A Day in the Life – Gavin Nolan

Who are you?

Hi, I’m Gavin Nolan and I’m a Change and Communications Lead in UCD. I am part of the Organisational Change Management Team and am currently working with the POST programme team.

How did you get here? What was the journey to UCD?

Well, my journey actually started here, in UCD in 2007. I studied Pharmacology and graduated in 2011. After I graduated, I moved to Australia and worked in a research medical institute. I then worked in Finance for a while after I returned home, working specifically in large- and small-scale transformation projects. My career journey has definitely been a varied one, but I’m delighted it has led me back to UCD.

What is your role within UCD, and what are your main responsibilities?

I oversee and coordinate community-wide engagements and communications regarding the POST programme. There a number of individual project and programmes with POST (you find a full list on the POST website) so I also work directly with the project teams to prepare, equip and support our colleagues through these changes.

Could you briefly describe what a typical day looks like for you?

One of the things that I like about my role is that no day is the same! Right now, I am preparing a number of end-of-year communications which not only highlight the change projects taking place across the University but that the people across the community that are making these changes happen. I have particularly enjoyed meeting and working with so many new colleagues across all of the schools, colleges and support units.

What are some of the most interesting or challenging tasks you encounter on a regular basis? Why are they unavoidable?

One thing I have learned over the years when delivering change is the importance of careful and robust planning – I think of the saying “expect the unexpected”. This type of planning also involves working collaboratively with my colleagues and asking the right people the right questions.

Could you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working in your role?

Being part of the newly established Organisational Change Management team has been an overall highlight for me since joining UCD earlier this. Although we are small team we all think about things slightly differently which is great. My new colleagues have been very supportive and welcoming to me.

Another personal highlight was the President’s Inaugural Lecture in September. It was such a celebration of the University it’s community. I was particularly blown by away the guest speakers who shared their journeys as UCD students.

Is there a particular skill or expertise that helps you in your role and what advice would you give to someone joining your unit?

I enjoy meeting new people and helping people to achieve a goal. I am also curious by nature which I think lends itself well to this role. I would encourage anyone who is interested in Change Management to first of all get involved in delivering local changes if you are not already. The Change Management Institute’s website is also a fantastic resource is you are looking for information into this career path.

If your job had a theme song or soundtrack, what would it be [and why]?

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Tammi Terrell & Marvin Gaye, We are Family by Sister Sledge and I Can Change By LCD Soundsystem.