In this solo episode, I explore one of the biggest barriers to leadership and team performance: avoiding tough conversations. The truth is, the biggest problem in communication is often the illusion that it is happening. When difficult conversations are handled poorly, or not at all, we see misunderstandings, low morale, stalled innovation, and a breakdown of trust. I share insights from psychology and neuroscience on why people shut down or get defensive under stress, and how leaders can shift conversations from threat to trust. We look at the difference between healthy debate and destructive conflict, and why creating psychological safety is the foundation of open dialogue and collaboration.

Why do some leaders inspire action, while others struggle to get their message across? In this solo episode, Mark O’Reilly unpacks the real reason: stories beat stats every time. Drawing from the science of memory, the psychology of influence, and years of hands-on experience, Mark explores why even the best ideas get lost in translation unless they’re wrapped in a compelling narrative. He breaks down: The What–So What–Now What framework: a simple way to structure your message so it actually lands How to use presence—voice, body language, and energy—to become instantly more engaging The pitfalls of jargon, data-dumping, and assuming you’ve been understood How the “Hero’s Journey” applies to everyday leadership (and customer conversations) Using SCARF and the STATE model to handle resistance, objections, and tough conversations Practical ways to hook any audience—whether you’re presenting to your team, your board, or that one stakeholder who never listens If you want to influence, not just inform, this episode will help you rethink the way you communicate—so your ideas actually make an impact.

Today on Lead Well, I’m joined by Barbara Louise Brennan a seasoned mental health advocate, trainer, speaker, and consultant who has spent close to two decades leading the charge on stigma reduction and inclusion across Ireland. Barbara has led Ireland’s national programme to reduce mental health-related stigma, worked with major organisations like An Post, Boots, IBEC, and the HSE, and lectured in leading universities including Trinity, UCC, Maynooth, and DCU. She’s also the founder of Mentis One—a platform focused on helping companies move beyond one-off wellbeing initiatives and embed meaningful, lasting cultural change. In today’s conversation, we’re going to explore the current state of workplace mental health and the gap that inspired Barbara's entrepreneurial journey. We also dive into Barbara's lived experience with mental health, having been a suicide survivor herself, she delves into the daily non negotiables for managing our mental health.

In this short episode, I explore stress tolerance as a critical skill for leaders navigating the pressures of modern work. With nearly 60% of employees reporting they feel stressed most of the time, the cost of ignoring stress in leadership is rising. But this isn’t about pushing through or waiting for the next break. I unpack why expanding your Window of Tolerance—a concept from Dr. Dan Siegel—is key to staying composed, thinking clearly, and leading effectively under pressure. We also dig into simple, practical ways to build stress tolerance through goal setting, daily planning, and visualisation—tools that sharpen focus, reduce overwhelm, and keep you grounded in purpose.

In this first episode of The Leadership Paradox series, I introduce the core idea: why today’s most effective leaders are increasingly at risk of burnout — and why achieving both high performance and personal wellbeing is not a given, it’s a skillset. I’ll share why I believe this is one of the most urgent leadership challenges of our time, based on research and what I see in boardrooms, coaching conversations, and leadership teams. We’ll explore the key tension at the heart of the paradox: the more trusted, capable, and high-performing you become, the greater the risk to your own energy, clarity, and wellbeing — unless you consciously develop new habits and skills. And I’ll outline the roadmap for this series: the core skills transformational leaders need to master to thrive sustainably — not just perform, but grow and stay well while leading. If you’re a leader who wants to scale your impact without sacrificing yourself in the process, this series is for you.

Today on the Lead Well podcast my guest is David Crimmins, a seasoned leader with a deep track record in health-tech, scaling businesses, and securing investment for high-growth companies. As the former CEO of WebDoctor—now Medihive—David led the company through two major investment rounds, growing its valuation to over €60 million and strengthening its position in the digital healthcare space. Before that, he was a key player in the success of GloHealth, helping to build one of Ireland’s most innovative health insurance providers. His leadership journey also includes earlier roles at Tesco and Citibank, where he honed his skills in marketing, sales, and commercial strategy. In this conversation, we’re diving into what it takes to scale a business, make tough leadership decisions, and stay resilient under pressure. We’ll talk about: The biggest lessons David learned transitioning into the CEO role. How to balance growth and culture while leading in a high-stakes industry. His personal strategies for handling pressure, maintaining focus, and leading through uncertainty. Whether you’re a CEO, an aspiring leader, or just interested in how high-growth businesses succeed, there’s a lot to take away from this conversation.

Today, on the Lead Well podcast I am joined by Professor Maura McAdam, a globally recognised expert on entrepreneurship, gender, and leadership. Maura is a Professor of Management at Dublin City University (DCU) and Director of Entrepreneurship at the university. She has spent her career challenging traditional narratives around entrepreneurship, examining how gender, identity, and power dynamics shape access to funding, networks, and leadership opportunities. Her research has covered everything from women’s entrepreneurship and venture accelerators to business model innovation and entrepreneurial identity. Maura has been named among the top 2% of global researchers for impact and is a sought-after voice on how we need to redefine success in leadership and business. In today’s conversation, we’ll explore: The myth of the ‘underperforming female entrepreneur’—why the real issue isn’t capability, but systemic bias. How start-up culture and venture accelerators reward a narrow, hyper-competitive leadership style—excluding those who don’t fit the mould. Why success in entrepreneurship shouldn’t always be measured by rapid scaling and aggressive growth. How leaders can sustain high performance without burning out. If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone who wants to challenge outdated leadership models, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Lead Well Podcast, I’m joined by Fredericka Sheppard, co-founder and Managing Director of Voltedge Management, to discuss her journey as a leader and entrepreneur. Fredericka shares the challenges and lessons she’s learned while building her business and navigating the evolving landscape of leadership and HR. We explore how HR must evolve to meet the challenges of modern leadership, the role of empowerment in high performing teams and what it takes to unlock people potential in today’s workplace. Packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and growth, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and HR professionals alike. To find out more about Fredericka and Voltedge https://www.voltedge.ie/

Today, I’m joined by Nick Charalambous, Managing Director of Alpha Wealth and a leader with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. From his early days in investment banking to founding and growing a thriving advisory firm, Nick has consistently demonstrated resilience, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to empowering his clients. In this episode, we’ll explore Nick’s leadership journey—his approach to managing performance under pressure, how he maintains a healthy work-life balance, and the strategies he uses to lead his team effectively in a high-stakes industry. We’ll also touch on some practical financial advice for business founders and leaders. To find out more about Nick and Alpha Wealth go to https://alphawealth.ie/

In today’s episode of the Lead Well podcast, I’m excited to be joined by Emma Kennedy, the founder and CEO of Grafter, a company transforming the way we work. Founded in 2021, Grafter offers high-end office solutions that include private offices, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms in Ireland and the UK. In this episode, we dive deep into Emma’s entrepreneurial journey, exploring how she launched and scaled Grafter amidst the challenges of a pandemic and her vision for the future of flexible workspaces. We’ll talk about the essential elements of leadership and adaptability, her unique approach to balancing business growth with personal demands, and how Grafter is setting new standards in creating a true “home away from home” experience for its members. Whether you’re interested in the future of work, entrepreneurship, or leadership insights, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. To learn more about Emma and the team at Grafter visit https://www.grafterhouse.com/

In the latest episode of the Lead Well Podcast, I sit down with Andy Kenny, co-founder of Misneach Ukraine, an organisation that’s making a real difference in the lives of those impacted by the war in Ukraine. Andy’s journey from personal trainer and gym owner to humanitarian leader is truly remarkable, and today we explore the motivations, challenges, and success behind his work. Tune in as we discuss what led Andy to create Misneach Ukraine, the invaluable support the organisation provides on the ground, and the pivotal role the Irish community has played in backing this mission. We also dive into the personal moments that have shaped Andy as a leader, his reflections on resilience, and what the future holds for both him and Misneach Ukraine. Whether you're interested in leadership, humanitarian work, or simply want to hear a story of incredible transformation, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and moved. See more of Andy and the teams work at https://www.misneachukraine.com/

On this weeks Lead Well podcast I am joined by Jonathan Logue. After over a decade at LinkedIn as a Senior Director of Talent Development, Jonathan left earlier this year and founded Logue&Co, a HR advisory and coaching company. We will be discussing his transition back to entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned while working with senior leaders in one of worlds largest organisations and his own insights on the future of leadership and talent development. To find out more about Jonathan and his work click the link https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlogue/

On this week's Lead Well podcast I sat down with Jane Asple, founder of Emma by Jane. Emma by Jane is known for creating high-quality, well-priced luxury jewellery and leather handbags. The brand has gained significant recognition, with features in British Vogue in recent years. Jane and I discuss creating balance in the key areas of your life to benefit your business, how to boost your self-belief and the skill of taking brave and calculated risks in business. Jane initially secured an investment on the TV show Dragons' Den but ultimately decided to go it alone, self-funding the business. We discuss the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and her unique approach to leadership and creativity. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. To learn more about Jane and her business visit: www.emmabyjane.com

5 key lessons from season one of the Lead Well Podcast. This episode is a practical guide to building self-belief, whether you are a business founder, manager or just looking to take on that next challenge.

This week on the Lead Well podcast I am joined by Daniel Davey of daveynutrition. Daniel is an author, founder and coach and has previously worked as the performance nutritionist to both Leinster Rugby and Dublin Football. We discuss a range of topics relevant to both business and life. Daniel shares his approach on how he brings his team together around a shared vision and what he learned in this regard from his time in high performance environments. Daniel also speaks candidly about the importance of clarity around his own goals and the process he has built to achieve these goals. We unpack managing perfectionist tendencies, challenging that inner critic and much more. If you want to know more about Daniel and his work check out: https://www.daveynutrition.com/

On this weeks Lead Well podcast I am joined by Amy O’Flaherty and Fergus Kerrigan. Amy and Fergus are the founders of Ethos and Tru Health. Both hail from corporate backgrounds, with Amy from Dublin and Fergus from Galway. Their journey into wellness began after experiencing significant health issues related to stress and their demanding corporate careers. Their personal health matters motivated them to explore natural remedies, leading them to discover the benefits of CBD and other natural supplements. This exploration inspired them to leave their corporate jobs and start Ethos in 2020. They focused on creating functional health products, including CBD oils, supplements, teas, and balms, all designed to support stress management, gut health, and overall well-being. Their products are now stocked in over 300 stores across Ireland, the UK, Spain, and Malta, making Ethos one of the fastest-growing wellness brands in Ireland. This journey has led to the birth of a new business Tru Health. Tru Health is an advanced clinic reshaping how we think about and create health. On today's episode Amy and Fergus share their founders journey to date, including the initial steps they took to bring their business idea to life and the significant challenges they faced and how they overcame them. To find out more about Amy and Fergus check out Truhealth.co

In the latest Lead Well podcast episode, Nick Lawlor, founder of Employee Financial Wellness (EFW), recounts his entrepreneurial journey from establishing Lawlor Financial Planning in 2011 during Ireland's financial crisis to the recent acquisition of EFW by UK-based Wealth at Work. Nick started his career helping individuals navigate financial turmoil, recognising the profound connection between financial stress and mental health. This experience inspired him to co-found a division at New Beginnings in 2014, focused on providing financial advice. Realising the need for proactive financial education, Nick launched EFW in 2017 to empower employees with the tools for financial planning and well-being. His dedication was underscored by completing a master's degree in workplace wellness, which has helped position EFW as a leader in Ireland's emerging financial wellness sector. Nick's vision, accelerated by the Wealth at Work partnership, aims to address the cost of living crisis and enhance employee support through comprehensive financial education programs. To learn more about Nick and EFW check out https://employeefinancialwellness.ie/

On this week's Lead Well Podcast, I welcome Mark Donnelly, founder, public speaker and mental health advocate. Mark is the founder of HUH Clothing, a mental health and well-being clothing brand based in Ireland, founded in 2020. After personal experiences with OCD, anxiety, and self-confidence issues, Mark combined his passion for mental health advocacy and business to create a brand that facilitates conversations around mental health through fashion. Mark shares candidly why he started his business, aiming not only to be a success in the fashion industry but also to advocate for mental wellness. He opens up about his own battles with mental health challenges, providing insights into how he has managed these struggles while steering a successful company. Mark also provides tips on how we can remain happy in the present, while also having big ambitions for the future. Join us for another episode where we delve into the intersection of entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal well-being. Check Mark and HUH Clothing out - https://huhclothing.com/

On this week's Lead Well Podcast, I welcome Dave McHugh Founder of Line Up Sports. Dave's career has taken him on an incredible journey and he is now seen as one of the leaders in Ireland in professional athlete management. Dave has been surrounded by high performing athletes on a daily basis from Rob Kearney and Annalise Murphy to Gary and Paul O'Donovan and Kellie Harrington. Dave shares key insights into how we can take control of our situation regardless of the circumstances and perform at a high level in work while still prioritising the things that matter most to us. Dave and I also discuss how reflection and allowing yourself to disconnect from technology helps you reset, reassess and focus. From a leadership standpoint Dave speaks to how vital it is to understand the importance of developing your process, making sure that you are doing the simple things well on a consistent basis. Find out more about David and LineUp Sports at: Website: lineupsports.ie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lineup-sports/

This week on the podcast I sit down with Thorbjorg Helga (Tobba) Vigfusdottir, the founder and CEO of Kara Connect, an industry leading workplace mental health solution. Discover the story behind her journey from a cognitive psychologist and city councillor to becoming a tech entrepreneur who's making significant strides in connecting therapy specialists with those in need. Tobba shares her insights on overcoming geographical and logistical barriers in healthcare, the future of digital health, and how her innovations are empowering professionals and patients alike. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, technology, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with inspiration and forward-thinking ideas that are shaping the future of telepractice. Tune in to learn how Tobba is not just navigating but also creating pathways in the digital transformation of health and educational services.