Lead Well with Mark O'Reilly

In this week’s episode of The Lead Well Podcast, Mark O'Reilly speaks with Professor Alan Smeaton from DCU, one of Ireland's leading voices in artificial intelligence, about what leaders, coaches, and organisations need to understand about AI right now. They explore why human leadership cannot be replaced by AI, how hallucinations are built into the technology by design, and why the way most people are using AI tools is leaving them dangerously exposed. The conversation covers the stages of grief leaders go through when confronting AI, what Estonia is doing nationally that Ireland is not, agentic AI and what it means in practice, and why curiosity is the most important leadership skill in an AI-driven world.

How do you build confidence in uncertain times—especially when performance, pressure, and identity are shifting? In this episode of The Lead Well Podcast, Mark O’Reilly speaks with Andrew Conway about transitioning from elite sport into business and what uncertainty teaches us about performance. They explore managing pressure, designing the life you want to live, turning values into behaviours, and why energy management matters more than time management. Andrew shares practical insights on career pivots, staying consistent, simplifying focus, and having the courage to be a beginner when building something new. This episode is for leaders, high performers, and professionals navigating change while trying to protect long-term wellbeing.

What does a truly healthy workplace look like—and how can you spot issues before they turn into problems? In this episode of The Lead Well Podcast, Mark O’Reilly sits down with John Ryan from Healthy Place to Work to unpack what really drives sustainable performance inside organisations. They dig into the difference between lead vs lag indicators, why traditional employee surveys often miss the real story, and how companies can measure the early warning signs of burnout, cultural drift, and declining performance before they become crises. The conversation explores psychological safety, values that are actually lived, the line between normal stress and chronic stress, and why a genuine culture of care isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s a strategic advantage.

How do you build a culture where people thrive? In this episode of The Lead Well Podcast, Mark O’Reilly sits down with Lorraine Heskin, CEO and Founder of Gourmet Food Parlour, to explore leadership, culture, and sustainable business growth. Lorraine shares her journey from corporate life and working in the US to building one of Ireland’s best-known hospitality brands over nearly two decades. They discuss mentorship and peer networks, imposter syndrome, founder wellbeing, and how to build a culture that drives retention, pride, and long-term performance. The conversation also covers diversification, using data and intuition to make decisions, protecting brand identity, and the turning points that helped Gourmet Food Parlour scale sustainably. This episode is ideal for founders, leaders, and professionals looking to grow their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing or culture.

How can internal communications drive employee engagement, trust, and performance at work? In this episode of The Lead Well Podcast, Mark O’Reilly speaks with Kate Fitzmaurice, Head of Internal Communications & Employee Engagement at Vodafone, and Paul Cauley, Communications at Boots Ireland. They discuss leadership communication, employee engagement, building trust at work, and how effective internal communications supports performance and wellbeing in large organisations.

In this episode of the Lead Well Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Robert Kelly, a consultant cardiologist who’s become one of the clearest voices in Ireland on heart health. Robert trained in cardiology in Ireland and the UK, before completing specialist training in the US in interventional cardiology, the world of stents and emergency treatment. But years in clinic showed him something uncomfortable: many patients were getting “fixed” medically, then returning with the same symptoms because the behaviours that drove the problem never really changed. That insight led him into lifestyle medicine and coaching, where the focus shifts from “here’s your prescription” to “how do we actually make change stick?” He’s since built a reputation for a more human, whole-person approach to cardiovascular health, one that includes sleep, stress, movement, nutrition, and social connection, not as nice-to-haves, but as core treatment. In our conversation, we unpack: Why 15-minute appointments aren’t designed for lasting behaviour change The executive trap: sacrificing health to climb, then paying for it later How “small steps” outperform big goals (and why January plans often collapse) Stress, sleep quality, and the hidden risk of always-on work culture A simple but powerful practice Robert has adopted: embodying gratitude as a daily habit to support emotional health Practical, straight-talking, and especially timely if you’re heading into the New Year wanting change that actually lasts. You can learn more about Robert and his work at drrobertkelly.com.

In this episode I sit down with Dan Campion, director and founder of Prymal Productions, a podcast and media-growth studio helping businesses and creators get their message heard through strategic audio and video content. Dan is also the host of The Prymal Podcast, where he explores the human side of performance, business and personal development, and shares real-world lessons on content, connection and community building. prymal.ie We dive into how you can leverage social media tools and platforms to get your company message out there, the right ways to build a personal brand that resonates, and the types of content that actually engage your audience. Dan brings both strategy and mindset to the conversation, from practical tactics you can use this week, to the deeper why behind building trust online. Whether you’re a coach, business leader or creator, this episode breaks down the how and why behind content that converts and communities that stick.

In this solo episode, I explore one of the biggest barriers to leadership and team performance: avoiding tough conversations. The truth is, the biggest problem in communication is often the illusion that it is happening. When difficult conversations are handled poorly, or not at all, we see misunderstandings, low morale, stalled innovation, and a breakdown of trust. I share insights from psychology and neuroscience on why people shut down or get defensive under stress, and how leaders can shift conversations from threat to trust. We look at the difference between healthy debate and destructive conflict, and why creating psychological safety is the foundation of open dialogue and collaboration.

Why do some leaders inspire action, while others struggle to get their message across? In this solo episode, Mark O’Reilly unpacks the real reason: stories beat stats every time. Drawing from the science of memory, the psychology of influence, and years of hands-on experience, Mark explores why even the best ideas get lost in translation unless they’re wrapped in a compelling narrative. He breaks down: The What–So What–Now What framework: a simple way to structure your message so it actually lands How to use presence—voice, body language, and energy—to become instantly more engaging The pitfalls of jargon, data-dumping, and assuming you’ve been understood How the “Hero’s Journey” applies to everyday leadership (and customer conversations) Using SCARF and the STATE model to handle resistance, objections, and tough conversations Practical ways to hook any audience—whether you’re presenting to your team, your board, or that one stakeholder who never listens If you want to influence, not just inform, this episode will help you rethink the way you communicate—so your ideas actually make an impact.

Today on Lead Well, I’m joined by Barbara Louise Brennan a seasoned mental health advocate, trainer, speaker, and consultant who has spent close to two decades leading the charge on stigma reduction and inclusion across Ireland. Barbara has led Ireland’s national programme to reduce mental health-related stigma, worked with major organisations like An Post, Boots, IBEC, and the HSE, and lectured in leading universities including Trinity, UCC, Maynooth, and DCU. She’s also the founder of Mentis One—a platform focused on helping companies move beyond one-off wellbeing initiatives and embed meaningful, lasting cultural change. In today’s conversation, we’re going to explore the current state of workplace mental health and the gap that inspired Barbara's entrepreneurial journey. We also dive into Barbara's lived experience with mental health, having been a suicide survivor herself, she delves into the daily non negotiables for managing our mental health.

In this short episode, I explore stress tolerance as a critical skill for leaders navigating the pressures of modern work. With nearly 60% of employees reporting they feel stressed most of the time, the cost of ignoring stress in leadership is rising. But this isn’t about pushing through or waiting for the next break. I unpack why expanding your Window of Tolerance—a concept from Dr. Dan Siegel—is key to staying composed, thinking clearly, and leading effectively under pressure. We also dig into simple, practical ways to build stress tolerance through goal setting, daily planning, and visualisation—tools that sharpen focus, reduce overwhelm, and keep you grounded in purpose.

In this first episode of The Leadership Paradox series, I introduce the core idea: why today’s most effective leaders are increasingly at risk of burnout — and why achieving both high performance and personal wellbeing is not a given, it’s a skillset. I’ll share why I believe this is one of the most urgent leadership challenges of our time, based on research and what I see in boardrooms, coaching conversations, and leadership teams. We’ll explore the key tension at the heart of the paradox: the more trusted, capable, and high-performing you become, the greater the risk to your own energy, clarity, and wellbeing — unless you consciously develop new habits and skills. And I’ll outline the roadmap for this series: the core skills transformational leaders need to master to thrive sustainably — not just perform, but grow and stay well while leading. If you’re a leader who wants to scale your impact without sacrificing yourself in the process, this series is for you.

Today on the Lead Well podcast my guest is David Crimmins, a seasoned leader with a deep track record in health-tech, scaling businesses, and securing investment for high-growth companies. As the former CEO of WebDoctor—now Medihive—David led the company through two major investment rounds, growing its valuation to over €60 million and strengthening its position in the digital healthcare space. Before that, he was a key player in the success of GloHealth, helping to build one of Ireland’s most innovative health insurance providers. His leadership journey also includes earlier roles at Tesco and Citibank, where he honed his skills in marketing, sales, and commercial strategy. In this conversation, we’re diving into what it takes to scale a business, make tough leadership decisions, and stay resilient under pressure. We’ll talk about: The biggest lessons David learned transitioning into the CEO role. How to balance growth and culture while leading in a high-stakes industry. His personal strategies for handling pressure, maintaining focus, and leading through uncertainty. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or just interested in how high-growth businesses succeed, there’s a lot to take away from this conversation.

Today, on the Lead Well podcast I am joined by Professor Maura McAdam, a globally recognised expert on entrepreneurship, gender, and leadership. Maura is a Professor of Management at Dublin City University (DCU) and Director of Entrepreneurship at the university. She has spent her career challenging traditional narratives around entrepreneurship, examining how gender, identity, and power dynamics shape access to funding, networks, and leadership opportunities. Her research has covered everything from women’s entrepreneurship and venture accelerators to business model innovation and entrepreneurial identity. Maura has been named among the top 2% of global researchers for impact and is a sought-after voice on how we need to redefine success in leadership and business. In today’s conversation, we’ll explore: The myth of the ‘underperforming female entrepreneur’—why the real issue isn’t capability, but systemic bias. How start-up culture and venture accelerators reward a narrow, hyper-competitive leadership style—excluding those who don’t fit the mould. Why success in entrepreneurship shouldn’t always be measured by rapid scaling and aggressive growth. How leaders can sustain high performance without burning out. If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone who wants to challenge outdated leadership models, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Lead Well Podcast, I’m joined by Fredericka Sheppard, co-founder and Managing Director of Voltedge Management, to discuss her journey as a leader and entrepreneur. Fredericka shares the challenges and lessons she’s learned while building her business and navigating the evolving landscape of leadership and HR. We explore how HR must evolve to meet the challenges of modern leadership, the role of empowerment in high performing teams and what it takes to unlock people potential in today’s workplace. Packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and growth, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and HR professionals alike. To find out more about Fredericka and Voltedge https://www.voltedge.ie/

Today, I’m joined by Nick Charalambous, Managing Director of Alpha Wealth and a leader with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. From his early days in investment banking to founding and growing a thriving advisory firm, Nick has consistently demonstrated resilience, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to empowering his clients. In this episode, we’ll explore Nick’s leadership journey—his approach to managing performance under pressure, how he maintains a healthy work-life balance, and the strategies he uses to lead his team effectively in a high-stakes industry. We’ll also touch on some practical financial advice for business founders and leaders. To find out more about Nick and Alpha Wealth go to https://alphawealth.ie/

In today’s episode of the Lead Well podcast, I’m excited to be joined by Emma Kennedy, the founder and CEO of Grafter, a company transforming the way we work. Founded in 2021, Grafter offers high-end office solutions that include private offices, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms in Ireland and the UK. In this episode, we dive deep into Emma’s entrepreneurial journey, exploring how she launched and scaled Grafter amidst the challenges of a pandemic and her vision for the future of flexible workspaces. We’ll talk about the essential elements of leadership and adaptability, her unique approach to balancing business growth with personal demands, and how Grafter is setting new standards in creating a true “home away from home” experience for its members. Whether you’re interested in the future of work, entrepreneurship, or leadership insights, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. To learn more about Emma and the team at Grafter visit https://www.grafterhouse.com/

In the latest episode of the Lead Well Podcast, I sit down with Andy Kenny, co-founder of Misneach Ukraine, an organisation that’s making a real difference in the lives of those impacted by the war in Ukraine. Andy’s journey from personal trainer and gym owner to humanitarian leader is truly remarkable, and today we explore the motivations, challenges, and success behind his work. Tune in as we discuss what led Andy to create Misneach Ukraine, the invaluable support the organisation provides on the ground, and the pivotal role the Irish community has played in backing this mission. We also dive into the personal moments that have shaped Andy as a leader, his reflections on resilience, and what the future holds for both him and Misneach Ukraine. Whether you're interested in leadership, humanitarian work, or simply want to hear a story of incredible transformation, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and moved. See more of Andy and the teams work at https://www.misneachukraine.com/

On this weeks Lead Well podcast I am joined by Jonathan Logue. After over a decade at LinkedIn as a Senior Director of Talent Development, Jonathan left earlier this year and founded Logue&Co, a HR advisory and coaching company. We will be discussing his transition back to entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned while working with senior leaders in one of worlds largest organisations and his own insights on the future of leadership and talent development. To find out more about Jonathan and his work click the link https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlogue/

On this week's Lead Well podcast I sat down with Jane Asple, founder of Emma by Jane. Emma by Jane is known for creating high-quality, well-priced luxury jewellery and leather handbags. The brand has gained significant recognition, with features in British Vogue in recent years. Jane and I discuss creating balance in the key areas of your life to benefit your business, how to boost your self-belief and the skill of taking brave and calculated risks in business. Jane initially secured an investment on the TV show Dragons' Den but ultimately decided to go it alone, self-funding the business. We discuss the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and her unique approach to leadership and creativity. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. To learn more about Jane and her business visit: www.emmabyjane.com

5 key lessons from season one of the Lead Well Podcast. This episode is a practical guide to building self-belief, whether you are a business founder, manager or just looking to take on that next challenge.

This week on the Lead Well podcast I am joined by Daniel Davey of daveynutrition. Daniel is an author, founder and coach and has previously worked as the performance nutritionist to both Leinster Rugby and Dublin Football. We discuss a range of topics relevant to both business and life. Daniel shares his approach on how he brings his team together around a shared vision and what he learned in this regard from his time in high performance environments. Daniel also speaks candidly about the importance of clarity around his own goals and the process he has built to achieve these goals. We unpack managing perfectionist tendencies, challenging that inner critic and much more. If you want to know more about Daniel and his work check out: https://www.daveynutrition.com/

On this weeks Lead Well podcast I am joined by Amy O’Flaherty and Fergus Kerrigan. Amy and Fergus are the founders of Ethos and Tru Health. Both hail from corporate backgrounds, with Amy from Dublin and Fergus from Galway. Their journey into wellness began after experiencing significant health issues related to stress and their demanding corporate careers. Their personal health matters motivated them to explore natural remedies, leading them to discover the benefits of CBD and other natural supplements. This exploration inspired them to leave their corporate jobs and start Ethos in 2020. They focused on creating functional health products, including CBD oils, supplements, teas, and balms, all designed to support stress management, gut health, and overall well-being. Their products are now stocked in over 300 stores across Ireland, the UK, Spain, and Malta, making Ethos one of the fastest-growing wellness brands in Ireland. This journey has led to the birth of a new business Tru Health. Tru Health is an advanced clinic reshaping how we think about and create health. On today's episode Amy and Fergus share their founders journey to date, including the initial steps they took to bring their business idea to life and the significant challenges they faced and how they overcame them. To find out more about Amy and Fergus check out Truhealth.co

In the latest Lead Well podcast episode, Nick Lawlor, founder of Employee Financial Wellness (EFW), recounts his entrepreneurial journey from establishing Lawlor Financial Planning in 2011 during Ireland's financial crisis to the recent acquisition of EFW by UK-based Wealth at Work. Nick started his career helping individuals navigate financial turmoil, recognising the profound connection between financial stress and mental health. This experience inspired him to co-found a division at New Beginnings in 2014, focused on providing financial advice. Realising the need for proactive financial education, Nick launched EFW in 2017 to empower employees with the tools for financial planning and well-being. His dedication was underscored by completing a master's degree in workplace wellness, which has helped position EFW as a leader in Ireland's emerging financial wellness sector. Nick's vision, accelerated by the Wealth at Work partnership, aims to address the cost of living crisis and enhance employee support through comprehensive financial education programs. To learn more about Nick and EFW check out https://employeefinancialwellness.ie/

On this week's Lead Well Podcast, I welcome Mark Donnelly, founder, public speaker and mental health advocate. Mark is the founder of HUH Clothing, a mental health and well-being clothing brand based in Ireland, founded in 2020. After personal experiences with OCD, anxiety, and self-confidence issues, Mark combined his passion for mental health advocacy and business to create a brand that facilitates conversations around mental health through fashion. Mark shares candidly why he started his business, aiming not only to be a success in the fashion industry but also to advocate for mental wellness. He opens up about his own battles with mental health challenges, providing insights into how he has managed these struggles while steering a successful company. Mark also provides tips on how we can remain happy in the present, while also having big ambitions for the future. Join us for another episode where we delve into the intersection of entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal well-being. Check Mark and HUH Clothing out - https://huhclothing.com/

On this week's Lead Well Podcast, I welcome Dave McHugh Founder of Line Up Sports. Dave's career has taken him on an incredible journey and he is now seen as one of the leaders in Ireland in professional athlete management. Dave has been surrounded by high performing athletes on a daily basis from Rob Kearney and Annalise Murphy to Gary and Paul O'Donovan and Kellie Harrington. Dave shares key insights into how we can take control of our situation regardless of the circumstances and perform at a high level in work while still prioritising the things that matter most to us. Dave and I also discuss how reflection and allowing yourself to disconnect from technology helps you reset, reassess and focus. From a leadership standpoint Dave speaks to how vital it is to understand the importance of developing your process, making sure that you are doing the simple things well on a consistent basis. Find out more about David and LineUp Sports at: Website: lineupsports.ie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lineup-sports/

This week on the podcast I sit down with Thorbjorg Helga (Tobba) Vigfusdottir, the founder and CEO of Kara Connect, an industry leading workplace mental health solution. Discover the story behind her journey from a cognitive psychologist and city councillor to becoming a tech entrepreneur who's making significant strides in connecting therapy specialists with those in need. Tobba shares her insights on overcoming geographical and logistical barriers in healthcare, the future of digital health, and how her innovations are empowering professionals and patients alike. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, technology, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with inspiration and forward-thinking ideas that are shaping the future of telepractice. Tune in to learn how Tobba is not just navigating but also creating pathways in the digital transformation of health and educational services.

In this week's episode I sit down with Seán Kinane, founder of Health Matters. Health Matters was set up 13 years ago by Seán following his time in Australia. They specialise in fitness and performance testing, primarily offering VO2 max testing and metabolic testing in both sport and business. Seán has conducted over 20,000 tests, the highest in Europe and Health Matters have close to 500 five star google reviews to date. This episode offers a real insight into Seán's journey from identifying a niche market, to building one of the leading performance companies in Ireland. Throughout, we gain strategic insights behind Health Matters success. Seán will share invaluable business lessons, including the importance of not letting early failures impact the confidence and belief you have in your product. Once again we get to delve into a founder's philosophy on work-life balance, offering listeners a perspective on how personal well-being fuels professional excellence. To find out more about Seán and Health Matters check out www.myhealthmatters.ie

On this weeks episode I sit down with Erica Hargaden, founder of Babogue Sleep Solutions. This episode offers a rare glimpse into Erica’s journey from grappling with her child’s sleep challenges to establishing a globally acclaimed consultancy. Erica shares strategic insights behind Babogue’s success, from leveraging digital platforms to scaling an online presence that has touched the lives of over 4,000 families worldwide. Erica’s expertise not only spans the intricacies of child sleep patterns but also the blueprint for cultivating a thriving online business in the wellness and parenting space. Erica will share invaluable business insights, including the importance of the strategic use of social media and video-based courses for global reach, and the impact of networking and support programs like the Women's Inspire Network on her company's growth. Throughout the episode we also delve into Erica’s philosophy on work-life balance, offering listeners a perspective on how personal well-being fuels professional excellence. Erica's holistic approach to entrepreneurship, emphasising continuous learning, community building, and the innovative delivery of services, serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs in the digital age. Tune in to uncover the secrets to turning personal passions into a successful enterprise that makes a real difference. To find out more about Erica and Babogue check out https://babogue.com/

In this weeks episode, we dive deep into the heart of creating equitable workplaces with Michelle O'Keeffe, the multi-award-winning entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and co-founder of Platform55. Michelle's journey from becoming the Managing Director of the Irish Times Digital Media Agency (Electric Media) just 24 hours before her first child's birth, to pioneering a change in how workplaces support working parents, is nothing short of inspirational. Join us as Michelle shares her personal and professional evolution, highlighting her transformation into a champion for working parents. With a clear mission, Platform55 was conceived to challenge the status quo and foster an environment where parents can thrive both at home and in their careers. Michelle's story is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and the importance of supportive workplace cultures.Whether you're a working parent, a manager looking to create a positive experience for parents in your team, or an organisation aiming to be an employer of choice, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how you can be part of building a more equitable future for organisations and working parents alike. For more information on Platform55 check out www.platform55.com

On this week's episode of the Lead Well Podcast is Gary Fox, founder, entrepreneur and podcaster. In our conversation, Gary shares key insights gained from interviewing over 200 founders on his podcast The Entrepreneur Experiment. Even more importantly, Gary unpacks some of the challenges he has overcome in business and life and offers tips on how we can all master, brain and body. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply someone passionate about personal development, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you in all areas of life.

In our latest episode, we delve into the crucial topic of Mental and Emotional Energy and Wellbeing with a very special guest - CEO and Entrepreneur Shane Tobin of Lowquotes.ie and TrueWealth.ie Listen as we explore: Shane's own incredible rise in business and the barriers he had to overcome. The unique challenges leaders face in managing their mental and emotional health. Practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing in high-pressure environments. Insightful personal stories from Shane, revealing how he navigates stress and maintains balance in order to perform. This episode is not just for CEOs and entrepreneurs, but for anyone looking to understand the complex dynamics of managing your energy in the professional world. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or just curious about wellbeing and performance, this episode has something for you. If you are interested in hearing more about Shane and the work he does check out: Lowquotes.ie and Truewealth.ie

How we Avoid the Identity Trap This week I explore the intriguing connection between identity and self-worth. In my latest podcast, we dive deep into this fascinating topic. Here's a quick snapshot of what you'll find: Understanding the Identity Trap: Explore how chasing success can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy when we anchor our self-worth in the wrong places. Unnoticed Success: Learn why acknowledging your achievements doesn't diminish your drive; it ignites higher fulfilment and confidence. A Multidimensional Identity: Reflect on how you describe yourself and why a multidimensional identity matters. Discover the values that truly represent who you are. I also share three key takeaways to boost overall well-being and performance.

In our latest podcast episode, I share practical tips to expand your window of tolerance and effectively manage stress in daily life. Stress tolerance is the capacity of an individual to endure stressful situations without being overwhelmed or incapacitated by the pressure. It's a vital aspect of mental resilience and adaptability. Dr. Dan Siegel describes the concept of the "window of tolerance" as the optimal zone where we can effectively cope with stress and process emotions without becoming excessively anxious or shutting down emotionally. The Window of Tolerance is like a band within which we function optimally, displaying adaptive responses to life's challenges. When we're within this window, we're better able to regulate our emotions, think clearly, and make informed decisions. It's a state of being emotionally responsive and mentally attuned.