#AccelerateAction, this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, is a global call to recognise strategies, resources, and actions that drive women’s progress and to actively support their implementation. IWD remains an important opportunity for amplifying the focus on gender equality.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Tyndall is proud to spotlight women from different professions across Tyndall, starting with Claire Cooke, who joined our team as People and Culture Manager in late 2024.
What is your current role?
As the People and Culture Manager at Tyndall, I play a key leadership role in enhancing organisational performance and fostering a high-performance culture. I work closely with senior leadership to ensure our People and Culture strategies align with Tyndall’s goals, focusing on talent attraction, retention, and development, as well as wellbeing and recognition, while fostering diversity and inclusion. I lead a dedicated and excellent team that supports employees throughout their journey, from onboarding to professional growth. I’m passionate about continuous improvement and building strong relationships with staff at all levels, ensuring that Tyndall remains a great place to work, study, and thrive while promoting a ‘People First’ culture.
What path led you here?
My journey has been shaped by a blend of experience, education, and a commitment to developing individuals and organisations. I started my career in banking, gaining strong organisational skills, before moving into Head of HR at Munster Rugby. There, I helped establish key HR functions and drove wellbeing and leadership programmes while fostering a high-performance culture. My academic achievements, including an MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology and an MA in Human Resource Management, have deepened my expertise further. This combination of hands-on experience and continuous learning has equipped me with a strong skill set in leadership development, talent management, and organisational transformation.
Did you have a role model who influenced your career choice?
Many people have shaped my life, beginning with my mother, who was a strong female role model and consistently encouraged me to pursue my career. My husband and family have also been incredibly supportive, always giving me the confidence to go further in my career. In the workplace, a former manager served as a significant role model for me through their leadership style and approach to developing people. They continually encouraged me to develop and provided many leadership opportunities. Their support and confidence in me helped shape my leadership style and reinforced my commitment to driving positive organisational change. I’m grateful to them all for their impact on my personal and professional growth.
What could be done to support women in leadership and #AccerateAction?
Supporting women in leadership starts with real action—giving them the opportunities, support, and confidence to further their careers and step into senior roles. I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship, strong role models, and a culture that genuinely values inclusivity can make all the difference. In my own work, I’ve focused on making sure women have the support they need to advance, whether through leadership development, better work-life balance policies, or simply creating an environment where they feel heard and valued. We need to keep breaking down barriers, especially in fields like STEM, where women are still underrepresented. It’s not just about equality or about empowering women —it’s about making workplaces stronger, more diverse, and more innovative for everyone.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to stop overthinking and take action. Trust your instincts, take risks, and step outside your comfort zone—that’s where real growth happens. Pursue what you’re passionate about and find meaning in it. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people, keep learning, and embrace the challenges you encounter. Above all, believe in your abilities because you are more capable than you think! And finally make sure to have fun along the way!
