The best leaders are unapologetically themselves

From a young age, Lorna Conn knew she wanted to be an accountant. After her education, she joined Deloitte, where she earned her chartered accountancy qualification. Lorna’s experience there included invaluable opportunities to travel to the US and Australia, which set the stage for her future roles in the industry. “I’ve always had a vision for my career path, and the end goal was becoming a chief financial officer (CFO) of an Irish-listed company. I never imagined or aspired to become a chief executive officer (CEO). And I really mean that,” she laughs in our interview in the bright atrium of the Cpl headquarters in Dublin 4.

Her journey took her to the United States, where she lived for nearly two years with her family, gaining international experience that enriched her professional perspective. After returning to Ireland, Lorna joined Cpl as chief financial officer (CFO). “Cpl captured my heart and my imagination in such a profound way that my thinking gradually evolved, and I started to wonder what it might be like to lead the organisation,” she explains.

Evolution into CEO

In a remarkable succession from CFO to CEO, Lorna describes the transition as natural, crediting the support she received from former CEO Anne Heraty, who was named Lifetime Achievement Award winner in the 2024 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards. “Even though becoming a CEO was never part of my plan, the move felt natural when it happened. I think part of that was the support I’d gotten from Anne in the handover and the space I’d been given to really be myself as a leader,” she explains.

“I was lucky that during the succession process, I had Anne to guide and support me. We worked together closely while I was CFO, and she always gave me autonomy and support in equal measure, which was so empowering,” she says. Lorna acknowledges Anne’s leadership style as crucial to the development of her own. “As CEO I’m ultimately always accountable, I want to ensure I give that space to the exceptional talent around me to grow.”

Lorna’s philosophy on leadership is rooted in authenticity. “The best leaders are unapologetically themselves. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s so true,” she says, emphasising that this is especially relevant for women who are sometimes encouraged to adopt leadership styles that are not authentic to themselves. “In my 20s, there were times I felt I had to fit a certain mould, but the times I leaned into my personality were the times I got the best results. That was an important lesson to learn,” she says.

This is also reflected in her advice for young professionals: “Be unapologetically, authentically yourself.” In this new era of work where people love to feel empowered, to have autonomy and to make a valuable contribution, people bringing their full selves to work and portraying who they are as individuals is incredibly important. There is only one person like you in the world”

Cultivating a positive culture

For Lorna, Cpl’s success lies in its culture. “Culture is our secret sauce,” she says, explaining that she prioritises an inclusive environment rooted in psychological safety. Her commitment to a non-adversarial atmosphere allows employees to thrive and innovate. “You will never hear me shout at somebody,” she says. “You will never see me send a rude or abrupt text or email, that’s just not how I conduct myself. I think that sets a very healthy foundation for people to not just survive and work, but to thrive. It is based in a behavioural environment that is deeply rooted in respect, which is hugely important to me,” she shares with deep conviction. “In a non-adversarial atmosphere, performance standards can actually soar.”

Lorna believes that today’s workforce desires not just a job but an engaging and meaningful work experience. This shift in workplace expectations influences leadership styles, and she advocates for fostering open discourse. “Innovation thrives when people feel they can share their ideas without hesitation,” she elaborates.

Beyond the global Cpl team, it is this type of productive and supportive culture that Cpl supports clients to create through their specialist recruitment and strategic talent advisory services, in order to attract and retain the best talent.

Commitment to diversity

Lorna is also a champion for diversity, particularly in leadership roles. Engaged with the 30%+ Club as an Advisory Board Member, she advocates for gender representation at the decision-making table. “The world is 50% men and 50% women, so why shouldn’t the top tier reflect that?” When it comes to attracting and retaining talent, she integrates a strong Employer Value Proposition (EVP), something that Cpl also supports their clients to do. “Creating a workplace that values every individual’s contributions is fundamental,” she explains, “and we must cultivate an environment where everyone feels part of a shared vision.”

Balancing it all

Beyond her professional success, Lorna acknowledges the challenges of balancing her career with family life. “Raising children is the most difficult yet rewarding job I will ever do,” she shares. “No matter what, my children are my top priority. It’s still a real juggle, though, and it doesn’t ever get easier.” Lorna says she is fortunate to have a strong support network and she highlights her partner, grandparents and professional services, emphasising that the juggling act is a continuous process.

Her perspective on family reflects her belief that work-life balance is essential for any leader and she recognises that creating a supportive environment for employees to manage their personal lives alongside their careers can positively impact the overall workplace culture.

Commitment to Ireland

Lorna’s ambitions extend beyond corporate success; she has a deep emotional connection to Ireland and strives to enhance its global standing. “Being Irish is one of my greatest blessings,” she affirms, expressing her desire to contribute significantly to “Ireland, Inc”. She will continue to position Cpl and its workforce as a key player in the global landscape while nurturing indigenous talent, and shares her sustained aspirations to continue to make a positive impact on the Irish economy.

For more information on Ireland’s leading specialised recruitment and talent solutions firm visit cpl.com.