Voices of Leadership Conference 2026

Donna Traynor

Conference Host

Donna Traynor is one of Ireland’s most respected public figures, with over three decades of experience in broadcasting. After starting her career at RTÉ, she became a household name as the presenter of BBC Northern Ireland’s award-winning “BBC Newsline.” Donna has covered some of the most significant events in Ireland’s history, including George Best’s funeral, the Titanic centenary, and Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit to Ireland. She also gained international recognition with cameo appearances in the hit series "Derry Girls." Donna now provides media performance and public speaking training. As a familiar voice to thousands, Donna will be our guiding voice throughout the conference.

Sarah Murphy

Founder & CEO | Conexus

Sarah Murphy is the Founder and Chief Executive of Conexus, a New York-based corporate membership network and events business connecting senior leaders across industries, markets and geographies. Formerly the youngest CEO of an Irish national media outlet, she spent close to two decades at the highest levels of business media across Ireland and the United Kingdom, most recently as CEO of Business Post, where she continues to serve as a Non-Executive Director. At Business Post Group, Sarah led a significant digital transformation and financial turnaround, repositioning the organisation as Ireland's leading business media group. Throughout her career, she has specialised in building influential communities through premium content, editorial platforms and high-profile events that bring decision-makers together. Founded in 2026, Conexus is the expression of that expertise on a transatlantic scale, creating curated opportunities for meaningful connection through membership, private convenings and major international events. Sarah also serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Global Economic Summit and supports a number of charitable and social impact initiatives. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin and London Metropolitan University, she is a passionate advocate for women's equality, inclusive leadership and strengthening transatlantic business relationships.

Fiacre O'Donnell

Sustainability Director | Vidrala

Fiacre O'Donnell is Sustainability Director at Encirc and one of Northern Ireland's most respected voices in sustainability, corporate responsibility and sustainable manufacturing. With more than 25 years of experience across planning, sales, marketing, sustainability, corporate affairs and communications, he has played a pivotal role in transforming Encirc and parent company Vidrala into recognised industry leaders in environmental performance and social impact. An MBA graduate of Ulster Business School, and holder of a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Fiacre is also an alumnus of the Timoney Leadership Institute and Imagine Leaders programme. He has led landmark initiatives including the development of the world's most sustainable glass bottle, the adoption of Science-Based Targets, and the launch of Encirc's Social Impact Strategy. Alongside serving on several influential business and community boards, Fiacre has received numerous leadership and sustainability awards. His vision is to create a manufacturing future that delivers lasting value for people, planet and prosperity.

Erin McFeely

Director Northern Ireland | Alchemy Technology Services

Erin Mc Feely is Director – Northern Ireland at Alchemy Technology Services, part of NTT DATA, where she leads the company’s regional growth, strategic partnerships and organisational impact. With a career spanning technology, community development and the voluntary sector, Erin brings a people-centred approach to leadership and a strong track record of building partnerships, developing talent and creating sustainable opportunities. She is a passionate advocate for Northern Ireland’s technology sector and for championing the people, potential and continued growth of the North West.

Melanie McMordie

Client Managing Director | Fujitsu

Melanie McMordie is Client Managing Director for Fujitsu Northern Ireland, leading the company's public sector business across some of the region's most significant digital transformation programmes. She is responsible for strategic customer relationships, service delivery, business growth and leading multi-disciplinary teams that support government and public services. Passionate about the role of technology in delivering positive outcomes for communities, Melanie champions inclusive leadership, innovation and talent development. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Centre for Democracy & Peace Fellowship Programme. Melanie believes great leadership is about creating environments where people can grow, succeed and make a meaningful difference.

Margot Slattery

Global Group Head of Social Sustainability | ISS World Services

Margot Slattery is Global Group Head of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Social Sustainability at ISS World Services, where she leads the company’s global social sustainability agenda and drives inclusion across cultures, abilities, generations, gender and LGBTQ+ communities. A recognised pioneer in diversity, equity and inclusion, she has extensive expertise in executive leadership, human capital, corporate responsibility and culture transformation. Margot previously served as CEO and Country President of Sodexo Ireland before becoming the company’s Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. A trusted board member and advocate for social and climate justice, she champions disability inclusion through The Valuable 500 movement.

Dr. Ines Wichert

Managing Director | Esendia

Dr. Ines Wichert is an occupational psychologist, author and leadership expert specialising in talent, succession, women’s career progression and top team effectiveness. As Managing Director of Esendia, she helps organisations strengthen leadership, develop effective talent systems and turn potential into measurable career progression. Holding a PhD in Organisational Psychology from the University of Cambridge, Ines combines research rigour with practical insight gained through more than two decades of consulting experience. She has advised nearly 100 organisations globally and authored two acclaimed leadership books. Her work has been featured by leading international media, including the BBC and Financial Times worldwide today.

Marie Gleeson

Managing Director | NavMar Leadership

Marie Gleeson is a leadership consultant, executive coach and former Captain in the Irish Navy with more than 20 years' experience leading teams in high-pressure environments. One of the first female officers in the Irish Navy, she rose to become Commanding Officer of LE AOIFE, navigating complex operations and critical decision-making at sea. Drawing on her military career, Marie helps leaders and organisations strengthen resilience, performance and teamwork. Through her work with NavMar Leadership, she supports leaders across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. An engaging and inspiring speaker, Marie is passionate about authentic leadership, overcoming adversity and empowering others to achieve their full potential.

Lorna McAdoo

Head of Northern Ireland and Global ESG Lead | Version 1

Lorna McAdoo is Head of Version 1 Northern Ireland and Global ESG Lead, with more than 35 years of experience in the technology sector. Since leading Version 1's Northern Ireland operations in 2013, she has overseen remarkable growth, expanding the team from six employees to more than 600 professionals delivering IT services across Northern Ireland, the UK and Ireland. Passionate about people, skills and inclusion, Lorna has championed numerous Great Place to Work initiatives and helped establish the NI office as Version 1's fastest-growing regional location. She is Chair of Software NI, the IoD Skills Ambassador, and a member of the Northern Ireland Skills Council.

Olga McAteer

Founder | McAteer Solutions

McAteer Solutions is one of Northern Ireland's fastest-growing estate agency firms. With more than 30 years' experience across construction, commercial and residential property, and asset management, she is recognised for her expertise in delivering strategic property solutions. Since launching the business in 2016, Olga has led its expansion across Northern Ireland and into the UK, establishing McAteer Solutions as a market leader in commercial and land listings. Holding an MBA from Ulster University, Olga is an award-winning entrepreneur whose leadership, resilience and vision continue to drive growth, innovation and excellence across the property sector.

Helen Sullivan

Chief People and Culture Officer | NIE Networks

Helen McGowan joined NIE Networks in February 2026 as Chief People and Culture Officer, leading Human Resources, Learning and Culture, Health and Safety, and Communications and Engagement. Prior to joining NIE Networks, she spent more than 25 years with PwC UK, most recently serving as Global Director and People Driver for the Deals business. Throughout her career, Helen has specialised in workforce transformation, strategic workforce planning, culture, leadership development and change management across multiple sectors. She brings extensive experience in helping organisations navigate complex change while developing high-performing, people-focused cultures. Helen is also a board member of the Centre for Peace and Democracy and a judge for the NI CIPD Awards.