Network Cork is excited to announce the very first episode of our Online Lounge hosted by our very own President, Barbara Nugent.  In this episode, Barbara is in discussion with Niamh Gunn, the CEO and Founder of The Dialogue Code.  “Behind the Masks” is a discussion where Niamh and Barbara explore the ideas of how leaders often wear masks - following the musts and shoulds that are imposed on us as leaders, and not listening to our own intuition.  Failing to be authentic to our hearts and leading from a place of the expectations of ourselves and others can lead to long term problems.  Niamh discusses how the Dialogue Code was borne out of a need to help leaders express their true concerns, to provide a peer group to share and support the burdens of leadership and ultimately to co-create working environments by allowing all voices to be heard.  Niamh describes her story from the heights of career success to the depths of experiencing burn out, and the lessons learned.  “Behind the Masks” challenges us to examine what masks we wear and to explore the power of being our real and authentic selves.

About Niamh Gunn
Niamh  is  a thought leader, serial-entrepreneur, lawyer and most importantly Niamh is a mum of 4 who is hugely curious about new ways of living, leading and working. Niamh’s passion is to spark honest  conversations, to uncover the voices of the people and drive positive change projects impacting society and workplaces coming from deep experience of witnessing where she and others have gotten it wrong in the past. You can reach out to Niamh at www.thedialoguecode.com

About Barbara Nugent
Barbara is an ex-Finance Leader with extensive corporate experience.  As a qualified leadership and executive coach and consultant,  she is passionate about the power of resilient and courageous  leadership.    Knowing how great leadership can change the world for the better, she helps leaders acknowledge their own power, step into their courageous leadership and step up to the challenge of making a difference.  Focusing on measuring and developing Emotional Intelligence and Resilience, Barbara teaches and coaches leaders towards authenticity and transformation.
You can read out to Barbara at www.eq.ie

EP01, 'Behind the Masks'

Network Cork is excited to follow with our 3rd Episode of our Online Lounge hosted by our very own Vice President, Maria Desmond. In this episode, Maria is in discussion with Elena Canty, Communications Executive and Margaret O’Regan, Partner and Operations Director with Event Plan & VE Studio. “Sliding Doors” is a discussion where Maria and her guests explore the choices we all make and reflect on decisions that have the potential to change life. Moments that altered the trajectory of future events. "We can't control the outcome of life, but the actions and choices we make through our own life and trust that we learn through the process of letting go", as described by Maria. 

About Maria Desmond
Maria is Regional Fundraising Manager with Enable Ireland. Aswell as a background in marketing and market research she holds both a BComm and MScComm. She is passionate about business and entrepreneurship having been self employed for over 25 years prior to her work in the non-profit sector. You can reach out to Maria at mdesmond@enableireland.ie

About Margaret O'Regan 
Margaret is a Partner and Operations Director with Event Plan and VE Studio. Margaret has over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality and catering sector. She is a graduate from CIT Cork, and the College of Food and Hospitality Management from University College Birmingham. Margaret is passionate, determined and focused in helping clients organise both their in-person and virtual events. Margaret loves being part of the Events Team in Network Ireland Cork. You can reach out to Margaret at https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-o-regan 

About Elena Canty
Elena Canty is Communications Executive at Event Plan and VE Studio with responsibility for social media management, digital marketing, and communications activities. Having graduated from Munster Technology University with a Master of Arts in Public Relations with New Media and an honours degree in Business Administration, she has experience in Public Relations, Event Management and Digital Marketing. Elena is a proud supporter of Disability Rights and Women in Business.
You can reach out to Elena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenacanty

EP03, 'Sliding Doors'

Network Cork is excited to follow with our 2nd  Episode of our Online Lounge hosted by Konstantina, Stefanidou, a Senior Engineering Leader with Depuy Synthes.  In this episode, Konstantina is in discussion with Helen Wycherley, Director of Celtic Ross Hotel & Lucy O’Donoghue,  founder of Lucy O’Donoghue Consulting. “Dear Diary Moments” is a discussion  where Konstantina and her guests  through their personal & professional experiences explore the ideas of adapting to change, living with uncertainty, controlling what we can control and recognise what we can’t control. Creating ‘Dear Diary Moments’  to work towards our reactions, recognising our inner self & what matters most. Building resilience, trusting instincts, connecting is this episode common theme!

About Konstantina, Stefanidou
A strategy focused senior Engineering Leader with more than 15 years of field demonstrated experience in the Aerospace and Medical Devices sectors. She has 3 degrees in Materials Science Engineering  including in Business Leadership & Management. She is a STEM coach & mentor and a strong Women in Leadership advocate. Committed to igniting the talent and passion of the next generation whilst nurturing creativity & innovation within healthcare.
You can reach out to Konstantina at kstefan3@its.jnj.com

About Helen, Wycherley 
Helen is a Director of her family owned Hotel, the Celtic Ross Hotel, in Rosscarbery, West Cork and the Marina Commercial Park, Cork City.  She is a  Chartered Accountant, was Network Ireland National President 2019 and currently chair of the Network Ireland Advisory Council. She is married to John with 3 children Liam, Laura and Kate.
You can reach out to Helen at helen@mcpcork.ie 

About Lucy, O’Donoghue
Lucy is a European Studies graduate with a strong record in new business development, media relations, marketing, social media and project management. She has a keen interest in female entrepreneurship and is passionate about mentoring ladies who juggle busy professional and home lives whilst often trying to validate a new business idea.
You can reach Lucy at lucy@lodconsulting.ie.

EP02, 'Dear Diary Moments'

We are continuing with our fourth Episode of our Online Lounge hosted by Ciara, Wilson, an HR & Business Development Manager and Entrepreneur. In this episode, Linda O’Connell, of Digi Nomad and Diane Higgins, of Diane Higgins Design, chat to Ciara Wilson about their journeys into the digital creative space & the power of connection. Both Linda & Diane chat about their individual entrepreneur journeys within the creative industry as self-employed and how, although they are in a highly competitive environment, they have forged a friendship with each other and cheer each other as mentors in business and in life.

About Ciara, Wilson
A proud Cork woman, A mom & an partner. Ciara have had a varied career from employee to employer, always an entrepreneur at heart. Ciara owned and managed different businesses throughout the years and in 2020 and decided it was time for a career transformation, Ciara went to UCC to study HRM, and currently in UCD studying Creativity, Innovation & Leadership. Ciara believes in lifelong learning. She is  member of Network since 2011, holding many different roles from events manager, to President and National awards coordinator. You can reach out to Ciara at ciaraw07@yahoo.co.uk

About Diane, Higgins 
As a designer of many things from logos and brands, to websites, digital content and products, Diane’s main role is not to create, but to listen to her clients. She works mostly with start-ups to help refine their communications to work best with their brand.
Diane’s process involves LISTENING first, then THINKING about the objectives, and finally CREATING. You can reach out to Diane at https://dianehiggins.ie

About Linda, O’Connell
Linda O Connell is the founder of Digi Nomad whilst supporting as the National Online Media Coordinator, the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She has worked in the Non-Profit sector for over 16 years as a communications specialist. She qualified with a MSc in Digital Marketing Strategy from the Cork Institute of Technology in 2018. Linda have extensive experience with social media, website development, SEO, Adwords, graphic design and advertising both traditional and online.
Linda won overall Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year and the Transformative Employee category at the Network Ireland Awards in 2020. You can reach out to Linda at https://diginomad.ie

EP04, 'Digital Cheerleaders'

We are continuing with our fifth Episode of our Online Lounge hosted by Niamh Brady, a Productivity Coach. In this episode, Elaine Wilson, Director & Financial Advisor and Karen Goodliffe, Managing Director & Financial Advisor of SurePlan Financial, chat to Niamh about how do you gain the confidence to move from employee to self-employment. When and how do you take the steps to expand, without compromising on your core values? In this episode, Elaine & Karen of SurePlan Financial answer these questions and more, as they talk about the power of numbers in growing your business and securing financial freedom.

About Niamh, Brady
Niamh Brady is a professional speaker, workshop facilitator and productivity coach. She is the creator of the “A Better Workday” program, and author of “Remote Working Essentials”. Niamh’s interest in productivity began with her first job after college. She received a phone and a laptop, but no advice on how to manage her time and effort. With over 14 years of industry experience and a young family, Niamh has experienced the challenges of achieving work-life balance first-hand. Her mantra is “everyone deserves a better workday”. You can reach out to Niamh at niamh@niamhbrady.com

About Elaine, Wilson 
Financial Fairy Godmother, qualified financial advisor and qualified accountant helping clients realise their financial dreams for 20 years. 
She believes LIFE is for living for today and with careful financial planning you can protect your lifestyle for your tomorrows. She works with individuals, business owners and company’s sharing financial tips and advice on how to make smarter financial decisions. Her very popular mortgage masterclass has helped hundreds of first time buyers  know all about mortgages, while Corporate Financial Wellbeing programmes help employees understand the importance of long term financial planning.
Philosophy “To provide the advice and service I would give myself” You can reach out to Elaine at elaine@sureplan.ie

About Karen, Goodliffe
With over 20 years experience in the financial services sector, Karen is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Qualified Financial Advisor. After completing her MSc in Financial Services, she set up SurePlan Financial to provide business owners and employees with tailored and personalised advice in all areas of their financial planning. Karen takes the stress out of finances by creating realistic plans for her clients and guiding them on their financial journey.
Away from work she is a keen GAA & soccer supporter and loves getting away for holidays at home & abroad. You can reach out to Karen at karen@sureplan.ie.