Thursday afternoon

Micke Hermanson – Grej of the day

Detail to follow.

Friday afternoon

Mind the Gap — Leading the Intergenerational Staffroom

Dr Mary E. Collins, Chartered Psychologist

Today's staffrooms hold up to four generations working side by side — from early-career practitioners to leaders approaching retirement — each shaped by different expectations of work, wellbeing, and leadership. For nursery, primary and ASN school leaders, this generational mix can be a source of real strength, or a quiet source of friction, misunderstanding and disengagement if left unaddressed. 

“Mind the Gap” draws on psychological research in emotional intelligence, belonging and workplace culture to give school leaders a practical, evidence-based lens for understanding what each generation in their staffroom needs to feel valued, motivated and supported. As the closing keynote, the session is designed to send delegates away with a clear, energising set of leadership actions they can put into practice immediately. 

Learning Objectives 

By the end of the session, delegates will be able to: 

• Recognise the generational dynamics at play in their own staffroom and the assumptions each generation brings to work and leadership. 

• Apply an emotional intelligence framework to bridge generational differences in communication, feedback and motivation. 

• Identify practical, low-cost strategies for building a sense of belonging across nursery, primary and specialist school teams. 

• Translate insights from positive psychology into everyday leadership habits that support staff wellbeing and retention. 

• Leave with a personal action plan for “closing the gap” in their own setting over the coming school year. 

Dr Mary E. Collins 

Dr. Mary Collins is a Chartered Psychologist, Author, Speaker and Senior Leadership Coach with over 20 years’ experience in leadership development and talent management. She is Programme Director of the Professional Diploma in Leadership & Workplace Wellbeing at RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences and runs the Leadership Module on the MCh Surgery. Mary also runs a successful business psychology practice working with C-suite leaders across a range sectors globally. Mary serves on the PSI Coaching Psychology Division committee as Research Lead and also on the Leadership Committee for ISCP. She co-directs the global Neuroscience Coaching Network and was awarded a National Coaching Hero Award in 2019. Formerly Head of Talent and Leadership at Deloitte Ireland, Mary is a sought-after international speaker on the intergenerational workforce, emotional intelligence and resilience for leaders. Her work blends academic research with practical application, and she has authored several books, including her latest on Emotional Intelligence & Dentistry (2025).