After some wonderful feedback, we have pulled together our series of podcasts with expert speakers and insightful topics.

You can stream each episode, download the podcasts to your computer or subscribe to the series free via iTunes. Our podcasts are played via Acast

If you have any thoughts on our podcasts or if you have an idea for a topic that you’d like us to cover, please use the hashtag #cipdirelandpodcasts.

To view all the other CIPD podcasts, please visit the CIPD Podcasts page

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Our new Director on shaping the profession

21:42

Join host Meg Dunphy as we welcome the new Director of the CIPD in Ireland Alison Hodgson to discuss her journey, vision, and how CIPD is adding value to the profession.

We explore insights from our latest wellbeing research, the business impact of intentional wellbeing strategies as we look ahead to the CIPD in Ireland Wellbeing Conference 2025 and the CIPD HR Awards in Ireland 2026.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Inclusive leadership: Championing disability inclusion in the workplace

29:17

As part of Disability Pride Month, the CIPD Ireland Podcast shines a spotlight on what inclusive leadership means through the lens of disability in the workplace. Our latest HR Practices in Ireland 2025 report reveals that 23% of employers cite disability as their most pressing equality challenge—yet meaningful inclusion and representation remain elusive in many organisations.

Host Meg Dunphy is joined by Catherine Murray, an autistic researcher specialising in disability and inclusive employment at AHEAD, and James Cawley Jnr, Business Development Manager at the Irish Centre for Diversity. Together, they explore the barriers still facing disabled people at work, how employers can go beyond compliance to foster genuine inclusion, and how leaders can amplify disabled voices to create workplaces where everyone belongs.

Learn more about AHEAD’s WIDE Framework, offering practical steps to help build accessible, disability-confident workplaces.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - The CEO View on the people agenda for the future

Duration: 00:33:01

Chaired by Professor Gina Quin (President, National College of Ireland), this powerful panel conversation from the CIPD Ireland Annual Conference features Gillian Chamberlain (MD, Capita), Bernard Gloster (CEO, HSE) and Eamonn Crowley (CEO, PTSB) sharing honest insights on what it takes to lead organisations through rapid transformation, disruption, and opportunity.

From the fast pace of AI and tech adoption to the importance of trust, transparency, and adaptability, the panellists unpack the evolving role of leaders and the workforce in shaping a future-ready, mission-driven culture.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Delivering organisational performance through people

Duration: 00:19:38

This episode marks International HR Day on 20 May, celebrating the vital role of the people profession. This year’s theme, “Humanify AI: Leading Change Together”, highlights how the people profession is uniquely positioned to guide organisations through rapid transformation by putting people at the centre of change.

This is a perfect fit with the theme of the CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2025 — “Delivering organisational performance through people”. In this episode, we bring you insights from the conference stage, featuring Mary Connaughton, Professor Peter Cappelli, and Marie Toft.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - AI in Action: A Case Study from the Revenue Commissioners

Duration 00:25:22

In this month’s CIPD in Ireland podcast, we spotlight artificial intelligence (AI) – a key theme at our upcoming Annual Conference on 15 May at the RDS. We revisit a standout moment from our Employment Law Conference with Ruth Kennedy, one of Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners, who shares a compelling case study on how AI is already delivering value in the public sector. Ruth explores the practical application of AI within Revenue – from driving efficiencies to enhancing the quality of service delivered to the public. She challenges listeners to rethink their approach to transformation, leaving us with a powerful takeaway: transformation isn’t about doing things faster, it’s about doing them better. So, how would you design what you do now if AI was there to support you?

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Neurodiversity at work: Celebrating differences, creating inclusion

Duration: 00:37:31

In this episode, host Meg Dunphy dives into neurodiversity in the workplace with guests Shane O'Brien, senior HRBP at Mongo DB and Bronagh Eaton, an independent neurodivergent coach and Global Neuroinclusion Specialist with DHL Supply Chain. Both panellists are people practitioners who are themselves neurodivergent.

As part of Neurodiversity Awareness Week, we want to shine a light on what inclusion really looks like – bringing the conversation back to individuals and keeping it simple. Our guests share their lived experiences, offering valuable guidance on how employees can advocate for themselves and how managers can create a more inclusive environment. Whether you’re a people professional or a line manager, this episode is a great starting point to build awareness and gain actionable tips on making the workplace more conducive to neurodivergent talent.

Join the conversation using #NeuroInclusionInWorkplace

CIPD Ireland Podcast - How the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) supports people practitioners

Duration: 00:23:45

In this episode, Workplace Relations Commission Director General Audrey Cahill explains how the WRC supports people professionals in fostering fair and equitable workplaces.

From advisory services and conciliation to mediation and adjudication, she highlights how people practitioners can proactively engage with the WRC as a resource – not just a last resort.

Cahill also tackles common misconceptions about adjudication, the reality behind case reporting, and the high success rates of mediation. Plus, we highlight the WRC’s self-audit tools as a game-changer for compliance and best practice.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Empowering wellbeing into leadership

Duration: 00:36:41

In this episode we share highlights from the annual CIPD Ireland Wellbeing Conference, including:

  • insights from renowned physician, Dr Mark Rowe, on lifestyle medicine and its impact on employee health
  • an exploration of the future of AI in wellbeing with experts from Lua Healthcare, Oracle and the CIPD
  • how the power of embedding wellbeing into leadership practices can drive business success, featuring Great Place to Work, Core, and Kara Connect.

Explore innovative ways to enhance employee wellbeing and listen now.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Budget 2025

Duration: 00:13:25

Join Meg Dunphy, CIPD HR Policy and Engagement Manager, and Mary Connaughton, Director, CIPD Ireland as they unpack Budget 2025 and how it might impact you and your organisation, with a special focus on employment and taxation, social welfare and families and education and skills.

Also explore our budget briefing for further details.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Discussing mental health at work on World Mental Health Day

Duration: 00:11:51

World Mental Health Day is on 10 October and this year's theme is ‘Mental Health at Work’ so in this mini-episode, we discuss mental health in the Irish workplace.

Meg Dunphy, CIPD HR Policy and Engagement Manager speaks to Mary Connaughton, Director, CIPD Ireland, about what our HR Practices research is saying, as well as practical tips for opening up the dialogue in organisations and looking at the working environment.

You will also hear from Dr Mark Rowe, our opening keynote at the annual CIPD Ireland Wellbeing Conference, providing tips for supporting our mental health.

What are you doing in your organisations? Tell us by tagging @CIPDIreland and #WorldMentalHealthDay

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Bridging cultures and neurodivergence: A coaching perspective for HR

Duration: 00:41:01

In this episode, hosted by the CIPD Midlands region, committee members and co-hosts Marta Kenny and Aine Clehane speak with expert coaches Ursula Gilleran – a neurodivergence specialist with a background as a global HR director, and Sharon Dehmel – an intercultural leadership coach, as they tap into the crucial role of coaching in today’s workplace.

They explore the differences between traditional, intercultural, and neurodivergent coaching, and highlight how organisations can build a sustainable coaching culture that empowers individuals and drives business success.

Listen now to discover the key takeaways people professionals need to foster inclusivity and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Sustainable people practices

Duration: 00:33:57

This month, the CIPD’s Lisa Hogan is joined by Dr Declan Bogan, Goodbody Clearstream, CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton, and Sara Mullally, network manager at Sustainable HRM Skillnet to discuss how organisations are getting more focused on achieving positive social and human outcomes. They explore how HR can align workforce development with their people practices, incorporating a sustainability lens to deliver the broader business's sustainability goals.

Further information on sustainable people practices can be found on the CIPD website and the Sustainable HRM Skillnet website.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Empowering HR professionals: The value of CIPD membership and evolving roles in the industry

Duration: 00:31:12

Join guests Emma Anglim, director at Brightwater Recruitment, Steve George, Head of Learning at the CIPD, and Michael O'Brien, Manager (Munster & South East Region) at Collins McNicholas Recruitment and HR Services Group, as they discuss the benefits of the CIPD as a career partner with host Meg Dunphy.

The episode explores the value of CIPD membership for both employers and professionals, the evolving roles of the people profession, and the wealth of support the CIPD offers to help develop members' careers.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2024 highlights (part 2)

Duration: 00:34:17

Join us for Part 2 of our Annual Conference 2024 highlights as we delve into insights on AI and feature snippets from two popular panel discussions.

CIPD awards winners give advice on embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), maintaining it as a priority in all circumstances, and handling backlash against EDI efforts. Additionally, our HR director panel explores the importance of workplace mental health, in line with our latest HR practices report findings.

Tune in for essential insights and practical advice for people professionals.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2024 highlights (part 1)

Duration: 00:33:24

In this episode of the CIPD Ireland podcast, Meg Dunphy, CIPD Ireland HR Policy & Engagement Manager, presents the highlights from our Annual Conference.

CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton analyses our latest HR Practices in Ireland research while Paul Healy talks about cooperation between ourselves and Skillnet Ireland as we launch the new Sustainable people practices guide.

You'll also hear great leadership insights from a CEO panel as well as an excerpt from conference keynote by the wonderful Deborah Meaden, businesswoman and star of BBC's Dragons Den.

CIPD Ireland Podcast – Discover the value of CIPD Membership

00:30:43

Dive into this month's podcast episode, where host Lisa Hogan, CIPD Membership Development and Communications Manager, engages in a dynamic conversation with David D'Souza, CIPD Director of Profession.

Together, they unravel the intricacies of CIPD membership, focusing specifically on its value and local offerings within Ireland.

Join us as we explore the benefits that come with CIPD membership and uncover how it can be leveraged to elevate your career journey.

Whether you're seeking to maximize your professional network or enhance your skill set, this episode offers invaluable insights into how CIPD membership can propel your career forward.

Tune in now to discover the wealth of support and opportunities awaiting you!

CIPD Ireland Podcast – Protected disclosures legislation in Ireland

Duration: 00:48:57

Join us as we discuss protected disclosures legislation in Ireland and specifically the additions to the legislation as per the Amendment Act 2022.

In this informative episode, we're fortunate to have Emmet Whelan, partner at Byrne Wallace LLP, lending his expertise in protected disclosures.

Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of the original and amended legislation, insights on drafting effective policies and procedures, navigating the nuances between grievances and protected disclosures, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, conducting initial assessments, and the procedural steps involved in a thorough investigation.

Stay informed, stay compliant – listen now!

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Taking control of our working lives, avoiding stress and burnout

00:23:17

We all want to crack the code of how to work more effectively and productively, the Midlands region met with Chris Lovett a Leadership & Simplicity Coach and Author of his best-selling book ‘Discovery is less’ to explore this in detail. In this podcast, we tackle practical strategies for boosting productivity and impact: prioritising tasks, experimenting with a 4-day work week, cutting down on meetings, and questioning the purpose and value of our work. Join us to explore the power of choice, emphasising that while you can't do everything, you can do anything you want to. To avoid burnout, we need to work smarter, not harder. It requires a cultural shift to foster an environment that not only tolerates but celebrates creative and disruptive thinking.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Digital transformation: positive work evolution

00:28:51

The pace of change has never been faster and with it comes a responsibility on our profession to look at digitalisation holistically within our organisations and how we design work.

In this episode we're presenting some highlights from our 2023 annual Wellbeing seminar and part two from our Digital Transformation and Talent session with Kerry Group.

From the Wellbeing seminar, Dr. Caroline Murphy of University of Limerick, who is conducting research on digitalisation and the impact that has on job design on behalf of CIPD, shares insights into how job design and management practices can have a positive impact on wellbeing. CIPD researcher, Jake Young speaks about some key learnings from the Good Work Index and the impact digital work has on wellbeing research.

Next, Ben Hallinan, Vice President of ICT at Kerry Group, brings us through the challenges and practical insights into how Kerry are harnessing technology to the betterment of their business and employees.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Learning for future generations at Kerry

00:14:21

In October 2023, CIPD had the pleasure of being hosted by Kerry Group for an exclusive in-person event, delving into the heart of digital transformation at Kerry. During this session, we explored such topics as digitalisation and talent development, and benefitted from valuable and practical peer learning. For those who couldn’t attend, we are delighted to bring you a two-part episode featuring highlights from this insightful session.

In this initial episode, Rosane Galvao, Kerry‘s Global Director of Learning & Leadership Development, shared her insights into, and experience around, digital transformation and capability building and the future of learning. She provided a compelling perspective on the mindset of the emerging Gen Z workforce and how it may differ from that of older colleagues, offering a real wake-up call for us all.

CIPD Ireland Podcast – Nuances of Budget 2024 for HR

Duration: 00:17:59

Did you catch up on the nuances of Budget 2024 for HR? Tax, USC and PRSI changes? Extended paternity leave? Increased social welfare payments that reduces costs of top-up payments for protective leave? Increased education skills supports for the labour market? Improvements to the Key Employee Engagement Programme?

CIPD Ireland Podcast – AI and the ability to navigate disruption

00:30:52

Join Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland, and Olivier Dubuisson, Co-Founder of Rythmik, in our thought-provoking podcast exploring the profound impact AI is having on our rapidly changing world of work.

Delve into the critical themes of curiosity, experimentation, and continual learning, as they emphasise the necessity of these traits in staying ahead in an AI-driven landscape.

Discover how AI is reshaping job roles and structures, fostering a culture of innovation, and expanding its influence across industries. As they navigate the terrain of AI, Mary and Olivier also tackle pressing ethical concerns, shedding light on issues of bias and privacy, and discussing the potential consequences of technology for disadvantaged groups without access.

CIPD Ireland Podcast – CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2023 highlights (part 2)

Duration: 00:24:45

Welcome to our second selection of highlights from our 2023 CIPD Ireland Annual Conference at the RDS in Dublin. We’ve chosen some insights on hybrid working and sustainability to share with you as well as a fascinating excerpt from one of our keynote speakers.

You’ll hear contributions on the show from Oliver Dubuisson, co-founder and Chairman of Rythmik who discussed the role of AI and Chat GPT, and an expert panel of speakers including An Post CEO David McRedmond, CFO of Smurfit Kappa Ken Bowles and CEO of Coillte, Imelda Hurley.

CIPD Ireland Podcast – CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2023 highlights (part 1)

Duration: 00:31:34

We are delighted to bring you our latest podcast, sharing some of the insights from our 2023 CIPD Ireland Annual Conference at the RDS on 17 May.

On this episode, hosted by Meg Dunphy, you’ll hear from special guest Minister of State Neale Richmond, our Director Mary Connaughton who outlined the findings from this year’s HR Practices in Ireland report and an extract from the keynote speech given by Christoph Bonert from the Josh Bersin Company.

If you joined us on the day, thank you for coming along and if you are hearing these contributions for the first time, we hope you find them useful. Remember you can get in touch any time via info@cipd.ie

CIPD Ireland Podcast – Attracting and retaining talent through employer branding

Duration: 00:26:51

In this month’s episode, CIPD Midwest Chair Lavinia Duggan spoke to Gillian Horan, CEO and founder of The Pudding, an expert adviser in employer brand supporting private equity groups, large-scale multinationals and SMEs in driving business growth through inside out branding.

In this podcast, we have focused on employer brand strategy and internal/external communications and activation. Join us to learn more about developing a strong employer brand but also about what steps HR professionals/business owners need to take to communicate and activate their employer brand.

CIPD Ireland Podcast – Building a work culture where women's careers thrive

Duration: 00:34:21

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, CIPD Ireland Midlands Region hosted a podcast with Breda McCague - Speaker, Emotional Intelligence Coach, Motivator, and Transformational Specialist, and Micheál Fitzpatrick - Boston Scientific's People Leader, Lecturer, and Public Speaker.

Listen to this episode where they discussed women feeling empowered in the workplace and being ‘unapologetically awesome’ as well as the value of mentoring and lots of examples of organisations taking initiative and tailoring creative solutions for their businesses.

2022

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace

Duration: 34:21

In this episode, CIPD Ireland HR Policy & Engagement Manager, Meg Dunphy, spoke to Lutfur Ali, Senior Policy Advisor Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformation at CIPD, where they discussed the main considerations for EDI in the workplace.

Key takeaways were the importance of Allyship and us all taking personal responsibility for ensuring our own behaviour and the accepted culture is one of respect and support and calling out anything less.

CIPD Ireland Podcast: Highlights of the CIPD-IRN Pay and Employment practices survey 2022

Duration: 27:03

In this month’s episode, hear CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton sharing the key findings of the CIPD-IRN Pay and Employment practices survey 2022.

Our research published in conjunction with IRN shows the fight to keep staff is contributing to pay increases as three-quarters (76%) of employers view employee retention as one of the biggest drivers of pay policy.

Hear the podcast and read the full report here.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Financial Wellbeing

Duration: 25:39

In this month’s episode, CIPD Ireland HR Policy and Engagement Manager Meg Dunphy spoke to Ian Milton, Senior Director of Work & Rewards at WTW, where they discussed the cost-of-living crisis, and trends in reward and recognition.

Hear how important financial wellbeing can be as a differentiating factor for employers wanting to support and alleviate financial distress.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Gender Pay Gap Reporting

Duration 00:35:03

CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton joined Mary Cullen, Founder/Managing Director of Insight HR, and Eoin Lyons, Communications Manager of Insight HR.

In this special episode, Mary Connaughton discussed Gender Pay Gap Reporting, the journey so far, how businesses can prepare for reporting, and key advice on how your company can help tackle the Gender Pay Gap.

Hear the podcast and take a look at this example of a Gender Pay Report from CIPD, which looks behind CIPD's gender pay gap data and our long-term commitment to closing the gap.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2022 highlights (part 2)

Duration 00:19:50

CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton introduces further highlights from our Annual Conference. We’ve included a number of ways in which equality and inclusion got addressed through the day.

Hear insights from guests including Lutfur Ali, CIPD Senior Policy Advisor, CIPD’s Chief Executive, Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of Iarnrod Eireann/Irish Rail, Jim Meade and some of our brilliant panelists from Lidl, Letsgetchecked, HiBob, and LinkedIn!

You’ll hear them discussing the challenge of driving a strategic approach to HR, concepts of digital transformation and menstrual leave, the equality-based issues you need to be aware of in your organisation and more.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2022 highlights (part 1)

Duration 00:31:20

CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton is presenting some highlights of our Annual Conference at the RDS, hosted by Colette Fitzpatrick.

This episode features an update on our HR Practices in Ireland research, an excerpt from a panel discussion featuring Chief Executive of United Hardware Paul Candon, a catch up with Professor Na Fu of TCD and an inspirational keynote presentation from former GAA President John Horan.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Current Challenges: Discussing Resourcing And Talent Management Issues

Duration 00:10:02

Within this episode CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton discusses the changing labour market in Ireland and the challenges of a tight labour market.

Mary will also share some of the related findings from the 2022 HR practices in Ireland survey with relation to skills shortages.

Find out why the “great resignation” may be a myth in the Irish market and hear what some organisations are doing to help deal with some of these issues.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Celebrating International Women's Day 2022

Duration 00:11:01

This episode was recorded in celebration of International Women’s Day 2022.

We are delighted to have in conversation Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland and Alison Hodgson, Vice President of People at Virgin Media Ireland and Chair of the CIPD Ireland Board of Directors.

For this special episode Mary and Alison discussed the changes the pandemic has brought about to the inclusion agenda, the impact it has had on women’s careers and the 2022 International Women’s Day theme Breaking the Bias.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Digital by default: the remote working model adopted by Shopify

Duration 00:28:44

Recorded in November 2021, this episode hosted by the CIPD Ireland Midlands region, looks at a case study of Shopify’s ‘digital by default’ company model.

In this episode regional committee members, Aine Clehane Talent Acquisition Specialist at Boston Scientific and Marta Kenny Human Resources Advisor at Sidero, spoke with Adrienne Kiely, Talent Development Programme Manager from Shopify about the company’s model as well as her own role and home working.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Financial wellness and how it fits into a successful employee wellness programme

Duration 00:30:52

This episode is kindly brought to you by the CIPD Ireland Midlands region.

The session was recording in December 2021 and hosted by Orlaith Martin, HR Support with Integra Lifesciences Ireland and Emma Woods HR Services Manager with Collins McNicholas Recruitment and HR Services group.

For this episode Orlaith and Emma spoke to Nick Lawlor Managing Director of Employee Financial Wellness and Director of the Wellness Crew to discuss the topic of financial wellness.

During this conversation, Nick provided a lot of practical information and advice for employers and HR Professionals about how financial wellness fits into a successful employee wellness programme.

2021

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Dell Technologies: lessons learned from remote and flexible working

Duration 00:15:45

This episode of the CIPD Ireland podcast series is brought to you by the CIPD Ireland Midwest region.

In this episode, Midwest committee member Professor Christine Cross Head of Department of Work & Employment Studies in the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick is joined by Dell Technologies Limerick HR site lead Jemma Carty to discuss what Dell have learned about remote working.

Dell Technologies have been at the forefront of remote and flexible working for many years.

Recorded during the summer of 2021, Christine and Jemma explore some of the key learnings from Dell that other organisations can benefit from, now that more are offering remote and flexible working options as a result of the pandemic.

CIPD Ireland Podcast - Understanding the impact of digital work on mental health wellbeing

Duration 00:49:48

At CIPD Ireland we listen to what our members tell us you need and respond to those needs in lots of different ways. Today’s podcast, 15 October 2021, looks at a very timely and critical topic – how to understand the impact of digital work on mental health wellbeing.

We’ve all lived and experienced the major shifts in how many of our organisations work now and as Ireland’s economy and workplaces are beginning to reopen we know it’s never been more important to consider this topic and how we are the HR and people profession can continue to support in this changing world of work.

Joining CIPD Ireland’s Jane McDonald are Jake Young, CIPD research expert and co-author of the CIPD evidence review examining the impact of digital working on mental health and wellbeing and Dr Na Fu associate professor of human resource management at Trinity Business School, TCD who will be sharing insights on digital fatigue from her work and research.

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