9.00 am: Registration & Networking
Teas, coffees, pastries

9.30 am: Welcome
Councillor Fergal Dennehy, Ardmhéara Chorcaí

9.45 am: Embracing Disruption
How will global shifts and the rise of AI reshape our future, and what is Cork's role in this new reality? Kicking off Talent Summit, leading venture capitalist and founder of Republic of Work, DC Cahalane, will provide a high-impact overview of the disruptive forces transforming our world. This opening keynote will set the scene for the day, offering a crucial lens through which to view the challenges and opportunities ahead for Irish talent and enterprise.

Speaker: DC Cahalane, Venture Partner at Sure Valley Ventures

10.05 am: Embracing Culture & Engagement
Nurturing an environment where agility and innovation can thrive.

Panel:
• Aylenne O’Brien, HR Manager at Healthcare21
• Rachel Northover, Recruitment Lead at Bausch + Lomb
• Ciaran Sheehan – Director of Executive Services, Corporate HR
• Mike McDonagh, Chief Operating Officer at Sigmar Recruitment (Moderator)

10.40 am: Auto-Enrolment: A Disruptive Change with a Disruptive Solution

Auto-Enrolment is coming, and every Irish employer needs a plan in place for when it does. Kota has spent the last 2 years helping clients prepare and, in this session, Luke will share the key fixes you need to make and why Auto-Enrolment is the perfect catalyst for businesses to rethink their benefits set up.

Speaker: Luke Mackey, CEO & Co-founder, Kota

10.55 am: Tea/Coffee Break

11.25 am: Embracing Innovation
Innovation isn’t just about new tech or trends—it’s about people. In this fireside chat, Yvonne Brewer, Country Manager at auticon, will share how her team is creating careers for autistic professionals while delivering real value for clients. We’ll explore what inclusion looks like in practice: from hiring and onboarding, to building on individual strengths and supporting managers to do things differently. Expect an honest, practical conversation with takeaways you can bring back to your own organisation—on creating workplaces where different thinkers thrive, and where inclusion drives performance, culture and innovation.

Speaker: Yvonne Brewer, Country Manager, auticon Ireland

11.45 am: Ireland’s Pay Transparency Journey: Readiness, Reality, and Potential Roadblocks
Drawing on Ireland-specific findings from Aon’s recently released Global Pay Transparency Study, this session explores how organisations throughout this country are navigating the evolving landscape of pay transparency. While regulatory compliance is the top driver, Ireland stands out for its cautious readiness—only 6% consider themselves fully prepared, with most still “getting ready.” Communication gaps persist, with limited salary band disclosure and only 22% having conducted a pay equity analysis in the past 18 months. As the EU Directive deadline approaches, we’ll share a roadmap towards accelerating efforts in strategy, governance, and education to ensure compliance and foster trust in a uniquely Irish context.

Speaker: Anne Phelan, Rewards and People Advisory Director at Aon Ireland

12.00 pm: Embracing Skills
Skills are becoming the new currency of work, driving agility, resilience, and reinvention.

Panel:
• Carol McNamara, People Director at Version 1
• Paul O’Leary, Head of HR at Keohane Seafoods
• Malwina King, Director at Sigmar Recruitment (Moderator)

12.30 pm: Embracing Inclusion
In a world of infinite communities, how do you build a singular culture of belonging? Join Christina Guckert, Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging & Emerging Talent at Reddit, for "Embracing Inclusion." Drawing on lessons from one of the world's largest online platforms, Christina will explore how to build authentic inclusion from the ground up—from creating diverse talent pipelines through impactful partnerships like STEM Advantage, to fostering a culture where every employee can truly thrive. This is a must-attend session on moving from intention to genuine impact.

Speaker: Christina Guckert, Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging & Emerging Talent, Reddit

12.50 pm: Closing Words
Denis Cremin, Associate Director - Munster, Sigmar Recruitment

1.00 pm: Lunch