When Paddy Jordan left Ireland at 23 to backpack around the world, he never imagined his journey would lead to becoming Vice President of HR Asia Pacific for a global spirits company. In this captivating conversation with Shane O'Neill, Paddy reveals how an unexpected pivot from corporate banking to compensation and benefits launched his HR career – a field he initially resisted entering.

"I'd rather work for the best boss in the worst job than work in the best job with the worst boss," Paddy shares, explaining how his pursuit of great leadership rather than specific roles has guided his career across Australia, Japan, and now Singapore. This philosophy shapes his approach to HR: questioning whether traditional frameworks remain fit for purpose in today's agile workplace.

The emotional heart of this episode comes as Paddy candidly discusses being diagnosed with depression while working in Japan during the pandemic, separated from his husband for nearly two years due to border closures. His powerful insight that acknowledging mental health struggles doesn't diminish professional capability offers a refreshing perspective on leadership authenticity.

For HR professionals navigating their own global aspirations or career transitions, Paddy's journey embodies his guiding principle: "We set the opportunity and fate will follow." His story demonstrates how embracing uncertainty, prioritizing relationships, and maintaining core values can lead to unexpected but fulfilling career paths in international HR leadership.

What unexpected opportunity might reshape your professional journey? Connect with Paddy on LinkedIn to continue this important conversation about leadership, mental health, and creating HR practices that truly serve today's evolving workplace.

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