DCUBS - National Centre for Family Business header
DCU National Centre for Family Business
Member of DCU NCFB and conference guests at DCU

National Centre for Family Business Annual Conference

NCFB Annual Conference October 2021
On Friday October 22nd, we were thrilled to host our Annual Conference - Compassionate Leadership Driving Successful Irish Family Businesses. Available to watch online, viewers were educated on the role compassion can play at a leadership level in Irish Family Firms. Hosted by the serial entrepreneur, Gavin Duffy, our speakers explored their family experiences and learnings from leadership positions, alongside industry leaders and established academics.

First, we welcomed John Brennan of AIB Bank, with Prof Catherine Faherty, who’s all-island research provided the foundation for this event. 

“Compassionate leadership is very much based on a high trust environment in a values-driven organization”. - Professor Catherine Faherty

John provided fantastic insights from AIB Bank’s perspective in terms of running a family business, with a structured approach within your leadership team, rather than focussing on the short-term. 

JP Sisk joined us alongside SISK CEO, Stephen Bowcott to discuss their history, as well as important updates they have made to improve the wellbeing of their staff. 

It has been well documented that workers in the construction sector suffer more than average with their mental health. Showcasing the day’s theme of compassionate leadership, SISK have implemented a full mental and physical wellbeing programme for their staff, while ensuring financial stability, a leading cause of stress and anxiety. 

Remarking on its progress, Stephen Bowcott said:

“It’s small steps, it’s a long journey, but it’s well on its way”. 

What has remained constant throughout their history, regardless of world wars, global recessions, and supply shortages, is the care John Sisk instilled in his staff and his family, since its inception in 1859. 

“There’s a reason we’ve survived 5 generations, it’s because we’re a family business” - JP Sisk. 

Ahead of our full panel Q+A, Flora Crowe (MD, Crowe’s Supermarkets) and Paul Hennessey (Chairperson, NCFB Advisory Board) shared their stories ahead of taking on their leadership roles. Paul Hennessy, an experienced family firm advisor, complimented the NCFB’s governance and its variety of members:

“You get a very healthy debate, and a very high level of ambition, and I think the future for the centre is very bright"

Flora provided a real insight into leading a family firm through the pandemic, what it takes to be a compassionate leader, and how to remain level-headed in the face of adversity. Commenting on the variety of challenges people faced:

“There’s no point forcing staff to come to work to be unhappy, you have to work with them”. 

The NCFB would like to say a huge thank you to all of those who supported us through the making of this Conference, our guest speakers, and our proud supporter, AIB Bank. 

You can watch the conference here https://youtu.be/3lmAc86XHuo