What lies at the root of great leadership? Mark Redmond explores the answer to this question in candid conversations with Irish leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds in sport, business, academia and beyond. Together with his guests, he explores the turning points that changed their paths; the challenges they faced, the chances they took, and the people who helped them get to the top of their chosen pursuit. Drawing on Mark's experience as a former leader in two of Ireland’s most influential business organisations and as a leadership coach at Redmond Coaching, Leadership Roots weaves practical insight with powerful personal stories offering hard-won lessons and thoughtful advice for the leaders of tomorrow in every episode.
“My purpose? Leave the jersey in a better place” with Jamie Heaslip, Partner Development Manager with Stripe; Former Rugby International
A fascinating insight into the values and ambitions of a leader who has combined a stellar international sports career with a high-impact business and tech sector journey. Jamie speaks about his mentors, his value system and how he keeps his wide range of pursuits in balance. A must listen for anyone seeking perspective on their life or unsure about their next chapter.
25 Aug 2026
“I have always been absolutely myself, in all my strengths and weaknesses” with Siobhan O’Shea, Director with Indeed
A very warm, insightful and personal contribution from one of Ireland’s most senior and experienced multinational leaders. Siobhan speaks about staying true to your values and what you believe in and describes how her values were formed from a very young age.
She draws on her extensive experience as a leader in both the U.S. and Europe in providing valued insights on topics including grabbing opportunity, having your own personal board of advisors and assessing risk.
4 Aug 2026
“It’s ok to walk through the valley of doubt, just don’t set up camp there” with Declan Bolger, CEO of the Irish Life Group
This quote from Katie Taylor is a good summary of Declan’s leadership approach. He talks about the importance of mentors, being curious and building lasting relationships on his journey to becoming CEO at Irish Life. He also shares his insights on how opportunity can come from adversity, developing and communicating the strategic path ahead and getting all in the organisation aligned behind a shared vision. And there is a bit of Crocodile Dundee and The Stone Roses in the mix!
Explainer
"Hiya hon” is a common, friendly local greeting used in County Wexford and across Ireland meaning "How are you?"
14 Jul 2026
“Fear is a great thing to keep you going and keep you showing up” with Helen Dixon, Consultant with Mason, Hayes & Curran and former Data Protection Commissioner
Helen explains to Mark how she built a team that was respected globally and how she navigated a role that was considered one of the most challenging in the global regulatory space, through a time of unprecedented change.
She seamlessly weaves her corporate and personal perspectives to provide great insights on harnessing fear to enhance performance, developing resilience, showing self-care and knowing what you are about as a leader. A fascinating insight into the demands of a global leadership role.
Explainers
“GDPR” The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in force from May 2018, governs data protection and privacy for EU citizens. It regulates how organisations collect, store, use, and manage the personal data of EU residents.
“Regulatory capture” happens when a regulatory agency, expected to act in the public interest, loses direction and advances the agenda of the special interest groups or sectors it is supposed to be regulating
23 Jun 2026
“Leading in a crisis – it’s all about communication” with Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin Bus
Billy provides a masterclass on developing strategy, embedding it in the organisation’s culture, leading through a crisis and creating a psychologically safe workplace that empowers diversity of thought. He provides actionable advice on effective delegation, managing below par performance and achieving work-life balance.
2 Jun 2026
“If there’s an opportunity in front of you.. don’t be afraid… go for it” with Jacqui McCrum, Secretary General of the Department of Defence
In this compelling episode, Jacqui speaks about her 40 year career spanning financial services, regulatory bodies and the civil service. Sharing insights that will inspire many, she speaks about experiencing gender inequality, post-natal depression and leaving a secure position to join the public service – and then rising to Secretary General level.
12 May 2026
“What being Irish means is expanding and becoming richer.” with Dr. Mamobo Ogoro, Nigerian-Irish Social Psychologist, founder and CEO of GORM
Mamobo shares her journey from childhood, where she felt she did not belong, to founding GORM, a multi-award winning social enterprise and how she brings to life her personal mission to unify the world.
21 Apr 2026
“Only you can plan and manage your career” with Bob Savage, one of Ireland’s most experienced corporate leaders.
Bob shares the insights he has gained from his many roles including as senior multinational leader, board chair and strategy advisor. He talks about the key skills of authentic leadership, his leadership formula, showing political awareness and leading with empathy.
31 Mar 2026
“They think I can do it, so maybe I can do it” with Davinia Conlan - Citi Country Officer Ireland.
Davinia talks about her journey from being “the lawyer at the table to the leader at the table”. She shares her experiences on showing up and being visible, managing the inner critic, the importance of self-care and achieving balance.
10 Mar 2026
“The goal was so etched in my mind that I had to finish” with Caitríona Jennings, Olympian, world-record breaking Ultra-runner and VP Aircraft Trading
In this frank and inspiring conversation, Caitríona talks to Mark about running the marathon at the 2012 Olympics, breaking the 100 mile record and how she juggles her career as a senior executive in aircraft trading with her elite athletics career. She also talks about how to know when you should back yourself and when you should seek help as well as setting and achieving goals.
24 Feb 2026
“Leadership is a disposition and attitude, not just a role” with Prof. Daire Keogh, President of Dublin City University
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.
10 Feb 2026
“You have to have enough knowledge to be dangerous” with Mark Cockerill, Senior Vice-President, ServiceNow and Head of ServiceNow Ireland.
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.
27 Jan 2026
“The most successful people ask for help” with Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland
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.
13 Jan 2026
“We can change things, take decisions, take action” with Carolan Lennon, outgoing Country Leader at Salesforce Ireland
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
9 Jan 2026
A Flavour of Leadership Roots
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.
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