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Paul Smyth – Executive Recruiter & Executive Coach (ACC) – FinTech & Financial Services

Breandan hEaghra
14 September 2021

I specialise in Maximising Potential for senior talent in FinTech & Financial Services for both Corporate and Private Clients. For FinTech and Financial Services firms, I help develop and retain diverse senior talent by supporting the development of truly high performing leaders, managers and individual contributors. For private clients, it is identifying and overcoming blocks to you realising your full potential in career and life.

Q1.  Did you always want to become a consultant or did you fall into the role?

I fell into recruitment straight out of college but it suited my personality and what I love – helping people in their careers. Coaching was a natural extension of that and was something I had informally done for years but pursuing the professional qualification and subsequent ACC accreditation through the International Coaching Federation was very deliberate. I am also completing certification in Positive Intelligence and plan to actively continue to educate myself so I am as equipped as possible to support clients. 

Q2.  What makes a good consultant?

For me, as a coach, I create an environment which balances safety and challenge allowing space to explore, create and take inspired action. I offer tools and knowledge to support insight and growth. I am flexible and adaptable but balanced with accountability toward agreed goals. Complete confidentiality is a cornerstone of my work.

I believe deeply that the clients I work with are creative, resourceful and whole and are their own best expert on themselves. I support you to shine a light on your own potential and use that as a platform for growth. 

Q3.  Do you feel you manage yourself well or is it a case of ‘the cobbler’s shoes’?

I try to priorities my own wellbeing because it helps me to be more effective for clients but I am human and full of flaws. Having worked on (and continuing to work on!) these, helps me to empathise with where my clients are and puts me in a better place to support. 

Q4.  Are there enough hours in your day?

Yes – all about how you use them, how you prioritise and say NO!  

Q5.  If you could magically stop your clients from making one mistake – what would that be?

Putting up limiting beliefs about themselves and their own potential – as a counterpoint, seeing and really recognising their own achievements. I typically work with senior leaders and it is always surprising how quickly we minimise what we have already done. 

Q6.  What do you find is the best way to market yourself?

Referrals but I do use LinkedIn extensively to present content and relevant information to my audience. 

Q7.  What do you do to unwind?

Walking, cooking and socialising (now that we can a little more!) 

Q8.  What advice would you give a starting consultant?

Have patience, it takes time, you will make mistakes but you will grow through these. When you are procrastinating, check in with yourself – there is a good chance that it is because you are trying to do something outside of your comfort zone – this is where we grow so feel the fear and do it anyway. 

Q9.  What’s your guilty pleasure?

Ha! I used to love Big Brother but it’s not on anymore….  

Q10.  What’s your goal for next year?

Continue to develop myself as a coach and build on the growth in the business I have seen so far in 2021