olympic medalists to incredible social entrepreneurs. I still have to pinch myself sometimes that I get to work with them! Our teams work really closely together and you get to know people very well – I have learned a huge amount about working with such a diverse mix of people and working styles.
Outside of work
Outside of work, you will find me going on adventures with my husband and two sons.
As my life situation has changed during my time with the firm, I have been supported in finding the balance that works for me. At the start of my McKinsey journey, I loved the travel and my then boyfriend and now husband and I spent as much time as possible exploring the world on weekends and holidays.
Once we had a family though I definitely wanted to be closer to home and the opportunity to head up the Dublin office and focus on building our presence here has been fantastic – I have been able to be present as my children grow up and it has reinvigorated me professionally too with a whole new set of challenges!