In conversation with David Orr

A career that spans accountancy and entertainment

When David Orr was a trainee accountant little did he realise that 40 years later he would be touring the world with the iconic Riverdance show.

As part of his accountancy training he spent some time in the US and when he returned to Ireland he had as he says ‘itchy feet’. So he set up his own accountancy practice where he was later joined by a colleague Pat Faulkner to form Faulkner Orr. In this chat with Jim and Ellen on Episode 10 of 'Off the Fence with Purpose' he describes the feeling of his first morning on his own in an empty office with no clients and no staff. Faulkner Orr grew over the following years and became part of an international group to become KSi Faulkner Orr.

In most recent years David has had an injection of entertainment into his bloodstream as CEO of the company behind Riverdance the Irish entertainment phenomenon which has captured the attention of audiences throughout the world.

He has gathered a tremendous library of knowledge about career development both from his accountancy experience and as he says his ‘helicopter’ view of so many careers that are necessary to ensure the success of a touring show with around 100 people involved, from dancers, set designers, IT and marketing professionals, travel specialists and a host of other support staff.

The importance of a strong work ethic,work life balance, respect, empathy, ambition, what to look for in succession planning and giving back, are all career issues touched on in this entertaining conversation.

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