Getting to Know Anthony O' Hara

Anthony O' Hara

Anthony O' Hara

Consultant

For the seventh in our “Getting to Know” series we spoke with one of our Consultants Anthony O’ Hara, who speaks to us about his career to date, his favourite destinations and his passion for technology.

1. What is the most interesting role you have had since joining Finyx?

I joined Finyx 6 months ago so have only had one role so far, in a Cyber Security
Risk Reduction project. I really enjoyed this project as it developed a lot of
technical skills and knowledge in the cyber security domain as well helping me
learn PowerBI for the first time.

2. How did you get to where you are now?

I came to Finyx after 4 years in financial services in a compliance based role
after finishing my degree in Finance at university. I always had an interest in
tech and have always been enthusiastic about continuing to develop my knowledge
and expand into different areas and I had heard great reviews about Finyx and have
enjoyed every day of it.

3. What is the most unusual job you ‘ve had?

Throughout university, I worked in a bar where I lived, however, for one random week,
instead of working behind the bar, I ended up painting walls, carrying paving
stones and doing all sorts of handywork jobs. I enjoyed doing those jobs but
it’s not what you’d expect from a standard shift as a barman!

4. What motivates you?

Doing a piece of work that is really meaningful and making progress with it always
helps to keep me motivated. I really enjoy listening to motivational speeches
or compilations of quotes from movies and speakers to help inspire me and keep
me motivated. I find that matching this with some kind of physical exercise
really boosts me up and gets me in a very inspired mood. Aside from that,
upbeat music, especially Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra, never fails
to motivate me.

5. Advice for people starting their career?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for advice from those with more knowledge and
experience than you. One thing I’ve found is that everyone is really willing to
help with your development so ask all the questions you can. This can really
help to advance your own career by developing your own knowledge or by
discovering that a particular area or focus might be or not be for you and
that’s all part of your learning path.

6. Are there specific qualities you look for in people that join your team?

Working in a team with people who communicate well and are willing to get stuck into
the work always makes working together easy and keeps the team running fluidly.
Can never underestimate how important it is to communicate as a team to keep
everyone working towards the same goals.

7. What is the most exotic country you have been to?

In August 2022, I took a trip around a few Italian and Greek regions and on this
trip I got to visit Santorini which was incredible! The lovely people, amazing
cuisine, friendly locals and of course the incredible architecture of the
buildings built into the mountains. There was a boat trip to the nearby
volcanic island and surrounding areas which I would highly recommend to anyone
travelling to Santorini!

8. If you could set up a Finyx office anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Don’t think I could say no to anywhere along the Amalfi Coast! Sunshine, beaches and
pasta/pizza for dinner every night, hard to top that!

9. If you could have lunch with a successful business person who would you choose?

Steven Bartlett – Being so successful at such a young age and only going further and
further with his success and of course becoming the newest dragon on Dragons’
Den. His ‘Diary of a CEO’ podcast also lets us in on the lives of so many other
entrepreneurs and celebrities and is truly a great listen. I feel he would have
such great insight and advice on personal development and its inspirational to
see his work in backing to entrepreneurs to follow their dreams now too.

10. Tea or coffee?

Depends on the time of the day for me. A strong coffee in the morning or a tea in the
evening. Although If I really had to only pick one I’d have to go for coffee!