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Irish Medtech Skillnet Strategy Launch Unveils the Mechanics of High-Performance Leadership

At the recent Irish Medtech Skillnet Strategy launch, attendees experienced a compelling fireside chat that quickly became the day's most talked-about session. The panel brought together two leaders from vastly different arenas: Evelyn O’Toole, who built Connemara-based CLS into a multinational laboratory powerhouse, and John Kiely, the manager who transformed Limerick hurling into a modern sporting dynasty.

Rather than relying on motivational soundbites, O’Toole and Kiely shared the unvarnished realities of scaling success. A central theme emerged from their conversation: sustainable leadership is not an inherited trait or sheer charisma, but a deliberate, learned discipline.

O’Toole highlighted the necessity of stepping into visibility and building true ownership through trust. She noted that a vision requires an empowered team to execute it, otherwise, it remains just a dusty document. Kiely emphasized empathy, grounded in his early years working in a family pub, alongside the importance of a systematized vision and relentless local talent development. Both leaders candidly discussed the inevitable need for structural change and the difficult, disciplined decisions required to maintain peak performance during periods of immense success.

The Living Leadership Opportunity

Drawing inspiration from these actionable insights, Irish Medtech Skillnet is proud to announce the return of the Living Leadership programme this March. Independently verified by The Institute of Leadership, this initiative equips sector professionals with the practical strategies required for impactful management.

Through a blend of in-person workshops, personalized coaching, and interactive online modules, participants will master core behaviours including resilience, emotional intelligence, and structured decision-making. In a rapidly evolving medtech landscape, deliberate investment in leadership skills is the ultimate competitive advantage.