Welcome to the third edition of our Staff Spotlight blog series, in which we introduce one member of the lovely Nutritics team in each article. This time, we're chatting to Mike Walsh, Head of Talent & HR, about everything from his day job to David Beckham…
Tell us about yourself — what has your career path been to date, and how did it lead you to where you are today?
I've been in the people and people services industry for nearly 15 years. I spent many of those years in the service industry, managing teams and working with numerous enterprise clients, which was a varied and rewarding experience. It also enabled me to gain insights into and an understanding of corporate culture in countless companies through Ireland, Europe and the UK. The opportunity to join a growing company like Nutritics and help to build the people and talent function globally was an opportunity I couldn't resist.
How long have you been part of Nutritics?
Unbelievably, we’re now coming up on the one year mark. It's been an amazing, rewarding journey so far; our people are really special, and I feel such excitement for the fact that there's more to come.
What attracted you to the company?
I was aware of the Nutritics product, and the prospect of joining a company with such an incredibly innovative product and a hugely encouraging trajectory was very appealing. Once I actually got to speak to people inside the organisation, it was a done deal.
What’s your current job title, and what does your role entail?
I’m the Head of Talent & HR, so my team and I are responsible for driving all of our people and culture initiatives, as well as developing and introducing scalable and forward-thinking people practices.
What do you like most about your job?
The feeling of building something new, engaging with our people and scaling in a way that is driving the organisation forward in a responsible way.
What’s your favourite thing about working for Nutritics?
Definitely the people. The culture here is really positive, and it makes coming to work each day a joy.
How do you define success?
Aside from the obvious metrics of supporting the business to achieve our strategic targets, for me it's maintaining a positive culture, living by our core values and making sure that everyone here feels supported and energised coming into work.
Tell us one thing you’ve learned in the last month — work-related or otherwise?
It’s more of a reminder than a learning (and a silly one at that!). I was reminded of the theory of nominative determinism, with the example that David Beckham was born at Whipps Cross hospital.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Early in the pandemic, I learned to be more conscious about the emotional element of managing my team — I’m now much more deliberate and purposeful with emotional check-ins. It’s better not to shy away from that topic, but to embrace and explore it with team members. It can result in difficult conversations, but generally it has been a hugely positive string that I've added to my bow.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I love to cook and spend time with my family. I play football twice a week and really enjoy running and playing guitar. When I get any extra free time outside of those activities (difficult with two kids under four!), I also like music and video games.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Technology. I love messing with new technology — I even like troubleshooting and solving the niggling things that go wrong with it somewhat frequently. I find that very satisfying!
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
I have a soft spot for many places that I've been to over the years — some more than once — but when it comes down to it, I think my favourite place is home. If I were to pick a spot abroad that has great significance for both me and my wife, it's where we met in San Diego.
What are the three words that describe you best?
Conscientious, driven and calm.
What’s the one food you cannot resist?
Pasta is probably my ultimate comfort food.
Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know.
There is an EP out there that I recorded with a band I used to play with!