Trailblazing female leaders put integrity first in powerful new book by Deloitte’s Tom Maguire

“Leadership: Nobody Ever Made a Difference by Being Like Everyone Else” brings together the voices of 25 trailblazers redefining leadership in Ireland and beyond.

28 May 2025. Deloitte Ireland is proud to support the release of a compelling new book authored by Deloitte Tax Partner Tom Maguire. “Leadership: Nobody Ever Made a Difference by Being Like Everyone Else,” is a powerful collection features insights from 24 female trailblazers across business, politics, technology, finance, and public life, each offering an honest look at what it really means to lead in today’s world.

While their paths vary widely, one value connects each high-profile leader: integrity. From the boardroom to the cabinet table, these leaders agree that integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

Proceeds for the book will go to our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross in Dublin and featured contributors for the book, include:

• Mary McAleese – former President of Ireland
• Mairead McGuinness – former European Commissioner for Financial Stability
• Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill – Minister for Health
• Cynthia Ní Mhurchú – Member of the European Parliament
• Catherine Doyle – General Manager, Microsoft Ireland
• Louise Phelan – former VP PayPal
• June Butler – CEO, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland
• Gretchen Carlson – Acclaimed Journalist and Women’s Advocate (played by Nicole Kidman in the movie “Bombshell”)
• Lorna Conn – CEO, CpL
• Mary Considine – CEO, The Shannon Airport Group
• Patricia Kelly – Creative Director at Gene Kelly: The Legacy, official biographer and widow of dancer/director Gene Kelly
• Sonya Lennon – founder of Lennon Courtney, Work Equal & LIFT Ireland
• Dr Lollie Mancey – Programme Director, UCD Innovation Academy
• Sarah Murphy – CEO, Business Post

And many more leading voices shaping Ireland’s future.

What it takes to lead

The most striking insight from the book is the universal agreement on one principle: integrity matters most. Whether making tough decisions, navigating challenges, or managing change, these leaders speak to the need for courage and a willingness to take responsibility.

Mary McAleese explains that leaders should be that you can trust their word, but ‘once that word is broken, they are damaged leaders and could very well be terminally damaged’.  Patrica Kelly, widow of the legendary movie star and dancer Gene Kelly of “Singin’ in the rain” fame, notes that “‘It was his thing that a handshake is your bond, so he didn’t need to have something on paper. If Gene shook your hand he would never renege on that kind of commitment, and often went to great extremes to fulfil those commitments that had just been made on a handshake.’

"These are leaders who hold themselves to account," points out author Tom Maguire. "They ask, ‘What role did I play in this result?’ That mindset is the difference between management and true leadership."

Split Perspectives

The book, published this week, also reveals an important divide in how these leaders approach work-life balance. While some of those interviewed feel their roles are never-ending, driven by passion and purpose, others describe a deliberate separation between work and personal life, with boundaries seen as essential to long-term success.

“What unites these leaders is not a single style or strategy,” adds Maguire. “But a commitment to leading with purpose. Many of these high-profile women come from different educational backgrounds, sectors, and life paths. Yet all are leaders in their fields, offering a model for aspiring and current leaders—whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or the community.”

“I’m so pleased to say that all royalties from the book will go to Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross in Dublin. It’s a cause that’s very close to me personally, and the publication of this book continues a tradition of giving back that began with my previous book, “Crisis: 25 Business Leaders on Surviving Troubled Times,” says Maguire.

About the Author

Tom Maguire is a Tax Partner at Deloitte Ireland, leading the firm’s Tax Policy and Technical Services team, best known in the tax profession for his tax technical publications which are widely used by practitioners, judges, and advisors. These publications contain forewords by Minister Paschal Donohoe and the former Minister (now Commissioner) Michael McGrath.  “Crisis” contained a foreword by then Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. 

Leadership: Nobody Ever Made a Difference by Being Like Everyone Else, is now available in bookstores. Proceeds benefit Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.