The workshops will take place at the IMI Campus in Dublin on 25 and 26 November 2026.

Leading Through Geopolitical Uncertainty

Q: Why should I choose IMI?

IMI is in the top 2% of executive education providers worldwide. We have been empowering business leaders to build their capabilities for over 70 years. We are ranked #1 in Ireland for academic rigour and practical relevance on our Open-Enrolment programmes Our full focus is on you, the participant. Through continuous reinvestment, we engage world class faculty to enhance the learning experience and deliver highly contextualised and outcome-led programmes. This provides you with the best opportunity possible to grow your career.

Q: What are the programme themes?

Across two immersive, in-person days, participants move from insight to action. The programme combines expert briefings, structured scenario work, and practical application to participants’ own organisational contexts. Day One: Understand the Environment Day one establishes the geopolitical and economic context. Participants examine the shift from peak globalisation to sustained volatility, explore developments across Europe, the US, the UK, and global markets, and learn how to assess their implications for business. Day Two: Turn Insight into Action Day two focuses on application, decision-making, and influence. Participants explore EU policy-making, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication before applying their learning in a final policy simulation and expert panel review.

Q: What will participants leave with?

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to: Analyse geopolitical trends and assess their relevance to their organisation and sector Forecast potential scenarios and evaluate associated commercial risks Translate geopolitical developments into practical strategic responses Navigate EU policy-making processes with greater confidence Communicate complex geopolitical insight clearly to boards, stakeholders, and external audiences Participants leave with a structured approach to geopolitical risk analysis, practical experience responding to policy shocks, and greater confidence to lead decisively when uncertainty is constant.

Q: Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for director-level and senior executives operating in complex, fast-moving environments where external shocks can quickly affect organisational strategy and performance. It is particularly relevant for leaders in strategy, public affairs, business development, executive leadership, and cross-functional roles where decisions must be made under pressure. The programme is suited to leaders in multinational organisations, indigenous Irish enterprises, public bodies, and policy-influencing organisations.

Q: CPD hours and certification

Upon programme completion, you will receive an e-certificate specifying the learning hours undertaken. Many industry bodies have different criteria for accepted courses, eligible CPD hours, and required documentation. Please check the criteria and, if appropriate, submit the e-certificate as evidence of your participation. Please keep the e-certificate secure as you may need it for verification purposes at a later date.

Q: How do I find out more about the IMI campus?

Read our campus information page for details.

Course Overview

Geopolitics, policy, and regulation are no longer distant concerns for organisations. They now shape commercial outcomes in real time, influencing supply chains, investment decisions, stakeholder expectations, and strategic priorities.

Senior leaders are expected to anticipate these shifts, understand their implications, and respond quickly. Yet many organisations lack a practical way to translate geopolitical signals into decisions that can be acted on across the business.

This two-day IMI programme is designed to close that gap. Participants work with expert faculty to interpret geopolitical and policy developments, assess their commercial impact, and build practical responses for their own organisational context.

Through scenario work, expert briefings, and a high-stakes policy simulation, participants move beyond analysis and into action. They leave with a clearer understanding of how to make decisions, influence stakeholders, and lead confidently when the external environment is uncertain.

To register your interest or book this programme please email [email protected]

Programme Highlights

Learn directly from senior political and policy insight

Engage with expert contributors, including former Tánaiste Simon Coveney, and explore how major policy decisions are shaped, communicated, and implemented.

Read geopolitical signals with greater confidence

Develop a structured approach to interpreting political, regulatory, and economic developments and understanding what they mean for your organisation.

Translate uncertainty into commercial action

Work through practical frameworks that connect geopolitical change to strategy, sourcing, pricing, stakeholder engagement, and communication decisions.

Test your response in a high-pressure simulation

Apply your learning in a live policy scenario where fast-moving geopolitical shocks must be converted into clear, board-level decisions.

Programme Faculty

Marc Coleman

Economist, former Irish Times Economics Editor, and broadcaster. Marc has advised on and anticipated major economic and political developments with significant implications for Ireland’s open economy. His work has included analysis and policy response across a range of high-impact events, including: The Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and the need for urgent economic response, Brexit and its implications for Ireland’s trading relationships, The economic impact of COVID-19 lockdowns , he inflationary surge of 2022, political instability in 2023, and the 2024 election of Donald Trump and its potential consequences for Ireland’s economy.

Simon Coveney

Simon Coveney is a highly experienced political leader and advisor, renowned for his articulate communication style and deep expertise in public policy, business development, trade, and international relations. Over a distinguished 26-year career, Simon has served at every level of public life, including as An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Defence, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment. He has played a pivotal role in shaping Ireland’s industrial strategy, driving innovation and sustainable growth, and leading international negotiations on issues such as Brexit and humanitarian access. Simon is currently the Head of Global Affairs EMEIA with EY and provides expert guidance on global politics, trade, risk, and enterprise policy, helping organizations navigate complex international challenges.

Ryan Shanks

Director of Strategic Growth and Partnerships, IMI. Ryan Shanks brings a strong blend of strategy, innovation, client development, and leadership facilitation experience to the programme. His work connects organisational growth, executive decision-making, and practical leadership development in complex business environments. His experience includes: Global strategy and innovation leadership, Leadership facilitation and executive coaching, Board advisory experience, Strategic growth and partnership development, Client development across executive education and business contexts, Practical experience helping senior leaders translate insight into action.

Aidan Meagher

Aidan Meagher is a Tax Partner and Co-Head of Geopolitical Strategy at EY Ireland. He advises multinational and Irish companies on a broad range of international tax issues, spanning intellectual property, tax-efficient international and domestic structures, and the tax structuring of mergers and acquisitions. He has experience across a broad range of industries, in particular Life Sciences, and Food and Beverage. As Co-Head of Geopolitical Strategy, he advises Executives and Boards of domestic and international companies on how to navigate geopolitical volatility. He holds a BSc in Management Studies from Trinity College Dublin and is a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland.