Ian Brady CDir

Tell us more about your background

I have 23 years’ experience in the financial services, and wealth management sectors, formerly holding the role of Managing Director of Davy’s Wealth Management business. I am a dynamic leader reputed for driving strategic growth, and operate in both corporate and non-profit sectors as a board member.

I am a Chartered Director, with qualifications in corporate law and corporate governance. I hold an MBA with distinction from Trinity College Dublin, and have studied at Insead and the Harvard Kennedy School.

What is the one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? 

Authenticity. I believe that to lead people you have to be genuine and true to who you are in your actions and words. Authenticity will inspire and motivate people and bring them with you through the good and the bad in equal measure. Being purely competent is not enough, to lead, people need to believe in you, trust your character and connect with you, to create a (psychologically) safe environment to make big decisions. If you allowed me two, it would be humility!

What is the most important lesson, from your personal or business life, that has guided you the most in being a business leader? 

One lesson or mantra that I have always kept close is that you have to earn the right to grow, you can’t expect it to just happen. Grounding your decisions in that brings a quality focus to all of your actions. Never being happy with the old way and always looking for the new way is how I like to describe it.

How has being a member of IoD Ireland supported your role as a director and business leader?

IoD Ireland has put me in situations where I am surrounded by incredibly smart and diverse groups of people with a variety of skillsets whom I have always learned from. Studying for and becoming a Chartered Director created an enhanced self-awareness as to my competences and more pertinently my deficiencies. I have always referenced the IoD competency framework to build and learn through experience as an executive and non-executive and through continuous education as well as guiding when to lean into others. Most recently when going through the Central Bank PCF process it became apparent to me that adhering to the framework to build competency over time was invaluable. 

What do you value most about being a member of IoD Ireland?

I value the support network, resources and broad spectrum of events which build competency – a directors learning is never finished. It’s probably a personal feeling but the ethos of the organisation comes through in the openness of members at events and informal networks, and through their learning programme. This ethos of learning, collaboration and sharing amongst the members is exceptionally strong. Not to mention the friends I have made through IoD Ireland over the years. Some of my closest confidants would be through the IoD. 

Is there someone who has had a major impact on you as a leader? Why and how did this person impact your life?

I have been lucky to have many people over the years that I could call friend or counsel as well as my family. (It is surprising how balanced and good counsel my children are!) For me I have a mirror image cousin who was in a bad car crash a long time ago and is severely brain damaged. His parents are deceased so I have a role looking after him. Seeing how his life has been impacted has had a major impact on me personally, and to a degree on my leadership style. When this happened to him it set a spark off in me that in life you just don’t know what is around the corner. It led me to look to the future, not waste a second with a strong sense to use every opportunity to make something better if you can as I might not get the opportunity again.

What are the biggest business challenges or/and opportunities that you have seen over your career to date? And how did you help to overcome or/and optimise these? 

Working in financial services through the financial crisis was challenging but in many ways it made me who I am today. Seeing that unfold and navigating by being controlled, calm, assured, empathic but confident in my decisions was something I remember. It wasn’t a time to be numb or fold inwards, but by staying true to my own values and being authentic. I realised that is a great formula to get through anything. In terms of opportunity, I see a generational opportunity within wealth management in Ireland. Ireland is an increasingly wealthy country but one of the slowest adopters of investment in Europe. A compete dichotomy, but it is affecting our economy and holding back our society. That’s why Unio exists, to solve for people’s unique life needs through financial advice, to facilitate people making better use of their savings, investment and capital, which will in turn create a multiplier effect across society.

How do you think business leaders can best prepare for the future? 

I believe being or getting comfortable with change and ambiguity is important. Business models and client needs are changing at a faster pace than ever before due to technological innovation across industries. Having a strong outward focus and growth orientation is critical.  I feel I am never finished and can always learn from the people in our organisation but also through being inquisitive. Asking people, what they think, is a simple example.

I would surround yourself with people who look outward and forward and are notably inquisitive for the future. Make sure you constantly ask them what they think, ideas breed ideas. Also back yourself, take on a challenge, don’t be timid or wait for it to land on you, maybe go and force it to occur. 

What advice would you offer to new or aspiring directors in Ireland? 

Be prepared. Having heightened self-awareness will facilitate recognising where you have capabilities but equally where you have gaps that through planning you can bridge.  Have a look at yourself see what gaps you have, acknowledge, and work hard to round yourself. Then dive in, no doubt you have so much to give especially in areas where you have a particular knowledge and experience.  IoD Ireland is an unbelievable crutch to help you make that leap as it is so fully rounded. It gives you the confidence to make a material difference in scenarios that if you are not a director or aren’t with IoD Ireland today, you are missing out on. Life’s short!