Listen to episodes from our CIPD Ireland Podcast Series on a range of topical workplace, HR and L&D issues
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
In this episode, host Meg Dunphy and guest Neil Mullarkey explore why modern leaders must stay agile, listen deeply and adapt their communication in a world defined by rapid change and evolving expectations. Drawing on improv principles, they discuss the human skills that underpin effective leadership in 2026 and beyond.
In this episode of the CIPD in Ireland Podcast, host Meg Dunphy continues the series The Future-Ready People Professional, exploring what it takes for HR to lead in a world of continuous organisational transformation. Organisations are no longer navigating change in discrete episodes; transformation is constant, complex, and multi-layered. HR is expected to shape strategy, design operating models, develop leadership, and build adaptive cultures, ensuring people remain at the heart of every change.
Meg is joined by Zoë Cannings, Senior Director of Business Value and Transformation at Oracle, to discuss HR as a strategic transformation architect. They explore how HR can influence organisational change, build capability for sustained transformation, embed employee experience, and harness insight because in transformation, data is king.
Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration for HR professionals who want to drive and shape the future of work through organisational transformation.
The Future Ready People Professional is a new CIPD in Ireland podcast series designed to support HR and people professionals to build confidence, relevance and impact in a fast‑changing world of work. In this first episode, guests Katie Sloan, HR Business Partner, Intel and James Ryan, CEO, WorkMatters join host Meg Dunphy to explore AI and technology – cutting through the hype to focus on what people professionals really need to understand. From AI literacy and ethics to governance, skills and decision‑making, our expert guests share practical insights on how HR can play a critical role in shaping fair, responsible and effective use of AI in organisations. Whether you’re early in your career or operating at a strategic level, this episode will help you ask better questions, engage confidently with leaders and technology partners and prepare for what’s next.
Five years into hybrid working, organisations are still refining what works best. Join Meg Dunphy in conversation with Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise, as they share insights and thought leadership on the evolving world of work. They explore what’s really happening in organisations, what we’ve learned, and what HR leaders should watch for, from the role of AI, digital tools, and software, to culture, collaboration, and productivity. Drawing on his extensive experience in organisational consulting, research, and advisory work, Peter challenges us to rethink how work gets done. The hybrid experiment is ongoing, and while we’re still learning its full impact, each insight brings us closer to understanding what works best.
Far from being an HR silo, learning is the strategic lever that unlocks resilience, retention, and reinvention. As organisations grapple with skills shortages, the rise of AI, cultural change, and the urgent need for talent retention and succession planning, learning has moved centre stage. This episode creates a buzz around learning by showing its direct business impact and sparking new ways to think about its role in transformation. Host Meg Dunphy opens the conversation with Linda Waters, Senior Employer Solutions Manager, CIPD, Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig, Founder and CEO, SkillStack and Michelle McShortall, Advisory Services Manager, Intuition to bring clarity and energy to the big questions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
In this episode we share highlights from the annual CIPD Ireland Wellbeing Conference, including:
Explore innovative ways to enhance employee wellbeing and listen now.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join with us in championing better work and working lives across Ireland
As entry-level hiring contracts and AI reshapes junior work, could organisations be sleepwalking into a future capability crisis? And if so, how can employers redesign roles and pathways without undermining talent pipelines, innovation and long-term capability?
Listen to episodes of HR People Pod, the CIPD’s fortnightly podcast providing expert insights from HR leaders discussing the topical issues impacting the world of work.
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As distractions multiply and cognitive load intensifies, even well-designed training can fail to translate into improved performance. So what really determines whether learning sticks? How can organisations create the conditions that enable learning to be applied, sustained and embedded in everyday work.
In a tight labour market, how can people professionals build trusted pathways that grow talent from within and strengthen resilience. Is internal mobility being overlooked as a powerful way to close skills gaps?