If you ever wondered how Jim McGuinness managed Donegal to an All-Ireland title in 2012 by playing a defensive brand of football then you might want to get along to the Irish Management Institute’s national conference on October 8th.

More than 250 executives are expected to gather at the IMI's campus in Sandyford for a conference whose theme is Reinventing Organisations – Rethinking Leadership.

It will also be an opportunity for conference sponsor Eir (the company formerly known as Eircom) to air its new brand to the business community.

Mr McGuinness, an Irish Times columnist, is the special guest speaker and his session will be eagerly anticipated.

Donegal was a minnow in GAA terms before McGuinness took charge. He led the county to two All-Ireland finals, winning the Sam Maguire against Mayo three years ago.

McGuinness stepped down from the Donegal job after defeat in last year’s final to Kerry and is now a performance consultant with Scottish Premier League Champions Celtic.

He also supported fellow Irishman Paul McGinley in his management of Europe’s successful Ryder Cup team from 2014.

Other speakers who will compete with McGuinness for the attention of delegates include Yves Morieux, managing director of the Boston Consulting Group; Thimon de Jong, founder and director of Whetston, a strategic foresight think tank; and Rory Sutherland, executive creative director of OgilvyOne.

Sorry lads, you don’t stand a chance against Gentleman Jim.