The HMI Annual Conference 2025 had been a truly engaging and inspiring day. HMI President, Breda Crehan-Roche said when she closed the Conference.
“The theme — ‘Managing and Leading in Health and Social Care in a VUCA World: Embracing Technology and Innovation’ — has guided every conversation and every presentation.
“We have explored what it really means to lead in a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous — and how we, as leaders, can navigate that environment with confidence, compassion, and courage,” she said.
“Throughout the day, we have heard from outstanding speakers and panellists who have challenged us to think differently about leadership.
“We were privileged to open the day with a keynote address from Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, who joined us via video to set the tone for a day of deep reflection and forward-thinking dialogue.
He reflected on the challenges of leading in today’s “VUCA” world, stressing that effective leaders must guide others through it using the “VUCA Prime” principles—responding to volatility with vision, uncertainty with understanding, complexity with clarity, and ambiguity with agility. He underscored the need for continuous agility in leadership, not only in crises like the pandemic but as an enduring mindset.
Kingsley Aikins, CEO of The Networking Institute, reminded us that even in a digital age, connection and storytelling remain at the heart of effective leadership, challenging us to be both hi-tech and hi-touch in our leadership.
Adam Harris CEO of AsIAm, spoke powerfully about inclusion and the importance of designing systems that serve everyone — with particular attention to neurodiversity.
Michael J. Dowling, CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health reminded us that resilience, communication, and clarity of purpose are the cornerstones of leadership in challenging times. and offered a global perspective on care, compassion and resilient leadership in chaotic times.
Our panel discussions on the future of working patterns in the Irish health services, and on digital disruption, brought home the reality that innovation must go hand in hand with people-centred leadership
Mellany McLoone HSE and June Stanley NRHexplored compassionate leadership and psychological safety in high-stakes environments.
Anne Marie Hoey, HSE Mary Kirwan, Bons Secours Hospital and Maria Ferguson HSE West and North West led a provocative debate on the future of work in healthcare, asking whether the Irish system was ready to break the 40-hour barrier.
Damien McCallion, HSE Adrian Carroll, CHI and John Maher, NRHtackled digital disruption head-on, exploring its dual nature as both challenge and catalyst.
Marguerite O’Loughlin, GSK spoke about how genetic data was being leveraged to accelerate the discovery of new medicines and treatment and how by combining data-driven insights with their, scientific expertise, the company was exploring new frontiers in precision medicine that could transform the way we treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
I think several key messages have stood out from this Conference. That leadership is not about certainty — it’s about confidence amid uncertainty.
That technology is a tool — but people are the purpose.
And that collaboration, compassion, and adaptability will define how successfully we move forward as a sector.
“I want to thank our Chairs, HMI Council Members, Sharon Morrow, Caroline O’Regan, Phillipa Ryan Withero, Kate Killeen White, Adrian Ahern and HSE Caitriona Connellogue, whose stewardship ensured rich dialogue and actionable takeaways.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors, for their continued partnership and support and to the HMI Council, the Conference Organising Committee, the Learning Rooms for your professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail.
“And finally, to you — our delegates — for your energy, engagement, and commitment to leading positive change in health and social care.
“As we leave today, let us carry forward the ideas, the connections, and the sense of shared purpose we have built here.
“Let us continue to embrace innovation, to lead with integrity, and to shape a system that is resilient, inclusive, and truly person-centred.
“On behalf of the Health Management Institute of Ireland, thank you for being part of this year’s conference.
I wish you all a safe journey home and every success in the months ahead.
“Go raibh míle maith agaibh”
