Humor, Heart, and High Performance – The Irish Wisdom of Conor Cunneen

In this lighthearted and enlightening episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes the always entertaining and deeply insightful Conor Cunneen—an award-winning motivational speaker, business humorist, and founder of Irishman Speaks. With a signature blend of storytelling, Irish charm, and business savvy, Conor shares lessons from his global career, his battle with cancer, and his mission to help organizations improve performance with a smile.

From growing up in Middleton, County Cork—home of Irish whiskey and hurling—to rising through the ranks of major brands like Murphy’s, Heineken, and Unilever, Conor’s journey is packed with lessons in adaptability, authenticity, and human connection. He offers tools for personal and professional growth using his GAB and CHAPS frameworks, helping people align their goals, improve their attitude, and transform behavior through intention and joy. It’s an episode full of laughter, leadership, and Irish wit.

Episode Highlights

• [2:00] – Growing up in a small Irish town surrounded by whiskey, Gaelic football, and dreams of playing for Manchester United
• [14:00] – From brand manager at Murphy’s to launching Heineken in Ireland
• [24:00] – Making the leap to the UK and eventually moving to the U.S. with Unilever
• [45:00] – Creating the brand “Irishman Speaks” after being laid off—and thriving as a speaker
• [58:00] – Conor’s GAB and CHAPS method for improving performance, morale, and workplace culture
• [1:10:00] – His battles with thyroid and prostate cancer, and how adversity fueled his message

Key Takeaways

1. Lead with Humanity – You can’t always raise someone’s net worth, but you can always raise their self-worth.
2. Micro Goals Create Momentum – Simple daily actions like offering compliments or hearing “thank you” can shift workplace energy and personal fulfillment.
3. Laughter Builds Connection – A well-placed joke or story isn't just entertaining—it’s a bridge to deeper learning and team engagement.
4. Purpose Evolves Through Challenges – From layoffs to cancer, life’s hardest chapters can become your most powerful message.
5. Legacy Is Intentional – What do you want to be known for after you leave the room—or the role? Let that shape your behavior today.

Links & Resources

• 🌐 Website: IrishmanSpeaks.com
• 📺 YouTube: Irishman Speaks Channel
• 📕 Books by Conor:
  • For the Love of Being Irish
  • SHEIFGAB! Staying Motivated and Productive in Job Search
• 📱 Follow Conor on Social:
  • LinkedIn: @ConorCunneen
  • Twitter: @IrishmanSpeaks

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