David is a globally recognised economist, advisor, journalist, and bestselling author.  He is also an Adjunct Professor at Trinity College Dublin.

Known for his bold predictions and engaging style, several agencies rank him among the most influential economists online.  His unique ability to blend wit, storytelling, and expertise makes him a highlight at international conferences.  In his talks, David shares insights spanning politics and literature together with perspectives on the climate and societal trends.

David co-founded the popular and highly-respected Dalkey Book Festival and Kilkenomics (“the best economics conference in the world” – Financial Times FT), and he frequently engages with Google Zeitgeist and the World Economic Forum events.  He is also a regular columnist for The Irish Times and a frequent contributor to FT.

Deborah is an award-winning writer and comedian, best known for her hit podcast The Guilty Feminist.   

Deborah’s show has amassed over 200 million downloads and been recorded live around the world at venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium, The Sydney Opera House and The Wellington Arena.  Her play Never have I ever premiered at the UK’s Chichester Festival Theatre and is currently touring worldwide. 

Deborah’s The Guilty Feminist book is a Sunday Times Best Seller and her second book Six conversations we’re scared to have was published in April 2025. 

Deborah’s BBC Radio 4 show Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice the Writers’ Guild Award for ‘Best Radio Comedy.  Film credits include writing the independent feature film Say My Name and her next movie The Wishboard, is in pre-production and she is writing Bad Fairies, as an animated feature.  Deborah’s Television work has seen her guesting on BBC TV’s Question Time and she regularly features on comedy panel shows including QI, Have I got news for you? Would I lie to you?, Mock the week and more. 

Deborah is an official ambassador for Amnesty International and Choose Love and she is a sought-after speaker specialising on D&I

Katherine has a career background in Communications and Investor Relations and has been with Aon since 2010, when she joined to head up Communications and Community Affairs in the UK.

Katherine has always had a keen interest and involvement in social responsibility and equality, using engagement and purpose to connect colleagues with the firm’s culture and values.  In 2015, she was able to focus on her passion full-time, becoming Head of Diversity & Inclusion and Community Affairs at Aon.  This role saw her responsible for driving the organisation’s inclusion strategy across the UK and EMEA.  Katherine expanded her remit to include APAC in 2020, and now leads inclusion globally for Aon.  

Katherine is a proactive and visible ally, a mental health first aider and an accomplished speaker on Inclusion and Diversity.

Loraine leads the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) direction at Arup – a leading sustainable development company.  Loraine’s experience includes roles as a consultant at Nichols Group, and 10 years as Director of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)  at Network Rail – which maintains and develops Britain’s rail infrastructure – where she led a centre of expertise which supported the organisation’s ambition to be a more open, diverse and inclusive business.

Previously, Loraine supported the London 2012 Olympics by leading a multi-award-winning team that delivered a programme of EDI employment & skills for the construction of infrastructure, venues and facilities.  Her work in this role was recognised by being awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). 

Other notable roles and achievements include:

– As the vice chair of the Trust for London – a grant-making body which tackles inequality and poverty in the capital – Loraine led the working group that funded the London Living Wage campaign

– Featured in the Financial Times & Inclusive Boards ‘Top 100 women influencing engineering in the UK’ – October 2019

– Awarded the Association of Project Management’s Mike Nichols Award, which recognises contributions to transformational change for the world and society – November 2019

– Served on the independent advisory panel for the Windrush Lessons Learned Review

– Awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her work on D&I at Network Rail

Loraine is a non-executive director at DFS Group; she is a Board member of POWERful Women and Black Business Association (part of London Chamber of Commerce), and she is a Fellow of Royal Society of Arts.

Kara’s role involves regular analysis of social and educational policy issues for a business audience, and as a strategic advisor to employers providing support on skills, labour market, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and social sustainability policy & practice.

Kara is a member of the National Skills Council, a board member of Open Doors Initiative, represents Irish business on the Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Committee of Business at the OECD (BIAC), she is Chair of the Employment Working Group at Business Europe, and a member of the Labour Market Advisory Council. 

Melissa Bosch is a seasoned Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Strategist, changemaker, and author with a proven track record of implementing innovative and intentional interventions across various organisations.

Melissa currently leads the DE&I initiatives at EY Ireland, where she is renowned for her focus on behavioural change, equitable practice and systemic social justice interventions. Melissa’s work seeks to unlock individual, societal, and organisational potential by fostering cultural intelligence, designing inclusive systems, and embedding equitable practice.

Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, Melissa believes that transformative change occurs when individuals are seen, valued, empowered, and engaged. Her passion for cultivating inclusive cultures has consistently driven meaningful change within the communities she supports.

Melissa’s dedication to DE&I has earned her numerous accolades – all highlighting her understanding of the intricate relationship between individuality, organisational culture, and societal pressures.

Beyond Melissa’s professional endeavours, she is a staunch advocate for social justice, actively engaging in charity and community volunteer work. Her roles include advocating for Refugees and Asylum Seekers through Newtown Together, serving on the Board of Trócaire, and facilitating the development of the Dublin City Charter of Inclusion

Brian leads ALDI Ireland’s national HR strategy across recruitment, colleague wellbeing, leadership development, and inclusion.  With over 19 years at ALDI, Brian brings extensive knowledge of the business and a strong people-first approach to leadership.  He oversees nationwide recruitment and has championed policy development and initiatives including colleague mental health, menopause awareness and financial wellbeing.  

Brian is a passionate advocate for Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), driving forward key programmes such as ‘Women in Leadership’ and ALDI’s evolving D&I strategy. His work continues to shape a culture where colleagues are supported, respected, and empowered to succeed—contributing to the business’s reputation as one of Ireland’s leading employers.

Paul is Chief Executive Officer of John Sisk & Son, an international construction and engineering company delivering high-quality projects across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

Since becoming CEO in January 2022, Paul has led a strategic refresh of Sisk’s mission and vision, centred on its core purpose: creating places for future generations. He is a passionate advocate for innovation, collaboration, and empowering teams to drive meaningful change across the construction industry.

Paul is also a leading voice in advancing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB). Under his leadership, Sisk achieved Investors in Diversity Gold accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity – a significant milestone that reflects the company’s deep commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. Sisk was also a proud sponsor of the National Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2025 and signed the Business in the Community Elevate Inclusive Employer Pledge, making a public commitment to advancing EDIB and social impact.

As executive sponsor of Sisk’s EDIB initiatives and a member of the EDIB Steering Group, Paul plays an active role in shaping and championing the company’s inclusive culture. His leadership reflects a strong belief that diversity drives innovation and resilience; values that are especially vital in the construction industry.

With over 25 years of experience, Paul has held senior roles in leading UK construction firms and worked internationally in Asia. He joined Sisk in 2013 and previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the UK Construction and Civil Engineering Division. He is also Vice-Chair (and incoming Chairperson) of Build UK, the representative body for the UK construction industry.

Solat has worked passionately in the field of FREDIE™ (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement) for over 25 years.  All the while being especially driven by a need to support victims of discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

Solat has helped to establish the Irish Centre for Diversity as a leading voice and advocate for FREDIE – a field in which he is widely recognised as the foremost authority.

Solat pioneered Investors in Diversity – nationally-recognised as Ireland’s premier FREDIE framework and accreditation for progress.

With a career marked by innovation, thought leadership, and unwavering dedication to equality, Solat is a pivotal figure driving systemic change and championing inclusive excellence across all sectors.