Roisin O'Sullivan

Associate Director, Supply Chain, BPO Market S&OP, AstraZeneca

Being awarded the 30% Club Scholarship for the Smurfit SED Leadership Development Programme has truly been a life-changing experience. The programme gave me the chance to step back and really focus on myself for the first time in a long time. Through the programme, I discovered a confidence and potential in myself that I hadn't fully recognised before. The learning, support of the faculty and the inspiring network of peers created an environment that encouraged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. It helped me find my voice as a leader, and more importantly, it reminded me that it's never too late to grow and change direction. I am incredibly grateful to the 30% Club and Smurfit SED for this opportunity. It has not only transformed my career but also how I see myself as a leader and a person.

Leo O'Leary

Head of Commercial & Enterprise, Apple

"I had a fantastic experience. The faculty, the content, the shared experience of the other participants all contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable learning journey. I have learnt so much and have been able to apply this learning to my business. I would highly recommend this programme."

Rosaleen Molloy

Chief Executive, Music Generation & Member of Culture Ireland Expert Advisory Group

"It has been an amazing and challenging experience which greatly exceeded my expectations. The inspirational guidance from a very skilled faculty combined with in-depth reflective engagement with peers made for a rich learning opportunity. My key takeaway is the powerful role that self-reflection can play in enhancing leadership. Through reflection, this programme afforded me the time and space to think, gain a fresh perspective about leadership, critically examine my leadership style, develop greater self-awareness and learn new skills. There was practical learning from each module that I was able to apply in my own leadership practice and organisational planning. This was a really rewarding and enriching personal and professional journey of growth and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in nurturing their leadership skills."

Gary Quinn

Director of Finance, Alkermes Pharma Ireland

"The skills of the faculty combined with the engagement of your fellow participants opens a deeper self-awareness. Embracing this personal growth can only lead to a more fulfilled future both professionally and personally. I really recommend investing your time on this journey of growth."

Yvonne Clancy

Organisation Development Consultant & Executive Coach

"Leadership is a lifelong journey which begins with self awareness. As I approached the programme, I recognised that the style and habits which helped elevate me into a leadership role originally won't always be the right one to deploy as a leader particularly in the current changed world of work context and beyond. I knew that 'what got me here, won't get me there'. The programme offered the opportunity for deep reflection and self renewal. It was thought provoking and provided space and encouragement for new insights to emerge and most of all the opportunity to take leadership personally - to recognise and refine the human being inside the leader that I am. As a result of participating in the programme, I believe that I make smarter and better choices in understanding myself and others and have cultivated the skills to sustain a leadership style to empower people and organisations for successful outcomes."

Gemma Whelehan

Managing Director, Gemma Whelehan & Company Limited

"A key take-away from the diploma was that self-awareness is essential. The facilitated modules provided a great opportunity to step back, learn and think differently about opportunities and problems. The experience has provided me with ample opportunities to apply the learnings into my business planning and leadership approach."

Carol Grennan

Founder & Principal Consultant, CGFS Ltd.

"This diploma exceeded my expectations. I was very impressed with UCD Smurfit School’s faculty and the diversity among participants. By applying the tools, frameworks and theories I learned during the programme, I am confident that I will become a better leader."