Combining a career at Deloitte with competing in the Olympics
How flexible working and a flexible attitude by management is fuelling an Olympic dream
In January 2022, Zoë Hyde received an invitation to train full-time with the national rowing squad, but she was also anxious to pursue a meaningful career with Deloitte.
After requesting a meeting with the partner she reported to, Kevin Butler, she started tentatively with “I have some news”, and went on to outline her situation. “The response was absolutely fantastic – Kevin told me that I absolutely had to go for it.”
“The flexible working arrangements that were put in place for me meant that I was free to pursue my dream and get every ounce out of my sporting talent, without having to sacrifice building a rewarding and fulfilling career at Deloitte.”
"It’s a great way to live your life if you’re lucky enough to have an employer like Deloitte who’s happy to back your dreams."
Zoë Hyde, Olympian and Deloitte employee
How flexible working and a flexible attitude by management is fuelling an Olympic dream
In January 2022, Zoë Hyde received an invitation to train full-time with the national rowing squad - but she was also anxious to pursue a meaningful career with Deloitte.
After requesting a meeting with the partner she reported to, Kevin Butler, she started tentatively with “I have some news”, and went on to outline her situation. “The response was absolutely fantastic – Kevin told me that I absolutely had to go for it.
“The flexible working arrangements that were put in place for me meant that I was free to pursue my dream and get every ounce out of my sporting talent – without having to sacrifice building a rewarding and fulfilling career at Deloitte.”
The move paid off. She picked up a World Cup silver with Sanita Puspure in Lucerne in 2022, and they then won bronze at the 2022 World Championships in the heavy doubles. She was paired with Alison Bergin for the 2023 Worlds where their fourth place clinched them a coveted spot for the Paris Olympics.
But what was even more impressive, Zoë says, was that she was still being afforded opportunities to advance her career and make a meaningful contribution to Deloitte while representing Ireland on the water.
At this stage, her sights are very much on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, although she cautions that Team Ireland first have to qualify a boat, then decide who gets to crew it. Zoë has now landed on something of a hybrid working model, arranging work around her training hours rather than the other way around.
“Apart from the availability of flexible work, sharing home and office working, the company can also offer part-time working arrangements, or organise special leave and sabbatical programmes.” She is not by any means alone in her sporting/working life, but is part of ‘Team Deloitte’, a group of elite athletes who also happen to be forging a professional career within the company.
The programme was established in July 2023 to support athletes in balancing their sporting and professional careers. The current crop will hopefully join dozens of Deloitte global staff who have already taken part in the Olympics or Paralympics across a broad range of sports.
Zoë believes she’s found an ideal balance to her life. “Spending so much time on the water or in the gym can take its toll, so it’s great to have the work-day interaction with my colleagues as a means of breaking up the monotony of training.”
“I find that work is a release from training, and training is a release from working. It’s a great way to live your life, if you’re lucky enough to have an employer like Deloitte who’s happy to back your dreams.”
Zoë Hyde, Olympian and Deloitte employee
