A conversation with Liam O’Dwyer which will inspire whatever your beliefs or career path.

Liam O'Dwyer began his working life as a Catholic priest. It wasn’t work as he saw it, more a life of service in the community. That became a focus of his future when he left the priesthood, married and went on to build a career leading financial and charitable organisations.

When he left the priesthood having met his future wife Mary his first job was managing e a programme for the traveller community which involved young travellers learning building trade skills.

He then moved to Amsterdam where Mary went to work with ITT the US global manufacturing company. When he saw the remuneration package, she was offered he said, “I’ll go with you.” While in Amsterdam he secured a six-month HR consultancy role.

On returning to Ireland with Mary and a young child Liam joined the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, first as co-ordinator for the East Region and then as National Director. From there it was CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) before moving to the Catholic Institute for Deaf People where he oversaw the establishment of a national Deaf Village, a place where all organisations representing the deaf community in Ireland are based.When that project was completed, he joined the Irish Red Cross.

For those considering their career path Liam has these thoughts, “Take your time making decisions, listening and showing empathy are critical attributes as a leader”

he says.

On this podcast Jim and Ellen don't just chat about Liam's career. The conversation ranges across the changes in the Catholic church and the changing culture in the US. Liam also describes negotiating with the EU in Brussels on how different the ILCU was when compared with other much larger Credit Unions in Europe. Liam also describes the scale and operation of the Irish Red Cross in comparison with other Red Cross organisations throughout the world. Discussing the deaths of Red Cross personnel from different countries he believes that in many conflicts there has been a complete disrespect for humanitarian organisations. working in an unaligned manner.

Throughout the conversation it is clear that Liam’s beliefs are driven by the desire to live in a place where justice, peace and love are the starter point to drive services that enable communities to work together and to try and enable governments to support justice, fairness and the elimination of poverty.

An appropriate conversation going live in Christmas week.

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