OUR PANEL OF ASSOCIATES

Gerry is an energetic and strategic executive with a formidable background in enterprise technology sales and general business management. His proven track record includes orchestrating multi-million US$ deals and driving substantial growth in leadership roles within global tech companies and innovative SaaS startups. Known for his swift and consistent delivery of significant impact, Gerry excels in challenging the status quo, transforming go-to-market strategies, and embracing cutting-edge technologies and solutions. His leadership is marked by setting clear and compelling strategic directions. Gerry fosters a high-performance team culture centered around ownership, measurement, and accountability. His leadership approach ensures the creation of a dynamic environment where teams excel and deliver exceptional results. Gerry is a highly networked and respected leader with extensive media experience across print, radio, and TV. His engagement with key figures such as Taoisigh (Prime Ministers), Government Ministers, and senior government officials reflects his influence. Gerry is a seasoned host and speaker at events, addressing audiences of up to 3,000 people. An experienced Board member, advisor, and executive mentor, Gerry's expertise spans diverse sectors, including Technology, Manufacturing, and Finance. He has left a lasting impact on companies such as Hitachi, Dell EMC, and Smurfit Kappa. Gerry's dynamic leadership, strategic prowess, and extensive industry engagement make him a driving force behind business success.

Marie, a trailblazing leader who has made a lasting impact in the Irish Navy, is doing the same in the business world. Recognised as a pioneering and inspirational leader, she was one of the first female captains to serve in the Irish Naval Service. Marie's leadership journey is defined by her unwavering determination and resilience in navigating unchartered waters. During her tenure in the navy, Marie held numerous other leadership roles, including Strategic Planning, HR, Logistics, and overseeing the Operations Command Center. Her strategic vision and operational expertise have been instrumental in shaping organisational direction and achieving mission success. Transitioning from her distinguished naval career, Marie has seamlessly applied her leadership acumen and insights since 2019. Marie has been a catalyst for change in numerous organisations, providing guidance in strategic planning, change management, performance enhancement and leadership development. Her dedication to lifelong learning and her drive to empower others underscore her commitment to excellence in every endeavour. Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency), Marie's passion for the maritime industry remains steadfast. She advocates for sustainable development, promotes the blue economy, and champions equity and collaboration. Marie is committed to finding innovative solutions to future challenges, particularly in combating climate change through harnessing the power of the sea. Marie’s approach is characterised by openness, curiosity, authenticity, and a forward-thinking mindset. With a wealth of experience in high-performance environments, strategic decision-making, and crisis management, Marie is adept at maximising individual, team and organisational performance.

With over 15 years as a business leader in dynamic, tech-centric environments, Karen has shaped her career in renowned organizations such as Vodafone, EE, and Orange. Holding significant strategic and commercial roles, she has also successfully navigated complex, large-scale business transformations. Karen's extensive experience equips her with invaluable insights to address clients' challenges comprehensively. She possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in strategy development, problem-solving, team leadership, stakeholder management, vision crafting, diverse leadership styles, and the successful launch of products and new business lines. Prior to joining B&T, Karen served as a Consulting Director at Genesis, and accumulated a decade of experience as a strategy consultant in London. Her consulting approach is rooted in the latest academic and business thinking, employing frameworks, research, consultation, data analysis, and logical reasoning to dissect problems and generate insightful observations. Karen holds an MBA, Post-Graduate Diploma in Strategic Programme Management, and professional qualifications in Strategy, Marketing, and Brand. Additionally, she earned a BSc. in Engineering. Beyond her professional pursuits, Karen serves as a non-executive director on the board of Shelbourne Football Club, where she spearheads strategy development on behalf of the board.

John is one of the most highly regarded business savvy Chief Technology Officers in Ireland with a legacy of success throughout his career. He brings over twenty years experience at C-Level managing large teams for both public and private companies. He has a proven ability to put together and develop successful Technology and Business Operations teams. John has significant experience in contributing to overall company strategies including product delivery and operational implementation. When he originally returned to Ireland from New York in 2000 it was as Head of Technology at Paddy Power where he led them through 10 years of rapid business growth and technology evolutions. He participated in the successful Hostelworld IPO sales effort in 2015. He then moved to Cartrawler where he helped them re-shape, re-focus and re-platform. John demonstrates the proven ability to lead, develop and nurture high performance technology teams with a focus on team culture, business alignment and future proofing both the technology platforms and the people capabilities. He also possesses the commercial acumen and collaborative ability to help shape corporate strategy and align the technology roadmaps and resources accordingly.

Annette's distinguished career positions her as a thriving leader in senior roles across operations, customer engagement, customer solutions, and sales, within iconic global telecommunications and technology brands. As an award-winning business leader, her most recent role was as PayPal's Vice President of Customer Operations for North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. ​As the VP of Customer Operations, Annette led a team of over 4000 passionate Customer Champions spanning the US, Ireland, Tel Aviv, Bangalore, and Manila. Her influence extended to overseeing 10 global outsource partners. Her visionary leadership played a pivotal role in shaping PayPal's customer operations across diverse regions. Prior to her role at PayPal, Annette made significant contributions at Vodafone and Eircom. At Eircom, she managed online and telesales teams through a transformative period, modernising, rebranding, and rebuilding the organisational culture. Her five-year tenure at Vodafone was marked by instrumental contributions to customer contact transformation for telesales, service teams, and online teams. She holds an MSc in Organisation Behaviour from Trinity College, which she attributes as the catalyst for her passion for spotting great talent, building great teams and cultures, and promoting diversity. Annette takes pride in fostering cultures of personal pride, equity, and opportunity in the organisations she has led. ​Beyond her professional endeavors, Annette extends her passion and expertise as a Trustee with The Marie Keating Foundation, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the business realm. Annette's journey exemplifies visionary leadership, transformative cultural impact, and a commitment to driving success in the telecommunications and technology sectors.

With a rich career spanning over 30 years, Barry is a seasoned business advisor specialising in deploying and supporting information technology systems to generate Business Advantage. His expertise extends across diverse sectors, from startups and family-owned businesses to large publicly quoted enterprises. As a co-founder of a financial reporting and Analytics business, Barry delivered solutions to some of Ireland's largest corporates. Notably, he established the Information Risk Management practice in a Big Four firm, leading it successfully for five years. Barry's versatile roles have included CFO, CIO, Non-Exec Director, and Audit Committee Chair with various corporates. His extensive experience involves collaborating with Boards and CEOs to evaluate and approve major IT investments, overseeing projects to successful implementation, and actively engaging in change management processes. In recent years, Barry has spearheaded significant projects in cloud evaluation, migration, and the management of hybrid cloud/on-premise environments. His keen interest in Data Strategy and Artificial Intelligence reflects a forward-looking approach to emerging technologies. Barry brings a wealth of practical experience, not only in navigating complex IT landscapes but also in fostering key relationships within clients and between clients and crucial vendors throughout the project lifecycle. More about Barry at www.barryjogorman.com

Meet Dr. Lollie Mancey, a transformative corporate associate specialising in innovation, entrepreneurship, and progressive education. As a Programme Director at University College Dublin's Innovation Academy, she fosters innovation and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs. With a PhD in Organisational Learning and a background in Anthropology, Dr. Lollie offers a unique and diverse perspective, approaching challenges with fresh insight. A decorated educator, Dr. Lollie has received the Trinity University Dermot McAleese Teaching Award and the UCD Excellence in Teaching Award 2022. Beyond academia, she is a serial entrepreneur with directorship in three successful businesses, championing underrepresented entrepreneurs. A Dublin Story Slam Champion and host of the podcast 'An Entrepreneur Like You,' Dr. Lollie captivates audiences with her narrative prowess. A sought-after keynote speaker advocating for progressive education, equality, and diversity, she brings authenticity and credibility to her passionate advocacy. Driven by a commitment to positive change, Dr. Lollie ventures into artificial intelligence and ethics, exploring society's navigation of evolving landscapes. Her work on resilience and adaptability reflects a dedication to shaping a future that thrives amidst change. In summary, Dr. Lollie's extraordinary credentials in innovation, entrepreneurship, teaching, storytelling, and future-focused AI and ethics position her as a compelling force for a brighter and more inclusive future. Ready to bring transformative change to senior leadership teams, she inspires and leads with a visionary perspective.

In an era where the landscape of business is marked by volatility and complexity, Alistair Fee stands as a beacon of innovation and strategic insight. With over 25 years of experience garnered from both global industries and the finest universities, he is hailed as a European specialist in fostering enterprising teams and businesses, pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. A seasoned Senior Marketing Strategist, Alistair is renowned for his ability to infuse creativity into every aspect of business, from design and packaging to leadership and internationalisation. Through his unconventional and thought-provoking insights, he challenges individuals and organisations to break free from the shackles of conventional wisdom, fostering confidence, boldness, and capability. ​As the Founder of EntreTime, Europe's premier entrepreneurship training program, Alistair has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of visionary leaders. Voted as Europe's No. 1 entrepreneurship training program in 2023. Throughout his distinguished career, Alistair has held pivotal roles such as Director of Design Capital, EIT Mentor Academy member, and Stanford University Faculty Fellow. His contributions extend across esteemed institutions worldwide Visiting Professor at the European Business School and as Course Faculty at the University of Oxford's Said Business School. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Alistair's influence transcends academia into the realm of practical application. He has mentored numerous major businesses and startups, leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape. ​As an Innovation and Creativity Expert for 20 years at the Strascheg Centre for Entrepreneurship , and as a Module Director at EPFL in Switzerland, Alistair continues to push the boundaries of creative thinking shaping the discourse on innovation.

Paul is a high performing, results driven Senior IT Leader with an exceptional record across various industries including Aviation, Financial Services, Insurance, Telecommunications, Technology and Construction. Paul has achieved significant milestones. He rose through the ranks of IT to become Head of IT at Bank of Ireland, Chief Information Officer at Mediolanum, and the position of Global Head of IT at CDB Aviation. He has operated successfully in both local and global environments, across a wide range of technologies and initiatives. Paul is not just a seasoned IT professional; he is also a professionally certified international athletics coach, a unique background that sets him apart. Paul trained for the Olympics in 2000, has represented Ireland at international level and currently coaches the next generation of high performance Irish athletes. Paul's comprehensive background in coaching, both in the worlds of business and sport, equips him with a distinct perspective on leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. This, combined with his extensive industry experience, allows him to deliver tailored, impact full solutions that drive real value for C-suite Leaders and their organisations.

Michael is a seasoned business leader with a wealth of experience spanning several decades in the global business landscape. His career trajectory includes holding influential global and EMEA leadership roles in sales, marketing, and sales operations across prestigious companies such as Oracle, Munich Re, and Micro Focus. Michael's impact is not limited to global positions; he has also made significant contributions in the UK and Ireland within companies like Dell, SAP, and SAS. His versatility extends to serving as the director of investor relations for a FTSE 100 company, showcasing his depth of expertise. Originally a manufacturing engineer with a PhD in the aeronautical industry, Michael seamlessly transitioned into IT sales, sales operations, and marketing. His involvement spans a diverse range of industries, including Financial Services, Public Sector, and Retail. Michael's strength lies in his holistic focus on people, business, and technology. He recognises the interconnected roles these elements play in driving growth and innovation. His strategic perspective aligns these critical components to create synergies that contribute to organisational success. Michael's journey exemplifies a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a keen understanding of the interconnected dynamics shaping the business landscape.

Paul is a dynamic business leader who is passionate about maximising business potential. He has over 35 years experience in Startups / SME's and Large Corporates, predominantly in the Tech and Software Services sector. He has a proven track record in driving revenue growth globally, fostering high-performance sales teams and implementing innovative sales strategies. Dedicated to helping businesses achieve unparalleled success in today's competitive landscape. Recognised as an award winning global leader in managing sales and marketing teams in multiple geographies - Ireland, UK, EMEA, Singapore and Australia. Managed sales targets in the range of €2m to €100m. He has successfully devised and implemented go to market, pricing and sales strategies in multiple geographies. This has been achieved through his leadership in implementing best practices, the right sales process and methodologies to create high performance sales teams who achieve sales success on a consistent basis. Paul has experience of restructuring programmes for both growth and pivot. His M&A experience extends to acquiring and integrating a number of SME software/tech companies. He has a successful track record in consulting engagements across multiple sectors - Software, Tech, Manufacturing, MedTech and Services organisations. Paul has worked as a business advisor / consultant / evaluator with a number of Enterprise Ireland funded companies across the range of supporting programs offered by Enterprise Ireland. Paul has an MBA (Hons) from UCD Michael Smurfit School of Business.

Alan Shortt stands at the intersection of expertise, charisma, and a profound understanding of effective communication. As a distinguished Communications Coach, Professional Emcee/Host, and Motivational Speaker specialising in "The Science of Communication," Alan brings a unique blend of energy and insight to every client. Alan's expertise shines in corporate settings, where he can also seamlessly facilitate Corporate Meetings & Conferences, Awards Ceremonies, and Private Events. His distinctive interview style captivates audiences and draws out compelling stories from Star Guests, panels of experts, organisational leaders, and team members alike. With over 30 years of experience, Alan has honed his craft, developing the "5 Steps to Communication Success". This transformative framework empowers professionals to elevate their communication skills and leadership presence. Alan's holistic Communication Coaching style not only enhances delivery and stage presence but also inspires clients to connect authentically with audiences, leaving a lasting impact. Alan's journey encompasses a diverse array of roles over the last three decades. From his roots in banking to his roles as a Broadcaster, Presenter, Actor, Comedian, Script Writer, and Producer, Alan has left an indelible mark on various platforms. His influence extends to collaborations with renowned media outlets such as RTE Radio/TV, BBC Radio Ulster, Channel 4, and educational contributions at the Gaiety School of Acting – "Master the Media." In a testament to his expertise, Alan took center stage at the 2024 Pendulum Summit. Breaking away from his traditional role of interviewing icons like Richard Branson, Alan mesmerised a 3,000-person audience. His focus? The science of communication skills and invaluable tips for becoming a great presenter.

In the last decade, Niall has emerged as a driving force behind the development and implementation of High-Performance programs, leaving an indelible mark on both corporate and sporting organisations globally. His unique approach, grounded in psychology and coaching, sets him apart as a leader who values simplicity over clichés and jargon. ​ Niall passionately believes in the power of simplicity. He contends that true expertise lies in the ability to keep things simple and transparent, avoiding the pitfalls of corporate buzzwords. His consultancy, therefore, strips away unnecessary complexity, encouraging leaders to raise awareness of how their behavior resonates in different settings. Niall's mission revolves around enhancing connections between leaders and their teams, fostering improved productivity and talent retention. His approach aligns with the principles of neuroleadership, recognising and leveraging the diverse strengths individuals bring to create a more successful workplace. Niall's expertise extends to academia, where he delivers courses for the Smurfit Business School Executive MBA program. His focus on the practical application of leadership theory adds a valuable dimension to executive education. Beyond academia, Niall has lent his expertise to various consultancies, collaborating with organisations such as AIB, Sprout Social, WorkVivo, and PayPal. ​ Niall emerges as a visionary architect of high-performance cultures, emphasising simplicity, authentic leadership, and the recognition of individual differences to create thriving workplaces.

As the former Group Head of HR at Vhi Healthcare, Dermot brings extensive HR experience with a focus on Recruitment, Performance Management, Workforce Planning, and more. A National College of Ireland graduate, he holds a Master's in Industrial Relations from Keele University and an MBA from Dublin City University. Dermot is committed to continuous learning, completing diplomas in Executive Coaching and Company Law and Corporate Governance. Accredited in Myers Briggs, ESCI, and Roche Martin 360-degree tools, Dermot, a Psychometric Test User (A&B), navigates human behavior adeptly. Trained in employment investigations, he excels in addressing complex workplace issues. Proficient in Job Analysis, Competency Design, and Job Evaluation, Dermot aligns talent with organizational needs. Renowned among peers, Dermot is a distinguished HR professional, known for delivering exceptional solutions and elevating the HR field. His multifaceted expertise and commitment to excellence solidify his role as a visionary HR leader, consistently raising standards in the dynamic HR landscape.

Denis brings a wealth of expertise to the table, with proficiency in Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM), Organisational Development, Change Management, Mergers, Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE), Employee Relations, and Performance Management. His strategic approach to HR reflects a deep understanding of how human capital can be leveraged to drive organisational success. Having worked extensively in various sectors, Denis brings a rich understanding of the nuances and challenges unique to each domain. His experience spans not only the private sector but also includes impactful contributions in not-for-profit organisations and government agencies. Denis's narrative unfolds as a testament to his leadership prowess in navigating complex HR landscapes, driving change, and fostering organisational development with a strategic mindset.

A consistent thread woven through Paul's extensive career is his robust business acumen, deeply rooted in practical real-world delivery experience. Paul stands as a proven global executive, showcasing a track record of successfully delivering business transformation programs while adeptly managing high-functioning operational teams at the C-Suite level. His expertise extends across diverse regions, including Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East. As a leader, Paul has not only built but also led and mentored large high-performance teams across various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, supply chain, and the business enterprise realm. His leadership style has left an indelible mark on teams, fostering excellence and driving success. Paul has earned a stellar reputation for delivering optimised business solutions that capitalise on complex opportunities. This success has led to the cultivation of an extensive global network, including industry leaders from well-known blue-chip household brands. ​At the core of Paul's approach are the key pillars of revenue growth, cost reduction, process optimisation, and customer success. He ensures that customers and colleagues alike achieve meaningful and measurable improvements in performance. Paul's dedication to these fundamental principles solidifies his standing as a visionary executive dedicated to driving positive change on a global scale. Paul's professional trajectory epitomises a dedication to excellence, strategic leadership, and an unwavering pursuit of performance improvement across various business sectors.

Brian stands as a highly experienced organisational leader driven by a passion for innovation, leveraging the power of people to achieve impactful results. Living in the Technology Age, he continuously pushes the boundaries of existing computing capability, fully understanding the transformative effect technology has on our lives and enterprises. ​Brian possesses a profound understanding of technology platforms, software, and applications, recognising their profound impact on shaping the present and future. His engagement with cutting-edge solutions reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Brian is intricately networked within the European technology ecosystem, fostering connections through government agencies, academia, and enterprises. His role as a policy advisor to the European Commission underscores his influence, serving as an 'expert' reviewer, evaluator, and advisor to both the European Commission and the Irish National Government and its agencies. ​As a member of Intel Ireland's leadership team, Brian spearheaded strategic initiatives, representing the company with the press and media, showcasing his ability to drive global change. Beyond his professional role, Brian serves as a mentor, sought for guidance by leaders across sectors, underscoring his commitment to shaping leadership and driving positive change. Brian's story reflects a dedication to technological advancement, strategic leadership, and a pivotal role in shaping the European technology landscape.

Michael brings over 35 years of rich experience as a seasoned senior business executive, excelling in strategic planning, financial management, reporting, change management, risk management, and inspirational leadership. His extensive career has unfolded in diverse roles both within Ireland and internationally, prominently with the renowned multinational manufacturing company, Smurfit Kappa Group. ​Michael's global perspective is shaped by his roles within a large multinational manufacturing company, where he has led culturally diverse management teams. His leadership has been instrumental in successfully designing and executing strategic objectives on a global scale. ​Michael specializes in enhancing management practices, offering key decision-makers improved insights and control over critical business elements. His contributions aid leaders in strategic decision-making, fostering overall organizational success. In his distinguished career, Michael has led system implementations, cost-takeout programs, and commercial strategy development, providing visionary leadership to diverse teams. Recognized as an ACCA Fellow, he actively contributes to the ACCA Ireland Business Leaders Panel and holds a Company Direction Diploma from the Institute of Directors, showcasing his commitment to professional excellence and advancing leadership and governance practices. Michael's career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact in the global business arena.

David's career, which commenced in engineering, has evolved into a dynamic journey encompassing executive roles in diverse settings, from business startups to global corporations. His multifaceted expertise spans Operations, Business Development, Management Consulting, Finance, Marketing, and Process Optimisation. As an entrepreneur, David has co-founded six companies, showcasing his prowess in steering ventures from inception to success. Two of these companies operated in the US and Canada, with one focusing on Automation, Engineering, and Flow Measurement, while the other centered around software and engineering, specifically targeting Well Life Cycle Optimisation. A thought leader in the pursuit of a Digital Oilfield, David actively engages with the global energy community. His commitment is evident through his roles as an active board member and advisor, contributing to organisations such as the Canadian Executive Energy Association and serving as a board member with the Canadian division of the World Petroleum Congress Board. In his recent corporate role as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Hitachi Vantara, David played a pivotal role in shaping the Global Energy Sector strategy. His responsibilities extended to the development of business solutions, emphasising his influence in driving innovation and strategic development on a global scale. David's story is a testament to his adept navigation and excellence across diverse facets of the business landscape, ranging from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership, all while making consistent and impactful contributions to the advancement of the energy sector.