Talent Summit Galway 2025

Embracing Disruption

With a backdrop of economic uncertainty and geopolitical unrest the ability to adapt and thrive has never been more crucial as workplaces battle change fatigue. For organisations to succeed in today’s landscape, nurturing an agile culture is paramount and HR is key in its implementation. Join us at Talent Summit as we Embrace Disruption and equip your organisation with the tools to not just survive but thrive in an era of disruption.

From Change Fatigue to Change Readiness: Providing HR leaders and attendees with a science-backed framework that combines growth mindset and neuroscience to support them in influencing leaders and management and re-energising change within their organisations.
Embracing Innovation: Leveraging AI and HR technology to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
Embracing Skills: Learn how to build organisations that embrace skills as the foundation for future success.
Embracing High Performance: What does it take to perform at the highest level—consistently, under pressure, and with unwavering focus?

Join us at Talent Summit for a day of powerful content, discussion and debate as we explore the HR trends shaping today’s working world.

2025 Speakers

Sue Gannon

Fractional Chief People Officer,
Platform94
Martin Brady

Performance Coach and
Former Irish Army Sniper & Sergeant
Audrey Bleach

Senior Engagement & Operations Leader (People & Culture),
Cisco
Chris O'Donovan

HR Director,
Shannon Airport Group
Shane Gray

Chief Operating Officer,
Glyde Talent
Claudia Lyons

Recruitment Manager,
Sigmar Recruitment
Christine McCabe

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Coordinator for Atlantic Technological University
Rossa Mullally

Director,
Sigmar Recruitment
Laura Gray

HR Business Partner,
Merit Medical
Orla Keady-Giblin

HR Director,
Boston Scientific
Aoife Newton

Director and Head of Employment and Immigration Law, KPMG Ireland
Sarah Hayes

Associate Director,
Sigmar Recruitment

Agenda

9.00 am: Registration & Networking
Teas, coffees, pastries

9.30 am Welcome
Claudia Lyons, Regional Manager, Sigmar Recruitment

09.45am From Change Fatigue to Change Readiness: The Neuroscience of Leading Through Disruption

Disruption is no longer an exception — it’s the norm. Yet many organisations are caught in a cycle of change fatigue, leaving people drained and disengaged. Providing HR leaders and attendees with a science-backed framework that combines growth mindset and neuroscience will support them to influence leaders and management and re-energise change within their organisations.

The brain processes uncertainty in a very particular way for most people and this is why disruption often triggers resistance. More importantly, having practical strategies to help leaders and teams shift from resistance to readiness, builds the adaptability and resilience needed to thrive in disruptive times.

Speaker: Sue Gannon, Fractional Chief People Officer at Platform94

10.00am Embracing Culture and Engagement

Nurturing an environment where agility and innovation can thrive.

Panel:
• Audrey Bleach, Senior Engagement & Operations Leader (People & Culture) at Cisco
• Chris O’ Donovan, HR Director at The Shannon Airport Group
• Orla Keady-Giblin, HR Director at Boston Scientific
• Rossa Mullally, Director, Sigmar Recruitment (Moderator)

10.45 am Pay Transparency in 2025

As the regulatory landscape for pay transparency in Ireland continues to evolve, businesses must prepare for a significant expansion of reporting obligations. This session will provide a crucial overview of the changes coming in 2025 and beyond.

Speaker: Aoife Newton, Director and Head of Employment and Immigration Law, KPMG Ireland

11.00 am: Tea/Coffee Break

11.30 am Embracing Innovation

AI is transforming recruitment — but what’s hype, what’s real, and what should HR and Talent Acquisition leaders focus on right now? In this session, Shane, an AI specialist in the recruitment industry, will cut through the noise and share how AI is already reshaping candidate sourcing, engagement, and hiring processes. He’ll explore the opportunities and risks for in-house recruitment teams, how to adopt AI responsibly, and how agencies and TA leaders can work together to unlock real value. Expect practical insights, real-world examples, and a clear view of what the future of hiring looks like.

Speaker: Shane Gray, Chief Operations Officer, Glyde Talent

11.45 am Embracing Skills
This session explores how a skills-first approach—which includes formal recognition of prior learning (RPL) and competency-based talent strategies—is essential for building a future-proof workforce. Our panel will share insights on leveraging existing employee skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Panel:
• Christine McCabe, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Coordinator for Atlantic Technological University
• Laura Gray, HR Business Partner at Merit Medical
• Mike McDonagh, COO at Sigmar Recruitment (Moderator)

12.20 pm Embracing Leadership & High Performance

What does it take to perform at the highest level—consistently, under pressure, and with unwavering focus?

Speaker:
Martin Brady, Performance Coach, Author and Former Irish Army Sniper & Sergeant
In conversation with Sarah Hayes, Associate Director, Sigmar Recruitment

12.50 pm: Closing Words
Claudia Lyons, Regional Manager, Sigmar Recruitment

1.00 pm: Lunch