CEO Corner by Sarah McGrath

“If you don’t look after the engine, you can’t expect to perform.” What happens when ambition, pressure, and performance come at the expense of your health? In this episode of CEO Corner, Associate Professor Dr. Robert Kelly –Consultant Cardiologist, Lifestyle Medicine expert, and creator of the Heart Reset Method – joins Sarah McGrath for a powerful conversation on the hidden health risks facing...

“You can be authentic and powerful at the same time.” What does real leadership actually look like behind the title? In this episode of CEO Corner, Marguerite Brosnan, CEO of AXA Insurance Ireland, joins Sarah McGrath for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, career pivots, and building high-trust teams that outperform. From growing up between Tipperary and Kerry to becoming one of Irelan...

“If people knew how hard it was to set up your own business, they wouldn’t do it.”  In this episode of CEO Corner, Stephen Felle—CEO at Fordel and former youngest director on the board of Davy—joins Sarah McGrath to talk ruthless ambition, the Celtic Tiger, and what “real wealth” looks like in Ireland today. From starting in stockbroking as a teenager, to sitting at the centre of Ireland’s boom ye...

Leadership, Strategy, & Scaling From Startup to Unicorn In this episode of CEO Corner, Sinead Fitzmaurice FCA – first female CEO of an Irish unicorn (TransferMate Global Payments), director of Fitzmaurice Finance and chairperson of Nazaré Point – joins host Sarah McGrath for a rare, candid conversation about private leadership and public success. Sinead lifts the lid on what it took to scale a...

“If you don’t adapt, you’re dead.” – What does it actually take to build and keep a hospitality business alive? In this episode of CEO Corner, Noel Anderson—publican, industry advocate, and co-founder of Grand Slam Bars (The Bridge 1859, Lemon & Duke, and more)–joins Sarah McGrath with a masterclass in operator mindset: → bouncing back from liquidation → settling a TV3 defamation case → bootst...

From a Shy Bookish Kid to Leading Europe’s Insurance Powerhouse: Conor Brennan’s Leadership Journey In this episode, we sit down with Conor Brennan, CEO of Ardonagh Europe, as he reflects on his personal journey and professional rise to leading one of Europe’s fastest-growing insurance groups. Conor shares his insights on scaling internationally, building purpose-driven cultures, and navigating th...

Embracing Uncertainty in Leadership and Industry Transformation Join Sarah McGrath as she delves into a candid conversation with Robert Kennedy, CEO of Howden Ireland. Discover how Robert's competitive spirit and resilience have shaped his leadership style and guided him through the challenges of the insurance industry, from starting as a van driver to becoming CEO of Howden Ireland. Please note:...

Discover Emma's Journey: From CEO of Grafter to New Horizons In this compelling episode, we sit down with Emma Kennedy, the co-founder and former CEO of Grafter, a pioneering flexible workspace company. Emma opens up about her decision to step down from her leadership role and reflects on the personal and professional growth she experienced during her tenure. Key Discussion Points: Leadership Tran...

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Dr Dylan Colbert is an intelligence researcher and performance and behavioural psychologist. “To improve team performance, you must clearly show what performance looks like.” An educational interview is not to be missed! We discuss the power of harnessing emotion when in the workplace. Dylan gives his insights on the recipe for success and how to avoid the pitfal...

Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC, named among Ireland’s 50 most influential people, has built a public and respected career with sheer determination. In this interview, we have the unique opportunity to listen to Danny’s advice on how to build a prolific career and his view on characteristics that form the best leaders in Ireland. Danny shares insights and offers advice on how to lead a business through o...

In this episode, we interview Enda McNulty, global Performance Coach, ex Footballer, and Author of Commit2Lead. We bring you a leadership masterclass covering the topics in Enda’s book, such as Self-awareness, Resilience, Well-being, Optimism, Ego, and Empathy, and how each trait plays a role in the day-to-day leadership of your company, teams, and most importantly, yourself. We get an insight int...

“The barrier of success is you; it’s the lack of belief and lack of conviction” James Caan CBE, Dragon and Entrepreneur.   In episode two, we travelled to London to interview James Caan. In this episode, we discuss limiting beliefs, embracing failure, and how to overcome the complications of earning seven figures. James, a multi-millionaire several times over, advises us on how to break down barri...

“If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.” Joanie Hughes, CEO of FNZ. In this episode, Joanie shares the story of her younger years coming from a large ambitious farming family and her journey to becoming CEO of FNZ.  Joanie discusses the challenges of moving from colleague to CEO and what it takes to continuously strive for more. In early 2022, Joanie received some life...

🎙 CEO Corner Rewind: Season One Finale with Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer! 🌟 Join us for the grand finale of Season One as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer, the visionary CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation. 🚀👩‍💼   In this episode, Susan candidly discusses her journey, conquering CEO role doubts and fears. Susan also explores leadership differences between private and charit...

🎙 CEO Corner Rewind: Episode 9 with Ruth Bailey! 🌟 Join us as we dive deep into an inspiring conversation with Ruth Bailey, the CEO of Vigo Health, as she candidly discusses the doubts and fears that come with taking on the CEO role and how she triumphantly overcame them. 🚀👩‍💼 Ruth, a remarkable and accomplished leader, shares her journey of resilience, having navigated through three maternity...

🎙 CEO Corner Rewind: Episode 8 with Dónal Clancy! 🌟 Join us on a trip down memory lane as we revisit this engaging conversation featuring Dónal Clancy, CEO of LAYA Healthcare. In this episode, Dónal delves into the future of work, the evolution of online healthcare, crisis management, and the essential skills for effective leadership. 🚀💼 Discover how LAYA Healthcare is shaping the healthcare la...

🎙 Exciting Revisit: CEO Corner Episode 7 with Rena Maycock! 🌟 Join us as we revisit this insightful conversation with Rena Maycock, CEO of Cilter Technology, as she discusses her journey in setting up Intro Matchmaking, Ireland's leading dating site, and Cilter Technology. Discover how Rena is pioneering a solution to protect children from bullying, grooming, and cyberbullying through innovative...

🎙 Exciting Revisit: CEO Corner Episode 6 with Jamie Heaslip! 🌟 Join us as we revisit this insightful conversation with Jamie Heaslip, CEO of Sabra Management, as he explores the intriguing parallels between leadership in sports and business. 🚀💼 In this episode, Jamie shares his remarkable journey and delves into the unique dynamics of leadership on and off the field. 💪 Don't miss this empoweri...

🎙 Exciting Revisit: CEO Corner Episode 5 feat. Michelle O'Keefe 🌟 Join us as we revisit Michelle O'Keefe's groundbreaking journey from being the first female MD at BDO Dublin to becoming Head of Wealth Advisory with Goodbody. 🚀💼 Michelle shares her trailblazing career, insights on setting up a business, and thriving in male-dominated sectors. 💪 Don't miss this empowering episode discussing lea...

📣 We're thrilled to announce the revisit of Episode 4 of CEO Corner with Sarah McGrath! 🎧 In this insightful episode, Sarah sits down with a true industry leader, Anthony Brennan, CEO of Zurich. 🌍 🎙️ Anthony openly unveils his extraordinary path – from unforeseen origins to leading Zurich with distinction. Uncover his one-of-a-kind leadership methods, acquired during his extensive 35-year journ...

🎙 Don't miss CEO Corner Ep. 3 revisit with Sarah McGrath and CEO Louise Phelan! 🌍 They discuss International Women's Day, Louise's career journey, and essential climate change insights. 🚀 Stay tuned for inspiration and empowerment! 🔥 #CEOCornerRevisit   Listen to the full episode now or watch it on YouTube: https://linktr.ee/ceo_corner

🎙️ Delighted to announce the release of Episode 2 on CEOCorner with Sarah McGrath Podcast! 🚀 Join us as we delve into an inspiring conversation with Dalton Philips, CEO of Dublin Airport. Discover how he steered the airport through the challenges of COVID and gain insights into building a resilient career. Tune in for leadership lessons and success stories. Don't miss this captivating episode! 🎧...

Throwback to the First Episode of CEO Corner - An Inspiring Conversation with  Sharon O Buachalla , CEO of  LeasePlan ! 📽️ Let's rewind the clock and revisit the captivating first episode of  CEO Corner  ! Join us as we dive into a thought-provoking conversation where Sharon shares her remarkable journey of starting her own business and conquering challenges in a male-dominated industry. Discover...