This quote from Katie Taylor is a good summary of Declan’s leadership approach. He talks about the importance of mentors, being curious and building lasting relationships on his journey to becoming CEO at Irish Life. He also shares his insights on how opportunity can come from adversity, developing and communicating the strategic path ahead and getting all in the organisation aligned behind a shared vision. And there is a bit of Crocodile Dundee and The Stone Roses in the mix!

Explainer

"Hiya hon” is a common, friendly local greeting used in County Wexford and across Ireland meaning "How are you?"

Helen explains to Mark how she built a team that was respected globally and how she navigated a role that was considered one of the most challenging in the global regulatory space, through a time of unprecedented change.

She seamlessly weaves her corporate and personal perspectives to provide great insights on harnessing fear to enhance performance, developing resilience, showing self-care and knowing what you are about as a leader. A fascinating insight into the demands of a global leadership role.

Explainers

“GDPR” The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in force from May 2018, governs data protection and privacy for EU citizens. It regulates how organisations collect, store, use, and manage the personal data of EU residents.

“Regulatory capture” happens when a regulatory agency, expected to act in the public interest, loses direction and advances the agenda of the special interest groups or sectors it is supposed to be regulating

Billy provides a masterclass on developing strategy, embedding it in the organisation’s culture, leading through a crisis and creating a psychologically safe workplace that empowers diversity of thought. He provides actionable advice on effective delegation, managing below par performance and achieving work-life balance.

In this compelling episode, Jacqui speaks about her 40 year career spanning financial services, regulatory bodies and the civil service. Sharing insights that will inspire many, she speaks about experiencing gender inequality, post-natal depression and leaving a secure position to join the public service – and then rising to Secretary General level.

Mamobo shares her journey from childhood, where she felt she did not belong, to founding GORM, a multi-award winning social enterprise and how she brings to life her personal mission to unify the world.

Bob shares the insights he has gained from his many roles including as senior multinational leader, board chair and strategy advisor. He talks about the key skills of authentic leadership, his leadership formula, showing political awareness and leading with empathy.

Davinia talks about her journey from being “the lawyer at the table to the leader at the table”. She shares her experiences on showing up and being visible, managing the inner critic, the importance of self-care and achieving balance.

In this frank and inspiring conversation, Caitríona talks to Mark about running the marathon at the 2012 Olympics, breaking the 100 mile record and how she juggles her career as a senior executive in aircraft trading with her elite athletics career. She also talks about how to know when you should back yourself and when you should seek help as well as setting and achieving goals.

Daire talks to Mark about becoming President of DCU at the start of the Covid pandemic. He explains how he kept the university focussed on its mission at a time of global crisis. Daire shares his insights on building and supporting great teams, the importance of character and showing up for others. His vision for DCU graduates is that they are grounded as regards their discipline as well as being rounded as individuals without a sense of entitlement.

Explainer:

 “The Woodquay Campaign” drew huge public support in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s for the preservation of an important Viking settlement site rather than the construction of a new HQ for Dublin Corporation.

It’s all about knowing when to shift gears and to channel rage in this conversation with Mark Cockerill. Mark says that “AI is changing everything, every 90 days” and explains what this means for leaders and what it means for him as a leader with “… one of the fastest growing software companies in the world”.

He also explains that being a compelling storyteller is what separates leaders from managers and he gives his advice on how to manage below par performance.

Explainers:

“SaaS based company” means a company that provides software as a service.

“Floppy disks” are removable, magnetic storage media that were a primary way to store and transfer computer data from the 1970s to the 1990’s.