Q&A with Alan Cosgrave, Forty Under 40 Winner 2021, Partner, enterprise risk services, MNP LLP, Age 39
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
Definitely my family. My parents instilled a strong work ethic in myself and my brother and sister at an early age and that has always stayed with me.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Reality TV. I won’t name the shows I watch because they are so bad, but because they don’t involve too much effort, it’s an easy way for me to relax and switch off.
What is the best book you would recommend?
I really enjoy sporting biographies and Andre Agassi’s was excellent.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your forties, what goals have you set for yourself?
I tend to take life day-by-day with my main goal to continue to grow and develop both professionally and personally. I believe if I continue to work hard, good things will happen.
What was your childhood career dream?
I actually always wanted to be an accountant and partner at a firm. My dad is an accountant and managing partner of his own firm back home in Ireland. I always looked up to him growing up and wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Name your happiest place.
New York with my wife.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Leaving Ireland to further my career. In 2009, I made the decision to move to Bermuda and it was the best decision I ever made both professionally and personally. I met my wonderful wife there and we made many wonderful friendships.
Advice you would give your 20-year-old self?
That would be a good conversion and a long one. I would probably tell my 20-year-old self to enjoy the early years of working life. Work hard and good things will follow.
What is your best habit?
It’s probably a tie between my work ethic and being an extrovert.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
During university I worked in a men’s department store selling suits for three years, and I believe this was where I started to develop my sales and interpersonal skills.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Work hard, be fair and try your best to lead by example.
Biggest learning (about life or business) during the pandemic?
I think the pandemic has taught us all an important lesson about work-life balance and mental health. I’ve learned that I need to take more time to switch off and accept that sometimes things don’t always go as planned, and that’s OK.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Making partner at MNP is definitely my career highlight to date. It’s always been a goal of mine to be a partner at a firm and I am proud that every day I get to work at a firm that I am proud to be part of.
