What if the future is not something we are preparing for
but something that has already begun?
At Leading the Future, Derrycourt’s inaugural client event on 23 October 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel, Ballsbridge, that question came vividly to life. The day brought together clients, innovators, and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital technologies are reshaping the cleaning landscape. It was a space where ideas met experience, and the next chapter of our industry began to take shape. Attendees were not just told about innovation; they experienced it, gaining a glimpse into how technology can inspire ideas and amplify human creativity.
Futurist Henry Coutinho-Mason wowed the audience with what artificial intelligence can do, guiding a live co-creation session where together we imagined and shaped future cleaning solutions. It was a glimpse into how technology can inspire ideas and amplify human creativity.
“The future will be distant — until suddenly it is present.”
Henry Coutinho-Mason, Reluctant Futurist
Experience Meets Expertise
Bill Bassett brought decades of global experience in digital tools for cleaning, showing how data and analytics are transforming real-world operations. From hospitals to aged care, he demonstrated how digital dashboards, smart scheduling platforms, and AI-powered insights turn complex problems into practical solutions. Technology is not about replacing people; it equips them to work smarter, safer, and with confidence.
“To see a room full of industry science and practice all coming together to talk about the future and challenges is just awesome….The level of innovation seen at this event is remarkable. It is something truly special to give people the space to share challenges and ideas.”
Bill Bassett, Australian based Global Expert on Digital Tools for the Cleaning Industry
Leadership Through Change
Irish entrepreneur Mark Little reflected on leading through uncertainty. Resilience, trust, and consistent communication were central themes: teams thrive when they understand the vision, see the impact of their work, and feel safe to share concerns. Leadership, he emphasised, is about empowering people to harness innovation rather than being sidelined by it.
“We are not victims of technology. We are driving it. Collaborative leadership with younger generations is vital for understanding and integrating new technologies like AI.”
Mark Little, Author and Entrepreneur
Bringing It All Together
Stephen Conway, Derrycourt Healthcare Manager, moderated the closing panel, which drew together the day’s insights. The panel featured Bill Bassett, Henry Coutinho-Mason, Jean Doyle, and Avril McCarthy. Together, they reflected on AI, robotics, smart analytics, and digital tools, sharing practical perspectives and lessons from the front line.
The discussion reinforced that innovation is most successful when it is human-centred; when teams are supported, engaged, and included in shaping change.
“What struck me most was how consistently the conversation came back to the same two ideas: treat technology as an amplifier, not a replacement; and lead so that people are empowered to use new tools.”
Stephen Conway, Derrycourt Healthcare Manager,
People Make Innovation Real
By the end of the day, the message was clear: the future is already here, but it is people who make it real. At Derrycourt, our BICSc-trained teams bring Smart Washroom technology, smart IoT connectivity, digital cleaning management systems, proactive legionella controls, and cobots to life. We invest in both innovation and our people, ensuring that new tools empower teams, enhance their work, and deliver smarter, safer cleaning for our clients.