Boyden Ireland welcomed rugby legend Ronan O’Gara to a Boyden Assembly event in Dublin, headlining a masterclass in leadership with the theme “thriving through transition.”
At the Boyden Ireland Assembly on October 8, co-hosted with UCD Smurfit Executive Education, over 250 C-suite executives, chairs, and non-executive directors gathered for an unforgettable evening centered around the theme of thriving through transition. The event was headlined by Irish rugby legend and La Rochelle Head Coach, Ronan O’Gara, who brought his unique perspectives on leadership, resilience, and success to a captivated audience.
The Boyden Assembly, an event characterized by an innovative blend of inspiration and reflection, was the brainchild of Nick Robeson, Managing Partner of Boyden UK & Ireland. Building on the resounding success of this year’s UK event in London, the Irish team crafted a similarly dynamic and thought-provoking experience.
The evening began with a reception, where a harpist set an elegant tone. Tim Wray, Director of Executive Development at UCD Smurfit, warmly welcomed the attendees before Alan Finnegan, a Partner at Boyden Ireland, discussed how the theme of transition applies to business leaders and their professional lives. The audience was then treated to an inspiring address by Susan O’Dwyer, CEO of Make-A-Wish Ireland, Boyden’s chosen charity partner, who shared a touching story about O’Gara’s role in fulfilling a special wish for a young boy.
Leadership Inspiration from a Rugby Legend
The highlight of the evening was a dynamic conversation between O’Gara and Professor Joe Peppard, Academic Director at UCD Smurfit. In a candid and insightful interview, O’Gara delved into his experiences both on and off the field, sharing leadership lessons from his journey as one of Ireland’s most celebrated rugby players and current role as a highly respected coach. His transition from player to coach, a seamless yet challenging evolution, provided profound insights that resonated with the executives in the room.
“Before you get the player, you have to get the person,” O’Gara remarked, emphasizing the importance of connection, trust, and care in leadership. His philosophy that “care trumps strategy” struck a chord with the audience, who were reminded that success, whether in sport or business, is built on genuine human connection. “Do you really care for your people, and how do you show it?” O’Gara asked, encouraging leaders to reflect on how they engage with and support their teams.
Empowering People to Thrive
O’Gara’s leadership journey—from playing in Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam victory to guiding La Rochelle to European Cup glory in 2022 and 2023—parallels the transitions many executives face in their careers. Through his conversation with Peppard, it became clear that adaptability, resilience, and continuous personal growth are crucial to thriving through any transition.
A standout moment of the evening came when O’Gara presented a signed rugby ball to Susan O’Dwyer for an upcoming Make-A-Wish charity event, underscoring the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. It was a fitting reminder that, even amidst the pursuit of excellence, leaders have a responsibility to create positive impacts.
In his closing remarks, Kevin Keegan, a Partner at Boyden Ireland, encapsulated the evening’s themes: “Ronan’s message of self-reflection, connection, and care is a powerful reminder that great leadership is about more than strategy. It’s about creating environments where people are empowered to thrive—both personally and professionally.”
“Care trumps strategy. I would believe that.”
Ronan O’Gara on leadership
The Boyden Ireland Assembly succeeded not only in delivering valuable leadership insights but also in fostering meaningful connections among some of the country’s top executives. It was a masterclass in leadership, transitions, and the importance of creating environments where people can truly excel. As O’Gara poignantly said, “Care trumps strategy.” This sentiment resonated deeply at the event, reminding all of us that leadership is, at its core, about people. Attendees left inspired and equipped to take on their own challenges with renewed purpose and energy.
