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“I presume rugby is like business. It’s such a complex game… You have to trust the people you work with,” said Ronan O’Gara, Head Coach of La Rochelle Rugby team and former Irish Rugby International Player as he presented to a room full of Irish business leaders.

UCD Smurfit Executive Development and Boyden Ireland hosted O’Gara on Tuesday, 8th October, to discuss insights on leadership at the second annual Boyden Ireland Assembly—an exclusive annual event connecting compelling international leaders with Ireland's C-suite executives and NEDs.

“Ronan is a distinguished leader who has overcome countless obstacles, through difficult transitions, both on and off the field,” explained Tim Wray, Director of UCD Smurfit Executive Development. “His achievements are humbling and there is much we can learn from the personal demands of his professional life. Ronan’s leadership insights from the highest levels of international sport and ability to inspire others are applicable to business leaders facing a constantly changing business landscape.”

“Transitioning seamlessly from player to coach, Ronan's coaching career has been equally stellar,” explained Alan Finnegan, Boyden Partner. “Under his leadership, La Rochelle has won the 2022 and 2023 European Cup finals, securing the club's first major silverware.” 

In a dynamic interview led by Academic Director of UCD Smurfit Executive Development Professor Joe Peppard, O’Gara shared his experiences and insights into managing transitions and driving high performance, offering valuable lessons for leaders across all industries. 

Professor Peppard, a former elite long-distance runner, embraced the opportunity to reframe executive education in terms of leadership through transition, "It's about curiosity and having a growth mindset; it's about pushing the boundaries and learning something new." 

During the discussion, O’Gara focused on the importance of connecting with people, genuinely caring and developing trust, which are all hallmarks of good leadership. He also described how as a head coach, you have two teams— the staff and the players— and it all has to work together to excel. 

“When people are engaged and when people are aligned and want the best for each other, that creates a good environment,” said O’Gara. “You have to get to know them and understand what makes them tick to get the best out of them. Before you get the player, you have to get the person. Get the person, and hone the player.”

Ronan also commented that he thinks that, “Care trumps strategy, do you really care for your people and how do you show it? The most important thing is that you have their backs and they know it. It’s powerful.” 

This powerful challenge resonated with the business leaders present who are increasingly looking for discretionary effort, agility, and flexibility from teams.

Co-host Kevin Keegan, Partner at Boyden Ireland, remarked, "It’s an honour for Boyden to co-host this event, bringing together over 250 of Ireland’s top executives at the country’s leading business school to engage with Ronan O'Gara's invaluable insights and foster meaningful connections."

“Ronan highlights the importance of self-reflection, connection, compassion, care, and ownership in leadership. His message reinforces the importance of creating environments where people are empowered to thrive—principles that are core to both leadership and executive success,” Keegan concluded.

Invited as a special guest to the event was Susan O’Dwyer, Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish Foundation Ireland, who said, "The theme of thriving through transition resonates with our mission—creating environments where resilience and positivity can flourish, no matter the challenges.” To support the Foundation, O’Gara signed rugby balls which will be donated to Make-A-Wish children.