The Disrupt HR community returns to Cork on November 18th! Join us at RDJ to network and see multiple lightning HR/workplace talks.

Overview

The Disrupt HR community returns to Cork on November 18th! Join us at RDJ to network and see multiple lightning talks.

A fresh burst of ideas, energy, and unfiltered honesty about the future of work.

Disrupt Cork is back - and it’s louder, faster, and braver than ever. Join us on November 18th as we relaunch one of the most electric World of Work events on the planet. Expect bold ideas, brilliant conversations, and a room full of people who don’t just talk about change… they build it.

💥 What Happens When You Mix TED, Ignite, and a Cork-style truth serum?

You get Disrupt Cork - a rapid-fire, idea-packed, community-powered experience.

Speakers get 5 minutes.

20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds.

No fluff. No corporate sugar-coating. Just pure, high-octane insights that challenge how we design work, lead teams, and shape talent in 2026 and beyond.

If TED talks had a rebellious Irish cousin who’d had just enough caffeine… this would be it.

📅 Agenda

* 5:30 pm – 6:10 pm - Registration, drinks, canapés and networking

* 6:10 pm – 6:30 pm - Welcome address and partner talks

* 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm - Multiple lightning talks by experts such as John Kennedy, CIPD Ireland National Committee.

* 7:15 pm - 7:30 pm - Event close and final networking

Speakers (more being announced soon)

John Kennedy, Chair of the CIPD Ireland National Committee

Susan Manning, Human Resources Director at PFH Technology Group

Jennifer Cashman, Partner and Head of Employment Group at RDJ LLP

Mary Cullen, Managing Director of Insight HR

Recent talks in Ireland have been presented by:

Dr. Sinead Brennan, Chief People Officer at Three Ireland

Elizabeth Buckley, HR Director at Forvis Mazars

Aidan McGrath, Group Head of HR Operations at The Irish Times

Dr. Mary Collins, Chartered Psychologist - RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Yvonne Kearney, Defence Forces Coaching and Mentoring Programme Manager at Irish Defence Forces

Alison Hodgson, Market Director at CIPD Ireland

Ankita Poddar, Senior HR Business Partner at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Jennifer Dolan, Head of People & Culture at Nucleo

Dave Corkery, Content & Social Media Lead at Insight HR

Sandra Fitzgibbon, Head of People Strategy at Vodafone

Ed O'Brien, Technology Talent and Workforce Optimisation Manager at PTSB

Deirdre Donovan, former Chief People Officer Group at IPL Schoeller

Niamh McElwain, Founder and CEO at The Hybrid Way

⚡ Ready to Disrupt Cork?

If you’re hungry for fresh thinking, curious about new ideas, or simply tired of the same old workplace conversations, this summit is for you.

✅ Get Energised

Ten big ideas delivered in a single evening — insights from HR leaders, founders, researchers, and workplace innovators redefining the world of work.

✅ Stay Ahead of the Curve

Hear how organisations across Ireland and beyond are rewriting playbooks on talent, culture, AI, leadership, skills, and employee experience.

✅ Build Your Circle

Join us to rub shoulders (gently) with forward-thinkers from HR, Talent, Tech, People Ops, L&D, Consulting, and Leadership. These are the conversations that spark partnerships, job offers, and fresh opportunities.

⚡ The Format

Short. Sharp. Unapologetically bold.

Each speaker brings one powerful idea — and five minutes to land it.

Join us for an evening that sparks action, connection, and meaningful change across Ireland’s world of work.

Partners and Sponsors include:

Venue Partner

RDJ LLP

RDJ is one of Ireland's leading corporate law firms, advising scaling businesses, established Irish companies, multinationals, financial institutions, and global insurers. With offices in Cork, Dublin, and Galway, RDJ combines legal expertise with commercial insight to help clients achieve long-term business success. As a certified B Corp™, the firm is committed to using business as a force for good, building trusted partnerships, investing in its people, and delivering sustainable value for clients and communities alike. Learn more: rdj.ie

Community Partners

Get More HR Clients

We help HR-related businesses around the world to increase their lead flow and sales. If you run a Human Resources tech or consultancy business (recruitment, training & development, employee engagement, employment law, outplacement, etc), our HR marketing advice and resources will help. Learn more: getmorehrclients.com

HR Gazette

HR Gazette and the HRchat Podcast publishes the latest opinion, reviews, and news for pros interested in HR Technology, Talent, DEI, Performance, Wellness, Learning, and Leadership. Learn more: hrgazette.com

* Registering for this event does not guarantee entry. Capacity is limited,, and this event is specifically designed for in-house HR, Talent pros, and leaders. If you do not fit the criteria your application to attend may be rejected. Guests of partners and speakers will rece

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