In this podcast episode, Brendan Gilmore, managing director of BPG Strategy, shares his extensive experience in financial services, particularly focusing on debt and its strategic implications for businesses. He discusses the importance of understanding readiness for debt, the mindset required for engaging with debt markets, and the various types of debt available to companies. Brendan emphasizes the need for proper financial management and the scrutiny that comes with debt financing, contrasting it with equity funding. He also explores the different sources of debt and how businesses can navigate these options effectively. In this conversation, Brendan Gilmore from BPG Capital discusses the various sources of debt available for businesses, particularly SMEs, and the competitive landscape of lending. He emphasizes the importance of speed and simplicity in the funding process, especially for founders who are often busy with other aspects of their business. The discussion also covers current market conditions, the debt raising process, and the critical role of due diligence. Brendan shares insights for first-time debt borrowers, highlighting the necessity of paying a premium initially to build a track record for future funding opportunities.

Brendan Gilmore is Managing Director of BPG Strategy (https://bpgstrategy.com/)

Brendan has almost 30 years’ Financial Services experience, working across Lending, Credit, Workout, Strategy and Risk and so has a deep understanding of Financial Services from end to end.

Since 2017, Brendan has acted as consultant / adviser to Challenger Banks, Building Societies, Non-Bank Lenders, Technology Platforms and Start-ups.

Brendan helps market participants in to:

• optimise Strategy, Proposition, Operating Models and Risk

• acquire Customers

• develop Strategic Partnerships

• and of relevance today, to secure debt Funding for businesses

Brendan is a regular Speaker, Panellist and Moderator at Fintech, Banking and Building Society focussed events.

Paula Boyle shares her journey from personal struggles to becoming a sought-after coach for senior leaders. She emphasizes the importance of compassion, self-acceptance, and joy in leadership, while addressing common challenges faced by ambitious professionals, such as imposter syndrome. Paula discusses the necessity of preparation for C-suite roles, highlighting the need for relaxation, mental clarity, and strong relationships. The dialogue offers valuable insights into the emotional and practical aspects of leadership and personal development. In this conversation, Paula and Jennifer explore the essential qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of calmness under pressure, prioritization, and focus. They discuss the transition to C-suite roles, the insecurities that arise, and the necessity of defining one's purpose and vision. The conversation also highlights the significance of reducing cognitive load and managing attention to enhance performance. Paula shares practical strategies for leaders to empower themselves and navigate their roles with confidence.

For over 25 years, Paula Boyle has been working with senior leaders and their teams across the globe, helping them master power, politics, and performance with integrity. As the founder of Paula Boyle Coaching & Facilitation, she offers customized coaching and facilitation services that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the C-Suite.
With a unique mix of tough love and good humour, she helps her clients to:

✔︎ Slow down! "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast"
✔︎ Audit their political power, and supercharge their influencing capacity (without selling their souls)
✔︎ Curate networks that reduce overwhelm, and produce the right opportunities, resources and connections
✔︎ Reflect deeply on their development journey and attune to their own wisdom and intuition

✔︎ Differentiate themselves by sharpening their systemic and strategic thinking

She draws on deep experience of what it takes to lead in complex and fast-paced environments, and her own lived experience of transformation. She combines intellectual rigour & emotional agility with her passion for MovNat, a natural movement practice that enhances physical and mental wellbeing.

In this conversation, Jennifer Geary interviews Bronwyn Boyle, a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and technology. Bronwyn shares her unique journey from studying classics to becoming a CISO, emphasizing the importance of diverse backgrounds in tech. They discuss the evolving role of the CISO, the significance of women in tech, and the need for better understanding and collaboration between C-suite executives.

Bronwyn highlights the importance of managing risk and building trust in the digital landscape, advocating for a more strategic positioning of the CISO role as a business enabler. In this conversation, Bronwyn and Jennifer explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, particularly in the context of AI and technology. They discuss the importance of redefining security vulnerabilities, applying traditional risk management practices to AI, and the critical role of culture and strategy in shaping effective security practices.

The dialogue emphasizes the need for organizations to foster a culture of security, align security strategies with business goals, and create safe environments for AI adoption. Bronwyn shares her personal experiences with AI and reflects on the importance of diverse skills and mindsets in today's rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation concludes with insights on the value of simplicity and empathy in leadership.

Bronwyn Boyle has over twenty years’ experience leading and advising international organisations in cybersecurity and technology. Her background spans technology development, cyber security, compliance, data protection, AI enablement, strategy and operations, across a range of organisations from international banks and Big4 consultancies to FinTech start-ups, scale-ups, and regulatory institutions. She is currently CISO at PPRO, a global e-commerce payments platform.

Bronwyn has a passion for security culture, innovation and improving alignment to address security and fraud-related threats. She is a committed champion for diversity and improved mental health in cybersecurity. She's won numerous industry accolades, including Secure Computing's Women of Influence Award and is frequently cited in the Top 50 Women in FinTech. A Non-Executive Director and Board Advisor, she supports a number of FinTechs and RegTechs on security and privacy, strategy and product development.

In this conversation, Jennifer Geary and Mary Foley discuss the critical intersection of supply chain management and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of new regulations like the CSRD and CS Triple D. Mary shares her unique career journey from mining engineering to sustainability consulting, highlighting the challenges and advantages of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. They explore the implications of upcoming regulations for businesses, the need for internal collaboration among stakeholders, and the role of AI in enhancing sustainability reporting. The discussion concludes with insights on preparing for the future and advice for the next generation of professionals in this space.

Jennifer Geary interviews Anne Kiely, Chief People Officer at Aer Lingus, discussing her career journey from banking to HR, the importance of organizational culture, and the role of a CPO in shaping employee experiences and strategies. Anne shares insights on navigating different industries, the significance of hiring for skills, and practical approaches to fostering a positive workplace culture.

The conversation also touches on the structure of their book, 'How to be a Chief People Officer', emphasizing the dual focus on employee experience and HR excellence. In this conversation, Anne discusses the multifaceted role of HR, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement, talent management, and the dual lens through which HR operates. She delves into the concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), explaining how they interconnect and contribute to a positive workplace culture. The discussion also highlights the significance of data in HR decision-making and the potential of AI to enhance employee experiences.

Additionally, Anne shares her involvement with Special Olympics Ireland, reflecting on the impact of community service and sports on personal growth and resilience.

Anne Kiely is a Chief People Officer with 20 years of HR experience in finance, technology, consultancy and airline sectors, across a number of diverse organisations. Prior to that she worked for 10 years in banking. Anne is also proud to be a non-executive director of the Special Olympics Ireland. She has a master’s degree in social and organisational psychology, and recently completed the Professional Certificate in Governance. She is the current Chief People Officer at Irish airline Aer Lingus and formerly Head of HR, EMEA at Twitter.

Get the book 'How to be a Chief People Officer' by Anne and Jeniffer here.

Jennifer Geary interviews Anna Krotova, co-author of 'How to be a Chief Sustainability Officer.' They discuss the evolution of sustainability roles, the importance of organizational culture, the integration of sustainability into business strategy, and the concept of double materiality. Anna shares insights on building effective sustainability teams, the skills needed for a career in sustainability, and future trends in the field. The conversation emphasizes the challenges and responsibilities of CSOs and the importance of collaboration and support within the sustainability community.

Anna Krotova is a Sustainability Director and a pioneer in sustainability. She has been working in the field since 2010, advocating for transparent and responsible business practices that are rooted in respect for planetary boundaries and human rights. In her roles at the International Finance Corporation, Metabolic, Global Reporting Initiative, and private sector companies, Anna has helped organisations improve their sustainability practices, usher in impactive changes in company operations and culture, and encourage meaningful reflection around sustainability issues. She holds an MA in Environmental Policy from Moscow State University as well as an MSc in Industrial Ecology from Delft University of Technology, and she serves in various capacities across the sustainability community. She lives in Amsterdam with her husband and son.

Get 'How to be a Chief Sustainability Officer' by Anna and Jennifer here.

Welcome to the launch of the C-Suite Framework podcast!

In this short trailer, hear from me, Jennifer Geary, as I talk about my experience in stepping up to my first C-suite role, what I learned, how I distilled that learning into a set of books and why I felt compelled to start a podcast. Take a listen and head over to my first podcast with none other than Dr. Max McKeown, author of the best-selling strategy book in the world!

The "C-Suite Framework" podcast dives deep into the world of corporate leadership by speaking with experts and C-Suite executives about key roles such as Operations, Risk, People, and Sustainability. Each episode dissects the challenges leaders face today, offering insights and practical takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their own careers. Balancing depth with fun, the podcast is designed to be both entertaining and informative, giving listeners a unique perspective into the dynamics of executive roles and how to navigate their own path to success.