During a very successful Local Enterprise Week 2021, I attended a few virtual events and caught up with countless entrepreneurs, many females. One event with South Cork LEO stands out in my mind, a lunchtime female entrepreneurship talk with Peigín Crowley, founder of GROUND Wellbeing products. What struck me when I zoomed in was seeing all the cameras on, (unfortunately not always a feature of virtual events), women smiling, saying hello, asking after each other as participants joined the event. It was fabulous to see familiar faces and re-connect with so many. Everyone was 100% engaged during the talk and the interesting Q&A session. It was an uplifting hour with Peigín’s story told from the heart.
As we now celebrate International Women’s Day I am reminded of many female entrepreneurs I have met and admired during my professional life and as I manage the Exxcel Programme, run annually at the Rubicon Centre, MTU. On Exxcel I encounter many amazing women who are juggling busy professional and home lives who are determined to fulfil their dream of founding a new business and perhaps transition from a company to a start-up.
They are hungry to learn, to innovate and readily admit they don’t know everything. They come to our training sessions held on Saturdays, they connect with our colleagues on campus, read books, listen to podcasts, always willing to learn from others.
These ladies are prepared for long hours and to sacrifice spare time with family and friends to research their innovative idea and successfully build up a business, endorsed by what Peigín said last week as she spoke about her personal and business journey.
Starting a business is one thing, keeping it going is another matter entirely. To be a successful businesswoman, you have to be persistent, never give up and never underestimate how hard you will work. Ignore the “naysayers” and surround yourself with positive people. It takes courage and resilience to deal with all the difficult challenges undoubtedly faced.
Passion, ambition, dedication, authenticity, determination, hard work, open-mindedness are empowering words that come to mind today and all apply to the women I am lucky to encounter on a regular basis. I salute and celebrate all of these ladies.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Lucy O’Donoghue, Manager, Exxcel Programme
#IWD2021 #welovestartups
