Diarmaid Gavin is a partner with over 13 years’ experience at Ronan Daly Jermyn, one of Ireland’s leading law firms. Diarmaid advises a variety of corporate and institutional clients ranging from start-up technology companies to multi-national life-science companies on a variety of corporate and commercial legal matters. Particular areas of expertise include competition law, data protection and intellectual property. Diarmaid also is head of the firm’s Brexit group and runs the firm’s trainee solicitor and legal internship programmes, recruiting the next generation of partners and leaders for the firm.
A law graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Diarmaid also holds a Masters in advanced European legal studies from the prestigious Collège d’Europe, Bruges and a diploma in professional legal studies from the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. He is regularly ranked in Chambers Europe, Legal 500 and Best Lawyers. Prior to joining Ronan Daly Jermyn, Diarmaid trained and worked with a leading “magic circle” law firm in its London and Brussels offices.
Can leadership be taught? If so, how?
While leadership skills and styles can certainly be taught, it is through experience that leadership is best developed. Attitude and personality are also key to the development of leadership – without the correct frame of mind, communication skills and willingness to learn, no amount of mentoring and tuition will produce a leader.
What do you think is the difference between management and leadership?
Management manages, leadership inspires.
The world around us is changing faster than at any time in human history and we need more leaders to emerge. How do we make this happen?
We need to spot potential leaders early and provide them with the mentoring and training to help them reach their potential. Regular monitoring and appraisal of team members are essential to spot up and coming leaders (those that motivate your team, are self-driven to expand business and maintain a high standard of work). Offering training and leadership opportunities are essential for enthusiastic team members so they can realise the fullness of their abilities. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.
What is the one mistake you witness leaders making more frequently than others?
Losing touch. Good leadership is about maintaining that unity of purpose and vision between the leader and the team – be they customers, staff or followers. A leader that fails to listen ultimately fails to lead.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
New challenges motivate me so I keep myself motivated by seeking out new challenges and setting new goals.
What are a few resources (books, blogs, podcasts, courses etc) you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader?
There are numerous books and online resources that one can access to learn more about leadership styles and skills but ultimately leadership is best developed through experience so I would recommend seeking out opportunities to take on leadership roles (however small) whether within or outside your organisation.
