Ibec Podcasts

In the latest episode of our Courageous Leaders podcast series, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Kevin Bakhurst, Director General of RTÉ, to discuss the link between a responsible media, a thriving economy, and a cohesive society. 

As part of Ibec’s "Open for Business" campaign, this conversation explores how our global reputation for openness and inclusion, is a fundamental driver of our economic resilience. Danny and Kevin delve into a critical reality: while Ireland has become a global leader in progress, that success is now under pressure from divisive narratives. 

Kevin shares insights on RTÉ’s mission to foster an informed public conversation, the lessons learned from sustaining credibility during crises, and the role of leadership in "holding the line" for facts and inclusion. 

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, Fiona Higgins speaks with Dr. Dale Whelehan Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin and former CEO of 4 Day Week Global about why time is emerging as the most critical resource in modern work. Dale explains concepts like temporal intelligence, temporal stewardship and temporal sovereignty and shares practical ways leaders can design time more intentionally to get a better return on time invested for both people, and business. We also explore common misconceptions, such as why busyness is often mistaken for value, and discuss how better time design can improve wellbeing, trust, and innovation. If you’re interested in creating smarter, more sustainable workplaces, this conversation offers valuable insights.

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.

Why are human rights and equality economic assets for Ireland? 

In this episode of our Courageous Leaders podcast series, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). 

With a background leading the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and advising President Michael D. Higgins, Liam brings a unique vantage point on why Ireland’s reputation as a rights-respecting society is critical to our competitiveness. 

Kara and Liam together explore a critical reality: that inclusion and equality are economic assets that expand our talent pool and drive innovation. 

Liam shares his thoughts on how employers can use their high levels of trust to counter misinformation and why protecting human rights is ultimately "good business". 

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.

What can the corporate world learn from a radical feminist and activist?

In the second episode of the Courageous Leaders podcast, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Ailbhe Smyth, one of Ireland’s most influential social changemakers. As a key figure behind the Marriage Equality and Repeal the 8th campaigns, Ailbhe has endless experience in building broad coalitions among unlikely allies.

Kara and Ailbhe together explore a critical reality: for many people, the workplace is the most diverse space they inhabit. Ailbhe shares her thoughts on how businesses can move beyond performative gestures to become active guardians of social cohesion, "holding the line" against hate and ensuring Ireland remains a beacon of openness.

Courageous Leaders is a brand new Ibec podcast series, as part of our Open for Business campaign, where we hear from leaders across business and wider society on the importance of Ireland’s commitment to openness, inclusion and respect, in underpinning our economic success and social progress. 

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, Bernie McMeel, OSH Executive, and Neil O’Brien, Senior Employer Relations and Communications Executive, discuss the data protection responsibilities that arise when dealing with occupational safety and health issues.  

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 our Preparing for Pay Transparency series, Pauline O’Hare, Senior Legal Director, and Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy, discuss the changes the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive will have on gender pay gap reporting and how employers can best prepare for this.

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.

Courageous Leaders is a brand new Ibec podcast series, as part of our 'Open for Business' campaign, where we hear from leaders across business and wider society on the importance of Ireland’s commitment to openness, inclusion and respect, in underpinning our economic success and social progress.  

In the first episode of the Courageous Leaders podcast, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy sits down with Denis O’Brien, one of Ireland’s most internationally recognised business figures.

Denis shares his unique perspective on how entrepreneurial ambition and humanitarian commitment must work together. From bringing connectivity to underserved markets in the Caribbean and Pacific with Digicel, to protecting human rights defenders globally, Denis illustrates why an open, outward-looking approach is essential for both economic success and human dignity.

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 KC Connect, Neil O’Brien, Senior Employer Relations and Communications Executive, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director, discuss new regulations which set minimum contribution rates which must be met for an employee to be exempted from pension auto-enrolment and how employers should approach this. 

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.

Despite some signs of softening, the Irish economy has proven resilient in the face of the uncertainty of the past year.

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ibec’s Chief Economist Gerard Brady, and Economist Mourad Mejdi, discuss the major economic events of 2025 including the areas of international trade and the labour market… and look forward to 2026, analysing how developments in geopolitics and AI that could shape the economic outlook.

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.

Accessibility and inclusive leadership practises are reshaping how organisations attract, develop, and retain talent. With one in five working-age individuals living with a disability, and many others experiencing differences that may not always be visible, proactive and strategic approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for removing barriers and creating equitable opportunities.

In this episode of WorkTalks, Vicky O’Neill, Ibec’s HR Strategy Specialist, is joined by Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer at Bank of Ireland. Together, they explore how Bank of Ireland is embedding DEI across its culture and leadership, including their pioneering NeuroInclusion strategy, and examine what the future holds for DEI in Irish organisations.

Ibec’s Accessibility Toolkit and Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion Assessment Tool are now live for both Ibec members and non-members.

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.