Niamh Clifford

How did you prepare for relocating and stepping into a new position at the same time? 

It was definitely a challenge because I was still working closely with Tate US before the transition. I didn’t have the luxury of arriving, settling in for a month, and then starting fresh, I hit the ground running. But the upside was that I already knew many of the people I’d be working with, which made the move much more comfortable. Tate has a very inclusive culture, and colleagues who had relocated before were incredibly supportive in helping me acclimate. It’s a big move, but with the right support around you, you settle in quicker than you think.

What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? 

I’ve had a year full of change. I moved from a public accounting role into manufacturing, a completely different industry. It required reshaping much of what I’d learned in school and quickly applying it in new ways to get up to speed. It’s definitely been challenging. I pivoted into a new role as soon as I joined Tate, and now I’ve stepped into a managerial position where I’m responsible for supporting others as well.

It’s definitely been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. At Tate, if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, take initiative, and put in the work, there is real opportunity to grow quickly. There’s a lot of room to build your own path if you’re prepared to step into it.

The support from Kingspan and the team here also made a huge difference in helping me settle in and navigate that change.

What new skills, responsibilities, or experiences have you gained in your new role? 

People management has probably been the biggest area of growth for me. Learning how to delegate effectively, support others, and set clear expectations has been a whole new experience. It’s important to communicate directions clearly, encourage your team, and still push them to grow. I’ve learned to give people the space to try things on their own while being there as a safety net when they need guidance.

Hiring is also an acquired skill. Bringing in the right people, and being patient with the process, is essential. You have to be intentional about finding the right fit for the role and the team.

How has this move helped you grow, both personally and professionally?

Relocating pushes you outside your comfort zone in every way. Change is challenging, no matter the circumstances. You’re not only adjusting to a new office and work environment, you’re rebuilding your home life, too.

That kind of change can be challenging, but it also gives you a lot of perspective. It forces you to adapt, become more independent, and look at things differently.

Professionally, it’s helped me grow in confidence and broaden my experience much faster than I would have expected. Personally, it’s given me the chance to experience something completely new and develop in ways that go well beyond work.