Virtual CPD Update

Morning

• Opening Address - Pamela McCreedy, President, Chartered Accountants Ireland.
  
  
• Keynote speaker: Breaking barriers : Making your mark - Cora Staunton. 

  Cora Staunton is widely recognised for her trailblazing career across multiple sports, including ladies' Gaelic football, rugby union, and Australian rules football. Her journey is emblematic of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to challenge norms. Join us to hear Cora’s take on Making your Mark.

• Challenging perceptions - Adrian Whelan, Managing Director and Global Head of Market Intelligence for Investor Services. Adrian will share his personal and professional journey—emphasising the power of authenticity, resilience and speaking up. His talk will explore how individuals and organisations can dismantle limiting beliefs and foster environments where diverse voices thrive.

• Practical ways to overcome obstacles - Dawn Leane, Founder and CEO at Leane Leaders and Leane Empower. The session will equip you with actionable strategies to identify and overcome both personal and professional barriers. Dawn’s emphasis will be on practical takeaways that participants can implement immediately to improve confidence, decision-making, and career progression.
  
  
• Scaling a business - Anthony Gallagher, Managing Director of Petstop. 

  Anthony’s session will explore the journey of scaling Petstop from a single outlet into Ireland’s leading independent pet retailer. His talk will blend strategic insights with personal anecdotes, offering practical steps for entrepreneurs and business leaders aiming to grow sustainably and competitively.

Afternoon – attendees can choose from any of the below sessions which have been curated by the District Societies:

Please see below for list of speakers and their bios 

• Financial resilience for SMPs - Cork Society.
  - Alison Walsh, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office South Cork.
  - Jonathan Lynam, Managing Partner, Murphy Lynam Solicitors.
  
  
• Volunteering on Boards - Northwest Society.   
  - Niall Fitzgerald, Chartered Accountants Ireland.
  - David Duffy, Chair of The Corporate Governance Institute & ATI incoming President.
  - Rachel Rodgers, Director, Legal Affairs and Registration, The Charities Regulator.
  
  
• Neurodivergence in the workplace - Ulster Society.
  - Andrew Toogood, Proclaim.
  - Kerry Phillips, Danske Bank.

  - Beth MacDougall, EY.

• Anti-money Laundering (AML) - Western Society.
  - Kevin Kerrigan, founder and head of product at AML HQ.
  
  
• UK and Irish GAAP periodic review; preparing for changes - Mid-West Society
   - Claire Thomson, Director and Head of UK Financial Reporting, Grant Thornton.
   - John Cleary, Risk Compliance and Professional Standards, Grant Thornton.
  
  
• Leinster Society - details to follow.
  
  
• London Society - details to follow.