Client: Keith O’Shea, Managing Director, Petrochem Ltd.

Industry: Industry Suppliers

Coach: Kevin O’Keeffe

Challenge

Petrochem, founded in 1978 by Keith’s father Mick O’Shea, had grown into a successful supplier of engineering materials to Ireland’s pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. But during the 2008 recession, the business faced significant hardship: their stock value plummeted, sales declined, and layoffs seemed inevitable.

It was then that Mick met Kevin O’Keeffe. Despite the chaos, Kevin posed a radical alternative: “Or you can grow.” Initially met with disbelief, this mindset shift led to one of the most important decisions in the company’s history.

“My father laughed at Kevin at first. But that moment completely changed the course of our business.”

Years later, in 2017, after Mick’s sudden passing, Keith—then a sales rep—was unexpectedly thrust into the role of Managing Director. With no leadership experience and massive expectations, he turned to Kevin once again.

Solution

Kevin helped Keith shift from uncertainty to confident leadership through structured coaching, long-term planning, and deep personal alignment. Together, they focused on:

● Clarifying Keith’s personal goals as the foundation for the business strategy

● Developing a 10-year vision and roadmap for Petrochem

● Expanding the company during downturns, rather than retracting

● Building a resilient management team and company culture

● Helping Keith step out of day-to-day operations and into strategic leadership

“You can’t make a plan for your business until you know what you want for yourself and your family. Kevin helped me realise that.”