The Chord

In this week’s episode of The Chord, we explore building a meaningful career in the NGO sector with Padraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager at Rethink Ireland. Padraic brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse experience spanning political advisory work, executive leadership, and social innovation. Prior to joining Rethink Ireland (a national social-innovation fund backing social enterprises and charities across Ireland) he served as CEO of the Cork Foundation and spent ten years as a special advisor in Leinster House, developing expertise in strategy, policy, fundraising, and high-level stakeholder engagement. Based in Cork and active across regional Ireland, Padraic is deeply motivated by the idea that “working for purpose” can deliver real impact, both professionally and personally. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, business leaders, senior HR professionals, and anyone considering a transition to purpose-driven work or leading organisational change. Key topics discussed: Career journey into the NGO sector: Padraic shares his path from political advisory roles to CEO leadership and social innovation, revealing the turning points that led him toward purpose-driven work. Rethink Ireland’s mission and impact: How Rethink Ireland operates as a social-innovation fund, the projects they support, and why NGOs matter in today’s Ireland. The professionalisation of Ireland’s NGO sector: How the not-for-profit sector has evolved in terms of career opportunities, professional development, and the growing appetite for purpose-driven work. Essential skills for mission-driven organisations: The capabilities and mindsets needed to succeed in organisations like Rethink Ireland. Leading from regional Ireland: The advantages and challenges of working at national scale from outside Dublin, and how remote/hybrid working has enabled regional roles. Balancing purpose and personal life: Managing the demands of meaningful work alongside family responsibilities, and what keeps professionals connected to purpose. The future of purpose-driven careers: What organisations need to change to respond to professionals seeking to align work with values, and practical advice for those considering career transitions. Creating meaningful work environments: How organisations can foster connection, purpose and engagement in remote, hybrid and regional teams. Actionable insights for leaders: Reflect on career alignment: Consider what drives your sense of purpose and whether your current role aligns with your values. Develop transferable skills: Strategy, stakeholder management, and fundraising are valuable in mission-driven organisations, but success requires genuine commitment to the cause. Embrace regional opportunities: Technology has made it increasingly viable to contribute to national-scale work from regional bases. Design for purpose: Organisations that create meaningful work and foster genuine connection will attract and retain the best talent.

In this week’s episode of The Chord, we explore the fascinating intersection of health science and leadership performance with Joe O’Connor, a lecturer at Munster Technological University and recognised expert in the science of cognitive performance. Joe brings a unique blend of academic research, practical coaching, and elite sport science to the world of business leadership. His doctoral research explores the drivers of cognitive performance in executives and business leaders, examining how factors like sleep, recovery, focus, and physical health directly influence our ability to lead, think clearly, and make decisions under pressure. With experience working with high performers from Limerick GAA to Olympic athletes, Joe now translates those performance lessons to business leaders. He’s passionate about bridging the gap between performance science and the daily realities of business life—helping leaders unlock clarity, resilience, and effectiveness through simple, science-backed strategies. Here is a link to the research Joe discussed. He would be delighted if you could find the time to participate.: https://unioflimerick.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74bbMxu5By9vVHw This episode is essential listening for CEOs, business leaders, senior HR professionals, and anyone responsible for driving organisational and people change. Key topics discussed: The science of cognitive performance in leadership: Joe breaks down what cognitive performance actually means for CEOs and executives, exploring the biological and environmental factors that leaders can influence to enhance their decision-making abilities. Understanding cognitive load: An exploration of how today’s leaders may be unknowingly overloading their cognitive bandwidth, and the real-world implications for strategic thinking and performance. Lessons from elite sport: Drawing from his extensive work with high-performance athletes, Joe shares transferable insights about managing pressure, recovery, and mental clarity that directly apply to corporate leadership environments. Physical health as leadership strategy: The scientific connection between movement, sleep, nutrition and decision-making quality, and why physical health isn’t separate from—but integral to—executive performance. Challenging the culture of overwork: Joe’s perspective on why burnout as a “badge of honour” is counterproductive, and what the business community needs to unlearn about sustainable high performance. Practical interventions for busy leaders: Real-world routines and habits that make a measurable difference in cognitive health, designed for leaders with limited time and high stress levels. Organisational design for brain health: How companies can create work environments and cultures that support mental performance, moving beyond policy to genuine mindset shifts from the top down. The future of performance science: Emerging research in cognitive performance that will shape how we think about business leadership, and the potential for a fundamental shift in leadership development. Actionable insights for leaders: Start with one foundational habit: Joe’s top recommendation for leaders wanting to improve their cognitive health immediately—focusing on sustainable, science-backed changes. Manage attention like a strategic asset: Practical approaches to protecting focus and managing cognitive overload in our technology-saturated work environments. Reframe recovery as performance enhancement: Understanding that rest and recovery aren’t obstacles to productivity but essential components of sustained high performance. Design organisational cultures that reward sustainable performance: Moving beyond output-focused metrics to systems that support long-term cognitive health and strategic thinking. Guest Bio: Joe O’Connor is a lecturer at Munster Technological University specialising in cognitive performance science. His doctoral research focuses on the drivers of cognitive performance in executives and business leaders. With extensive experience working with elite athletes and high performers, Joe translates performance science insights into practical strategies for business leadership, helping leaders unlock clarity, resilience, and effectiveness through evidence-based approaches.

In this week’s episode of The Chord, we tackle one of the most pressing challenges for Irish businesses: driving innovation for sustainable growth, with insights from Dr. Ian Kierans, a growth strategist, organizational psychologist, and author of Innovative Growth: The Journey from A to B While Building C. Dr. Kierans shares expertise from his career spanning global consulting, entrepreneurship, and academia, with a focus on helping companies foster innovation while managing change. His PhD at Cranfield School of Management explored how established businesses can renew growth—a theme central to his latest book. With practical frameworks, global case studies, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, Ian offers invaluable advice for business leaders navigating the complexities of innovation in today’s fast-evolving world. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, business leaders, senior HR professionals, and anyone involved in driving organizational change. Key topics discussed: The innovation challenge for Irish businesses: Ian explores the need for Ireland to reduce dependence on foreign direct investment (FDI) by developing a more sustainable, innovation-driven local economy. Frameworks for innovation from Innovative Growth: Ian introduces his 5-part innovation framework, the Pentathlon, and explains the importance of a step-by-step journey for integrating innovative growth into organizations. Common pitfalls leaders face when balancing innovation with core business: From misaligned goals to lack of cross-functional commitment, Ian highlights the traps to avoid and shares strategies to overcome them. Building a culture of innovation: Practical advice for leaders on fostering innovation without disrupting existing operations, and the role HR plays in driving innovation through talent development and strategic alignment. Lessons from successful companies: Ian shares case studies from Patagonia, Alltech, and Shotgun, demonstrating how they balanced maintaining their core business (A), pursuing growth (B), and investing in future innovation (C). Future trends in business and work: As AI reshapes the workforce, Ian emphasizes the need for organizations to leverage higher-level human cognition—such as empathy, imagination, and problem-solving—to stay competitive. The role of governance in innovation: Ian discusses how to structure decision-making and leadership to enable innovation while maintaining alignment with business goals. Actionable insights for leaders: Time and patience: Innovation takes time and intentionality. Ian underscores the importance of creating space for innovation within organizations. Invest in insights: Rather than relying on broad ideas, leaders should focus on gathering actionable insights to fuel innovation and reduce risk. Engage cross-functional teams: Building a culture of innovation requires buy-in and collaboration across all levels and functions. Leverage HR as a driver of innovation: From talent acquisition to learning programs, HR can play a pivotal role in embedding innovation into business strategy.

Episode Overview: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Tara Halliday In this week’s episode of The Chord, we delve into the concept of imposter syndrome and strategies to overcome it with Dr. Tara Halliday, PhD, an imposter syndrome specialist, bestselling author, and high-performance coach. Tara shares insights from her unique career path, which spans a PhD in Engineering, certification in holistic therapy, and neurofeedback training. With over two decades of experience, she has dedicated herself to helping high-achievers conquer imposter syndrome, a mission embodied in her Amazon #1 bestsellers, Unmasking: The Coach’s Guide to Imposter Syndrome and Outsmart Imposter Syndrome. Through her Inner Success program, Tara has successfully guided dozens of executives to build confidence, resilience, and self-acceptance. We explore Tara’s passion for helping leaders reach their full potential and discuss her scientific, practical approach to eliminating imposter syndrome. She shares valuable insights from her program, offering actionable strategies to help listeners identify and address self-doubt in their careers. Key Topics Discussed Understanding imposter syndrome: Tara explains what imposter syndrome is, its origins, and why high achievers often experience it despite their success. The success paradox: Tara discusses why accomplished professionals can struggle with feelings of inadequacy, and how this impacts their performance and wellbeing in high-pressure environments. Practical strategies for combating imposter syndrome: Drawing from her Inner Success program, Tara shares powerful mindset shifts and practical tools to help listeners build resilience and self-confidence. Tailored advice for leaders and managers: Tara offers guidance for business leaders on recognizing imposter syndrome within their teams and creating supportive environments that promote mental health and confidence. Building a resilient mindset: Tara touches on the role of mindset in adapting to the fast-paced, evolving business world and how professionals can guard against the pressures that trigger self-doubt. Through her wealth of experience and practical insights, Dr. Tara Halliday provides listeners with valuable tools to overcome imposter syndrome and thrive professionally. The link to Dr. Tara Halliday’s quiz is here: https://bit.ly/ImpostorQuiz

Episode Overview: AI, Emotional Intelligence and Communication with Marie Toft In this episode of The Chord, John explores the evolving role of AI in emotional intelligence with Marie Toft, CEO and Co-founder of Emotionise. Marie shares insights from her diverse career, including her background as a senior TV producer with RTE, BBC, and SBS Australia, to her venture into AI-driven emotional engagement. Now, with over two decades of storytelling experience and psychotherapy training, she has developed the Emotionise Process, using AI to transform content creation and communication in areas such as Employee Engagement and Customer Support. We delve into Marie’s passion for emotional storytelling and her journey from television to launching a tech startup. She discusses how Emotionise leverages AI to help businesses craft emotionally engaging content and improve communication outcomes, and shares her vision for the future of AI in this niche space. From her perspective as a leader in AI and communication, Marie highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in business today. She explains how Emotionise helps organizations build stronger employee and customer relationships through emotionally intelligent content, and offers advice on how leaders can embrace AI as a tool for better communication and engagement. Through her compelling story and cutting-edge work with Emotionise, Marie offers valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the role of AI in shaping the future of work. Learn more about Marie Toft and her work with Emotionise here.

Insights from Sacha Dekker on Resilience and Mindset In this week’s episode of The Chord, we delve into the theme of resilience and overcoming adversity with Sacha Dekker, an award-winning learning and development leader and motivational speaker. Sacha shares insights from her personal journey, spanning from her formative years in the Netherlands to her career transitions across diverse industries and her move to Ireland in 2012. We explore Sacha’s special interest in raising disability awareness, reflecting on her own experiences and the lessons learned in recovery. Sacha also discusses the importance of building resilience and offers practical advice for individuals and organisations. From her perspective as a resilience and mindset expert, Sacha highlights the significance of inclusive workplaces and shares strategies for creating environments that foster productivity, inclusion, and talent retention. Through her inspiring story of defying expectations and achieving remarkable milestones despite paralysis, Sacha offers valuable lessons on resilience, determination, and the power of mindset. Learn more about Sacha Dekker and her work as a resilience and mindset expert here.

Episode Overview: The Challenges Facing Middle Managers with Neville Bourke This week John is joined by Harmonics partner and organisation change consultant Neville Bourke – to explore the challenges facing middle managers in today’s rapidly evolving organisational landscape. Neville discusses the impact of remote and hybrid work models, technological advancements, and socio-economic shifts on the “squeezed middle” layer of management. He addresses pace of change in the workplace and offers strategies to mitigate burnout among middle managers, emphasising the need for adaptive skills development. Neville also shares practical steps for middle managers to regain control, and highlights the transformative impact of OD tools like polarities management and the importance of self-care and time management. Learn more about organisation change and leadership-development services offered by Harmonics by clicking here. About Neville Bourke Neville Bourke is an organizational behavior expert with a deep understanding of the psychology of people and organisational change. With a background in business studies and a graduate diploma in safety, health, and welfare at work, Neville holds an M.Sc. in Organisational Behavior from Trinity College Dublin. He has dedicated his career to addressing complex people issues associated with change and guiding organisations towards achievable solutions. Neville’s extensive experience spans various sectors including Financial Services, Medical Devices, Electronics, and Social Care. Currently pursuing the Ashridge Masters in Executive Coaching at the Hult International Business School, Neville is also a registered member of the British Psychological Society.

Episode Overview: Developing Early Career Talent with Sinéad D’Arcy This week we explore early career talent development with Sinéad D’Arcy, leader of the Jameson International Graduate Programme. Established over 30 years ago, the program has become a benchmark in nurturing marketing talent globally. Drawing from her diverse background and career journey to date, Sinead has a profound commitment to shaping the future of work and offers a unique perspective on talent attraction and retention. Discussing the strategic approach behind the Jameson International Graduate Programme, Sinéad highlights the program’s focus on sourcing top talent and creating a distinct recruitment experience. She underscores the program’s emphasis on long-term investment in graduates’ careers and delves into the evolving skill sets required for graduates in today’s digital age. This episode provides valuable insights into onboarding and developing early career talent in today’s dynamic business landscape and offers actionable advice for managers navigating the challenges and opportunities of talent management, remote workforces, ESG in recruitment. Learn more about the Jameson International Graduate Programme here.

Episode Overview: Living a Healthier Life with Dr. Robert Kelly If your New Year’s resolution is hanging by a thread, you’re not alone. But fear not! Dr. Robert Kelly, a renowned Consultant Cardiologist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician at the UCD Beacon Hospital joins John on the podcast today to help us understand why it’s never too late to pick up where we left off. Robert also lectures at the Royal College of Surgeons Centre for Positive Psychology and Health. With his extensive experience and expertise in cardiology, as well as a deep commitment to lifestyle medicine, Dr. Kelly shares tips on leading a healthier and happier life. He emphasises the significant role of lifestyle (physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, stress management, substance avoidance and social connection) in preventing and reversing chronic diseases. We also explore Dr. Kelly’s transition from traditional cardiology to lifestyle coaching and the issue of burnout and workplace health. Dr. Kelly provides insights into how leaders can better support their employees’ well-being, particularly in today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environments. Dr. Kelly also shares number of key takeaways from his upcoming book, “Lessons from the Heart- How to Live a Long, Happy, and Healthy Life.” You can learn more about Dr. Robert Kelly and join his community at drrobertkelly.ie

Episode Overview: Employee Engagement and Workplace Happiness with Matt Phelan In this episode of The Chord, we converse with Matt Phelan, Co-Founder of The Happiness Index, delving into the profound topic of ‘What Drives Engagement and Happiness at Work?’ As an entrepreneur, author, and happiness expert, Matt Phelan shares his journey, starting from his early years to becoming a pivotal figure in understanding workplace happiness. His book, ‘The Happiness Index: Why Today’s Emotions Equal Tomorrow’s Business Success,’ provides a data-driven exploration of engagement and happiness across global workplaces. Central to our discussion are the concepts of employee engagement and happiness. We explore the stagnation in global engagement scores and how The Happiness Index provides a unique approach to understanding and enhancing workplace happiness. We also delve into the critical role of data in shaping our understanding of workplace dynamics. Matt discusses the four types of data – instinctive, emotional, rational, and reflective – and their significance in the context of employee well-being. As our conversation with Matt concludes, he imparts key insights and takeaways, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between happiness, engagement, and success in the workplace. Learn more about The Happiness Index Order Matt’s Book on Amazon

Episode Overview: Workforce Transformation and Well-Being with Dr. Sean Gallagher In this episode, we engage in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sean Gallagher, Director of The Swinburne Centre for the New Workforce (CNeW). Drawing from his pivotal role at CNeW, Dr. Gallagher’s unique insights are rooted in a formative journey shaped by key influences and values. The backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in transformative shifts across both workforce and workplace dynamics. Central to our discussion is burnout and employee well-being and Strategies to prioritize employee welfare amidst rapid technological change take precedence. We also delve into AI’s pervasive impact. Automation, and ethical considerations are addressed, along with the critical role academia plays in aligning individuals with the future of work. As our conversation concludes, Dr. Gallagher imparts key takeaways, leaving listeners with invaluable insights to ponder.

Episode Overview: Leadership and Change Management with Ollie Loomes In this enlightening episode, we chat with Ollie Loomes, CEO of Eir, Ireland’s premier telecommunications company. With a rich background in Sales and Marketing and over two decades at Diageo, Ollie offers invaluable insights into effective leadership and managing change. Ollie shares his experiences from his formative years, leading to his rise through the ranks at Diageo and finally assuming the CEO role at Eir in 2023. He opens up about his early influences, key learnings, and his acclimatisation to new cultures during challenging times like the Covid pandemic. We dive into the CEO perspective on leadership, focusing on the dos and don’ts when transitioning to a new business, especially in a new sector. Ollie outlines his plans for Eir over the next 12 months and his aspirations for the company’s future. Further, he shares his take on the current global economy, the macro factors affecting the Irish economy, and the transformation post the global pandemic. He discusses the trending topic of hybrid work and the need for better, high-speed connections. Addressing the critical issue of the Human Energy Crisis, Ollie gives his insights on where leaders should focus their energies for effective change management. He also delves into the intergenerational gap in the workplace and how to foster a culture of diversity. Finally, Ollie leaves us with some parting advice for aspiring leaders and outlines the skills, personal qualities, and support needed for success. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion with one of the industry’s leading voices.

Episode Overview: Empathetic Leadership and Scaling with Empathy at Amazon In this episode, we engage with Emer McGinley, Worldwide Customer Service Director of Global Programs and Global Outsourcing at Amazon. Emer, with her 20 years of experience in leading award-winning customer service operations, shares her thoughts on leadership, the Amazon work culture, and the importance of empathy. We start our conversation by delving into Emer’s formative years in Donegal and her early career journey at Telefonica O2. We then transition into her insights on Amazon, discussing the impact of Alexa and Echo, and her perspective on Jeff Bezos’ leadership style. Emer speaks passionately about our main topic – ‘scaling with empathy’. She emphasizes the role of empathy in leadership, especially in the current global context, and how it helps when leading smart people and managing conflict. Finally, we touch upon the often-overlooked topic of work pace and burnout, with Emer sharing her self-care strategies and insights on life in a high-pressure global role. Join us for this insightful conversation that explores the essence of empathetic leadership in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Episode Overview: Innovation and Design Leadership with Mauro Porcini In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of innovation and design with our distinguished guest, Mauro Porcini, PepsiCo’s first-ever Chief Design Officer. Mauro has been instrumental in infusing design thinking into PepsiCo’s culture, leading a new approach to innovation that significantly impacts the company’s product platforms and brands. He is also the host of the successful video podcast “In Your Shoes – with Mauro Porcini,” where he interviews inspiring personalities from the global creative community. In 2022, Mauro published his first book in English, “The Human Side of Innovation: The Power of People in Love with People” (Berrett-Koehler), which focuses on innovation, design, and leadership. Key Topics Discussed The importance of empathy and human-centric design in driving innovation. How to build a culture of innovation within an organization. The role of design thinking in creating transformative products and experiences. Balancing creativity and business objectives for long-term success. Insights from Mauro’s book and his experiences working with global brands such as PepsiCo and 3M. Learn more about Mauro’s book here.

Episode Overview: Leadership Insights with Dr. Kerrie Fleming In this episode, we explore the critical components of effective leadership with Dr. Kerrie Fleming, Associate Dean at Ashridge Executive Education at Hult International Business School. Her expertise has made her a sought-after advisor to Fortune 500 companies, international governments, and both indigenous and international organizations. Born and raised in Kerry, Ireland, Dr. Fleming’s background provides a unique perspective on leadership that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Key Leadership Topics Discussed The importance of adaptability and resilience in today’s rapidly changing business environment. How leaders can foster a culture of innovation and creativity within their organizations. Strategies for effectively managing change and overcoming resistance to new ideas. The significance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness in leadership development. Balancing the need for results-driven performance with the well-being and engagement of employees. Dr. Kerrie Fleming’s work in leadership development has garnered international acclaim, with the MBA programs consistently ranked among the best in the world by the Financial Times. Through this conversation, our listeners will gain valuable insights and actionable advice on how to cultivate effective leadership skills and guide their organizations from merely surviving to truly thriving.  

In this episode, we discuss Mark Cahalane’s experience with redundancy and how he overcame the challenges of rebuilding his career. As someone who has been through the process twice, Mark shares nine insights from his personal experience on how to move forward. He highlights the importance of allowing yourself to grieve and responding rather than reacting. Mark also emphasises the value of listening to your inner voice, taking time to pause, and finding your personal fan club. By being brave enough to listen to yourself and get out of your own way, it is possible to become vital and purposeful again. About Mark Cahalane Mark Cahalane is an expert in strategic counsel, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, leadership coaching and resolving high performance challenges across leadership teams. At CRH plc, the €29 billion FTSE 100 group, he established and led the Corporate Affairs function and operations. Previously, Mark had established and led the EMEA corporate consultancy practice of Edelman, the world’s largest communications consultancy, across 18 markets. He has acted as change advisor to Chief Executives and leaders in high profile organisations including Paddy Power, Ryanair, and GE. Click here to read more about Mark’s experience on our blog; Fired, fearful and fifty.

About Dr. Magdalena Bak-Maier Dr Magdalena Bak-Maier is the creator of the Grid method for health, results and success, a neuroscientist, productivity and wellbeing expert, and leading international coach and passionate educator who founded Make Time Count to support people in being and doing well. Her unique heart, mind, body and spirit approach helps people navigate life, lead and heal by tapping into the full power of their nervous system. Magdalena teaches minds to feel and hearts to think and believes talent is not in short supply, connected people are! She is author of 3 books: Get Productive!, Body Talk, and Get Productive Grid and finalist in the independent Wishing Shelf Book award 2022. Her books offer practical, easy to apply tools. Her current work explores how balance supports human flourishing, effective habit change, mental health and burnout. Click here to learn more about the Grid.Join Magdalena’s Goal Getter Bootcamp 2023.Join the MTC mailing list.

In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Dr. Mary Collins, Chartered Psychologist, author and Executive Coach at RCSI Institute of Leadership. Mary is currently involved in a significant study on understanding the drivers and motivations of Generation Z, colloquially known as “zoomers”. Mary’s latest book, ‘Emotional Intelligence & Dentistry’ is due to be published in 2023. In this episode, we learn about Mary’s early life experiences which influenced what she does today, different generation perspectives in the workplace and Mary’s work with female leaders. Hope you enjoy the show! Episode Highlights: Dr. Mary Collins on Generational Perspectives Reference Article: Rising Stars. How to Engage & Develop ‘Generation Y’. In this article above, Dr. Mary Collins writes about her research exploring how best to engage ‘Generation Y’ in the workplace. Her doctoral research involved a sample of c.500 young professionals in law, accounting and engineering.

Episode Overview: Reimagining Performance and Culture with Aisling Teillard In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Aisling Teillard, Global Chief Customer Officer of Beqom, a cloud based solution provider that unifies compensation and rewards processes. Aisling’s career journey was of particular interest progressing from HR Director with both SAP and O2 to become a technology start up founder. She openly discusses with John the myriad of challenges and calculated risks taken as she progressed from a start-up to becoming a global business and then successfully being acquired by Beqom. In this episode, Aisling shares her thoughts and experience on re-imaging performance, shaping and influencing culture and addressing bias, Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: The Future of HR and Employee Experience with Nicole Dessain In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Nicole Dessain, founder and Chief Employee Experience Designer at Talent Imperative. Nicole helps companies like Apple, Cisco, Comcast, Edelman and McDonald’s create human-centered, inclusive talent programs. In this episode, Nicole discusses how the role of HR is changing and how HR can shape a Future of Work Strategy. Nicole also explains her point of view on design thinking at the intersection of strategy, innovation, culture, and talent in 2022. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: The Future of Work with Ravin Jesuthasan In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Ravin Jesuthasan, global leader of Mercer’s Transformation Services business. Ravin is a recognized global thought leader, futurist and author on the future of work and workforce transformation. He is a regular participant and presenter at the World Economic Forum’s annual meetings in Davos. In this episode, Ravin lays out the core principles of work operating systems, and his views about the future of work and jobs that are rapidly evolving through the emergence of alternative work arrangements, diversity, accelerating automation, and the underlying challenges and opportunities that leaders and organizations are battling to overcome. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: Talent Development at Diageo In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Joan Hodgins, Global Talent Director at Diageo. Joan is a Business Leader, HR Professional and Chartered Occupational Psychologist with over 20 years commercial experience, both consulting and in-house in a range of HR roles. In the interview we talk about Joan’s career journey to date, the fierce competition for talent that’s changing the way companies are hiring and how Diageo are growing talent from within. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: Early Careers and Graduate Talent with Siobháin Scanlon In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Siobháin Scanlon, Early Careers Manager at Musgrave. Siobháin provides opportunities to talented graduates in their early careers – by helping them discover exciting careers in the food retail industry and preparing for the future of work. In the interview we talk about what it’s like to oversee and manage an award-winning graduate programme and some of the initiatives that Musgrave partake in to stay ahead and set their graduate employees up for success. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: Scaling a Digital Challenger Bank with Nick Fahy In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Nick Fahy, Chief Executive Officer of Cynergy Bank. Cynergy Bank is a ‘human digital bank’ serving the needs of ‘scale up’ or medium sized and fast growing SMEs and professionals. In the interview we talk about Nick’s journey in leading the bank through a period of rapid growth, the importance of developing winning corporate partnerships and some of the challenges and opportunities one encounters when scaling a digital challenger bank. Nick is a highly experienced financial professional having worked within the banking sector for over 20 years across the UK, Ireland and Australia in a variety of senior executive roles. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: Board Leadership and Governance with Kieran Moynihan In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Kieran Moynihan, Managing Partner of Board Excellence. Kieran helps boards of directors and individual directors excel in the areas of effectiveness and performance. He is an internationally-recognised thought leader in the area of board dynamics, effectiveness, performance and corporate governance. In this podcast episode we talk about the challenges boards face, the partnership between executive and non-executive board members and what board members need to do so they excel and work as a high-performing team in the future. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: The Digital Transformation of Work with Dr. Sarah Kieran In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Dr. Sarah Kieran, Researcher and Lecturer at the Kemmy Business School in the University of Limerick. Sarah is a Lecturer in the Department of Work and Employment Studies. She is founder of the KBS WorkFutures Lab and the recipient of a Horizon 2020 Rise award for research into the Digital Transformation of Work. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: Purpose-Driven Branding with Stephen Barry In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Stephen Barry, Managing Partner at Stepworks about how leaders can ensure their organisation thrives in the future by working on society focused brand activities. Stepworks is an independent branding agency based in Hong Kong. They work with some of Asia’s most respected and ambitious organisations to create valuable competitive advantages through design-driven brand building services. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: Leadership and Customer Experience with Caroline Cooney-Hurell In this episode of The Chord, John Fitzgerald talks to Caroline Cooney-Hurell, Customer Experience Strategist at Explora Journeys about how her leadership skills and ability to motivate and empower those around her helped fast-track her career. Caroline is a senior executive with a proven track record in leading customer service operations for multinational companies. Hope you enjoy the show!

Episode Overview: Workplace Happiness and The Quantum Way with Clive Hyland In this episode, John Fitzgerald talks to Clive Hyland of The Happiness Index about his new book The Quantum Way. Clive’s book explores the science behind happiness and workplace engagement. Having actively worked with neuroscience principles in his coaching business over the last 16 years, Clive explains why we should never underestimate the impact of workplace happiness on staff performance. Find out more about The Happiness Index here.

Episode Overview: John Fitzgerald on the Future of Work John Fitzgerald, Founder and Executive Coach at Harmonics is in the hot seat as debut guest on The Chord – a podcast dedicated to getting in tune with The Future of Work. In this episode, Mark Cahalane sits down with John to learn more about how he got to where he is today and his own perspective on the future of work. Visit www.harmonics.ie to learn more.

Podcast Trailer: Introducing The Chord John Fitzgerald introduces his new podcast in this trailer episode. The Chord aims to answer some of the questions about what it takes to embrace the future of work. With automation comes change and the transition to a new way of work will involve compromise on all sides. Visit www.harmonics.ie to learn more.