Described by ‘the greatest manager in the history of hurling’, Brian Cody revealed what it took to make Kilkenny so successful under his leadership, inspiring a team and leading them to eleven All-Ireland titles. He shared what keeps him motivated, adapting to change, and moving forward.
Commenting on building spirit at work, Brian Cody said: “Never assume you are the best you can be. Build a spirit that can't be broken, embed respect in everything that you do, and the sky is the limit to what you can achieve."
Sponsored by KMPG, the Cork University Business School (CUBS) conference focused on creating responsible business leaders that deliver more sustainable organisations for the economic and societal resilience and prosperity. More than 240 delegates, students and staff, attended the conference which explored the theme of “Shaping Leaders for a Sustainable Future.”
Brian Cody said: “I was delighted to be asked as the keynote speaker for the CUBS conference today at UCC and was thrilled to meet with and speak to so many enthusiastic students. From my own experience managing successful teams, leadership and motivation are two qualities that came to the fore, played a key role in getting the best from the group. I hope that the students in attendance today will take something from the conference as they progress in their professional careers.”
A panel discussion explored the role the business sector plays in building a sustainable future with contributions from CUBS alumni now holding key leadership roles across a variety of sectors.
Brian Cody delivered a keynote address at the annual Cork University Business School Conference, marking the School’s first in person conference since 2020.
Experts included Aisling Curtis, Strategy and Sustainability Director, Microsoft; Peter Cleary, Innovation Senior Manager at Accenture; Andrew Clifford Associate Director, Private Clients, Davy; Vivienne Lynch, Senior Procurement Manager, PMO and Performance Management at The Jansen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson; and Emma Coffey, Director of FinalBend & current Quercus Scholar and final year BComm Student, UCC.
Professor Thia Hennessy, Dean of CUBS, said: “Today was about expanding our learning and celebrating success. Our panel discussion featured well-known names from the business industry who provided us with an insightful and thought-provoking discussion on sustainable leadership. Everyone at CUBS was excited and honoured to welcome our keynote speaker, Brian Cody, to address us today. At CUBS, we applaud success stories and achievements, neither of which come without hard work and dedication and Brian Cody is the embodiment of both.”
Conor McCarthy, KPMG Partner & Head of People & Change, said: “Today’s event has once again demonstrated the exceptional environment that Cork University Business School has created for the development of talented business professionals. At a time when our societies, economies and communities face significant sustainability challenges, the excitement, ambition and desire on display from our future business leaders was inspiring, refreshing and reassuring. Today reinforces the value of KPMG’s partnership with CUBS and the significant role it plays as an important pipeline of future talent for the benefit of Ireland and beyond.”