Ibec Podcasts

In this episode of WorkTalks, Vicky O’Neill, Ibec’s HR Strategy Specialist, is joined by Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig, Founder and CEO of SkillStack. Together, they explore the current upskilling paradox and discuss how organisations can bridge the gap between acknowledging the importance of L&D and executing a robust learning strategy. Robert shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, th...

In this episode of Ibec Reponds, Alan Sherlock, External Affairs Manager, and Sharon Higgins, Executive Director of Membership and Sectors, discuss the launch Ibec’s 2026 Founders Report, From Vision to Venture. Together, they look closely at the complex hurdles today's business leaders face, from managing work-life balance and navigating regulatory compliance to closing critical tech knowled...

Ahead of the commencement of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 on 29 June, Nichola Harkin, Head Of Employment Law Services, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director, discuss the upcoming changes to contractual retirement ages and how businesses can best prepare for this.  Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offering, visit here .  Make sure to follow Ibec P...

In this episode of our Courageous Leaders , Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Kara McGann is joined by Dr. Mamobo Ogoro, social psychologist and Founder and CEO of GORM.  With a background hosting 'Younified' on Newstalk and as the first Irish person to win the Echoing Green Fellowship, Dr. Ogoro brings a unique vantage point on navigating multiple identities and building positive in...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Gerard Brady, Chief Economist is joined by Hazel Ahern-Flynn, Senior Economist, and Mourad Mejdi, Economist, as they unpack Ibec’s latest Budget 2027 campaign – Building a Resilient Economy. This year’s submission highlights an economic reality: Budget 2027 must balance immediate energy-driven volatility with long-term, structural transitions. Ireland is currently...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy and BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson, discuss the priorities and challenges facing European companies over the next six months. Following the Council of Presidents meetings in Dublin, they analyse how Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU will look to foster cross-border business growth and economic resilience.  ...

In this episode, Vicky O’Neill HR Strategy Specialist talks with Conor McCabe Managing Director, and Head of Interior Design at Henry J Lyons Architects to explore how the future of office spaces can unlock innovation, foster collaboration, and support deep focus. We’ll discuss how design choices impact culture, productivity, and employee experience — and what CEOs, HR leaders, and facility manage...

In this episode, Nichola Harkin, Head of Employment Law Services, and Pauline O’Hare, Senior Legal Director, discuss the European Institute for Gender Equality’s EU-wide guidelines on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification and how employers can use this toolkit can be used by employers in their job evaluation processes. Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podcast offer...

Why is an inclusive "Brand Ireland" critical to our economic resilience?  In this episode of Courageous Leaders, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Sabrina Casalta, CEO of Vodafone Ireland.  Sabrina moved from Italy to lead Vodafone’s Irish Business in 2025, as she brings a unique international perspective to the conversation regarding Ireland’s openness and its reputation as a welcoming...

In this episode of Courageous Leaders, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Denise Charlton, CEO of the Community Foundation Ireland.  Denise brings decades of experience leading transformative social change, having previously served as CEO of both Women’s Aid and the Immigrant Council of Ireland.  Kara and Denise discuss Ireland’s long-term prosperity depends on an o...

In this episode, Bernie McMeel, OSH Executive, and Michael Gillen, Senior OSH Membership Executive, discuss the core considerations for employers where employees engage in international travel. In an increasingly volatile world, this episode covers the main considerations for employers from an occupational health and safety perspective.  Thank you for listening. To explore all of Ibec's podca...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Executive Director of Ibec Global, Jackie King speaks with General Seán Clancy, Chair of The European Union Military Committee (EUMC).   This discussion sits within a broader resilience agenda. We are exploring how the changed security environment is shaping the conditions for competitiveness, investment and long-term prosperity including through critical infrastr...

In this episode of Courageous Leaders, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland. With over 30 years at Accenture, including experience as COO for the UK and Ireland, Hilary is a prominent advocate for modern leadership and fostering cultures where everyone feels they belong. As a board member of the Open Do...

In this episode, Vicky O’Neill sits down with Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Future wise and a leading voice on the future of work. Peter shares insights on the trends reshaping how we work from AI in hiring to the challenges of hybrid models and what leaders need to do to stay ahead. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or simply curious about what’s next, this conversation will help you u...

In this episode of Courageous Leaders, Ibec Head of Skills and Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann is joined by Oisín O'Reilly, CEO of Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre and Chair of the Irish Refugee Council (IRC). Together they explore why protecting Ireland’s reputation as an open, welcoming nation is not just a social imperative, but a structural necessity for our economic success. Oisín also shares his th...

In this episode of Ibec Responds, Executive Director of Ibec Global, Jackie King speaks with Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Québec, Canada. In an era increasingly defined by global fragmentation, protectionism, and intense strategic competition, countries face a common challenge: how to maintain international influence while building resilience at home...

In this episode of Courageous Leaders, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Frances Fitzgerald - former Tánaiste, Minister for Justice, and current member of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council. Danny and Frances together discuss the strategic importance of protecting "Brand Ireland" as a beacon of inclusion in the face of rising divisive narratives and misinformation. Frances shares he...

We are pleased to share a special episode of Ibec Responds. Recorded in our Brussels office, Fergal O’Brien is joined by Pat Ivory and Neil Willoughby to discuss the geopolitical backdrop and key legislative developments leading up to Ireland’s EU Presidency. This episode breaks down the general outlook for the six-month term, offering critical insights into US trade, EU industrial policy, and the...

In this special edition of our Ibec Responds podcast series, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy is joined by Ibec President Colin Hunt to reflect on their recent high-level global engagements. Recorded in our Brussels office, the discussion covers Ibec’s engagement in the UK-Ireland Summit and the Tripartite Social Summit, including meetings with the UK and Canadian Prime Ministers, the Presidents of the three...

In this episode, Harry Wall and Catriona McKeating, Associate Legal Directors in our Employment Law Service Team, will discuss case law in the area of equal pay, a core principle of the Pay Transparency Directive.  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, Maeve McElwee, Employer Relations Executive Director, and Aoife McFadden, Legal Director in our Employment Law Services Team, discuss the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 – new legislation which restricts the use of contractual retirement ages below State pension age. Maeve and Aoife discuss the changes and how employers should integrate them into their own retire...

Five generations. One workplace. Endless possibilities—or potential friction. How do you lead in an era where your team spans from seasoned experts to digital natives? In this episode, we’ll explore why understanding generational diversity isn’t just a HR trend—it’s a business imperative. Vicky O’Neill speaks with Rebecca Robins, Author of Five Generations at Work: How We Win Together, For Good, a...

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...

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 re...

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...