Mitchell Cash, director of talent management at Fidelity Investments, tells us why he chose Ireland as a place to live and work, and how Cork and Kerry accents are tough to understand.
Where are you from?
Sydney, Australia. It’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan town, ideally located on the east coast. There are a variety of experiences at your fingertips; from chic inner city cafés and bars to family-friendly harbours or laid back beaches. Like any major city Sydney runs at a fast pace. Cycling or surfing after work are common antidotes to office stress.
How long have you been in Ireland?
I arrived at Connolly bus station in 1998, full of jet lag and very quickly wondering what had I done.
Why did you move here?
My wife and I have moved to Ireland twice. I originally moved in 1998 and returned to Sydney with my wife in 2004. We moved back to Ireland in 2006 as our needs and interests had changed. Sydney is a great place but we wanted space and a more relaxed lifestyle to raise a family. My wife is from Roscommon and so we decided that a field in the middle of Ireland was as good a place as any to start.
What work do you do?
I work within human resources in a talent management role. Being based in Ireland is ideal for me as my business partners are based in China, India, Ireland and the US. My role involves maximising resources by bringing the locations together to leverage practices in each site, along with helping develop talent pipelines through initiatives such as leadership development programmes or succession planning.
How would you describe your working environment?
Genuine! In Sydney, office culture can be artificial and disingenuous. In Fidelity Investments you get what you see, everyone is willing to muck in and offer assistance or advice on getting work done. It’s also very flexible as I have the opportunity to work from home two days a week.
What do you like most about your job?
I’m slap bang in the middle of the time zones I work with and I enjoy the opportunity that affords, as decisions are informed by multiple cultural perspectives. Outside of my role the most rewarding aspect to working in Fidelity is our 4 July event, where we give back to communities in need. Building wheelchair accessible paths or sensory gardens, with hundreds of Fidelity colleagues, is truly an inspiring experience.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
There was a small language barrier and the weather is different – once you know to pack for all types of weather you’re grand. As for the language barrier, to this day Kerry and Cork accents I continue to struggle with.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland?
The sheer volume of pubs! I arrived when the Celtic Tiger was starting to roar, at the time it seemed there was one for everyone in the audience.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
The way in which road signage is accepted as completely optional! I really enjoy how people are giving of their time and support, whether they know you or not.
