Patrick McCarthy, Founder of Performance Labs, outlines what he wishes he had known earlier in life and his (lack of) advice for your future
Five years ago, where did you think you would be now? Have you lived up to your own expectations?
I’ve met my own expectations. Five years ago, I worked in a start-up trying to lend to SMEs in the Philippines. Now I operate a family business and have begun a four-year doctorate in performance psychology.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
I found my first year in KPMG quite challenging as well as the psychology involved in navigating the exams.
What do you wish you had known earlier in life?
There are probably two things:
- You don’t need to figure it out on your own. Find someone a few years ahead of you and ask them what to do. It will save you so much time.
- There’s no secret formula. Anyone who seems like they have one probably got lucky. The median of successful people I’ve met or studied are consistent, deliberate and disciplined.
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
Year two of my doctorate, growing the family business, and hopefully working as a mental skills coach at the intercounty level – I’m currently working towards my sports psychology accreditation.
Who inspires you?
Professionally, three KPMG colleagues, Eamon Dillon, Naktita McCarthy and Breda Kinsella, all had a big influence on me equally. All three were so smart yet so hard-working. It was very easy to learn a lot from them.
How has being a Chartered Accountant changed your life?
There is no doubt that studying to be a Chartered Accountant changed my life for the better.
The people I met have challenged and inspired me to think differently. On top of that, I’ve learned skills through my exams and working in KPMG that have directly transferred to running a business and studying performance psychology.
If you weren’t a Chartered Accountant, what do you think you’d be doing?
I’d be a sports psychologist!
What advice do you have for those who will soon qualify as Chartered Accountants?
Ignore all advice unless it’s from someone you admire and/or would swap places with.
If you’re unsure about what to do after you qualify, ask yourself: “What industry/job would I work in if all salaries were equal?” and go from there.
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