A century of milestones is best told through the voices of those who are truly part of it. Six members of the Trinity Business School community recall formative experiences, enduring lessons, and the moments that continue to inspire across generations CAROLAN LENNON , MBA ( ) Country Leader Salesforce Ireland What are your fondest memories of your time in Trinity Business School? My university experience was a tale of two worlds. My first taste was at 17, living at home on the northside, and cycling in, meant I didn't dive into the full college experience. It felt somewhat wasted on me, though I did get an honours degree! Fast forward to my MBA – I was older, wiser, had gained experience, and paid for my own city-centre apartment. The whole experience was fantastic, from new subjects, to meeting an amazing mix of people, and fabulous lecturers like John Murray and Dermot McEleese. I still get goosebumps walking under those iconic arches and across the cobblestones. I hope to get back someday! Looking back at your time on the MBA programme, was there a moment that you initially underestimated, but which ended up shaping your approach to leadership later on? One of the best things – and also one of the most challenging – was the company project. It was fantastic to put all that lecture wisdom to use, and tackle real company issues. But these were team- based, and I found myself in a group with work styles as di erent as night and day. There was no o icial leader, no boss, just us trying to figure things out. It taught me about so power and influencing skills – how to get everyone on the same page, working together. It was like trying to conduct an orchestra without a conductor! JOE MCCARTHY , BA ( ) International Rugby Player What lessons from Trinity Business School have stayed with you on the rugby field? What really stuck with me from Trinity Business School is that success comes down to clear strategy and resilience. In rugby, that means knowing your role, sticking to a plan under pressure, and bouncing back from setbacks like injuries or tough defeats. The same lessons in teamwork and adaptability from a business perspective drive performance on the field. If you could have a co ee with any graduate from Trinity Business School, who would it be? I’d love to have co ee with Paul McGuinness, the longtime manager of U2. As a U2 fan, I’d be fascinated to hear how he helped a Dublin band become one of the world’s biggest acts while never losing their identity. His mix of vision, strategy, and creativity – and his belief that artists can keep their integrity while being commercially savvy – would certainly be interesting over a co ee. AKINWANDE MAJOLA , BA, MS c ( ), Trinity Business School Graduate As Trinity Business School celebrates its 100th anniversary, which aspect of its legacy or history do you find most inspiring, and how do you see it shaping your own learning or career ambitions? I find the modern era of Trinity Business School to be the most inspiring. The school’s investment in students and alumni through scholarships and access programmes open the door for talent and fosters inclusivity and innovation from all parts of the business school. I’ve experienced the benefits of this in my own life and it has inspired me to pursue a career where I can help others. What graduate from the Trinity Business School would you like to interview? I’d like to meet Hugo MacNeill. His journey from international rugby to high finance and community initiatives exemplifies flexible leadership. I’d ask: “Across sport, business, and social impact, what principles guided you, and how can new leaders stay true to their values while adapting to change?”.
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