Ibec Podcasts

The Irish economy is experiencing a moderation in growth after five years of remarkable expansion. However, this is not unexpected, particularly given the turbulence faced by some of Ireland’s largest trading partners and our recent economic success.

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist at Ibec, discusses key findings from our 2025 Q1 Economic Outlook report with Ibec Economists, Hazel Ahern-Flynn and Mourad Mejdi.

Download our Q1 Economic Outlook here.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs at Ibec, sits down with Jackie King, Executive Director of Ibec Global, to explore their latest Global Compass - Cracking the Code: Unlocking Competitiveness in a Complex Geopolitical Matrix. 

From evolving definitions of competitiveness to the rise of protectionism, technological dominance, and resilience through intelligence ecosystems, this discussion offers valuable insights into navigating the shifting global landscape.

The Global Compass is a succinct thought piece for business leaders to guide them as they steer their teams to tackle international challenges. Our new edition focuses on how to build competitiveness within complexity.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In this episode of WorkTalks, Maeve McElwee, Executive Director, Employer Relations, Ibec, is joined by Richard Jolly,  Director of the consulting firm, Stokes & Jolly Ltd, and Associate Clinical Professor of Management and Organisations at Kellogg.

They discuss the challenges of leading change within organisations during a period of global uncertainty, and the imperatives for HR business functions in dealing with this dynamic environment.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

The Economic and Social Research Institute and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, supported by Ibec, have produced and published a report on a new macroeconomic model for Northern Ireland and the all-island economy.

In this episode, Fergal O’Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence at Ibec, is in conversation with Adele Bergin, Associate Research Professor at the ESRI and co-author of the report. They discuss the development of the model for the Northern Ireland economy and how it can be used to produce economic forecasts and study potential impacts of economic policy.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.

In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.

These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.

In the final episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Wayne Metcalfe, Director at John Sisk & Son.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.

In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.

These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.

In the fifth episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Caoimhe Buckley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Fyffes.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

With the General Election behind us, the focus has shifted to the complex task of government formation. As political parties negotiate the details of a new programme for government, we’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what’s really involved in crafting a vision for Ireland’s future.

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs at Ibec, is joined by Paul O’Brien, Head of Public Affairs at Bank of Ireland, and former Government Advisor for Fine Gael, who offers unique personal insights into this critical process. This episode reveals how decisions made at the negotiating table shapes our future Government.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

In this episode of Ibec WorkTalks, Vicky O’Neill, HR Strategy Specialist at Ibec, and Max Blumberg, Founder of Blumberg Partnership, HR & People Analytics Innovator and Advisor, discuss the impact of the evolving model of HR and what will required from the HR function into the future. 

The role of HR has undergone significant transformation over the years. While we agree that HR should be a strategic partner, there's a nuanced perspective to consider. Max’s research proposes a pivot in how HR is structured to focus more directly on the capabilities required for successful strategy execution. 

The pivot relies on a combination of two things: (a) a new set of design criteria (objectives) for HR and the HRBPs – delivering the required workforce and strategic capabilities that enable the business outcomes, and (b) new processes for identifying, measuring, and improving the needed workforce and strategic capabilities. 

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.

In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.

These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.

In the fourth episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with David Feeney, Managing Director at Coillte Land Solutions and Chief Sustainability Officer.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.

Welcome to this special series of Ibec Responds on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

As businesses face increasing demands for transparency and accountability, the CSRD represents a pivotal shift in how companies approach sustainability reporting.

In this series you'll hear firsthand from industry leaders about the challenges, strategies, and opportunities they have encountered on their journey towards compliance.

These conversations offer valuable insights and practical advice to help your business meet the evolving standards.

In the third episode of our 'Unpacking CSRD' series, Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, is in conversation with Sharon Vize, HR Director at CPL Resources.

Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here.  Make sure to follow Ibec Podcasts to stay up to date with new episodes.