‘Stepping Up & Stepping Out’ conference shows how to empower and motivate

Last week’s Stepping Up & Stepping Out conference brought together a dynamic array of speakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs, showcasing a collective drive to empower and inspire a new era of entrepreneurs and leaders from our local community in South County Dublin.

Held in the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght and hosted by the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin for its Women in Business Network (NEWS – Networking of Enterprising Women in South Dublin), the event attracted participants from a variety of sectors, all with one common goal: to motivate, challenge, and encourage personal and professional growth.

The event kicked off with lively networking sessions, allowing attendees to connect and share experiences before the official welcome address.

A powerful keynote speech by Alison Cowzer, spoke passionately about the importance of taking bold steps in business and leadership. Cowzer, a respected entrepreneur and investor, set the tone for the day by encouraging attendees to embrace risks and seize opportunities. “Say Yes – What’s the worst that can happen?”

The first panel discussion, Stepping Out & Empowerment – Entrepreneurship, brought together compelling entrepreneurs Áine Kennedy, Sarah Naylor, MaryAnn Mesbur, and Carol Diaz Rosario.

The discussion which was moderated by Sarita Johnston focused on the courage required to step out of one’s comfort zone in the world of entrepreneurship.

The panelists shared their journeys, with a common thread of resilience, creativity, and being brave enabling them to be empowered to take calculated risks.

The thread of the panel was that “there never is a good or right time to being an entrepreneur – follow your gut instinct and stand up to your mistakes”.

A fireside chat with Aisling Tuck – Founder of Naked Baked – followed where she shared her journey from baking at the kitchen table, hand delivering her artisan treats to supplying major stores in Ireland.

Aisling talked about entrepreneurship being her natural journey and she shared her love of making her dream a success while being an inclusive leader.

There was even more to come – Dublin Senior Football Manager Mick Bohan took to the floor. He highlighted the role of inclusivity not only in sports but also in business. His experiences, drawn from years of coaching and developing elite athletes, offered valuable lessons for leaders in any field. He spoke about raising the standard and being fair but put the work in. Notably, he left us thinking about “If you have enough whys you can figure how the how”.

The final panel, Stepping Up – Believing and Doing, shifted focus to leadership and resilience. Jenny Johnston, Lucy Nugent, Emma Kennedy, and Dee Casey delivered insightful discussions on what it means to lead with purpose.

They explored the challenges of stepping into leadership roles, navigating the pressures, and the importance of strong role models.

The event closed with reflections on the key themes: empowerment, leadership, and the courage to take risks. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, energised by the stories and wisdom shared throughout the day. As one participant remarked, “I feel ready to take that next step, not only in my career but also in how I approach life. This event has truly been empowering.”

Stepping Up & Stepping Out lived up to its promise of providing a platform for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to gain practical insights and inspiration, making it a standout event for 2024.