Essential Skills II
The Human Element of Elite Performance
The soft skills that make all the difference - we call these the performance skills.
Event Countdown:
Event Programme
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Event Speakers
Meet our incredible lineup of hosts and guest speakers
"We believe the most powerful ideas emerge when brilliant people connect authentically. This event is designed as a catalyst for those connections—where your voice matters as much as any keynote, and every conversation has the potential to spark something extraordinary."
Ciaran Dunne
"My mission is to continue to raise funds for Children's Health Ireland and Down Syndrome Ireland to get to my personal goal of €50,000 raised"
David Clancy
About Essential Skills II
A one-day event uniting inspirational leaders from high-performance sport, healthcare, and academia, focused on the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that drive elite performance.
"Behind every moment of elite performance lies the human element – the essential skills that transform potential into excellence."
Our Mission
We're gathering 175 curious and open-minded fire starters to explore critical skills behind sustained excellence—not just technical prowess, but emotional intelligence, human connection, and interpersonal mastery.
This isn't just another conference; it's a movement dedicated to elevating the skills that matter most in sport, healthcare, and life.
What Makes This Unique
Cross-Industry Insights
Practical Frameworks
Personal Growth
Purpose-Driven Event
What Past Attendees Say
"A powerful experience—this day helped me take my career to the next level."
Club Doctor
Premier League Club
"Conversations sparked here changed our entire approach to teamwork."
Senior Performance Coach
Rugby Union Club
"Unforgettable energy. I left inspired, motivated, and better connected."
Healthcare Specialist
NHS Trust
The Essential Skills Journey
2024
Tate Modern, London
The inaugural Essential Skills event brought together sports performance leaders and healthcare professionals in the heart of London, setting the foundation for meaningful conversations about the human element of elite performance.
2025
Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin
Essential Skills II expands the conversation to Dublin, bringing together an even broader community of changemakers to explore the performance skills that transform potential into excellence across sport, healthcare, and beyond.
The Journey So Far
It began as a course, evolved into a book, and culminated in an event. The Essential Skills event at the Tate Modern reshaped how sports performance leaders and healthcare professionals think about collaboration, leadership, and development.
Conversations are powerful. There's something special about a space where people can come together and just talk—where ideas spark, empathy grows, and people understand each other a little bit better.
"The energy in the room was incredible—this will be unlike anything you've experienced before."
Your Essential Skills Experience
Practical Frameworks
Proven models for developing essential skills in your field
Elite Insights
Strategies from top performers across sports and healthcare
Powerful Networking
Connections with like-minded leaders and changemakers
Self-Awareness
Deeper understanding of your own performance drivers
Lasting Inspiration
Motivation to elevate your performance and impact
Purpose & Impact
Knowledge that your participation supports vital causes
The Venue
Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin
Set in the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA provides a stunning backdrop for our gathering.
The North Range offers an intimate yet grand setting where art, history, and innovation converge - the perfect environment for exploring essential skills that transcend disciplines.
A Gathering with Purpose
All proceeds support Children's Health Ireland and Down Syndrome Ireland.
Supporting children's healthcare across Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, and Connolly hospitals.
Advocating for and supporting people with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland.
Previous donations making a real difference in the lives of children and families across Ireland
"Together, we're not just building essential skills—we're creating a healthier, more inclusive future for Ireland's children and families."
Themes of the Day
Clarity
Clear vision and focused thinking for better decision making
Connection
Building meaningful relationships that drive success
Communication
Effective and impactful messaging that resonates
Collaboration
Working together towards shared goals and vision
Community
Creating lasting bonds and supportive networks
Schedule & Speakers
Full Line-Up Announced June 30th, 2025
An all-star roster featuring keynote addresses, intimate workshops, insightful roundtables, fireside chats, and meaningful networking opportunities.
World-Class Speakers from the Tate Modern London 2024
Learn from the minds that shape elite performance across sport, healthcare, and leadership
James Kerr
Best selling author of 'Legacy'
Jack McCaffrey
6-time All-Ireland winner with Dublin GAA & Paediatric Doctor
Alicia Tang
Elite Sports Physiotherapist
Michelle Carney
Founder & CEO, Honorary Doctorate for Service to Sport
Ashar Magoba
Elite Sports Physiotherapist
Ronan Conway
Team Connection Consultant
Mark Whittle
Executive Performance Coach
Dr. Jeff Konin
Clinical Professor at Florida International University
Trevor Bates
College President Mercy College of Ohio
"When the world's best come together to share what they've learned, extraordinary things happen."
Connecting Leaders From
Join an exclusive network of professionals from the world's most prestigious organisations, where championship mindsets meet cutting-edge innovation.
Elite Organisations Represented
"From world-renowned football clubs to elite healthcare institutions – connecting the finest minds in performance excellence"
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An Event, A Gathering, A Movement
