In the Winter Edition of the IMI Alumni Spotlight, we caught up with Seán Donegan, Chief Commercial Officer at the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO).

Seán’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and embracing lifelong learning. From his early days as an aspiring musician, to a pivotal leadership role in one of Ireland’s leading music organisations, Seán’s story is one of perseverance, transformation, and gratitude.

A Passion for Music

While many business leaders favour commerce degrees, Seán’s undergrad was slightly different. Following his lifelong passion for music, Seán undertook a degree in Music Technology.  His parents encouraged him to “follow his passion,” a piece of advice that resonates throughout his journey.

After completing his degree, Seán joined IMRO, a commercially focused, membership owned, organisation which administers the performing right in copyright music on behalf of its 25,000+ members (songwriters, composers and music publishers) – an issue close to Seán’s heart as a former gigging musician himself.

From Specialist to Strategic Leader

Seán’s career at IMRO has been marked by rapid growth. Early on, he recognised the need to continuously upskill to keep pace with the industry’s rapid evolution. Enrolling in professional development programmes like the Diploma in Management at IMI, with the full support of IMRO, who continually invest in developing its people,  was a game-changer for Seán. This first diploma gave Sean the platform for further studies, were he subsequently earned a Masters in Strategic Management (Innovation) followed by qualifying as a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

Seán later returned to IMI to complete the Professional Diploma in Organisational Behaviour, and the Professional Diploma in Digital Leadership (now the Professional Diploma in Leading Digital Transformation).

The latter in particular was a challenge at first – in a good way.

“I went in quite daunted Seán admits, reflecting on the imposter syndrome he felt at first. “But within two days, I was so glad I did it. You just get absorbed in everything. All you need is determination, will, and work ethic.”

The programme equipped him with insights into cutting-edge topics like the Metaverse, AI, and digital transformation, providing the tools he needed to lead IMRO through the major shifts in the music industry. Armed with a broader strategic perspective, Seán stepped into roles beyond his initial specialisation, eventually becoming Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing IMRO’s revenue and strategy.

Advocacy, Leadership, and Giving Back

As someone who has climbed the professional ladder through hard work and resilience, Seán is keenly aware of the importance of supporting others. His role at IMRO isn’t just a job – it’s a mission. “Our work ensures songwriters can earn a fair income, especially when the industry is structurally changing, with the income shift from physical sales to streaming platforms” he explains.

Seán is also committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in his personal and professional life. As a father, he’s teaching his children the value of authenticity. “It’s important for them to know that they don’t have to change to fit in,” Seán says, advocating for individuality and self-expression.

For those considering professional development, Seán emphasises the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “Get out of your comfort zone – it’s the best way to learn.”

And what about the value of peer learning? Sean considers this to be of utmost importance. He notes that there are still people he keeps in touch with from his Professional Diploma in Management, almost 15 years ago.

A Message to Future Leaders

Seán’s journey underscores the value of lifelong learning and the importance of blending passion with strategy. He encourages leaders to continually evolve, whether by embracing new technologies, engaging in professional development, or fostering a growth mindset.

“It’s about staying relevant,” he says. “The pace of change in business today means you have to keep upskilling every three or four years. You can’t stay stale.” Within IMRO, we strive to stay ahead of to sectoral and technological developments so that we can provide the type of leadership that our members expect and deserve.

For Seán, his journey is far from over. He continues to navigate IMRO’s future with passion, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose. His story is not only an inspiration to those in the music industry but also to anyone striving to align their career with their personal passions.