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November 12, 2025

Business Series Ep 3: Tommy Kelly | Values-Based Leadership, Global Impact & Building Businesses That Endure

with Tommy Kelly
Business Series Ep 3: Tommy Kelly | Values-Based Leadership, Global Impact & Building Businesses That Endure

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On this Episode of Unbound Conversations

Renowned entrepreneur and business leader Tommy Kelly shares how he built a billion-dollar company, high-performance cultures and led change.

From his roots as a farmer to scaling global logistics and e-commerce giants, Tommy brings a wealth of experience in strategy and leadership. In this episode, Tommy delves into what it takes to create world-class organisations, the importance of clarity and accountability, and why authentic leadership drives results. Listeners will discover firsthand advice on team performance, effective leadership, embracing technology, and finding meaning in relentless growth.

This episode is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, executives and anyone seeking practical wisdom to elevate their leadership and business management. Whether you’re managing a global workforce or looking to scale your career, this conversation delivers actionable lessons to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.

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About the Guest

Tommy Kelly
Tommy Kelly

Tommy Kelly is a renowned entrepreneur and business leader with a proven track record of scaling companies globally. He founded ESW (formerly eShopWorld) in 2010, growing it from a six-person start-up in Dublin into a multi-billion-dollar e-commerce powerhouse that drives growth for some of the world’s leading brands across more than 200 markets.

A serial entrepreneur, Tommy previously founded TwoWay Forwarding & Logistics, which he built into one of Ireland’s largest logistics companies before its acquisition by Aramex in 2006.

Following the sale of ESW, where he continues to serve as Chairman, Tommy established his family office, CastleGate. Today, CastleGate is one of Ireland’s most active investors, managing a diverse global portfolio of public and private holdings. In addition, it supports and advises a new generation of technology-enabled businesses, spanning sectors from property and fintech with Sherry FitzGerald to sports and medical analytics with Danu Sports.

Show Notes

  • From rural beginnings to global impact
  • Building high-performance teams that win
  • Balancing fair & firm leadership
  • Accountability & drive with empathy at the core
  • Thriving through tech disruption and AI

Resources

Tommy Kelly on LinkedIn

ESW (eShopWorld)

The Coming Wave – Book

Focus – Book

IMD Business School

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