By Business & Finance 
What was your first job?
(Does washing your Dad’s car for pocket money count?!) My first official job was with a local supermarket, stacking shelves. I learned quickly that doing something you enjoy makes time fly (and vice versa!).
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
In college, I studied some tax modules and loved the combination of finance, accounting, and law that I found in tax. I applied to the Big Four, was sponsored to do my Masters in Accounting with KPMG, and went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
An accidental one – founding ExpatTaxes.ie. A business that was meant to be a ‘pocket money’ side hustle has grown into a team of 10, winning national awards and now entering the UK market.
We’ve worked hard to get to this point, but grit and determination only get you so far. Surrounding yourself with talented, driven people takes you to the next level.
Career-wise, would you do anything differently?
I’d go back and have a chat with 24-year-old Steph and tell her not to sweat the small things. Imposter syndrome is real, and when you’re training, it feels like climbing an endless mountain. But the reality is, everyone’s doing their best, making mistakes, and figuring things out along the way.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
I can define it in one word – happiness.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The man who never made a mistake never made much at all.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
Be being kind, empathic, and human. Also by reminding them that our clients (rightly) hold us to high standards. We’re always striving to improve, and daily wins and incremental progress add up over time.
How do you handle adversity?
Usually by taking a deep breath and reminding myself ‘it’s just paper’. I find that approach lends itself to a calm, balanced approach to work.
How do you relax?
Recently? Marathon running! And as a family, we spend the summer in Thailand (where I work remotely). We enjoy being outdoors – I’m an avid road cyclist and enjoy sea swimming when I get the time. And I love a good laugh with friends, too. Simple pleasures.
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
Enterprise Ireland have backed us to enter the UK market, and we’re working with business partners there to roll out expattaxes.co.uk. We own domain names across Europe, and I plan to expand Expat Taxes into the European market and then beyond.
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Paul Toland, Head of MX Sales at Samsung Ireland
