Boardroom Insights with Dr. Alan O'Neill

In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill speaks with Pius Furlong, founder and CEO of Tara Global and a senior hospitality development specialist with deep experienceacross Ireland, Dubai, Oman and Saudi Arabia.Pius explains how luxury hospitality and branded residential developments work in the GCC, including the roles of developers, hotel brands, non-hospitality brands,white-label operators, management companies and owners’ associations. He shares insight into projects involving global brands such as W, Missoni, Pagani, Fendi, Nickelodeon and Trump, and explains why branded residences have becomesuch an important part of the development model in Dubai and the wider region.The conversation also explores the money trail behind these projects, the difference between hotel management agreements and franchise/white-label models, why Dubai continues to show resilience during periods of uncertainty, and why Saudi Arabia and Ras Al Khaimah are becoming major future growth markets for hospitality development.A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how major hospitality projects move from idea to site, brand partnership, sale, operation and long-term guest experience.

In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill steps slightly outside his usual territory. While he normally interviews leaders of mature, scaling organisations, this conversation explores a very different kind of journey: a startup built from a blank sheet of paper.Alan is joined by Tim Jones, founder and Managing Director of Symphysis Medical, a Galway-based medtech company developing a device designed to improve independence andquality of life for late-stage cancer patients suffering from fluid build-up in the chest. Their discussion traces the full startup journey, from identifying an unmet clinical need, to research and testing, to funding, regulation, commercialisation and the realities of building a pre-revenue company.It is a fascinating conversation about innovation, empathy, resilience and the discipline required to turn an idea into a viable business. For anyone interested in startups,medtech, leadership or how real innovation happens, this episode offers a rare and insightful look behind the scenes.

In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill is joined by Dr. Edel Marron, leadership lecturer at Ulster University and founder of COTA Consulting, for a rich and grounded conversation on what truly defines great leadership today.Together, they explore the shift from outcome-driven leadership to a deeper focus on the enablers of performance emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and genuine human connection. Edel shares insights from her doctoral research on employee engagement, highlighting how leaders who create respectful, communicative environments consistently outperform those who rely on pressure and control.The discussion moves through three key lenses of leadership:Self-leadership – the importance of self-awareness, emotional maturity, and humilityTeam leadership – creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and able to performBusiness leadership – ensuring strategy translates into execution through strong frontline connectionThey examine the dangers of ego, the misuse of emotional intelligence, and the fine line between unhealthy and narcissistic leadership. Real-world examples from frontline operational bottlenecks to boardroom disconnect bring the theory to life.Edel also offers a fresh perspective from the next generation, sharing what young professionals expect from leaders today: openness, fairness, growth opportunities, and authentic communication.The episode closes with practical insights into developing leadership capability through structured training, 360 feedback, and sustained behavioural change, not just “sheep-dip” learning.A thoughtful and practical conversation that reinforces one central truth: Leadership is less about control and outcomes and more about people, trust, and the conditions we create for others to thrive.

Recent events in the Middle East remind us how quickly the world can feel unpredictable. But moments like this also reveal something important: the strength of the foundations that societies have built over time.Because I spend a lot of time working in the UAE, I’ve been paying close attention to the response from its leadership and institutions. What stands out is the calmness and confidence among people living there... both Emiratis and the millions of expatriates who call the country home.That reassurance didn’t appear overnight. It is the result of decades of leadership that has steadily built trust. In leadership terms, trust rests on three pillars: Ability. Dependability. Integrity.When pressure appears, that accumulated trust either holds firm or it disappears. In the UAE’s case, we are seeing the dividend of many years of consistent leadership. There is also a lesson here for business leaders. The UAE is one of the most diverse societies in the world. Yet despite that diversity, there is a strong sense of stability and shared direction. That’s what happens when leadership creates a culture where different people can align around a common purpose.In my work on organisational culture, I often say that resilience rests on three things: trust, tolerance and time horizon. But in moments of uncertainty, one matters most. Trust.Because trust cannot be manufactured in a crisis. It can only reveal whether it was built long before the crisis arrived.

In this solo KISS episode of Boardroom Insights, Dr. Alan O’Neill reflects on a recent conversation with Farid Badri, a veteran of the Dubai oil industry and former refinery leader. While their discussion centred on crude oil, refinery economics and geopolitics, Alan zooms out to look at the bigger story: how Dubai has deliberately designed its future over the last 60 years.Drawing on economist David McWilliams’ concept of “cathedral thinking” — long-term planning that spans beyond the careers of its architects — Alan contrasts Dubai’s approach with the “next election / next quarter” mindset that dominates politics and business today.He shows how Dubai used limited oil revenues as seed capital to build infrastructure, services and incentives that attracted talent, capital and ideas — from Jebel Ali Port and free zones to Emirates Airline, roads, schools and hospitals — ultimately creating a services-led economy by design, not chance.Alan then maps Dubai’s journey onto his 7-Steps to Profit framework, exploring how the Emirate executed against:North Star... Culture... Strategy... People... Customer... Proposition... Execution.The episode ends with a provocation for leaders:What cathedral are you building inside your own organisation?

In this episode of Boardroom Insights with Dr. Alan O’Neill, we dive into the business of oil, the story of Dubai, and what really drives the modern energy economy.My guest is Farid Badri, a chemical engineer and veteran of the oil industry who spent around 30 years in mid– to downstream roles, including leading major operations inENOC and overseeing refinery assets in Dubai. Farid takes us behind the scenes of the refining world – explaining the difference between heavy, medium and light crude, why “crude is always a mixture,” and how refineries actually make(or often don’t make) money. We unpack the pricing of Brent and WTI, the role of Dubai crude as a benchmark, and why headlines about “the price of oil” often miss the real story.We then zoom out to look at Dubai’s transformation: from modest oil production in the 1960s and ‘70s, to a modern, service-led economy that now relies very little on oil.Farid explains how early Dubai leaders reinvested limited oil revenues into bold infrastructure bets like Jebel Ali Port and the free zones, turned the city into a global “meshad” or magnet for people, capital and ideas, and built an ecosystem where services and population growth now drive the P&L of the Emirate far more than hydrocarbons.Along the way, we talk about: cultureand leadership in high-risk industries, why situational leadership matters more than job titles, and how trust and human dynamics make or break organisations when things go wrong. And, on a lighter note, Farid shares what he’s doing now with his three “girls” – Scarlett, Ruby and Sonic – hiscollection of classic cars that he restores for the sheer curiosity of understanding how things really work.Finally, we look ahead to the energy transition: Farid’s pragmatic take on renewables, why one size doesn’t fit all between Ireland, Africa and the Gulf, and why he believesoil will remain part of the mix even as the world decarbonises.If you’ve ever wondered how Dubai really makes its money, how refineries actually work, or what boardroom decisions sit behind the price at the pump, this conversation will give you a thoughtful, insider’s view – and a very human one too.

In this first episode of 2026, Alan explores why the start of the year is the most important moment to pause, reflect, and plan… not through resolutions, but through deliberatestrategy and honest organisational introspection. Drawing on a real case study from his consulting work with a mid-size beverage distributor, Alan walks through the journey from firefighting to strategic planning, and ultimately tothe critical (and often neglected) work of execution.Execution requires people, and people need context, ownership, and belief. Strategy may begin in the boardroom, but it succeeds (or fails) with those who deliver it.If you’re a CEO, board member, or senior leader entering 2026 with ambitious plans, this episode is a timely reminder that the year won’t be won on spreadsheets alone, it will bewon through clarity, inclusion, planning, and hearts and minds.

In this episode of Boardroom Insights, I sit down with Jason Atkinson, Managing Director at Russam, to explore the fast-evolving world of interim and fractional leadership.Jason brings decades of experience from the UK’s first interim management provider, founded in 1982, now a global group supporting organisations around the world. Our conversation unpacks why interim leadership has become a strategic imperative for boards navigating transformation, disruption, and rapid change.One standout insight from Jason: interim leaders don’t simply fill gaps, they unlock organisational capacity, coach teams, and accelerate critical projects that might otherwise stall.Whether you’re a CEO, board member, investor, or leader driving transformation, this episode offers practical insights into how interim and fractional talent can become agenuinestrategic differentiator.Jason, thank you for a rich and insightful conversation.

In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill speaks with Barry Shevlin, Owner & Managing Director of Global Home Improvements, a Dublin-based family businesscelebrating 45 years serving Irish homeowners.Barry shares how Global built a premium reputation by staying fiercely focused on customer experience, manufacturing to specification, and backing their work with astandout and amazing 20-year, no-quibble guarantee. The conversation explores triple glazing, energy efficiency, the reality behind “premium” quality, and how a customer-centric culture is reinforced through simple systems and everyday language.Barry also previews Global’s next chapter: a new solar offering designed for the rising demand in home energy solutions, while keeping control of workmanship and customerexperience. Topics include: customer-centric culture, premium positioning, consultative selling, leadership, manufacturing vs outsourcing, guarantees, sustainability and energy efficiency, referrals, marketing channels, and scaling into new categories.

In this solo episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill builds on his recent conversation with Jason Atkinson (MD of Russam) to offer a clear, practical guide to the fast-growing world of interim and fractional leadership.Alan unpacks two crucial perspectives:1️⃣ For BoardsA structured decision-making framework to determine whether you need an interim, a fractional leader, or a permanent hire. Alan explores:• How to diagnose the real problem• When speed and impact matter most• How to scope interim assignments properly• The hidden risks boards often miss• Why interims can be more cost-effective than they look2️⃣ For Aspiring Interim/Fractional LeadersAlan shares candid advice for executives considering a portfolio career:• The mindset and resilience required• How to define your “professional product”• Why you must operate as a serious small business• The demands, trade-offs, and rewards of this lifestyle• How to build a strong personal brand and pipelineWhether you're a board member trying to maintain momentum, or a leader rethinking the next chapter of your career, this episode brings clarity, structure, and grounded insight to an increasingly important talent solution.

(Reflections on my recent conversation with René Carayol, MBE)Last week on Boardroom Insights, René Carayol, MBE shared some powerful insights about leadership, the kind that stay with you for a long time. In today’s solo episode, I revisited three of his themes and linked them to what I see every day inside boardrooms across Ireland, the UK, and the UAE.

In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill sits down with renowned leadership coach, speaker and author René Carayol MBE, a man who genuinely coaches CEOs and heads of state, not just talks about it. René opens with a powerful personal story that leads to his central conviction: trust is now the biggest driver of business performance. From there, the conversation ranges across the boardroom and the world stage… from the Prime Minister of Jamaica to Volodymyr Zelensky, Alex Ferguson, elite boxers and frontline hotel doormen.Key themes include:Why leadership today is about environment, not ego – creating a place where everyone feels wanted, not just needed.How we’ve moved from “the cleverest man in the room” to “collaboration is the new leadership.”Why leaders are not born or made – they’re found – and how to spot the “Sallys” in your organisation.The tension between management (hardware) and leadership (software) – and why the “software” now differentiates great leaders.Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and how quickly owning mistakes builds trust.The impact of Covid, hybrid working, Gen Z and cultural differences across the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Much of what René shares connects strongly to Alan’s own work in The Leader’s Six Pack: How to Balance Grit and Grace… but in this episode, Alan mostly lets René run. It’s a masterclass in modern leadership, straight from the boardroom and the front line.

In the last episode, I sat down with Wojtek from ABO Energy, one of Europe’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies. And his message was crystal clear:We are living through the fastest energy transition in human history.Sustainability is no longer just about planet and people.It’s now a profit strategy, renewables are officially cheaper than traditional energy. The cost curves have flipped. Storage is transforming reliability. And clean energy now gives nations and companies real independence. In this new solo episode, I unpack Wojtek’s key insights and then go a step further… I weave renewable energy into my 7-Steps to Profit™, so boards and executive teams can see exactly where sustainability belongs in:North Star (purpose, vision, mission) Culture (where credibility lives or dies)Strategy (weaving ESG into the growth engine)People (winning hearts & minds, inviting ideas)Customer (co-creating sustainability with clients)Proposition (products, sourcing, packaging, supply chain)Execution (governance, measurement, follow-through)

In this conversation, Alan O'Neill and Wojtek Swietochowski discuss the critical role of renewable energy, particularly solar, in achieving sustainability. They explore the economic benefits, the importance of energy storage, and the integration of solar energy with farming. Wojtek shares insights into AboEnergy's business model, the challenges of legislation, and the future trends in renewable energy, including innovations in technology and the potential for hydrogen as a clean energy source.

Following two previous episodes with Paco Underhill and John Mitchell, Alan connects the dots between AI hype and boardroom reality… why culture is the operating system, change management is the gearbox, and strategy still decides the race.In this solo episode, Alan O’Neill explores how AI is reshaping not just technology — but culture, leadership, and strategy.Drawing on insights from previous guests John Mitchell (All Human) and Paco Underhill, Alan unpacks:How AI is changing search and customer behaviourWhy small innovators are outpacing big brandsThe cultural pitfalls that derail strategy executionThe 4D Model — a practical roadmap for AI-driven changeIf you’re leading a team, building strategy, or navigating transformation — this is a must-listen on how to keep culture and execution aligned in the age of AI.

AI isn’t just changing how we market — it’s changing how people find and buy.In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill speaks with John Mitchell, Principal of All Human, a digital agency leading at the intersection of technology and AI.They explore:What AI means for the future of search enginesWhy merchants will need to rethink their websites entirelyHow AI partnerships like OpenAI x Stripe are transforming e-commerceWhat businesses must do now to stay visible — and profitable — in an AI-powered worldIf you run a digital brand, this episode is essential listening for understanding what’s coming next.🎧 Listen now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Alan O’Neill takes us behind the scenes of professional speaking — how events are booked, tailored, and delivered — and shares a powerful case study from Suzuki UK. Discover how one heritage brand keeps customer experience at the heart of its success, and why culture, not just training, is the true key to consistency.Topics Covered:How keynote speaking really worksWhy every presentation should be tailored to the audienceThe difference between service and hospitalityHow Suzuki uses culture to sustain excellenceWhy real customer experience has nothing to do with price tagsListen now and see how a customer-first culture can drive performance and profit.

Following last week’s conversation with Paco Underhill, Alan O’Neill shares The KISS 7-Day Challenge — a simple but powerful roadmap for leaders who want to turn customer insight into execution.In this episode, Alan breaks down seven daily actions that help teams stay aligned, customer-focused, and fast-moving.If Paco showed us how to see the customer, this is how to act on it.

Paco Underhill is often called the godfather of retail anthropology. As the founder of Envirosell and author of Why We Buy, The Call of the Mall and How We Eat, he reshaped how businesses design space, understand human behavior and build experiences around real people, not unrealistic, imaginary personas.Long before our conversation, Paco’s approach to observing people was quietly influencing how I worked, even without me realizing it.

In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill introduces the KARA Leader’s Six-Pack — a practical framework that shows leaders how to:Turn strategy into daily actionBuild the muscles every leader needs (Self, Team, Business)Balance courage with compassion so people stay with you while results are deliveredIf you want to lead with both grit and grace, this episode is your playbook.

Alan O’Neill speaks with Ralph Ward about the changing role of boards, the dynamics between CEOs and chairmen, and why diversity and skills are crucial for effective governance. From the value of non-executive directors to the future of hands-on boards, this episode explores what really makes boards work.

Alan O’Neill talks with Jean McCabe, Managing Director of Retail Excellence Ireland, about the state of retail in 2025. They discuss phygital shopping, AI’s role in cutting costs, creating magical customer experiences, and why retail skills are future-proof. Essential listening for leaders in retail and beyond.

Product. People. Place. Your customers judge you on all three. In this episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill explores the often-overlooked power of place in shaping your proposition. From Paco Underhill’s Why We Buy to real-world stories of hotels, websites, and supply chains, you’ll walk away with a practical checklist to differentiate your business.

In Part 3 of our August series on Proposition, Alan O’Neill explores why people are the most powerful leg of your 3-legged stool (Product, People, Place).Discover:The story of “Johnny the Bagger” — and why customers queued just to see him.How empathy and consistency keep customers loyal, even when competitors are closer or cheaper.The 3 Cs framework for customer interactions: Connect, Consult, Conclude.Four leadership levers: Recruitment, Training, Communication, Wellbeing.Because products can be copied. People cannot.Listen now and re-think how people shape your USP.

In this solo summer episode, Alan O’Neill dives deep into the “Product” leg of the 3-Legged Stool — part of Step 6 of the 7 Steps to Profit.He shares hard-earned lessons on product strategy, including category design, pricing architecture, flagships, and innovation.A must-listen for any business that’s looking to clean up its offer, differentiate with intent, and drive higher margin.

In this solo episode, Alan O’Neill dives into Step 6 of the 7 Steps to Profit — your Proposition.He reveals why focusing only on product is a mistake, and how his proven 3-Legged Stool model (Product, People, Place) gives companies a stronger, more aligned way to grow.Learn how to audit your business, avoid the price trap, and stand out in today’s crowded marketplace.

Alan O’Neill sits down with global AI expert Dr. Samir Mirdad... advisor to billion-dollar companies... to explore the real-world impact of applied AI.From saving lives on oil rigs to predicting sports injuries in real time, Samir shares jaw-dropping examples of how AI is quietly transforming entire industries.You’ll learn:What applied AI really means (and why most AI out there isn’t real)How a single model saved $50M in telecom supply chainsHow video AI is reinventing healthcare, sport, and securityWhy most boardrooms are getting AI wrong — and what to do insteadThis is a must-listen episode for CEOs, investors, and leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve... and not go extinct.

Gen Zs Part 2. This episode explores how they behave as customers (B2C) or as buyers (B2B). In this episode, Alan O’Neill unpacks what Gen Z really wants — and why their expectations matter more than ever for both B2C and B2B leaders.From Patagonia to Shein, Starbucks to Shopify, Gen Z are calling out inauthentic brands and rewarding the ones who live their values.You’ll learn:Why values, transparency, and experience are non-negotiablesWhat B2B leaders can do now to avoid being seen as outdatedAnd why Gen Z will shape your next generation of buyers🎧 Listen now📘 Download the free 7 Steps to Profit eBook at 7stepstoprofit.com

By 2030, Gen Z will make up 72% of the global workforce — but most organisations are still leading like it’s 2010. In this episode, Alan O’Neill sits down with Julie Ryan, Deputy MD at Harvest, to unpack one of the most important workplace studies of the decade.You’ll learn:What makes Gen Z truly different (and what doesn’t)Why “phygital” communication is redefining the workplaceHow to lead, recruit, and retain this new generationWhat organisations must change now to stay competitiveThis isn’t about mollycoddling. It’s about adapting. Because if we don’t evolve, we lose the future of talent.👉 Want practical tools for alignment and growth? Download our free eBook The 7 Steps to Profit: www.7stepstoprofit.com

In this solo KISS Insights episode, Alan O’Neill shares stories of real leaders facing real pressure and reflects on what leadership really requires in times of change. From burnout to boardroom tension, Alan explores the emotional toll of modern business and introduces a 100-year-old piece of wisdom that still resonates: Desiderata.No ads. No jargon. Just perspective.If you’re leading through noise, take 12 minutes to reset.

ESG. Sustainability. Responsible Investment.These buzzwords dominate boardrooms — but what do they actually mean?Alan O’Neill is joined by Daniella Woolf, CEO of Danesmead Advisory, to unpack ESG like never before.They explore:How ESG has evolved — and why many get it wrongWhat regulations like SFDR and SDR really requireThe trap of greenwashing (and how to avoid it)How companies of every size can embed ESG in culture and decision-makingWhy investors, employees, and clients are all demanding betterIf you're responsible for strategy, culture, or compliance — this is unmissable.

Think money is the biggest motivator at work? Think again.In this short KISS episode of Boardroom Insights, Alan O’Neill introduces the KASH model — Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Habit — as the true drivers of productivity.Packed with real-world examples from retail and leadership coaching, Alan explains how you can improve output, motivation, and customer experience — without adding to your payroll.Listen now for a practical, proven model that transforms performance at every level of your business.

Mark Eardley, founder of Langcliffe International, joins Alan to unpack the secret world of M&A deal origination. With 30+ years in corporate finance, Mark explains how his team matches committed buyers with vendor-led opportunities across Europe and the U.S. You’ll hear how Langcliffe built Europe’s largest buy-side deal pipeline, why culture matters more than price, and what every founder should know before selling. An essential episode for investors, advisors, and business owners alike.

Most companies create a strategy and file it away. But in this solo episode, Alan O’Neill reveals why static plans fail... and what to do instead.Drawing from 30+ years of boardroom experience and the K-STRAT framework, Alan unpacks:The difference between vision, culture, and strategyWhy rolling 3- to 5-year plans work better than rigid timelinesThe six strategic pillars that every organisation should assessHow to build a one-page plan that drives real accountabilityThe 4Ds of change and how they shape strategic executionThis is not a theory-heavy chat... it’s a practical playbook for leaders who want to turn strategy into action and make it stick.Learn more at 7stepstoprofit.com

Mark Delaney, Managing Director of Retail at Halfords, joins Alan for a no-BS conversation about the real drivers of business success. From leading £2B organisations to running startups, Mark shares the leadership lessons that matter: why culture must lead strategy, how to align siloed teams, and why too many companies still get customer experience wrong.He also shares a contrarian view: why Apple stores aren't actually great retailers — and what true service looks like today. Whether you're running a retail chain or leading a fast-scaling company, this episode will make you rethink how you lead.🎙 Topics Covered:The 3-phase plan Mark uses to take control of any businessWhat separates Dunnes Stores and Selfridges from the restWhy values without action destroy cultureA retail veteran’s verdict on Amazon, Apple & Gen ZHow to make retail a career, not just a jobSubscribe to Boardroom Insights for unfiltered conversations with leaders who have walked the talk.

Why do we resist change, even when we know it’s necessary?In this short, powerful episode of The Boardroom Insights Podcast, Alan O’Neill breaks down the psychology behind resistance to change — and what leaders can do to guide their teams through it.🦋 Featuring the inspiring Kara caterpillar story from the "Show me the lid on the box" book, this episode explores:Why change feels harder than ever beforeThe 3 Change Personas: 🏎️ Speedy, 🤝 Harmony, and 🛋️ ComfyThe science behind resistance — and why it’s not weaknessHow leaders can paint the picture (“show the lid on the box”)A direct, compassionate message to those struggling with changeWhether you're leading transformation or navigating your own, this episode will shift your perspective — and help you take the next step.🎙 Tune in now.

What happens when your business is surrounded by air raid sirens, displacement, and daily uncertainty?In this powerful episode, Alan O’Neill speaks with Dr. Gennady Polonsky — a business mentor, professor, and humanitarian — who joins us from western Ukraine to share his unfiltered view of life and leadership under siege.💡 Discover:How Ukrainian businesses are surviving (and thriving) in wartimeWhat “trench solidarity” teaches us about teamworkFirst-hand accounts from bomb shelters and border crossingsThe mindset every leader needs to build resilienceWhy ethics, generosity, and adaptability are the future of businessFrom his work with global icons like Brian Tracy and Philip Kotler to hosting the Resilience Summit, Gennady’s insights will change the way you think about purpose, leadership and what really matters.

In this episode of Boardroom K.I.S.S. Insights, Alan O’Neill reveals why great customer service isn’t enough... and how companies like Selfridges and LC Packaging elevate their entire experience to keep customers coming back.Discover:The key difference between service and experienceA powerful 3-part model to improve loyaltyHow internal culture drives external excellenceA must-listen for any CEO, CMO or team leader focused on building a standout brand.

Leo Crawford helped turn BWG Group into a €2 billion powerhouse behind Ireland’s best-known retail brands — Spar, Mace, Londis, Eurospar, and XL.In this episode, Alan O’Neill sits down with the former CEO and now non-executive director to unpack 30+ years of business lessons, leadership insight, and retail strategy.You’ll discover:How BWG scaled to over 1,000 stores across Ireland and the UKThe 6-pillar strategy Leo used to outperform AldiWhy Irish convenience retail is considered the best in the worldThe challenges of managing franchise relationships at scaleWhat Leo wishes he’d done differently during the 2008 crashHow to lead with humility, trust, and long-term visionA must-listen for anyone in retail, franchising, or leadership roles.For more insights, visit 7plusindex.com

In this episode of Boardroom KISS Insights, Alan O’Neill tackles a deceptively simple question: What values are most important in today’s organisations?From culture as “how we do things around here” to the hidden power of well-chosen values, Alan breaks it all down in just 15 minutes. You'll hear:✅ Why generic values don’t work✅ How values guide behaviour, hiring, and leadership✅ The top 4 values Alan sees missing most often✅ How to embed values into your culture for real impactA bite-sized insight with a powerful punch.💡 Reflect on your own culture: Which values are real? Which are just words?🎯 Learn more at 7plusindex.com

Jim O’Keeffe joined AIB to earn a few bob during college... and 35 years later, he stepped down as Managing Director of Retail Banking.In this deeply honest episode of The Boardroom Insights Podcast, Jim reflects on his extraordinary journey through Irish banking, from the front lines of the financial crisis to leading thousands of people across the country.Alan O’Neill and Jim dive into:• What it really took to rebuild trust after 2008• The role of humility, visibility and listening in leadership• How culture is shaped from the top — and why some leaders have to move on• Customer experience lessons that apply to every business• Why curiosity and reflection matter more than ever in the modern workplaceIf you lead a team, run a business or care about building a lasting career, this conversation is full of gold.Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every week.If you have any questions for Alan for next weeks solo episode email [email protected]

The Boardroom Insights Podcast is now weekly — and in this brand-new solo series, Alan O’Neill shares the tools and strategies that help businesses scale, align, and thrive.In this first solo episode, Alan breaks down the 7 Steps to Profit — the proven framework that has helped global brands like Selfridges, Emirates Insurance , and Toyota achieve sustainable growth.You’ll learn:✅ The most common reasons businesses fail to scale✅ How to align your people, process, and purpose✅ Real-life examples from Alan’s 30+ years advising boardrooms around the world✅ What’s coming next in our weekly podcast journeyIf you’re serious about transformation and want to lead with clarity, this episode is for you.🎧 New episodes drop every week — with Alan flying solo every second one.If you have any question about business you want answered email [email protected]

In this episode of The Boardroom Insights Podcast, we sit down with David Fleming, co-founder of KR8 Advisory, a powerhouse in business transformation and strategic advisory. With a proven track record of guiding companies through complex restructuring, capital raising, and high-stakes decision-making, David shares the principles and strategies that separate thriving businesses from those that falter.We unpack:The core pillars of a successful business turnaroundReal-world stories from the frontlines of corporate rescueHow to lead confidently in crisisThe hidden value in simplicity, clarity, and cultureWhy the right capital structure can make or break your businessWhether you're scaling, stabilising, or starting from scratch, David’s insights will help you futureproof your organisation and lead with impact.🎧 Tune in now for real-world insights from the boardroom.If you have a question for net weeks guest email [email protected]

How do you scale a luxury brand without losing its soul?In this episode of The Boardroom Insights Podcast, Chupi Sweetman—founder and CEO of Chupi Jewellery—reveals the strategy, culture, and leadership that turned her idea into one of Ireland’s most celebrated global brands.Every piece of Chupi Jewellery is made in Ireland, and every part of her business is built with purpose. This is entrepreneurship that blends artistry, data, and deep customer connection—mapped beautifully to the 7-Steps to Profitframework.💎 In this episode, you’ll learn:— How Chupi scaled from kitchen-table startup to international luxury brand— Why being Made in Ireland is a competitive advantage, not just a tagline— The KPIs and culture rituals she uses to lead a 70+ person team— How storytelling turned Chupi’s customers into a community of over 300,000— Her views on sustainability, lab-grown diamonds, and redefining modern luxury— The truth about execution, consistency, and doing hard things with graceIf you’re building a brand, leading a team, or scaling with values—this episode will fire you up.📩 Have a question for a future guest?Send it to [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @BoardroomInsights📊 Want to know how your business stacks up?Take the 7+ Index™ → www.7plusindex.com🎧 Listen now on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Is marketing broken? Colin Gordon — former CEO of Glanbia Consumer Foods & C&C and the mastermind behind Bulmers’ legendary rebrand — thinks so. In this episode of The Boardroom Insights Podcast, Colin shares his insights from 30+ years in the consumer goods industry and discusses his controversial new book, "Marketing is in Trouble."🔥 Inside this episode:✅ How Colin turned Bulmers from a budget drink into a premium brand with “Nothing added but time”✅ Why marketing is failing businesses today—and how to fix it✅ The biggest branding and positioning mistakes companies make✅ Why marketing should be about one thing: making selling easierIf you’re in marketing, branding, sales, or business leadership, this is a must-listen.🎧 Listen now and discover what’s really wrong with marketing today!#Marketing #Branding #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #Leadership #Bulmers #MarketingIsInTrouble

In this debut episode of Boardroom Insights with Alan O’Neill, we sit down with Sean Sheehan—an experienced banker with 35 years in the industry who made the bold transition to CEO of Scouting Ireland. Sean shares invaluable lessons from the corporate world and how they apply to leadership in an entirely different sector.How do financial principles shape decision-making in a national organisation? What leadership traits translate across industries? And what can today’s business leaders learn from the world of scouting? Tune in as Alan O’Neill and Sean dive into navigating change, managing teams, and leading with purpose in an ever-evolving landscape.Hit play and get ready for a conversation packed with wisdom, strategy, and a fresh perspective on leadership! 🎧🔥This episode is in partnership with Big Red Cloud Alan's Company Kara Change Management Website- Get your 7+ Index Industry Benchmark Today www.7plusindex.comFollow us on LinkedIn Alan's LinkedInSean's LinkedIn

Welcome to Boardroom Insights – the podcast that takes you inside the minds of top business leaders, decision-makers, and industry pioneers.In this trailer episode, host Alan O’Neill introduces you to the vision behind Boardroom Insights and what you can expect from future episodes. With decades of experience advising global companies on strategy, culture, and profitability, Alan shares his perspective on what truly drives business success.🔹 What you’ll learn in this episode:✔️ What is Boardroom Insights all about?✔️ Who is Alan O’Neill, and why should you listen?✔️ What kind of business insights and leadership strategies will be covered?✔️ Who are the high-profile guests and experts you can expect?🚀 Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or ambitious professional, this podcast will give you the inside edge on how to think, lead, and succeed in today’s business world.🎧 Subscribe now and join us for powerful conversations that help you stay ahead.🔹 Follow us on LinkedIn & YouTube for exclusive content: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boardroominsightsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-o-neill-93a9a010/Website: https://www.7plusindex.com