International Women’s week - Smart Nano NI

We are sharing women profiles, from Consortium partners, bringing their perspective on the importance of International Women’s Day, their career journey and what they have learned along the way. Our next conversation is with Orlaith Hurley who is Seagate’s Research & Development Finance Business Partner and Finance Lead for the Smart Nano NI Consortium.

What’s your Career Background?  

I have worked at Seagate for 15 years, and since 2009 have been Research & Development’s Finance Business Partner. I support the team by  providing financial information and analysis which  enables more informed decisions to drive business strategy.  Over the past number of years, I have also led on Seagate Springtown’s funding and collaboration activities. This role delivers a coordinated, site-wide strategy for external engagement, collaborative projects and  grant funding opportunities. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?  

International Women’s Day celebrates social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. I believe that focusing on these achievements can raise awareness, give you confidence to be who you are and inspire you to pursue what you wish to follow and support family, friends and colleagues to achieve their plans.  

Which woman has most inspired you and why?  

My mother inspires me. She left school at 16 and went to work in the local shirt factory. Every day after school she would sit with myself and my three brothers to help each of us with our homework. She never made a difference between us, encouraged us all to do our best and gave us confidence to know that we could be anything we put our minds too. Even with the housework, we all had our equal share of chores! 

No matter what life or work challenges came my way, my mum’s approach has always stayed with me.   To understand balance, the importance of doing your best and believing in your own ability to achieve.  I feel strongly about these values and as a parent, I am sharing these too with my son so he gains this perspective at a young age.  

What’s the best advice you ever got? 

 I have always been open to feedback and advice and this has helped me create an informal mentor network with colleagues and friends. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have great mentors, both male and female. I have received brilliant advice to help me solve problems and see opportunities clearly. I believe it is important to enjoy the work you do, be open to feedback and have fun along the way.  

Working through the pandemic has brought its unique challenges and opportunities - what are your hopes for the future? 

Whilst the pandemic has brought challenges, it also has created opportunities. For me, I have embraced working from home, something that I never thought I would enjoy! The benefits have brought improved work life balance and increased productivity. Now that so many of us have experienced flexible working, I believe it creates an opportunity for future ways of work that can bring benefits to both employees and employers.