UCD Business Impact

Assistant Professor Paul Dylan-Ennis of UCD Smurfit School dives into the evolving world of cryptocurrencies— where rebellion meets regulation. From Bitcoin’s libertarian roots and links to MAGA culture, to Ethereum’s resistance to mainstream finance, this discussion tackles the tough questions.

In a rapidly changing job market, the traditional CV just doesn’t cut it anymore. In this episode, Louise Campbell, Senior Manager of Smurfit Careers Network, shares essential insights on the evolving recruitment landscape—and what graduates need to know to stand out.

How can biologically inspired computing shape the future of AI in business?  In this episode, Assistant Professor Miguel Nicolau, Business Analytics and Computer Science at UCD College of Business, explores how nature’s principles help evolve better technological solutions, the role of explainable AI, and the growing challenge of trusting machine-generated decisions in business. Join us as we discuss the balance between AI’s immense power and understanding real-world applications with insights from a computer scientist in a business school.

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Marius Claudy, Associate Professor of Marketing, to explore the profound ways morality influences our relationship with technology.  He discusses the ethical dilemmas of algorithmic bias and unpacks the nuances of how political views, social conditioning, and human psychology shape our trust in emerging tech. As regulation looms on the horizon, we ask: How can we design technology to foster fairness rather than reinforce bias? And what lessons can we learn to ensure AI serves society equitably?

Governance expert Dr Margaret Cullen explores the biggest challenges facing corporate boards and shares actionable solutions to navigate uncertainty. She highlights the power of a clear corporate purpose in fostering collaboration between the board, CEO, and executive team and explains why cognitive diversity is key to driving success. 

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with UCD Quinn School alumna Sadhbh Wood, a trailblazing entrepreneur who turned recycled coffee grounds into a thriving skincare business. Hear how she became the first Irish finalist in the International Hult Prize, the world’s largest social entrepreneurship competition for students. Sadhbh shares her start-up story, the challenges of building a sustainable brand, and her ambitious plans to take her company global. Plus, we chat with UCD’s Hult Prize Committee to uncover how students can enter this year’s competition and turn their innovative ideas into real-world impact.

Donal O’Donovan, Business Editor at the Irish Independent and Chairman of the Business Journalists Association of Ireland, and Catherine Sanz, journalist with the Business Post and winner of the Women in Business Journalism Award Category at the 2024 UCD Smurfit School Business Journalist Awards, look back over the leading business stories of 2024.

Dr Anshu Suri digs deep into the heart of consumer behaviour from why customers are more tolerant of brands supporting green initiatives, the real reasons people take to social media to list company complaints and why big firms neglect their customers. Listen to this fascinating conversation covering current consumer behaviour and where we’re headed in the future.

From Greenlabelling to Greenshifting, Assistant Professor Fabiola Schneiderm, UCD College of Business discusses how businesses can navigate new regulations and work towards true green credentials.

Founding donor of UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business and BComm alumnus, Lochlann Quinn, joined us for this special episode as part of UCD Culture and Engagement Week. Across a high-impact leadership and philanthropic career, Lochlann developed and guided many businesses, serving as Chairman of AIB, ESB, National Gallery of Ireland, Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the director and driving force behind the global leading business Glen Dimplex. He discusses his career, higher education and the bright future for the economy.