Last Friday marked the end of an era for me as I said goodbye to Google. Over the course of an incredible 11 years at Google Ireland, I've been fortunate to call this place my second home – a thriving hub of innovation and a melting pot of brilliant minds. As I embrace this new phase, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.
A Leap of Faith that Shaped My Path
More than a decade ago, I took a leap of faith by joining Google Ireland. As for many, Google was my dream company. I vividly remember receiving the offer during my MBA - I was seated in my old French house, surrounded by the Fontainebleau forest, when I received a call from the recruiter who had been in touch with me throughout the interview process. Despite other financially more attractive offers that I had on the table, my heart and passion gravitated toward Google. My now husband, then fiancee and I were looking to reunite somewhere in the world (for those wondering, long distance relationships suck!). Neither one of us had been to Ireland before, but it sounded warm - figuratively, that is. We thought it might be a nice place to spend a couple of years in, and then we would move on with our lives elsewhere. And, as they say, "the rest is history". 11 years later, here we are naturalized Irish citizens, in a house in the outskirts of Dublin, with two kids and a very green garden (thank you, Irish weather!)
A Journey of Transformation and Variety
During these 11 years, my path was anything but static. I navigated through 7 role changes, spanning various departments – from Google Ads to Partnerships, Cloud, and Google Marketing Platform. I managed diverse teams, collaborated across local, regional, and global levels, facilitated 19 workshops and trainings, interviewed 50+ individuals, attended 9 holiday parties, visited 12 different Google offices. Google empowered me to grow, evolve, and accumulate skills. I became a certified sales and digital marketing professional, ignited a passion for the tech sector, honed my technical prowess, immersed myself in data analytics, and became a certified executive coach. Google's culture instilled in me a balanced work-life approach, fostering efficient work habits and self-management. The gym sessions, massages, microkitchens, and vibrant office environment were a testament to Google's unique identity that I was not used to coming from a consulting background.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
Google's culture of continuous learning has been my steadfast companion. From mastering cutting-edge technologies to adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape, the growth opportunities have been boundless. Immersed in the culture of curiosity at Google Ireland, I developed a growth mindset. With each challenge, I not only acquired tools but also cultivated the confidence to innovate and create an impact.
Connections that Transcend Borders
Among the invaluable treasures I take from my time at Google Ireland are the connections I've forged. Colleagues transformed into friends, mentors became guides, and collaborations blossomed into lifelong partnerships. These interactions enriched my global perspective and deepened my professional and personal insights. The Dublin office is a tapestry of diverse, interesting, super smart individuals from around the world, and I'm thankful for making it my home. As I move forward, I carry with me a network spanning continents, industries, and cultures thanks to the global nature of my work and the company DNA.
Cheers, Google Ireland!
To the teams, mentors, friends, and the entire Google Ireland community – thank you for an incredible 11 years. Your inspiration, challenges, and support have indelibly shaped me. While I may be leaving the physical space, the profound impact on my professional and personal journey will forever guide me.
In the coming month, I'll take time to reflect and then dive into my coaching practice in full speed in September. I'd love for you to visit my programs to explore my offerings, and stay tuned for more updates on my journey!
Onward, upward, and always grateful. 🚀
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