Alan O’Neill speaks with Ralph Ward about the changing role of boards, the dynamics between CEOs and chairmen, and why diversity and skills are crucial for effective governance.

From the value of non-executive directors to the future of hands-on boards, this episode explores what really makes boards work.

Alan O’Neill talks with Jean McCabe, Managing Director of Retail Excellence Ireland, about the state of retail in 2025.

They discuss phygital shopping, AI’s role in cutting costs, creating magical customer experiences, and why retail skills are future-proof.

Essential listening for leaders in retail and beyond.

Product. People. Place. Your customers judge you on all three. In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill explores the often-overlooked power of place in shaping your proposition.

From Paco Underhill’s Why We Buy to real-world stories of hotels, websites, and supply chains, you’ll walk away with a practical checklist to differentiate your business.

In Part 3 of our August series on Proposition, Alan O’Neill explores why people are the most powerful leg of your 3-legged stool (Product, People, Place).

Discover:

• The story of “Johnny the Bagger” — and why customers queued just to see him.

• How empathy and consistency keep customers loyal, even when competitors are closer or cheaper.

• The 3 Cs framework for customer interactions: Connect, Consult, Conclude.

• Four leadership levers: Recruitment, Training, Communication, Wellbeing.

Because products can be copied. People cannot.

Listen now and re-think how people shape your USP.

In this solo summer episode, Alan O’Neill dives deep into the “Product” leg of the 3-Legged Stool — part of Step 6 of the 7 Steps to Profit.
He shares hard-earned lessons on product strategy, including category design, pricing architecture, flagships, and innovation.
A must-listen for any business that’s looking to clean up its offer, differentiate with intent, and drive higher margin.

In this solo episode, Alan O’Neill dives into Step 6 of the 7 Steps to Profit — your Proposition.
He reveals why focusing only on product is a mistake, and how his proven 3-Legged Stool model (Product, People, Place) gives companies a stronger, more aligned way to grow.
Learn how to audit your business, avoid the price trap, and stand out in today’s crowded marketplace.

Alan O’Neill sits down with global AI expert Dr. Samir Mirdad... advisor to billion-dollar companies... to explore the real-world impact of applied AI.

From saving lives on oil rigs to predicting sports injuries in real time, Samir shares jaw-dropping examples of how AI is quietly transforming entire industries.

You’ll learn:

• What applied AI really means (and why most AI out there isn’t real)

• How a single model saved $50M in telecom supply chains

• How video AI is reinventing healthcare, sport, and security

• Why most boardrooms are getting AI wrong — and what to do instead

This is a must-listen episode for CEOs, investors, and leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve... and not go extinct.

Gen Zs Part 2. This episode explores how they behave as customers (B2C) or as buyers (B2B).

In this episode, Alan O’Neill unpacks what Gen Z really wants — and why their expectations matter more than ever for both B2C and B2B leaders.

From Patagonia to Shein, Starbucks to Shopify, Gen Z are calling out inauthentic brands and rewarding the ones who live their values.

You’ll learn:

• Why values, transparency, and experience are non-negotiables

• What B2B leaders can do now to avoid being seen as outdated

• And why Gen Z will shape your next generation of buyers

🎧 Listen now
📘 Download the free 7 Steps to Profit eBook at 7stepstoprofit.com

By 2030, Gen Z will make up 72% of the global workforce — but most organisations are still leading like it’s 2010. In this episode, Alan O’Neill sits down with Julie Ryan, Deputy MD at Harvest, to unpack one of the most important workplace studies of the decade.

You’ll learn:

• What makes Gen Z truly different (and what doesn’t)

• Why “phygital” communication is redefining the workplace

• How to lead, recruit, and retain this new generation

• What organisations must change now to stay competitive

This isn’t about mollycoddling. It’s about adapting. Because if we don’t evolve, we lose the future of talent.

👉 Want practical tools for alignment and growth? Download our free eBook The 7 Steps to Profit: www.7stepstoprofit.com

In this solo KISS Insights episode, Alan O’Neill shares stories of real leaders facing real pressure and reflects on what leadership really requires in times of change.

From burnout to boardroom tension, Alan explores the emotional toll of modern business and introduces a 100-year-old piece of wisdom that still resonates: Desiderata.

No ads. No jargon. Just perspective.

If you’re leading through noise, take 12 minutes to reset.