The following article was written by Niall O'Kelly, Partner at Darwin Hawkins, as he reflects on his 15 years in recruitment and the insights gained from helping people navigate some of the most important decisions in their careers.
Fifteen years ago today, I began my career in recruitment - not fully knowing what I was signing up for. In truth, I was almost talked out of it by my nearest and dearest. On paper, I had a “safe” path. After 3.5 years in PwC and over a year with AIB NAMA, the logical next step seemed clear - move into a more mainstream accounting role to become Head of Finance, perhaps even CFO one day. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t me. Growing up, my parents always told me that if you’re going to do something, fully commit and do it to the best of your ability. That advice stayed with me. The student didn’t necessarily become a master overnight - but it gave me the push to take what felt like a risk at the time.
Malcolm Gladwell popularised the idea that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice are required to achieve mastery in a complex field. By my calculations (and Google’s), I’ve now done circa 30,000 hours in recruitment. In theory, I should have mastered it more than once. The reality is very different. Recruitment isn’t spreadsheets. It isn’t systems. It isn’t predictable inputs and outputs. It’s working with the most unpredictable resource in the world - the human race. That’s exactly why I still love it. No two days are the same. Every conversation is different. Every decision has consequences. I’ve come to realise that this career is far more than targets, placements or market cycles. It’s about people at pivotal moments in their lives.
I was fortunate to begin my journey with Marcus Kelly at FK International, where I was trained properly - not just how to recruit, but how to think, how to listen, how to build credibility and how to represent people and businesses with care. The standards were high, the expectations were clear, and the learning curve was steep. Looking back, these foundation made all the difference.
Over the last 15 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to ambition, doubt, growth, resilience and transformation. I’ve spoken to candidates the night before they handed in their notice - nervous but excited. I’ve worked with leaders under pressure to make the right hire at the right time. I’ve seen careers change trajectory because of one brave decision. This profession gives you a unique window into people’s lives - the frustrations they don’t voice publicly, the aspirations they hesitate to admit, the fear of risk, and the desire to build something more.
It has taught me that timing matters.
Trust matters more.
And reputation matters most.
There have been challenging markets and global pandemics. Placements that fell through at the final hurdle. Moments that tested resilience. But there have also been incredible highs - long-term partnerships built on honesty, candidates I placed years ago stepping into senior leadership roles, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you played a small part in someone’s journey. Fifteen years in, what I value most isn’t the deals. It’s the relationships. The repeat calls. The referrals. The “we need your help again” conversations.
People assume my proudest moment is the birth of Darwin Hawkins. It is something I am incredibly proud of. But what I am proudest of is that, even when pressure came from internal and external sources, I have never compromised my values or placed my own needs ahead of the candidates and clients I represent.
To the people I’ve had the privilege of working with at Darwin Hawkins and FK International, and to every individual and organisation that has trusted me over the past 15 years - thank you.