Over 500 business leaders gathered at the Aviva Stadium yesterday for the IoD Ireland flagship conference, Leading in Governance 2025. The Conference featured a range of dynamic speakers and governance focused panel discussions. It was moderated by Áine Kerr, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Chair of the Board, Rethink Ireland.
Welcome and Purpose
The conference brought together experienced boardroom leaders to explore competitiveness and address the latest trends and challenges facing organisations, business leaders, and boards today.
The event opened with a warm introduction from MC Áine Kerr, entrepreneur, broadcaster, and Chair of the Board at Rethink Ireland. Áine set the tone for the day, emphasising the importance of leadership in navigating complexity and change.
Helen Nolan, President of IoD Ireland, followed with a welcome address. In her address, Helen outlined how the main aims of the conference are to provide leading insight and expertise to the over 500 directors and members in the room, as well as providing a key networking opportunity. She also recognised the importance for directors to continually develop their skills and embrace innovative technologies and practices in order to stay ahead in today's dynamic business landscape.
Navigating Geopolitical and Domestic Competition
The first panel, Governance in a Divided World: Navigating Geopolitical and Domestic Competition, featured a powerhouse lineup including Feargal O’Rourke, Chair, IDA Ireland; Dr. Frances Ruane, Chair, National Competitiveness & Productivity Council and Rachael Ingle, CEO Aon Ireland / Chair, NTMA. The session was moderated by MC Áine Kerr, entrepreneur, broadcaster, and Chair of the Board at Rethink Ireland.
The discussion reflected on shifting global dynamics, including a year on from the US elections, and considered how organisations can build effective mitigation and scenario plans in an increasingly uncertain environment.
Fireside Chat: Innovation Meets Regulation
Attendees were then treated to an inspiring fireside chat with Dr. Alison Darcy, Founder & President of Woebot Health. In Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Lessons from the Woebot Story, Alison shared first-hand insights into leading one of the most high-profile ventures in AI and mental health. The conversation addressed how to balance innovation and regulation, with shared insights from the Woebot Story.
Competitiveness in the Age of AI and Sustainability
Our second panel, Competitiveness in the Age of AI and Sustainability: Governance for the Future, brought together experts, Rosheen McGuckian, CEO, NTR; Dr. Helen McBreen, Partner, Atlantic Bridge and Peter O’Neill, Corporate Partner, Fieldfisher Ireland. The session was moderated by MC Áine Kerr, entrepreneur, broadcaster, and Chair of the Board at Rethink Ireland.
The panel explored how the boardroom of the future must evolve to govern responsibly while maintaining competitive edge.
Our MC for the day Áine Kerr, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Chair of the Board, Rethink Ireland, wrapped up the conference by thanking attendees for their engagement and summarising the key points of the day.
Networking and Key Member Benefit
The evening concluded with networking allowing members and directors to connect and reengage with contacts, and share insights and learnings from the Conference. Leading in Governance was a must-attend event for members, and offered the opportunity to expand knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen success in governance.
The Leading in Governance Conference 2025 was sponsored by Fieldfisher Ireland LLP and OnBoard. Thank you to colleagues at Fieldfisher Ireland, Orlagh Colman, Marketing Director and Rachel Ginty, Marketing Manager, for their support. Thank you to Natalie Donaire, Marketing Director, OnBoard for her support.
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