Reflections

Career transition is an interesting time for reflection. Later this month I move from AIB to a new role in HSBC based in London. It’s an exciting new challenge particularly as events currently unfold around us. I strongly believe that this crisis will stimulate positive social and human change, with new patterns and behaviours emerging, and will open up new areas of opportunity across our communities and society.

For now I’ve been reflecting on my learning and growth in my four years at AIB. I summarise as follows:

Purpose - As many organisations are, AIB is completely purpose-driven. We are crystal clear on our purpose, and the values and behaviours which drive our culture to deliver on this. I admire the focus and unwavering commitment to this in AIB and believe that this will be evidenced in the coming challenging months.

Learning - Our CIO Tim Hynes is a great advocate of the ‘learner mind-set’ as being the key to unlock personal and professional growth. Change is constrant so it's vital to remain open and teachable. You don’t want to miss your own opportunities.

Excellence - Before I joined AIB I was aware from the outside of the high quality of the IT organisation. Having 'lived it' I can attest to depth of the skills here, and the massive commitment of people to the technologies which run the bank. #Respect 

Partnership - True partnership built on mutual understanding and benefit is still an emerging area. It takes time, patience and openness. It's been great to be part of AIB’s partnership journey and the organisation is now heavily invested in the broad ecosystem. I believe that this inter-connectedness is the secret to a truly sustainable organisation.  

Diversity - What’s become abundantly clear to me is that the more views and styles we embrace, the better the outcomes we achieve. In my own area (Partner Management) we have brought together a team from different backgrounds and experiences. We’ve also moved to a 50/50 gender split. While on the topic, I recommend Rebel Ideas (Matthew Syed) as a very good read. 

Thank you to AIB, my colleagues, and all of the partner companies we worked with over the past four years.