Interviews
Name: Lan O'Connor
TCD Qualifications: MBA (1991)
Title: Group Transformation Director Capgemini, Advisor and early stage tech investor
About: After her MBA at Trinity, Lan joined Gemini Consulting and successively founded her own consulting company. Lan then became a Group Transformation Director within the Capgemini Group, multinational management consulting corporation. Lan now advises and invests in digital businesses and is an advocate for Women In Tech. Lan is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
What drives your passion for business?
Quite simply it feeds my passion for problem solving. Being in business, particularly in technology driven businesses is like a daily test of inventiveness and problem solving. The business world is immediate and tangible. It starts when you see a potential market, you access it and discover that your solution can create new value for your clients, enabling livelihoods and careers to develop along the way. And it’s full of surprises and the necessity to constantly innovate.
What is your fondest memory of Trinity?
I met my husband Harry at Trinity. Can’t say better than that!
What has motivated you to continue your involvement in Trinity’s Business School?
The Business School has a bold ambition to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the business community in Ireland and beyond. The new school building is a concrete evidence of that commitment. To be a part of that landmark campaign and transformation of the business school is a fantastic opportunity.
Tell us about the new Business School and Campaign?
We have been through highs and lows over the last few years. The vision of the School, the drive of the Foundation and the support of the Provost and the University resources have combined in a real team effort. Founding patrons and patrons have committed personal funds in a major vote of confidence in this initiative. The new school building will be a true landmark on campus. It is a powerful representation of the ambition of the school. The campaign continues apace: we are constantly talking with new patrons and corporate partners. Now the development is underway it feels like the vision is finally becoming reality. The opening can’t come fast enough.
What has the involvement on the Board of the Trinity Business School meant to you?
Of course I have learned a lot about how the University works and how a 400-year-old traditional education establishment actually operates. And I have had the privilege of being involved with the Global Graduates Forum and the inaugural Business School Forum, both of which were inspiring events. Being on the Board of the Business School is a privilege and an obligation: we are all committed to the fundraising campaign, drawing on our personal connections and resources. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have lectured to the MBA class which was a real learning experience! I’m a passionate believer in the power and necessity of constant learning and feel that as a member of the Board I am able to stay informed about and connected with the forefront of business education. I feel the School is well positioned to lead the way in business education and is well connected with the real world through the Board and the faculty, so the future is bright!
And lastly, as we are in the festive season - if you had one Christmas wish what would it be?
Snow! They say that you’ve grown up on the day snow ceases to be a delight and starts to be a headache. Though I hope we all make it through Christmas healthy, happy and warm.