In celebration of International Women’s Day, we caught up with Grace Barnes and Ilona Carey, who have been with Bryan S Ryan for over 30 years. As long-standing members of our accounts team, they’ve seen huge changes in the workplace - and had a record-breaking year in collections last year. We sat down with them for a Q&A to learn more about their journey, teamwork, and reflections on how the company - and the role of women in the workplace has evolved.
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Q. You’ve both been with Bryan S Ryan for over 30 years! What has kept you motivated and engaged in your roles?
Ilona: The motivation is that everyday even after 30 years is different, my colleagues are great, and I enjoy interacting with our customers.
Grace: I personally feel that Brian, our boss, is the biggest motivator to us. The work ethic of my team. Always wanting to hit our target.
Q. How has your role evolved over the years, and what key changes have you seen in the company?
Ilona: The fundamental part of the job hasn’t changed but technology is playing a much bigger role. There is more dignity, respect and equality. Provisions for working parents, maternity and parental leave have improved.
Grace: I was initially employed as a service controller and after approximately two years moved to my role as a Credit Controller, a role I still enjoy to this day. When I started in accounts receivable my method of communication with customers was by phone. Now communication is mainly by email.
Q. What was it like starting out in the company, and how does it compare to now?
Ilona: I first started working in BSR when I was 19 and it was my first serious job. I don’t think I had any idea what to expect. There was a recession in the eighties and things were very bleak. There was a power imbalance between employer and employee. A huge part of the job was duplication, everything was logged on the computer and handwritten copies. Invoices were typed out with carbon paper. There was a lot of suspicion about computers. Bryan S Ryan is now a very modern environment but retains a family atmosphere.
Grace: I remember within my first couple of days thinking how long some of the staff had worked for the Company, this to me was a very positive sign. I am happy to say I am now one of those long serving members of staff. Technology has advanced immensely. We worked with typewriters, word processors, and fax machines.
Q. You recently had a record-breaking year for collections - what do you think contributed to that success?
Ilona: Brian O’Connor has been my boss and colleague for the entire duration, and he does an outstanding job.Grace, Brian and myself have been a team for decades so consistency, hard work, teamwork and flexibility . We probably know what each other is thinking at this stage.
Grace: In my opinion there area number of reasons. The procedures we have in place i.e. contacting the customer on average three times a month. Our knowledge of our customer base.The dedication, experience and confidence we have gained over the years.
Q. What’s the secret to your teamwork and long-standing partnership in the accounts department?
Ilona: We like and trust each other.
Grace: I feel that we all work hard and always know that each of us are there to help each other If necessary.
Q. Are there any standout moments or milestones in your careers that you’re particularly proud of?
Ilona: There are no standout moments that I can think of, but I am proud of my day-to-day contribution. I enjoy coming to work.
Grace: I remember with pride the excitement when we collected our first one million pounds and feeling elated. I still feel elated when we hit our monthly target.
Q. What advice would you give to young women starting their careers, particularly in finance /accounts?
Ilona: You will get out of your job what you put into it. You deserve your place, and you are an equal.
Grace: Listen and learn from the experienced members of staff. Always take notes when learning something new. I have had a diary since 2000 and still record new procedures when necessary.
Q. How have you seen opportunities for women in the workplace change over the past three decades?
Ilona: Yes, women have gone from defined women's roles to being able to do any job.
Grace: I feel the opportunities and the recognition of women in the workplace has improved but feel there is still room for improvement.
Q. What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
Ilona: It is an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic women who work in this office.
Grace: Acknowledging women’s achievements.
Q. If you could go back and give advice to your younger selves when you started at BryanS Ryan, what would it be?
Ilona: I wouldn’t change anything. The experiences make me who I am.
Grace: Don’t stress there are very few mistakes that can’t be rectified. Enjoy your working day, you spend more time with your colleagues than most of your family.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at Bryan S Ryan?
Ilona: I love the variety, the people I work with and the customers. It has always been a challenging environment and keeps it interesting. I love working with Grace & Brian especially.
Grace: The work atmosphere with my colleagues.
If you had to describe each other in three words, what would they be?
Ilona: Grace is fantastic, a pleasure to work with, smart (apologies more than 3 words).
Grace: Dedicated, knowledgeable and caring.
Bryan S Ryan
Main Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 HH7F
Tel: 01 404 7900
Bryan S Ryan
Unit 27, Briarhill Business Pk, Ballybrit, Galway, H91TH61
Tel: 091 755 204
