An evening with DCU Chancellor Brid Horan for our Alumni Emerging Leaders

On Wednesday 15th of February, the participants in our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), enjoyed a fireside chat with DCU Chancellor Brid Horan, at An Grianan, on DCU’s Glasnevin Campus.  The event was moderated by programme leader Katie Keogh.

A highlight of the annual programme of events, the Chancellor shared lessons on leadership from her impressive professional career as well as her ongoing work in the public and private sector.  Brid described leadership in any sector of society as challenging.

“You need the core values of integrity, honesty, courage and humility.”

A major theme of her conversation with Katie was inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Having co-founded the 30% Club in Ireland and as Co-Chair of Better Balance for Business, Brid has long been a trailblazer in seeking greater gender diversity in the workforce, particularly in senior leadership roles, and is a long time campaigner for increased opportunities for women.  While much of her focus has been on gender diversity, she strongly emphasised the need for great diversity across all metrics as well as the need to show respect for everyone in the workplace. 

“Leaders really have a responsibility when it comes to diversity and inclusion. We can’t assume we’ve ever arrived, it’s always going to be a journey.”

Programme participants actively participated in the conversation asking the Chancellor questions about how she handles difficult conversations, how she built and led diverse teams, and how to show leadership early on in one’s career.  Overall, it was a fantastic evening with the Chancellor and participants were very grateful for the time she continues to give to DCU.