By Business & Finance 
Mary Murray is Senior Consultant with Insight Private Clients.
What was your first job?
My first job was in my family’s sand and gravel quarry in county Donegal. I took over the business during my second year of college when my father passed away and ran it for four years until I sold it. This gave me a great appreciation for the business world. It also makes subsequent academic achievements very important to me.
I then joined Irish Life and was later approached by Ulster Bank for a role in their Wealth Consultant unit, where I worked for 17 years. I’m now a Senior Consultant with Insight Private Clients. I jumped at the opportunity to join the Cork-based wealth management and financial advisory firm. Moving to a trusted, client-centric and relationship-orientated business was an important moment in my career.
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
While I had always wanted to work in a bank, financial services was a better fit for me. I found that what matters to me is developing trusted, solid working relationships with my clients, using my expertise to plan, advise and guide, helping people as opposed to simply dealing with money.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
From a professional perspective, in 2016 I completed a Masters in Financial Services. The course was based in Portlaoise which entailed a 10-hour roundtrip from where I live in Donegal. The attainment of knowledge, specifically in Financial Services, to reinforce more than 30 years’ experience was a top priority for me. Family is so important. I cherish my loved ones very much.
Career wise, would you do anything differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’m happy to be where I am. I don’t believe in looking back or thinking “what if?”.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Doing the very best you can and being happy with what you’ve achieved. Building long-standing relationships reflects how I am perceived and perform, and that’s satisfying.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My parents were very grounded, they always told me to treat everyone as you’d like them to treat you. I think this holds true.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
The understanding and awareness that if today is a tough day, then tomorrow is going to be better keeps me motivated. This positive outlook filters not only from me but also from the team with whom I work. We have a common goal and that is to deliver on all aspects of the financial advisory and wealth management services we provide, with the client at the centre. Thankfully, our success reflects our client’s appreciation for the efforts we make.
How do you handle adversity?
I don’t take things too personally. In business, if something needs to change, I apply an analytical approach to turning it around. You simply can’t have your judgement clouded by focusing on negatives that are not within your remit to correct. From an advisory perspective, it is important to be realistic and impart strategic advice and relevant information founded in strong client relationships.
How do you relax?
I am fortunate to live on the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal. I enjoy walking my dog on the beach and spending time with my family.
What is your favourite (non-business) book?
I prefer podcasts and audiobooks to reading. I enjoy something with a story, anything from true crime to negotiation tips.
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
I expect to see the business continue to grow and expand in Ireland, led by our MD Norman Barry. Norman is committed to serving clients with excellence, care, honesty and gratitude, building trusted relationships. We have a great, energetic, and committed team. It’s satisfying to work with like-minded people who have such an approach to fostering client relationships and that’s what it’s all about.
“If you look after the client, everything else will look after itself”. That’s a motto on the admin team wall. It encapsulates how I like to think of my relationships with my clients. It’s not just a cliche for us, it is personal. This client-centric, human approach is important, especially in the context of rapid technological advancement and digital-advisory.
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