Great Storytellers with Great Stories to Tell
SkillStacks:
Jayney Howson is one of the world’s leading voices on the future of learning and workforce transformation. As Chief Learning Officer at ServiceNow, a global leader in AI transformation, she is redefining how organisations build skills in the age of AI. ServiceNow supports over 8,000 businesses, including the majority of the Fortune 500 on their AI-powered business transformation. As the Chief Architect of ServiceNow University, Jayney leads one of the largest AI reskilling movements in the world, empowering over two million learners globally to develop the skills needed to thrive in the AI-economy. Based in London, Jayney is a writer and international keynote speaker on unlocking human potential through learning, AI transformation, and the future of work.
SkillStacks:
Des Traynor is one of the most respected tech leaders in the world and is seen as one of the pioneers of AI transformation, having re-founded Intercom from a SAAS platform to Fin, an industry leading AI-native business. As Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Intercom, Ireland’s first tech Unicorn, Des and his team scaled it to $400 million ARR business that defined the customer support software category. In November 2022, when ChatGPT launched, Des and his team led one of the most audacious platform transformations in the history of technology, launching a competing agentic AI product called Fin within 10 weeks. Fin has since defined the agentic customer support category and was acquired by Salesforce for $3.6 billion in 2026.
Des is also a respected angel investors, backing Notion, Miro, Synthesia, Manna, Tines, Coda and many more.
SkillStacks:
Margaret Heffernan is an internationally renowned author, thinker, and leadership expert. Her bestselling books include Willful Blindness, named one of the most important business books of the decade by the Financial Times, and Uncharted, which was shortlisted for the Financial Times Best Business Book Award and recognised by Bloomberg as one of the best books of 2021. A former CEO and media executive, Margaret has led technology companies in the US and produced programmes for the BBC. Her TED Talks have been viewed more than 13 million times, and she was inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame for her lasting contribution to management thinking. Today, she is Professor of Practice at the University of Bath, Lead Faculty for the Forward Institute’s Responsible Leadership Programme, and a mentor to CEOs and senior leaders around the world. In her SkillStacks, Margaret shares insights from her award-winning research, leadership experiences, and acclaimed TED Talks.
Elias Torres is a serial entrepreneur who came out of retirement to pioneer customer experience trough AI. Originally from Nicaragua, Elias co-founded of two multi-billion-euro software companies; Performable (acquired by HubSpot) and Drift (sold for €1.2B). Elias is a renowned product visionary who helped create the conversational marketing category as co-founding CTO of Drift. When ChatGPT launched, Elias was kitesurfing in Brazil. Recognising the scale of the shift, he joined OpenAI as an unpaid intern to help early adopters like the NBA, Ticketmaster, and Red Bull. From there, he founded Agency AI in 2024, having raised €32 million to help organisations scale customer success through autonomous AI agents. Agency was acquired by Klaviyo in 2026, marking Elias’ third successful exit.
Brian Halligan is one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the US. As Co-founder and Board Member of HubSpot, one of the world’s leading CRM platforms, he shares the transformative journey of embedding customer-centricity at the heart of one of the world’s most admired tech companies. Brian is the visionary who pioneered in-bound marketing and built one of the most celebrated customer-centric cultures in the world. HubSpot’s iconic Culture Code and obsession with customer delight, set new standards within the software industry around the world. Drawing from his tenure as CEO and Chairman, Brian recounts pivotal moments, including a humbling failure that led to a profound cultural shift: from customer satisfaction to customer delight. With accolades from Glassdoor, MIT, EY, and Comparably, Brian is widely recognised as one of America’s top CEOs. Brian served as HubSpot’s Chair ‘till 2025 and continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship nd tech as board member of HubSpot, a Senior Partner at Sequoia Capital and a Senior Lecturer at MIT.
Alastair Campbell is a world-renowned writer, strategist and broadcaster. He is regarded as one of the most influential communicators and of his generation, having spent decades at the heart of global decision-making. Alastair is a master strategist who reshaped British politics, rebranded a nation, and unlocked the mindset behind winning in leadership. As a key advisor to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and NATO, he helped navigate some of the most turbulent moments in modern history, including 9/11, The Good Friday Agreement and the Kosovo Conflict. Today he is an award-winning author and co-host of chart-topping podcast The Rest Is Politics that is redefining political discourse for millions across the globe. He teaches strategy, winning leadership & mindset, crisis management and communication skills.
Angela joined Harvard Business Publishing as CHRO in 2021 where she led global people, talent and culture strategy. A globally renowned thought leader on leadership development, Angela previously led HR functions at ClearMotion and Crabtree & Evelyn. Angela currently serves as CHRO of the Chronicle of Philanthropy and sits on the Alumni Board of Directors for Cornell University. She is also a member of CNBC’s Workforce Executive Council, Board Director for the T. Howard Foundation, and an advocate for the AAPI community for several nonprofits. In her SkillStacks, Angela shares stories and principles for better leadership to create better working lives.
Eddie is CEO of Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline carrying over 200 million passengers with over 3500 daily flights on 646 aircraft from 93 bases across 37 counties. Ryanair is one of the most efficient low cost, low fairs airlines in the world, operating a 96% load factor with industry-leading punctuality and reliability. Eddie joined a fledgling Ryanair in 1997 when it had just 20 aircraft, before leading HR, ground-handling, inflight retail, airport deals and the launch of Ryanair.com. Today, Eddie is pioneering the use of AI to make operations, customer service and employee productivity more efficient, resilient and scalable to achieve 300m passangers by 2034. In his SkillStack, Eddie brings us behind the scenes to share how Ryanair built a culture of cost advantage for customer benefit and in doing so transformed aviation sector and travel for hundred of millions of Europeans.
Jane Datta served as Chief Human Capital Officer at NASA, leading its people through moments of unprecedented change and monumental technological advancement. She oversaw the transition from Mission First to Mission First, People Always. Jane takes us inside mission control to reveal the leadership strategies that have propelled NASA to the forefront of space exploration. Through vivid storytelling, Jane shares how fearless leadership, rooted in trust, autonomy, and adaptability, unleashes human potential in the face of extraordinary challenges. From Mars missions, orbital telescopes, battery-powered aircraft, the world-famous space agency’s former chief human capital officer supported the teams delivering these and more.
Bertie Ahern served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 1997 to 2008, having previously held roles including Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Cabinet Minister, Government Chief Whip, and Lord Mayor of Dublin. He was a principal architect of the Northern Ireland Peace Process and played a pivotal role in securing the Good Friday Agreement. A highly regarded negotiator, he led three coalition governments and oversaw Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council, which welcomed 10 new member states into the EU. His contributions to peace and public service have earned him numerous international awards and honorary doctorates. Today, Bertie continues to support peace and reconciliation initiatives globally, sharing lessons from some of the world’s most significant negotiations.
AJ Thomas is a founder, investor and entrepreneur focused on leadership, innovation, and the future of work. She is the Founder & General Partner at Good Trouble Ventures and part of the founding team at CoFounder.AI, the first Software-as-a-Partner platform. Previously, she held leadership roles at Google X, helping some of the world’s most innovative companies navigate transformation and growth. A Forbes contributor and international key-note speaker, AJ advises startups, Fortune 100 companies, and venture-backed founders. In her SkillStack, AJ shares practical insights on AI, innovation, leadership, and building high-performing teams in a rapidly changing world.
Eoghan is Managing Director of The Communications Clinic, Ireland’s leading communications consultancy. He coaches CEOs, Cabinet Ministers, and elite sports personalities on impactful communication and leadership. A co-founder of The Communications Clinic in 2008, he has helped build it into Ireland’s number one communications business. Eoghan is an Adjunct Teaching Fellow at Trinity Business School, where he developed an executive programme in impactful communication and is a regular contributor to national media. In his SkillStack, he shares proven techniques used by exceptional communicators to build influence, clarity, and confidence.
Joanna Abeyie is a multi-award-winning social impact entrepreneur, diversity champion, and founder of Blue Moon, an inclusive executive search and diversity consultancy. Joanna founded several successful initiatives, including Elevation Networks and Shine Media, which helped thousands of people from underrepresented backgrounds access career opportunities. Joanna previously headed Creative Diversity at BBC and is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and advisor, she serves on numerous boards and committees focused on equality, social mobility, and leadership. She was awarded an MBE in 2020 for services to diversity and inclusion and is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices on inclusive leadership.
Joe Kennedy III is an American lawyer, public servant, and member of the renowned Kennedy family, known for his commitment to diplomatic collaboration, civil rights and social justice.
He served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Massachusetts and served as the U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, supporting economic development, equity and community empowerment. He is President of Citizens Energy, advancing clean energy access and social impact across the U.S. Educated at Stanford and Harvard Law, Joe brings legal, political, and global experience to his SkillStack on Collaboration Skills.
Peigín Crowley is a pioneering wellness entrepreneur with over 30 years in the global spa industry. She is the founder of luxury spa brand Ground (B Corp) and has redefined luxury wellness by designing spa experiences for some of the world’s most exclusive 5-star hotels, including the Four Seasons, Bulgari Hotel, Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah Group, Rosewood Group and Adare Manor. Her treatment experiences are deeply inclusive and are world-first for cancer patients and those with additional needs. Peigín is a visionary and is fast becoming one of the most respected architects of luxury experience in the world.
Bob Gibbs is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. As the former Head of Mission Control at NASA and a US Navy Officer, Bob has spent decades at the frontier of innovation. He has led teams through some of the most complex and high-risk missions imaginable, from diverting asteroids on a collision course with Earth to averting nuclear disaster. Bob advises Congress, the White House, and international governments on how to lead through complexity, risk, and transformation. Bob currently serves as Senior Advisor to BCG and owner of Gibbs Partners. In this SkillStack, Bob takes us behind the scenes at NASA, sharing stories and lessons from some of the agency’s most pivotal moments.
Sarah is one of Ireland’s most esteemed Communications Consultants, media contributor and former assistant editor. She currently serves as Head of Careers and a Senior Consultant with The Communications Clinic where she is the lead advisor on flagship leadership programmes for private and public sector organisations. A contributor with The Irish Times and The Journal for over 10 years, Sarah was an assistant editor at The Gloss Magazine and appears regularly on national media. In her SkillStacks, Sarah shares stories, practical techniques that find early-stage managers in the moments where the learning is needed most.
Steve Rawling is an internationally recognised storytelling strategist, author, and former BBC TV journalist. He is the creator of Storyteller Tactics, a practical storytelling toolkit used by Google, Meta, Rolls-Royce, the BBC, and hundreds of thousands of professionals worldwide. Steve helps leaders, innovators, and teams transform complex ideas into compelling stories that inspire action and engagement. A sought-after keynote speaker, he has worked with organisations across Europe to improve communication, leadership, and customer connection. In his SkillStack, Steve shares practical techniques for using storytelling to influence audiences, communicate with impact, and lead more effecitvely through storytelling.
Valerie Pierce is the creator of the Clear & Critical Thinking methodology and the author of several bestselling books, including Quick Thinking on Your Feet and Focus: The Art of Clear Thinking. An Adjunct Professor of Practice at Ashridge/Hult International Business School, she has lectured on MBA and executive education programmes internationally. With over 25 years’ corporate experience, her clients include Apple, IBM, Pfizer, KPMG, Coca-Cola, and the Central Bank of Ireland. In her SkillStack, Valerie shares practical techniques for critical thinking, problem solving, influencing, and effective decision-making.
Barbara Nugent is founder of Transilient Coaching and EQ.ie, specialising in emotional intelligence and leadership development. She has more than 30 years of business experience, including senior finance leadership roles in multinational organisations across Europe and India. A former Vice President of Finance for EMEA and India, Barbara has led global teams, major transformation programmes, and organisational change initiatives. In her SkillStack, Barbara shares practical strategies for emotional intelligence, leadership, difficult conversations, and building high-performing teams.
SkillStack:
Daragh Sheridan joined the IRFU as Head of High Performance Coach Development in 2022 after four years as High Performance Coaching Lead with High Performance Sport New Zealand. A chartered sport psychologist, he previously spent a decade with the Irish Institute of Sport, leading athlete and coach development initiatives. He holds a PhD focused on social support in sport and strategies to reduce youth athlete dropout. A UEFA-licensed coach, Daragh helped guide the Irish Paralympic Football team to European medal success in 2010. Drawing on experience as a former professional footballer, coach, psychologist, and executive coach, he helps leaders and athletes perform at their best under pressure.
Ian McClean is the founder of Flow Group, an international leadership consultancy that has helped more than 30,000 leaders across 400+ organisations in over 40 industries. For almost three decades, he has advised global brands including PepsiCo, EY, IKEA, Pfizer, Bank of Ireland, and Primark on leadership, culture, and change. He is the creator of GreenLine Conversations®, a neuroscience-based methodology that helps teams communicate, collaborate, and perform more effectively. Ian is also the host of the popular Leadership in Chaos podcast and author of the widely shared Leadership Manifesto. In his SkillStack, Ian shares practical strategies for leading through uncertainty, driving change, and building high-performing teams
Stephanie Prenderville is founder of Strategy, People & Change Consulting with extensive experience developing leadership programmes for organisations like AIB, EY and TESCO. She specialises in the intersection of people, culture, performance, and AI transformation, ensuring technology delivers meaningful business outcomes. Her expertise includes employee experience, onboarding, performance management, organisational effectiveness, and change leadership. In her SkillStacks, Stephanie shares practical frameworks for early-stage managers, improving employee experience and performance.
Neil O’Brien is a master storyteller with amazing stories to tell. He is an author, performance coach, and chartered business psychologist who helps individuals and teams achieve sustainable high performance. He has worked with executives, entrepreneurs, and elite athletes, combining insights from psychology, leadership, and sport. As founder of Time to Fly, he specialises in goal setting, motivation, resilience, and lasting behaviour change, working with oranisations such as Google, Zurich, VHI. His work focuses on helping people improve performance while maintaining wellbeing and long-term success. In his SkillStacks, Neil shares practical strategies for goal setting, sustaining motivation, building mental fitness, and performing at your best
