Season 5 Episode 10 – Proving them wrong: How an Executive MBA became Eamon Fennell’s career game-changer
Eamon Fennell | Territory Account Executive, Salesforce
May 16th 2025. In this inspiring episode, we speak with Eamon Fennell, former GAA Champion turned Salesforce professional, about his leap into education through Ireland’s top Executive MBA programme.
With a background rooted in sport, he faced initial rejection when applying for a business degree, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of proving doubters wrong. But Eamon turned "no" into a powerful motivator. With the discipline he honed on the pitch, support from his family, and the structure of a flexible modular Executive MBA, Eamon achieved first-class honours in his degree.
Now thriving in a global tech company, he shares his unusual career journey and how the MBA gave him the tools to transition into a strategic, business-focused role. He highlights the diverse learning, peer support, and personal transformation that came from a programme built for real lives and real ambition.
Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, returning to education later in life, or simply seeking growth, Eamon’s story proves that it’s never too late — and you don’t need to have all the answers to begin.
Season 5 Episode 9 – Bitcoin in the White House – How Crypto Currencies went Mainstream
Assistant Professor Paul Dylan-Ennis
May 2nd 2025. In this thought-provoking episode, Assistant Professor Paul Dylan-Ennis of UCD Smurfit School dives into the evolving world of cryptocurrencies— where rebellion meets regulation. From Bitcoin’s libertarian roots and links to MAGA culture, to Ethereum’s resistance to mainstream finance, this discussion tackles the tough questions:
- Has crypto gone from outsider to institution?
- Are meme coins and stablecoins shaping the next financial frontier?
- Will crypto explode the system—or quietly integrate into it?
With Bitcoin now over 15 years old and mainstream adoption growing, we explore whether digital currencies are destined to replace cash, mirror gold, or simply redefine what finance looks like in the digital age. Whether you're crypto-curious or a seasoned investor, this episode offers deep insights into the complex, often polarised world of digital currency.
Season 5 Episode 8 – Top Soft Skills Employers Want in 2025—and How to Showcase Them in the Age of AI
Louise Campbell | Senior Manager of Smurfit Careers Network
15th April 2025 - In a rapidly changing job market, the traditional CV just doesn’t cut it anymore. In this episode, Louise Campbell shares essential insights on the evolving recruitment landscape—and what graduates need to know to stand out.
With hiring trends shifting towards soft skills, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration, Louise explores how graduates can thrive by showcasing emotional intelligence, communication abilities, and critical thinking—especially in high-pressure interview simulations and real-time assessments.
We also dive into how AI, gamification, and data-driven decision-making are transforming recruitment processes, and why employers now value skills-based profiles over traditional résumés. If you're preparing to enter the workforce or planning your next career move, this is a must-listen episode packed with actionable tips for succeeding in a competitive and tech-driven job market.
Season 5 Episode 7 – Explaining AI: Building Smarter, More Transparent Technology for Business
Assistant Professor Miguel Nicolau | Business Analytics and Computer Science
25th March 2025 - How can biologically inspired computing shape the future of AI in business? In this episode, we explore how nature’s principles help evolve better technological solutions, the role of explainable AI, and the growing challenge of trusting machine-generated decisions in business.
Join us as we discuss the balance between AI’s immense power and understanding real-world applications with insights from a computer scientist in a business school.
Season 5 Episode 6 – Morality, Bias, and the Future of AI: How Technology Shapes - and Reflects - Society
Associate Professor Marius Claudy | Marketing and Psychology
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Marius Claudy, Associate Professor of Marketing, to explore the profound ways morality influences our relationship with technology. He discusses the ethical dilemmas of algorithmic bias and unpacks the nuances of how political views, social conditioning, and human psychology shape our trust in emerging tech. As regulation looms on the horizon, we ask: How can we design technology to foster fairness rather than reinforce bias? And what lessons can we learn to ensure AI serves society equitably?
In addition, he also explains how UCD’s new MSc in Management (Online) embraces AI-driven innovation to enhance learning. From generating synthetic datasets to transforming lecture materials, AI fosters self-directed learning and prepares students for the evolving business landscape. This programme equips future leaders to adapt and drive change in education and industry.
Season 5 Episode 5 – Stronger Boards, Smarter Decisions: The Power of Purpose and Cognitive Diversity
Dr Margaret Cullen | Programme Director of Diploma in Corporate Governance
Governance expert Dr Margaret Cullen explores the biggest challenges facing corporate boards and shares actionable solutions to navigate uncertainty. She highlights the power of a clear corporate purpose in fostering collaboration between the board, CEO, and executive team and explains why cognitive diversity is key to driving success.
Plus, she shares a vital warning for boards to always monitor the external environment to stay ahead of change.
Tune in for expert insights on future-proofing leadership and maximising board effectiveness. Learn more about UCD Smurfit Executive Development's Diploma in Corporate Governance here.
Season 5 Episode 4 – Turning Waste into Wealth: Sadhbh Wood’s Sustainable Start-up Story
Sadhbh Wood | CEO of Bean Around, UCD Quinn School alumna
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with UCD Quinn School alumna Sadhbh Wood, a trailblazing entrepreneur who turned recycled coffee grounds into a thriving skincare business. Hear how she became the first Irish finalist in the International Hult Prize, the world’s largest social entrepreneurship competition for students.
Sadhbh shares her start-up story, the challenges of building a sustainable brand, and her ambitious plans to take her company global.
Plus, we chat with UCD’s Hult Prize Committee to uncover how students can enter this year’s competition and turn their innovative ideas into real-world impact.
Season 5 Episode 3 – From Politics and Tech Bros to Bitcoin and Airport Caps, 2024 a Year in Review
Donal O'Donovan and Catherine Sanz | Business Journalists
Donal O’Donovan, Business Editor at the Irish Independent and Chairman of the Business Journalists Association of Ireland, and Catherine Sanz, journalist with the Business Post and winner of the Women in Business Journalism Award Category at the 2024 UCD Smurfit School Business Journalist Awards, look back over the leading business stories of 2024.
Season 5 Episode 2 – The Customer is Always Wrong
Assistant Professor Anshu Suri | Marketing and Consumer Behaviour
Dr Anshu Suri digs deep into the heart of consumer behaviour from why customers are more tolerant of brands supporting green initiatives, the real reasons people take to social media to list company complaints and why big firms neglect their customers. Listen to this fascinating conversation covering current consumer behaviour and where we’re headed in the future.
Season 5 Episode 1 – From Greenlabelling to Greenshifting: A Comprehensive Guide
Assistant Professor Fabiola Schneider | Climate Emergency and Sustainable Transitions
Greenlabeling, greenlighting and greenshifting. What does it all mean? Dr Fabiola Schneider offers a comprehensive guide on emerging jobs, UCD’s new course, sustainable investments and how businesses can navigate new regulations and work towards true green credentials.
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