In our latest instalment of the Inspiring Leaders series, we spoke to Tadhg Lane, Service Manager and 2025 Superstars Award winner for Chubb Ireland, whose life journey is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and self-discovery.  

Family Ties in Cork 

I grew up in a working-class suburb in Cork City, South Ireland. I was one of seven children, a truly typical Irish household. That’s how it was back in the 60s and 70s—big families, mum at home, dad at work, and everyone mucking in together. Our house was always busy, always noisy. Looking back, I feel lucky to have had such an incredible childhood, where everyone was so close. I believe the reason for such closeness was the lack of technology; it was either go out and be active or be bored. Nowadays, I see my kids or grandkids glued to their phones, whereas in my day, we didn’t have any of that. 

School was strict—this was when a late arrival earned a thump from a ruler—but life outside was a real adventure. Sport was everything for me: football, hurling (if you know, you know!), soccer, and athletics. With no phones, and only one TV channel, my siblings and I made our own fun, which, to be honest, made us strong. Those days outside are what I still try to share with my own kids and grandkids. For me, there’s nothing like kicking a ball or heading off fishing together. 

Relentless Ambition and a Desire to Move Forward 

I was never the type to just sit still. In sports, if I hit a goal, I wanted to try something else. I naturally became very athletic throughout my childhood and school, but once I reached the level I was aiming for, I was always looking for the next thing. It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me to this day, always searching for a new challenge to keep things exciting. 

After leaving school, I took up karate. I trained incredibly hard, took part in competitions, and then moved on. That’s how I’ve tackled most challenges in my life: set a target, go full tilt, then look for what’s next. 

Music has always been a part of my life too. My first band’s name was Short Circuit, which, fittingly, predicted my future as an electrician. I’m not one to hoard; I would get a new guitar, enjoy it, then move on to the next one. I like to think that’s ambition, but as I get older, it’s more about curiosity and wanting to stretch myself. 

Finding My Path 

I didn’t always know where I was headed. As a teen, my dad and I worked hard in Dunlop’s tyre factory. I enjoyed it enough, but I needed something else, something different. When I found out about an apprenticeship for electricians opening up, I jumped at it. That choice (and a bit of luck) set the foundation for everything that came after: from surviving two recessions to eventually landing at Chubb a few years later, after two companies merged. 

Leadership Isn’t Always Planned 

My journey into leadership wasn’t how I expected. I just kept saying “yes” to challenges, even if I didn’t always have the answers. When I joined Chubb almost 30 years ago, there were times when there were no managers able to support the business, so a few engineers had to step up into leadership roles. This was daunting at first, especially with little experience; I went from being an engineer on the road to leading the engineers out on the road. 

Starting out, I felt a sense of imposter syndrome—being thrown into an experience while unsure if I should even be there. But my personality is always to embrace a new challenge, and when the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate. I dove in head first, thinking what’s the worst that could happen? 

Back then, I leaned hard on rules, focused on results above all, and thought that’s what leadership was. But I’ve learned there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Today, I have many direct reports spread across Ireland, each with their own story, strengths, and things going on at home. I’ve learned to check in regularly and to listen. Now, it’s much more about relationships, supporting people, and recognising that the team will only go as far as each individual can. 

A New Focus: Heart over Head 

As I near the end of my career, personal growth has taken centre stage. Chubb carries out an amazing leadership development programme called Leader Labs, which opened my eyes. Attending the session taught me that it’s not just about leading a business, but about being a better, more supportive human. I’ve realised I want to leave a legacy of genuine care, not just KPIs and targets. 

A game changer for me was reading Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, and I urge my own team to read it, as it can really change one’s approach to everything. 

Mental health is close to my heart. I’ve taken diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and became a certified mental health first aider. Today, when someone on the team needs a chat—whether it’s over tea in the canteen or a quick call—I’m there to listen (not to fix, just to listen). That kind of support would have been unthinkable when I first started, but times have changed, and I’m proud to be part of that change. 

Being a Leader Every Day 

As I’ve gotten older, I see more of my dad in myself every day—he was one of my first inspirations as a leader. I now understand why he enjoyed spending quality time with his grandkids, because I can fully relate to it. 

I try to be the best version of myself each day; aiming to be a good leader, father, husband, and grandfather, and to give good, impartial advice. All anyone can do is try their best. If you’d met me back in the day, you’d have found someone focused on results, not feelings. I’ve evolved—and am still evolving. 

Now it’s all about empathy, encouragement, and giving people space to bring their best selves to work. I aim for a softer approach but with enough grit to get things done and clear the way for people. 

Continuous Growth and Humble Advice 

 I want to keep growing, learning, and challenging myself. Every day is a school day, and I am constantly being taught this. For anyone just starting out or feeling restless in their own work or life, my advice is simple: be curious, take chances, build relationships, and don’t be afraid to let your heart lead the way, even in business. And for those reading from a crowded house with a pile of siblings and a mountain of chores, hang in there. It turns out, every bit of it counts.