This event will bring together cutting-edge research and some of Ireland’s foremost thinkers to explore people, culture, and the increasingly sophisticated ways HR influences organisational performance.
Opening this session will be Alison Hodgson, CIPD Country Director, Ireland. Alison will take us through some key signposts & topics that will be critical to the HR function delivering successfully in 2026. This session is titled "People, HR & Business in Ireland: Priorities for 2026".
Jake Mealy, Chief Data Solutions Officer, Welliba, will then present the most comprehensive picture of employee experience ever assembled on the S&P 500.
In this research project, we used our EXcelerate technology to analyse over 25 million data points from more than 150,000 public websites to produce rich, detailed analysis on each of the 500 companies in the index. For the first time, we have a clear view of the exact organisational levers that produce the biggest competitive advantage.
- Is it people or process that best predict stock growth over the long term?
- Should companies double down on what they’re good at? Or address challenges head-on?
- If you have one more euro to invest in your people, is it better spent on compensation or career progression and advancement opportunities?
We’ll also deep dive into specific case studies on Netflix and Target. You’ll see whether these organisations really deliver on their employee experience promises and how far media headlines reflect reality. Discover why Netflix has been able to sustain its performance over time and how public perception aligns or clashes with what is actually happening inside these companies.
EXcelerate represents the next paradigm shift in people analytics. The insights presented are essential for HR leadership to the C-Suite and for anyone who is interested in unlocking another level in business outcomes from their organisation.
Our Speakers
Alison Hodgson
Alison Hodgson is Market Director for Ireland at the CIPD, leading the organisation’s growth and contribution to the people profession across the country. A Chartered Companion of the CIPD, she was named one of Ireland’s Top 50 Most Influential CHROs in 2024. Alison brings senior HR and change experience across sectors, including retail, tech, telecoms, financial services and semi-state organisations, and previously served as Consulting Partner for Transformation, HR and Change at RSM Ireland.
Jake Mealy
Jake Mealy is a data analyst and storyteller whose experience spans biotech, sales, marketing, HR tech and people analytics. He holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and previously led data teams at Indeed and Analytic Partners. As Welliba's Chief Data Solutions Officer, he pioneers AI-driven people analytics solutions. The insights delivered by this technology reveal the influence that employee experience has on hard business performance metrics.
Event Contributors
We are looking forward to seeing you in Dublin!
If you would like to learn more about Welliba, please email stephen.forde@Welliba.com
