Donal Casey, actuary, former senior executive at Irish Life, and CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc. - returns to the Renatus Podcast to discuss his superb new book, Reflections on a Golden Ball.

From small-town beginnings in Athy, Co. Kildare, to the corporate boardroom and the global stage of elite professional golf, Donal reflects on talent, leadership, self-confidence, wealth, sport, and the formative narratives that shape each of our journeys.

Part memoir, part philosophical reflection, and part mentoring conversation, Reflections on a Golden Ball invites us not to chase perfection, but to better understand the forces already at work in our own lives.

Donal Casey, actuary, former senior executive at Irish Life, and CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc. - returns to the <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast to discuss his superb new book,&nbsp;Reflections on a Golden Ball.
From small-town beginnings in Athy, Co. Kildare, to the corporate boardroom and the global stage of elite professional golf, Donal reflects on talent, leadership, self-confidence, wealth, sport, and the formative narratives that shape each of our journeys.
Part memoir, part philosophical reflection, and part mentoring conversation, Reflections on a Golden Ball invites us not to chase perfection, but to better understand the forces already at work in our own lives.

“Excellence is Voluntary” with Donal Casey,  former CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc

On this episode of the Renatus Podcast, Greg Dilger speaks with Sean O’Driscoll, former CEO and Chairman of Glen Dimplex and one of Ireland’s most respected business leaders.

Now Chair of the ESRI and a member of the Government’s 2025 Accelerating Infrastructure Task Force, Sean discusses the structural challenges slowing Ireland’s infrastructure delivery — from planning and housing to energy and grid capacity — and what must change to unlock growth.

A candid discussion on leadership, accountability and delivering at scale.

On this episode of the <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, Greg Dilger speaks with Sean O&rsquo;Driscoll, former CEO and Chairman of Glen Dimplex and one of Ireland&rsquo;s most respected business leaders.
Now Chair of the ESRI and a member of the Government&rsquo;s 2025 Accelerating Infrastructure Task Force, Sean discusses the structural challenges slowing Ireland&rsquo;s infrastructure delivery &mdash; from planning and housing to energy and grid capacity &mdash; and what must change to unlock growth.
A candid discussion on leadership, accountability and delivering at scale.

“We’re playing Russian Roulette with our economy and society” with Sean O'Driscoll, Chair of the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) & former Chair / Chief Executive of the Glen Dimplex Group

In our latest Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger chats with Luke Mackey, the 31-year-old Co-founder and CEO of employee-benefits platform Kota.

We dig into Luke’s early life and the entrepreneurial streak that drove him. He talks about the creation and scaling of Kota and how the backing of some top-end international VC firms (including Ireland’s Frontline Ventures) has made him think even bigger.

Luke’s relentless focus on product quality and customer experience is obvious throughout. It’s a big part of what sets him apart.

In our latest <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, host Greg Dilger chats with Luke Mackey, the 31-year-old Co-founder and CEO of employee-benefits platform Kota.
We dig into Luke&rsquo;s early life and the entrepreneurial streak that drove him.&nbsp;He talks about the creation and scaling of Kota and how the backing of some top-end international VC firms (including Ireland&rsquo;s Frontline Ventures) has made him think even bigger.
Luke&rsquo;s relentless focus on product quality and customer experience is obvious throughout. It&rsquo;s a big part of what sets him apart.

“I quite like the chaos of startups” with Luke Mackey, CEO of Kota.

In the latest Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Steve Tennant, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Ireland and Head of Grant Thornton Advisors EMEA.

Charismatic and highly engaging, 47-year-old Steve Tennant brings a fresh perspective and energy to the world of professional services. His natural ability to connect with people, communicate big ideas simply, and inspire confidence has made a significant impact within Grant Thornton Ireland.

Following the recent private-equity-driven merger of Grant Thornton Ireland and Grant Thornton Advisors USA, Steve was appointed to lead their fast-growing EMEA business — a strong endorsement of both Steve and the Irish firm.

In this podcast, he talks about his early days in Aberdeen and Leeds, and how he ultimately ended up working for Grant Thornton in Dublin.

He discusses Grant Thornton’s phenomenal growth in recent years, the hows and whys behind the merger with the US business, and, of course, his exciting new role building out the EMEA organisation.

In the latest <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Steve Tennant, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Ireland and Head of Grant Thornton Advisors EMEA.
Charismatic and highly engaging, 47-year-old Steve Tennant brings a fresh perspective and energy to the world of professional services. His natural ability to connect with people, communicate big ideas simply, and inspire confidence has made a significant impact within Grant Thornton Ireland.
Following the recent private-equity-driven merger of Grant Thornton Ireland and Grant Thornton Advisors USA, Steve was appointed to lead their fast-growing EMEA business &mdash; a strong endorsement of both Steve and the Irish firm.
In this podcast, he talks about his early days in Aberdeen and Leeds, and how he ultimately ended up working for Grant Thornton in Dublin.
He discusses Grant Thornton&rsquo;s phenomenal growth in recent years, the hows and whys behind the merger with the US business, and, of course, his exciting new role building out the EMEA organisation.

“I always try to surround myself with people I believe are brilliant” - with Steve Tennant CEO, EMEA of Grant Thornton Advisors

In this episode of the Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Julie Sinnamon, the hugely influential former CEO of Enterprise Ireland (EI). Julie shares her insights on starting and scaling companies, as well as the evolving role of EI. Drawing on decades of experience at both EI and the IDA, she offers her perspective on issues ranging from female entrepreneurship to the critical role of leadership in driving business success.

In this episode of the <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Julie Sinnamon, the hugely influential former CEO of Enterprise Ireland (EI). Julie shares her insights on starting and scaling companies, as well as the evolving role of EI. Drawing on decades of experience at both EI and the IDA, she offers her perspective on issues ranging from female entrepreneurship to the critical role of leadership in driving business success.

“I get such a buzz from working with entrepreneurs” – with Julie Sinnamon, former CEO of Enterprise Ireland

Early Career

Setting  Up Wayflyer

Wayflyer Service Offering

Fundrasing for Wayflyer 

Growth of Wayflyer 

Tariffs Effect on Wayflyer 

Dublin Not Fulfilling Potential 

In the latest episode of the Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Aidan Corbett, co-founder and CEO of Wayflyer — the Dublin-based fintech helping global e-commerce businesses access fast, data-driven funding.

Launched in 2019 by Aidan Corbett and Jack Pierse, Wayflyer has grown from a lean startup to a global player with offices in Dublin, London, New York, and Sydney, and a $1.6 billion valuation (2022) backed by top-tier international VCs.

It’s an extraordinary story of Irish entrepreneurship and global ambition. 

In the latest episode of the <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Aidan Corbett, co-founder and CEO of Wayflyer &mdash; the Dublin-based fintech helping global e-commerce businesses access fast, data-driven funding.
Launched in 2019 by Aidan Corbett and Jack Pierse, Wayflyer has grown from a lean startup to a global player with offices in Dublin, London, New York, and Sydney, and a $1.6 billion valuation (2022) backed by top-tier international VCs.
It&rsquo;s an extraordinary story of Irish entrepreneurship and global ambition.&nbsp;

In the latest episode of the Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Aidan Corbett, co-founder and CEO of Wayflyer — the Dublin-based fintech helping global e-commerce businesses access fast, data-driven funding.

Fast Money, Smart Data: Inside Wayflyer with Aidan Corbett

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/1c08d06c-b41a-4b0e-9ef1-ace000c43fa2/clips/a1691bd0-1735-422f-982a-b30900ac1a6b/transcript

Intro

Early life and career 

Beginnings at Cairn

Turnover growth from €4 million to €1 billion

Becoming a public company 

Changing Irish culture around housing

Cairn results 

Cost of housing in Ireland 

Raising more capital

General housing market and public opinion

Michael's policy recommendations 

The number of houses needed per year

In this episode of the Renatus Podcast, our host, Greg Dilger, talks to Michael Stanley, the Co-founder and CEO of Ireland's biggest house builder - Cairn Homes plc. Founded in 2014 by himself and Alan McIntosh, the company went public the following year and has thrived ever since. In 2024, it achieved nearly €1 billion in revenue, delivering 2,241 completed units. There is much to admire about Cairn Homes - not least its CEO’s entrepreneurial instincts but also its unwavering commitment to quality - with modern design, sustainability and energy efficiency right at the heart of everything they do.

In this episode of the <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, our host, Greg Dilger, talks to Michael Stanley, the Co-founder and CEO of Ireland's biggest house builder - Cairn Homes plc. Founded in 2014 by himself and Alan McIntosh, the company went public the following year and has thrived ever since. In 2024, it achieved nearly &euro;1 billion in revenue, delivering 2,241 completed units. There is much to admire about Cairn Homes - not least its CEO&rsquo;s entrepreneurial instincts but also its unwavering commitment to quality - with modern design, sustainability and energy efficiency right at the heart of everything they do.

Building Success: The Vision and Teamwork driving Michael Stanley’s Cairn Homes.

In this episode of the Renatuspodcast, host Greg Dilger talks to Bill Emmott - a highly respected writer and consultant best known for his 13 years as Editor in Chief of 'The Economist’ - serving in Brussels, Tokyo and London. Under his leadership, The Economist’s circulation more than doubled, from 500,000 weekly copies to 1.1 million.

Bill is known for his expertise in international affairs, economics and geopolitics, and he shares his thoughts on some of the big global issues we currently face. In 2016, he and his wife decided to become “Brexiles” after the fateful referendum by moving to Ireland. In June 2024, they became naturalised Irish citizens.

This episode was recorded on 21st February 2025.

In this episode of the <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> podcast, host Greg Dilger talks to Bill Emmott - a highly respected writer and consultant best known for his 13 years as Editor in Chief of 'The Economist&rsquo; - serving in Brussels, Tokyo and London. Under his leadership, The Economist&rsquo;s circulation more than doubled, from 500,000 weekly copies to 1.1 million.
Bill is known for his expertise in international affairs, economics and geopolitics, and he shares his thoughts on some of the big global issues we currently face. In 2016, he and his wife decided to become &ldquo;Brexiles&rdquo; after the fateful referendum by moving to Ireland. In June 2024, they became naturalised Irish citizens.
This episode was recorded on 21st February 2025.

"We are the house magazine of globalisation" - with Bill Emmott, former Editor-in-Chief of The Economist.

Promotion at Irish Life

Becoming COO at 30

Joining the CEO process of Irish Life

Sponsoring Pádraig Harrington  

Starting to work with Rory Mcllroy 

Negotiating with global brands 

Rory's media image and dealing with pressure 

Current views on golf trajectory 

Stepping down as CEO Rory Mcllroy INC

Supporting Women's sports 

In 2013, when Rory McIlroy, one of the best golfers of all time, parted company with his agent Horizon Sports, there would have been no shortage of high-calibre candidates for the CEO role in his new Dublin-based management company - Rory McIlroy Inc.

The fact that Rory turned to a low-profile but well-respected Athy-born actuary called Donal Casey says it all.

Donal, who was a decent amateur golfer and a self-confessed golf nerd, was an inspired choice, and he thrived in the role. He always believed that longer-term thinking, which was a fundamental pillar of his actuarial background, was a big advantage in the world of corporate sponsorship, image rights, and endorsements.

Donal (now 56) stepped down from RMI last year after 11 enjoyable years in the role.

In this podcast, Donal talks about his early life in Co. Kildare, his career as an actuary in Irish Life, and his time working with Rory McIlroy. He talks about his interest in and passion for women’s sports - particularly golf and athletics.

Hosted by Greg Dilger of Renatus.

In 2013, when Rory McIlroy, one of the best golfers of all time, parted company with his agent Horizon Sports, there would have been no shortage of high-calibre candidates for the CEO role in his new Dublin-based management company - Rory McIlroy Inc.
The fact that Rory turned to a low-profile but well-respected Athy-born actuary called Donal Casey says it all.
Donal, who was a decent amateur golfer and a self-confessed golf nerd, was an inspired choice, and he thrived in the role. He always believed that longer-term thinking, which was a fundamental pillar of his actuarial background, was a big advantage in the world of corporate sponsorship, image rights, and endorsements.
Donal (now 56) stepped down from RMI last year after 11 enjoyable years in the role.
In this podcast, Donal talks about his early life in Co. Kildare, his career as an actuary in Irish Life, and his time working with Rory McIlroy. He talks about his interest in and passion for women&rsquo;s sports - particularly golf and athletics.
Hosted by Greg Dilger of <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a>.

"Golf's fundamental power is the adjacent wealth - the real wealth is outside the ropes" - with Donal Casey, former CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc.

Early life

First Commentary 

Starting a PR Career

Fleishmanhillard  

Omnicom 

Influencers and Technology 

PR Business Model 

Remote Work

Transition from CEO and Chairman 

Closing comments 

In October 2024, John Saunders became Chairman of St. Louis-based public relations firm FleishmanHillard, having served as CEO for the previous nine years. Not many Irish people get to head global businesses based out of the U.S., but John Saunders did just that.

From humble beginnings as a sports presenter with RTE, he has carved out a stellar career in the public relations industry. In this latest episode of The Renatus Podcast, John talks to host Greg Dilger about the PR business generally, as well as his own firm, FleishmanHillard, and its multibillion-dollar parent company, Omnicom. He offers fascinating insights into the evolving role of PR in a digital world, including the phenomenal growth of the influencer space, the use of AI, and the future of work.

In October 2024, John Saunders became Chairman of St. Louis-based public relations firm FleishmanHillard, having served as CEO for the previous nine years. Not many Irish people get to head global businesses based out of the U.S., but John Saunders did just that.
From humble beginnings as a sports presenter with RTE, he has carved out a stellar career in the public relations industry. In this latest episode of The <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, John talks to host Greg Dilger about the PR business generally, as well as his own firm, FleishmanHillard, and its multibillion-dollar parent company, Omnicom. He offers fascinating insights into the evolving role of PR in a digital world, including the phenomenal growth of the influencer space, the use of AI, and the future of work.

”Almost overnight we have a global influencer industry” -  with John Saunders, Chairman of FleishmanHillard

The Renatus podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no more powerful way of learning than listening to high achievers talk about their businesses and challenges.

The Renatus podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no more powerful way of learning than listening to high achievers talk about their businesses and challenges.

The Renatus Podcast

Renatus Capital Partners is an Irish private equity firm based in Dublin that provides supportive and strategic capital to ambitious SMEs.

The Renatus Podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no better way of learning than listening to high achievers talk frankly about their businesses and their challenges.

Renatus&nbsp;Capital Partners is an Irish private equity firm based in Dublin that provides supportive and strategic capital to ambitious SMEs.
The Renatus Podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no better way of learning than listening to high achievers talk frankly about their businesses and their challenges.

The Renatus Podcast

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