Leadership and Governance Insights with Brid Horan CDir

Leadership Lessons from the Boardroom

Directors and business leaders gathered for the latest IoD Ireland event featuring Chair and Non-Executive Director, Brid Horan CDir yesterday on Thursday, 10th September at the Marker Hotel, Dublin 2. Held in-conversation with Dr Terry McWade CDir, IoD Ireland Council Member. The event explored governance trends, leadership challenges and boardroom priorities shaping the future of Irish companies. The session also included an address from Caroline Kinsella, Board and Member Services Director, IoD Ireland. 

Drawing on more than three decades of executive and non-executive leadership experience, Brid reflected on the influences and experiences that shaped her leadership approach and governance perspective throughout her career. She is currently Chair of Nephin Energy Ltd and Non-executive Director of PM Group and Insurance Ireland. Brid was formerly Deputy Chief Executive of ESB, Chancellor Dublin City University and Chair of the Irish Cancer Society. She also held previous non-executive roles including with IDA Ireland, FBD Holdings plc, and the National Pension Reserve Fund. Brid played a key role in promoting gender balance in business leadership as co-founder of 30% Club in Ireland and inaugural Co-Chair of Balance for Better Business, the independent, government-established review group in Ireland focused on improving gender balance on corporate boards and in senior leadership. 

Key Takeaways for Directors from the Lunch Bites Series Event

• Diversity strengthens governance, bringing broader perspectives and improving boardroom decision-making. It was also stressed that it was not just about having a diverse board, but also ensuring the full value of the diversity of the board is utilised by hearing their insight and expertise in key decisions. 
• The role of the Chair is pivotal. The Chair plays a key role in overseeing board dynamics, fostering effective governance, and maintaining strategic focus. They also have a important role in fostering organisational culture. 
• Board effectiveness is rooted in culture, communication and strong relationships, not simply structures and processes. It is key for directors to be mindful of this when providing oversight on a board. 
• Directors must create time for future-focused thinking, particularly in relation to AI, technological disruptions and emerging strategic risks. Members were reminded to take full advantage of the resources and supports on the IoD Ireland website to support this development. 
• Charity Governance: Directors and members were encouraged to support charities and consider looking at joining a charity board. The IoD Ireland Charity Governance workshop was discussed as a support resource to members. 

Audience Engagement and Director Networking

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to explore key themes in greater depth and exchange perspectives with industry peers. IoD Ireland members were reminded of the ongoing supports and resources available to them as members, including the AI Governance Toolkit, the suite of workshops, and the ongoing series of thought leadership content and director-focused insights.

The session closed with an invitation for attendees to continue the conversation through networking, providing an opportunity to share perspectives, deepen connections, and reflect on the key insights from the discussion.

IoD Ireland extends its thanks to Diligent for their partnership in delivering this event. For more information on upcoming events visit the IoD Ireland website.