UCD Business Impact

10 June 2026 - BComm alumnus Larry McGrath shares his journey from a career in investment analysis to moving to one of the companies he assessed, where he could see science and innovation in real time and have a positive impact on people’s lives. A fascination with healthcare led Larry to steer investor relations at CVS Health, which includes a portfolio that ranges from stores to health insurance to in-home healthcare delivery.
He reveals how turning strategic insights into numbers and strong communication skills can transform an industry facing infinite demand, and outlines the skills today’s business students need to lead the future of healthcare finance.
With nearly one-fifth of the US economy in healthcare, Larry discusses if, and how, the industry can keep growing.

Ashley McDonnell | CEO of VYKO, Ireland’s First Luxury Group
4 June 2026 - What does it take to scale Irish heritage into a global luxury powerhouse?
UCD CEMS Masters in Management alumna Ashley McDonnell built an elite career with LVMH, Dior and Puig before returning home to found VYKO, Ireland’s first luxury group. In this conversation, she breaks down how she is applying international brand strategy to elevate local design, bridge the gap between emotional desirability and commercial viability, and capture the global luxury traveller market.
Listen now to discover how Ireland is redefining its position in the premium global marketplace.

Why did the world’s most sophisticated risk managers miss the warning signs of a multi-billion dollar commodity shock? Professor of Finance, Valerio Poti joins us to dissect the abrupt end of market calm following the escalation in the Middle East.

Is the aviation industry prepared for potentially the greatest oil shock in history? As jet fuel costs soar amid geopolitical conflict, former GECAS CEO Norm Liu joins us to analyze the resilience of aircraft leasing. We explore why regional risk assessment and airline consolidation are now critical survival strategies. Beyond the hangar, Liu discusses the urgent energy demands of AI and why he is interested in the energy transition, in particular nuclear, as an option as the next frontier for infrastructure finance. For students and professionals alike, this is a masterclass in navigating a global economy in flux.
Listen now for a definitive look at the future of flight and finance.

In this episode, we step into the world of the elite global business programme, the CEMS Master in International Management at UCD Smurfit School. As Ireland’s only member of this prestigious 33-school global alliance, the programme is consistently top-ranked by the Financial Times. Each year, the multilingual cohort of 15+ nationalities takes a deep dive into modules around global leadership, strategy, and management consulting. From intensive international exchanges to a powerful alumni network, the programme transforms high-achieving students into fluent, future-ready leaders. Tune in to see how CEMS opens doors to opportunities that simply don't exist anywhere else.