Meet the Talent Manager: Interview with Tony O'Neill

“I get a huge sense of fulfilment from helping people realise and unlock their potential and I feel very passionately about offering constructive and robust support to people in the workplace to help them achieve their goals.”

– Tony O’Neill, Talent Manager, Venners

Tell us a bit about your background

I studied business at University and after graduating have continuously held management positions within the hospitality sector, including as unit manager, area manager and operations manager. In all those roles I’ve been involved very heavily in training and development of teams and operational HR, always endorsing a strong sense of inclusivity. I’ve overseen training and development of teams and managers and been involved in performance management for up to 92 sites. It’s really great to get to use all this background experience in my role as Talent Manager for Venners.

 

Managing people seems to be a lot more complicated than just knowing a thing or two about management. Would you agree?

Yes, absolutely. Over the years I’ve made a point of completing a number of advanced qualifications in Personnel and Training Management, Employment Law and Interview and Selection Techniques. It may sound quite boring, but employment legislation is a big interest of mine and I do spend time trying to keep up to date with changes and developments in this area. I never stop learning and I like making the most of my spare time. I have recently completed further trained in Human Resource Fundamentals, Management Development and Coaching and Mentoring.

 

When it comes to personal development you really practice what you preach don’t you?

Well, personal learning and development is a particular passion of mine too. Over a thirty year career I have closely mentored and coached many people from induction through to management positions within the organisations I have worked for, and I have not just delivered but also attended numerous training courses myself. Plus there are my higher education stints at various universities, which I absolutely loved.

 

What’s it all about? Why are you so keen on learning and development?

I make a point of always staying abreast of any new learning opportunities and educating myself to be able to share these with the company. I get a huge sense of fulfilment from helping people realise and unlock their potential and I feel very passionately about offering constructive and robust support to people in the workplace to help them achieve their goals. Helping my Venners colleagues progress their careers is just brilliant.