MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
KIRSTIN FARRELLY
Head of Global Enterprise Services
U.S. Bank/Elavon
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
Growing up with a single mother presented challenges, but it also fostered resilience and determination in me. This sense of determination was further developed under the guidance of an exceptional leader. Although I may not have fully understood at the time, the consistent pressure and challenging goals set by my first mentor were instrumental in my growth. I am very grateful for this mentorship. Thank you, M.P.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
I believe most successful individuals would attribute their achievements to a combination of both factors. Hard work lays the foundation—building skills, resilience, and readiness, while luck often influences timing and opportunity. As Seneca once stated: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” One significant opportunity that shaped my career was relocating from the EU to NA. Observing the financial industry and specifically payments from the perspective of the NA market was transformative, turning what was initially a 2-year assignment into a long-term career.
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
I am driven by a passion for problem-solving and advocating for customers. My goal is to improve processes, simplify tasks for our customers, and leverage automation in today’s digital landscape. Having experienced both inspirational leaders and less effective ones, I aspire to inspire and positively impact those I work with and serve.
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
Having a defined plan. When asked about my career aspirations, I often struggled to articulate a clear answer. This lack of direction hindered my progress for some time. In retrospect, I recognize the value of having a strategic plan and actively pursuing opportunities rather than waiting for them to arise.
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
I thoroughly enjoy my role, particularly because I get to work with large enterprise clients who have complex needs and high standards. Each customer and industry present unique challenges, which makes my work consistently engaging. Additionally, I must emphasize how much the people/teams I work with mean to me, witnessing their growth, learning, and development has been immensely rewarding for me.
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
Certainly. Several quotes resonate deeply with me but this is one of my favorites “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill