Órla Tobin, a Senior Director on the Wealth Management team at Goodbody, tells us about her career to date, what she has enjoyed most in her work, and her favourite quote …
The Investment Club was created in 2021 and our Goodbody experts have been with us every step of the way, providing practical tips on investing, and insights on pensions and inheritance tax, among other key topics. From tracing their career paths and how to attract more women to the financial services industry to their sage advice and hobbies, we invite you to explore our Women in Wealth series.
My journey to a career in financial services: I began my career over 20 years ago and I’ve been lucky enough to have worked in many different organisations and areas, holding various positions. My financial career started in investigations at Citigroup. I later worked as an FX dealer in Bank of Ireland Global Markets and set up the liquidity desk on the trading floor. I then moved to BOI Private Banking for twelve years before moving to Ulster Bank Private Banking. I joined Goodbody in June 2022 and haven’t looked back.
What females bring to the industry: A lot of research shows that the leadership behaviours which are the most effective for addressing future challenges are not the traditional behaviours that we think about such as: autocratic control, corrective action, and individualistic decision making. These are seen as the least critical for future success and if anything, can be demotivating. Intellectual stimulation is much more important, and the research conveys that this applies to both men and women equally.
There are other characteristics that are regarded as key to future success, and these are: being inspirational, supporting employees via development and reward, role modelling and participative decision making. According to the research compiled, women apply these traits more frequently than men. Studies have shown time and time again that having women on teams, significantly improves results.
I have been extremely lucky over the years and have worked with some amazing, visionary, and inspirational leaders who are still my mentors to this day. Being surrounded by leaders who care, support, and want you to succeed has been invaluable to my working career.
Career highlight to date: Outside the financial area, presenting on Sky Sports Xtra, TG4 and being Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland where my focus was on girls’ education and gender parity in Yemen.
I am lucky to be a part of one of the most amazing female networks that anyone could ever wish for: The Rose of Tralee. These women lift each other up. They are strong, intelligent and a true force to be reckoned with.
Three investing tips for beginners:
1. Speak to your financial advisor and understand your needs and goals in the short-term, medium and long-term
2. Start now, don’t wait. The earlier you begin, the more you will benefit.
3. Expect and accept the ups and downs, ride them out
On my reading list: My favourite book is Where the Crawdads Sing. I tend to read it every few years. I am currently reading Gabor Mate’s book Hold On to Your Kids. I have four children, so every little bit helps!
What I’m watching: “This is Us” on Netflix.
A podcast I love: “On Purpose with Jay Shetty”, very insightful and covers a multitude of extremely interesting topics.
A quote I love: “Here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them” – Michelle Obama
On attracting women to the financial services industry: We should have financial education as part of the school curriculum for both genders. It’s an industry where you can rise to the top and still be a great mother, you can have both. We should encourage more graduates to move into financial services. Creating a diverse and inclusive culture is a key focus for Goodbody. Companies should set up mentoring schemes for women to support women. Women tend to veer towards the why in work, so enabling them to focus on their personal values and purpose is key.