Networking & Empowerment
Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland gathered with their local women-led enterprises for a day of networking and empowerment. Our CEO recounts their experience attending the event for the first time.
I’ve never been a fan of small talk; I don’t think anyone honestly is, but networking is essential, so I expected to talk small for a few hours as I took in the beautiful view offered by the Ferrycarrig Hotel (Wexford) and sip much-needed coffee. To my pleasant surprise, it was much less painful than anticipated. I quickly discovered that when you get a room full of women in business who’ve experienced the same struggles and rise to the same challenges, the conversation just flows; no need for the tedium of small talk. The unexpected flow of conversation intertwined with the expected gleam of sunlight off the waves, just outside the meeting room, to create an experience I will not soon forget.
National Women’s Enterprise Day, affectionately known as NWED, took place the 17th of October 2024 across Ireland. Wexford’s LEO set their event at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, providing coffee and refreshments as attendees chatted. Though the venue sported delicous snacks and a full-course meal, the LEO did more than just entice tongues. They went all out in providing the attendees with ample opportunities to take advantage of services that may not be readily available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Professional headshots, short advertisement videos, and a variety of give-aways enriched the event with the entrepreneurial spirit as the attendees encouraged each other with praise and applause.
Pictured, left to right: Alina, Jess (JMCrocker), Cosmina
After time to hand out business cards came to an end, the keynote speaker and a group of panelists took the stage to share their journeys through self-employment, self-empowerment, and the ever-evolving business market. They recounted the sage advice they received and the experiences that led them to success. One panelist, Deborah Cogley, a local artist, spoke on the challenges of balancing housework and motherhood while creating a piece of art. Ultimately, they took the very pragmatic approach of hiring a cleaning service. The time saved was well worth the cost, as they now had time to dedicate to creating new revenue-generating artwork. It also improved the life/work balance that can be difficult to command when self-employed.
Pictured, left to right: Liz Nolan, Deborah Cogley, Maryrose Lyons, Ann O’Brien
This idea stuck with me well after the event came to an end. It was a sentiment that myself and many in the room echoed. It spoke to the immense amount of societal pressure women entrepreneurs face to be the keeper of homes rather than the bacon makers. While we, as a society, have slowly begun moving away from traditional gender roles, many in business still find themselves living within it’s confines. NWED gave me a little glimpse into a possible future where this pressure isn’t so keenly felt throughout a room of near strangers. Sharing ideas, experiences, and unbrideled ambition felt like a small step toward rewriting what it means to be a woman in business. My hope is that these events continue to inspire women to step outside of the confines so eagerly imposed and explore the areas their hearts lead them to.
Jess – CEO
For more information on future NWED, visit your local LEO website.
