Guests are warmly invited to O’Connors’ inaugural fireside chat, an engaging conversation featuring a leader in their field. This series brings together industry leaders, innovators and forward‑thinking professionals for candid discussions on the ideas shaping the future.
Each session offers a relaxed, conversational format where guests share real‑world experiences, lessons learned and practical insights across leadership, technology, strategy and growth. Whether attendees want to stay informed, spark new ideas or connect with a community of curious minds, the fireside chats are designed to inspire meaningful dialogue and fresh perspectives.
This session explores the leadership method that transformed Liverpool FC under Jürgen Klopp. When Klopp arrived at Anfield, the club had not won the league for many years. Under his leadership, that changed—along with the culture of the club and its community. He achieved this not with the biggest budget, but with a clear and deliberate method.
Gemma Ellison will unpack that method and explore what it means for leading a business, a team and a culture today.
Drawing on six key principles, Gemma will examine:
- Data with a wider lens – Most organisations look at numbers through a single window. What else counts as data, and what might be missed?
- A plan people actually know about – Klopp’s approach was 30% tactics and 70% relationships. How clearly is your plan communicated, and who is truly bought in?
- Psychological safety – Why the best teams admit mistakes faster, and why this matters more in professional services than almost anywhere else.
- Relentless inclusivity – From cleaners to physios, everyone at Liverpool had a part to play. Does everyone in your organisation feel the same?
- Increasing capability – Jordan Henderson said Klopp made everyone around him better. What would it take for your people to say that about your leadership?
- A team of leaders – The strongest Liverpool sides had leaders everywhere, not just the captain. How can this be built deliberately within a business?
This fireside chat promises an honest, practical conversation designed for leaders who already know their craft. Attendees can expect challenge, stories from sport and leading organisations, and plenty of time for the questions that matter most.
Format: Fireside conversation with Gemma Ellison, followed by audience Q&A
When: Wednesday 24 June 2026 at 08:30am for an 08:45am start
About the Speaker Gemma Ellison is the co‑founder of Heart Leadership, a culture and leadership consultancy supporting organisations committed to building workplaces people genuinely want to be part of. She is also the co‑founder of Culture Camp, an events company focused on workplace culture.
A proud Scouser and lifelong Liverpool fan, Gemma is a firm believer that the best teams are built on relationships before tactics. Over the past decade, she has helped leaders move from managing people to truly leading them. Her client work spans professional services, financial services and global brands, with a particular focus on senior teams seeking meaningful cultural change—and a partner willing to say what others won’t.
Gemma writes, speaks and hosts conversations on leadership, courage and the human side of high performance. Known for her warm, direct and jargon‑free style, she champions the belief that great leadership is a craft, not a personality type.
When she isn’t working, she can usually be found walking her two Labradors or reflecting on the current state of being a Liverpool fan.