By Business & Finance 
Kevin Empey is International Head of Future of Work Strategy & Solutions at Lockton. The world’s largest independent insurance brokerage is specialized in risk management, employee benefits, and insurance solutions.
What was your first job?
My first job was tidying the bar storeroom in the Woodfield House Hotel in Limerick. That led to a fast-track promotion a day later to kitchen porter and lounge boy and I was off! My first post-grad job was in IT and I guess that started a curiosity in the dynamics of organisations, technology, people and working life in general.
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
I’ve always been curious about the ever-changing intersection of business strategy, organisational dynamics, and performance—especially how they influence individuals and what attracts and motivates people at work. Work is such an important part of life and getting it right is beneficial for both organisations and individuals.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
I have been so fortunate to work with some great people, mentors, and organisations in many different aspects of the world of work.
During the financial crisis I was asked to join the Government’s Labour Market Council and I established a national mentoring service called Worklink to help unemployed jobseekers who had lost their jobs during the crash. These two experiences were very rewarding at a difficult time in Ireland.
Getting to publish my book “Thrive In The Future of Work” in the wake of the pandemic was another opportunity to engage with the wider workforce trends in play today and their implications for both organisations and individuals.
Career-wise, would you do anything differently?
Every career path has its lessons but I really believe that each experience has contributed to my perspective today and I am grateful for all of it and the people I have got to meet along the way.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
I think the late Charles Handy described a successful working life well as: “doing what you enjoy and are good at in the service of others”. That works well for me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Bloom wherever you are planted” was a piece of advice I got once when I wasn’t very satisfied with the job I was in at that time. But it struck me as very good advice – to keep positive and engaged with what you are doing, even if you are not doing what you want to do, yet!
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
I’ve always believed that having personal purpose attached to the job or even the task really helps with motivation, energy, and resilience. It’s like a rudder that keeps you on course even when things get a bit choppy.
What is your approach to overcoming challenges?
A lot of the future of work challenges we help clients grapple with can be quite complex and interconnected. So the first thing is about trying to break those challenges down into more tangible and practical elements and isolate the real business or people problem(s) we are trying to solve. Tackling these rather than trying to solve everything at once helps to get momentum and progress.
How do you relax?
Family, friends, sports, and the outdoors sometimes all at the same time!
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
Lockton has built such an impressive record internationally and in Ireland for developing innovative and adaptive people, benefits, and insurance solutions for employers. I hope to help that good work to continue and grow as changes to the world of work evolve and more creative ways are needed to help employers and employees succeed into the future.
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