Esther O'Halloran
Company:
Paul UK
Job title:
HR Director PAUL (UK)
How did you get into the sector:
Via the fashion retail industry (H&M) worked on the shop floor in management and then area operational roles with Whitbread in the South East (lots of driving) around the countryside to hotels and restaurants
What do you enjoy about your role:
The variety of challenges each day is never the same when you are dealing with people and I know I still have plenty more to do in terms of aligning the HR strategy with the business direction
Career high:
My team winning HR Team of the Year in 2010 and continually working on developing others through volunteering programmes on mentoring or network groups
Career low:
I think I have been incredibly fortunate that there has never been a real low that I can recall, I'm always the glass is half full attitude to work and life
What are your plans for the next year:
To successfully retain IIP following reassessment in Spring, support the International agenda and growth plans for the business.
What was the biggest break of your career:
Nic Armitage (HRD at Costa) giving me a chance and taking a risk on appointing me into a HR role from Operations in 1999 and he insisted that I did my cipd qualifications too (which I did)
What are you most proud of in your career:
External Industry recognition for the achievements the team has made in training and recruitment that has also had a positive impact on the business and our people engagement.
What advice would you give to people keen to progress in the industry:
Hospitality sector is hard work but also fun and rewarding you can choose so many different career options, the path you take is up to you and where you start isn't always where you need to end up, there are enormous opportunities across the sector.
Who inspires you:
My all time business inspiration is Coco Chanel she build her brand from nothing just hard work and determination and has left a legacy behind that is recognisable worldwide
What do you do in your downtime:
"Extreme Baking" in that I never truly follow a recipe I like to add things not on the list and then insist my team and friends try the results!! I also paint using acrylics and hope to sell one of my paintings maybe next year at an Open House weekend.
What question do you always ask in interviews:
"Why do you want to work for us?" as this will give an indication if they really know and understand your brand, have chosen your company or are just giving text book answers and looking for any job, I listen to the tone of voice for genuine interest, enthusiasm and it will also let you know if they have researched your company too.
Tips that have made you a success:
Sense of humour, determination to succeed at any task, not giving up and always getting the job done.