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CEO of Cpl Lorna Conn on leadership, pressure and leading with courage
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"My most valuable decisions have been people-related – elevating brilliant people, and respectfully parting ways with people who are not for our journey."
Welcome to Conversations Over Coffee, in partnership with Nespresso Professional, where we sit down with Ireland’s most impressive female leaders – women whose perspectives and experience are shaping industries, but who you rarely get to hear from in such an open, unfiltered way.
From candid reflections on leadership to the small rituals that keep them grounded, this series goes beyond the bottom line to reveal what drives these leaders and what we can all learn from them.
First up is Lorna Conn, CEO of Cpl. A qualified chartered accountant and fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Lorna began her career in auditing with Deloitte before holding senior finance roles at several public companies, including NTR plc and ISS Ireland. She joined Cpl as chief financial officer in 2017, became deputy CEO in 2021, and was appointed CEO in 2022.
Here she shares her approach to decision-making, resilience and leading with courage.
Because real strategy often happens behind the scenes, what’s the most valuable decision you’ve made that didn’t make it into a press release?
My most valuable decisions have been people-related – elevating brilliant people, and respectfully parting ways with people who are not for our journey.
We all need a trusted advisor, who do you call when the pressure is on?
The night before I joined Cpl, one of my soon-to-be colleagues texted me a note of welcome and encouragement. It was completely unexpected, but that text paved the way to one of the most enriching and supportive working relationships I have had in my career to date. That person is my consigliere, and everyone needs one.
Have you ever knowingly made the ‘wrong’ decision, and been glad you did?
I’ve knowingly made decisions that I was very unsure of, but one thing I’m not is a procrastinator when a difficult decision needs to be made. I worry it through, listen to my gut, and then accept how the chips might fall. Over the years, I have found that things generally work out in the end.
What’s a myth about leadership you’d like to personally dismantle?
Soft power equals weakness. In my experience, you can be every bit as effective by inspiring people to go the extra mile for you as by ruling with an iron fist. I have an edge (who doesn’t?), but I like to lead from the heart.
Which failure taught you the most about resilience and success?
My greatest lessons have been people-related, like accepting a line manager or a working relationship that is toxic or damaging to my sense of self-worth. Never will I do that again.
What’s your personal luxury: the one thing you unapologetically indulge in?
I absolutely love Chanel jewellery, even the sight of those two Cs gives me joy. Sonya Lennon recently wrote about a vintage Chanel choker she owns, and I have been lusting after it ever since!
Your coffee order?
A grande, skinny cappuccino, extra hot with two shots of sugar-free vanilla.
Any great business books, podcasts or publications that you favour and would recommend?
I love Jack Welch’s Winning and John C. Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. There are nuggets of wisdom in these books that I use again and again. I listened to them on Audible whilst walking, which I would highly recommend. What has particularly stayed with me is Welch’s advice on candour and Maxwell’s advice on the ‘Law of the Lid’. Believe me, their advice will resonate.
What advice do you most often give? And key question: Do you follow it yourself?
Have the courageous conversation. When someone lets you down or you’re not engaging with them effectively, find a safe space and speak to them candidly. I wish I had been braver in the earlier years of my career. As CEO, it is my job to have courageous conversations, and even when I don’t want to, I force myself to.
When you step away from your desk for good, what legacy do you hope to leave, and who do you hope is listening?
My legacy to me will be the security of knowing I can live my later years in financial freedom. My legacy to Ireland INC will be a great Irish company that I have grown. If Cpl is my final role, I hope the colleagues I leave behind will be listening, but above all else, my three children, and their view of me, is what matters most.
Photography by Kieran Harnett
Nespresso Professional is the pioneer and perfector of high-quality portioned coffee. With a range of 23 coffees and a variety of professional machines, they offer bespoke and tailored solutions for businesses and venues of any size. Visit nespressoforbusiness.ie to learn more.
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