In this episode of CREGG Insights, we speak with Conor Harty, Managing Director of Access HR, about the evolving role of HR in Irish businesses and why proactive people management is now a strategic necessity rather than a reactive fix.

Conor shares his career journey from production management and executive search into HR leadership, and explains how Access HR was created to support small and medium sized businesses with expert, flexible HR solutions.

• What HR really means in practical terms, from hiring to exit
• When growing businesses should invest in HR expertise
• Reactive versus proactive HR and why planning matters
• How the HR function has evolved in Ireland over recent decades
• The influence of European employment law on Irish workplaces
• The role AI is likely to play in HR over the next five years
• The Access HR model and how outsourced HR works for SMEs
• HR support as a compliance and peace of mind tool
• Employment law, fairness, and protecting both employer and employee
• Workplace investigations and why process and objectivity are critical
• Pay, benefits, inflation pressures, and workforce planning
• Managing organisational change and integration effectively
• Why having a trusted HR partner reduces risk and stress for employers

This episode is particularly relevant for business owners, senior leaders, and managers who want clarity, confidence, and peace of mind when navigating people related challenges.

Conor Harty is Managing Director of Access HR, a full service HR consultancy supporting SMEs across Ireland with HR support, employment law guidance, workplace investigations, and organisational change expertise.

Website: https://www.accesshr.ie

🎧 Listen to the full episode of CREGG Insights wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the CREGG Insights Podcast, host Oisín Browne speaks with Laura McGrath, Leadership and Interview Coach, about how professionals can successfully transition into new roles while maintaining balance, confidence, and focus.

Laura shares practical advice on how to navigate the critical first few months in a new position, build meaningful relationships, and manage the internal pressures that come with change. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders through periods of transition, she explores the mindset shifts, emotional regulation techniques, and self-awareness practices that drive long-term success.

• The five essential steps for a successful role transition, including redefining expectations and adapting to new cultural norms.

• How to prepare mentally and professionally before starting a new job.

• Techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional balance through mindful breathing.

• Understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome by reshaping your internal dialogue.

• Why confidence can be built like a muscle through consistent mindset work.

• The importance of self-care, recovery, and joy in achieving true work-life balance.

Success in a new role begins with self-awareness, communication, and a willingness to grow. Building trust, setting boundaries, and finding space for recovery are essential for sustainable performance and fulfilment.

Follow CREGG on LinkedIn for more conversations on leadership, recruitment, and the evolving world of work.

Michael Watkins - The First 90 Days

Mind Gym - Gary Mack

Laura McGrath

Executive and Interview Coach

www.interviewtechniques.ie

Looking for a career change or hiring top talent? Visit www.cregg.ie

In this episode of CREGG Insights, host Oisín Browne speaks with Christopher Paye, Country Director for the Stepstone Group, who oversees IrishJobs.ie operations in Ireland. Together, they explore how recruitment has evolved from the early “post and pray” days to today’s world of AI, automation, and skills-based hiring.

Christopher shares his remarkable 17-year journey with IrishJobs, reflecting on leadership lessons, industry transformation, and the importance of keeping people at the heart of recruitment.

• The evolution of recruitment: From traditional job boards to AI-powered matching and smarter hiring decisions.

• AI adoption: Why 8 in 10 Irish employers are using AI — and how it’s freeing recruiters to focus on people.

• Skills over credentials: The growing shift from degrees to demonstrable capabilities in hiring.

• Job seeker advice: Why honesty and adaptability matter more than ever in today’s job market.

• Recruiter focus: How automation can reduce time-to-hire while improving candidate experience.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, Oisín Browne speaks with Niamh Hannan, chartered psychologist, executive coach, and expert in Emotional Connection Strategy (EMC). With over 25 years of experience supporting leaders and teams across Europe, Niamh shares how the quality of our workplace relationships, especially with our managers, can directly impact job satisfaction, productivity, and wellbeing.

Together, they explore:

• The true meaning of emotional intelligence at work

• How unresolved conflict and emotional disconnection affect performance

• The EMC framework for repairing trust and building strong teams

• Why hybrid and remote workplaces must invest in intentional connection

• The hidden cost of poor leadership relationships—and how to fix them

• How recruiters and employers can assess emotional intelligence during hiring

This is a powerful conversation about what makes work feel human and what happens when it doesn’t. Whether you're in leadership, recruitment, or just trying to build a better culture, this episode will give you practical insights to create stronger, safer, and more connected workplaces.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we sit down with Tadhg O’Donovan, Senior Business Transformation Practitioner at 3SIXTY, to explore the real meaning of sustainability in business. Tadhg breaks down complex ideas like carbon footprints, ESG reporting, and the circular economy into practical steps organisations can take today. He shares Irish success stories, highlights how government and enterprise supports are helping SMEs catch up, and explains why sustainability is no longer optional for companies, recruiters, and candidates alike. Packed with insights, this conversation is a guide for businesses and individuals looking to build a more sustainable future

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we talk to Jill Thornton, the powerhouse behind some of Ireland’s most prestigious award ceremonies. From her beginnings in theatre to leading Ashville Media Group’s all-female events team, Jill shares her journey and the inside secrets of running 11 major awards each year.

Discover why awards matter for business growth, how to craft a winning entry, and the post-event strategies that turn recognition into real results. Jill also reveals memorable behind-the-scenes moments, the judging process, and the one quality that makes an application stand out from the rest.

If you’ve ever wondered how to leverage awards to boost your brand, network, and credibility, this is your inside track.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we talk with Gary Neville, brand strategist and cultural enabler with Neptune, to explore the critical link between authentic leadership and workplace culture. Gary shares real-world insights into how leaders can "walk the walk" by communicating with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

We dive into the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of listening over telling, and how small, human moments can shape a company’s culture and reputation. Whether you're in recruitment, HR, or business leadership, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to boost engagement, build trust, and turn employees into ambassadors.

In this episode, we’re joined by Statia O’Carroll, Expert Career Mentor and founder of O’Carroll Careers, who shares her expert advice on how to craft a CV that truly reflects your value and gets noticed.

Whether you’re early in your career or looking to make a strategic move, Statia offers clear, practical guidance:

Key Takeaways:

Use keywords from the job description to pass ATS filters 

Keep bullet points short and focused on accomplishments

Include a strong profile summary

List skills and qualifications that match the role 

Avoid unnecessary details like photos and location  

Add hobbies to reflect your personality and strengths

Your CV should tell the full story of your career honestly and effectively.

As Statia says, “Know the value of your work and share it with others. Connect with mentors and trusted professionals to guide you.”

In this episode of CREGG Insights, Oisín Browne sits down with Mark Valentine, Enterprise Account Director at LinkedIn, to explore how professionals can fully leverage LinkedIn to enhance their careers and visibility in the job market.

Listeners will learn how to:

• Optimise their profile to attract the right attention

• Use job alerts and signal openness to recruiters while maintaining privacy

• Build a meaningful network with thoughtful connection requests

• Increase visibility by engaging with content and industry professionals

• Add testimonials and recommendations to enhance credibility

• Use LinkedIn strategically for job research and preparation

Mark also addresses common pitfalls—like sending mass connection requests—and emphasises the importance of authentic, value-driven engagement.

Whether you’re job-seeking, hiring, or simply want to stay connected with your industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights on using LinkedIn as a powerful professional tool.

Listen now to learn how to take your LinkedIn presence to the next level.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, Oisín Browne sits down with Laura McGrath, a leadership and interview coach with 25 years of experience in recruitment. Laura began her career in accounting before finding her passion in recruitment and later transitioning into executive coaching. Today, she empowers professionals to approach interviews with confidence and clarity.

Laura shares her top strategies for interview success, including:

• Why knowing your own CV inside-out is the first step to confidence

• How to research a company and its competitors effectively

• The importance of grounding yourself before the interview to show up energized and present

• Tips for answering the classic “Tell me about yourself” question with impact

• How to handle questions about weaknesses and challenges with authenticity and self-awareness

• Why your closing and follow-up can set you apart from other candidates

This episode is packed with practical advice for job seekers and career changers who want to make a strong impression in their next interview.

🔍 Ready to bring your best self to your next big opportunity? This conversation is for you.

🎧 Subscribe to CREGG Insights for monthly episodes, and visit www.cregg.ie for more career support and opportunities. Check out Laura on www.interviewtechniques.ie