Leadership Roots with Mark Redmond

Daire talks to Mark about becoming President of DCU at the start of the Covid pandemic. He explains how he kept the university focussed on its mission at a time of global crisis. Daire shares his insights on building and supporting great teams, the importance of character and showing up for others. His vision for DCU graduates is that they are grounded as regards their discipline as well as being rounded as individuals without a sense of entitlement.

 

Explainer:

 “The Woodquay Campaign” drew huge public support in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s for the preservation of an important Viking settlement site rather than the construction of a new HQ for Dublin Corporation.

It’s all about knowing when to shift gears and to channel rage in this conversation with Mark Cockerill. Mark says that “AI is changing everything, every 90 days” and explains what this means for leaders and what it means for him as a leader with “… one of the fastest growing software companies in the world”.

He also explains that being a compelling storyteller is what separates leaders from managers and he gives his advice on how to manage below par performance.

 

Explainers:

“SaaS based company” means a company that provides software as a service.

“Floppy disks” are removable, magnetic storage media that were a primary way to store and transfer computer data from the 1970s to the 1990’s.

Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland, talks to Mark about harnessing self-doubt, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, showing “wise compassion” as a leader and creating space for debate by your team. She also talks about her journey to becoming a passionate advocate for inclusion and equality, how to “fill yourself back up” with self-care and an AI strategy for leaders.

It’s both a little more conversation and a little more action when Carolan Lennon talks to Mark as her leadership of Salesforce Ireland draws to a close. Caroline talks about how you stay true to your values as a leader in good times and bad, how to get people aligned around a goal, staying focussed on your north star and the plan to get you there. She also talks about the importance of sponsors and mentors on her journey, checking in with yourself to make sure you are in balance and how to remove barriers to gender equality.

 

Explainers:

“Ohana floors” are spaces in their buildings that Salesforce dedicate to community and not-for-profit/fundraising collaborations

“Examinership” is a legal process designed to help a company that is currently struggling financially but has long term viability to get back on its feet

“EMEA” stands for Europe; Middle East; Africa

Peek inside to get a flavour of upcoming episodes of this new and insightful podcast on leadership featuring Irish leaders from business, academia, sport and more.