IMI National Leadership Conference to spotlight role of leadership in harnessing potential of AI and driving innovation

The Irish Management Institute (IMI) has today launched the National Leadership Conference 2023 with former Twitter EMEA boss, Bruce Daisley, and former Irish Rugby Captain and Head Coach at La Rochelle, Ronan O’Gara, among the keynote speakers to take the stage at the 70th annual conference.

With AI fundamentally reshaping the nature of work and business, speakers will offer insights on how senior leaders can effectively incorporate AI in their business strategy and harness its powerful productivity gains. Bruce Daisley and Deborah Threadgold, General Manager at IBM Ireland will be among those to speak about how leaders can navigate the disruption caused by AI and the rapid pace of innovation.

Former Irish Rugby Captain and Head Coach at La Rochelle, Ronan O’Gara, is to address the 2023 IMI National Leadership Conference on the critical role of leadership in driving organisational high-performance.

The National Leadership Conference will be held on Thursday, October 12 at IMI’s Sandyford campus. First held 70 years ago, the 2023 event will focus on the themes of Learn, Innovate, and Lead in the context of a dynamic business environment and how business leaders can maintain competitiveness and position their organisation for continued growth and success.

The event will also feature contributions from David McRedmond, CEO of An Post and Fiona Gallagher, CEO of Wells Fargo Bank International.

Commenting on the event launch, Shane O’Sullivan, interim CEO of the IMI, said: “While economic growth in Ireland remains strong, business leaders today are faced with a growing set of challenges including rising costs and an exceptionally tight labour market. With the challenges associated with rising costs and an economy at full employment, and the opportunities presented by AI and new ways of thinking, leaders can play a pivotal role in transforming their organisation for the better. The National Leadership Conference is an important forum for CEOs and business leaders from every sector to listen, learn and share experiences of how best to navigate change and position their organisation for success.

“Celebrating 70 years since its first edition, we’re proud to build on the distinguished history of IMI’s flagship conference to deliver an impressive speaker line-up of domestic and international business leaders for the 2023 conference. Our speakers will share pivotal insights in the areas of Executive Learning, Leadership, and Innovation and the practical steps business leaders can take to drive continued growth and success in their organisations.”

Ronan O’Gara, Head Coach at La Rochelle, commented: “I’m delighted to join industry pioneers across Ireland to share my leadership insights at this year’s National Leadership Conference. The National Leadership Conference is an important platform to share key learnings and practical advice that can support leaders to better position their organisations for success. Across every workplace, new technologies and innovation are changing the nature of work. From sport to business, strong leadership will be critical in ensuring that organisations harness the benefits of this transformation and continue to drive high performance.”

Established in 1952, IMI focuses on enhancing the practice of leadership in Ireland and is a centre of excellence for management education. In partnership with UCC, IMI supports Irish-based organisations across all industry sectors in developing their management and leadership talent.

For further information on the National Leadership Conference visit: