Trailblazers and leaders lay bare their business secrets

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Dublin, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland is set to host “Stepping Up: Stepping Out & Empowerment,” a significant event aimed at inspiring and empowering women entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Taking place on Thursday, September 12 in the Maldron Hotel, this event will bring together trailblazers, leaders, and changemakers to share insights and strategies on entrepreneurship, resilience, and leadership.

Headlining the event as keynote speaker is Alison Cowzer, co-founder of East Coast Bakehouse, Ireland’s only large-scale biscuit manufacturing business.

Alison will share her journey of building a successful business from the ground up and highlight the importance of empowerment in entrepreneurship.

The event will feature two key panel discussions, each focusing on different aspects of entrepreneurship and leadership:

Panel 1: Stepping Out & Empowerment – Entrepreneurship;

Theme: Stepping out into the unknown and taking the risk.

This panel will explore the challenges and rewards of stepping into entrepreneurship, particularly the courage to take risks and embrace uncertainty.

Panellists: Áine Kennedy – CEO & Founder, The Smooth Company; Sarah Naylor – Founder, Beauty Business in a Box®; CEO & Founder, Angel Hair and Makeup; MaryAnn Mesbur – Founder, BearsLittleFish.com; Co-Founder, Inclusion By Design Carol Diaz Rosario – Founder, Latin Streets Kitchen.

In addition to the panel discussion, attendees will enjoy a series of inspiring video collages, including: Success stories from South Dublin Local Enterprise Board clients, and a special Irish Olympics video collage.

The event will also spotlight Aisling Tuck, a South Dublin LEO Ambassador and founder of Oh Happy Treats, who will share her entrepreneurial journey and how she embraced empowerment through business.

A special conversation on inclusivity, titled “Being Inclusive,” will feature Mick Bohan, Manager of the highly successful Dublin Women’s GAA Team. Mick will discuss the importance of inclusivity in sport and in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Panel 2: Stepping Up – Believing and Doing;

Theme: Leadership, role models, and the power of conviction and resilience.

This session will dive into the significance of leadership, the role of mentors, and the importance of staying resilient in the face of challenges.

Panellists: Jenny Johnston – CEO, Azure; Lucy Nugent – CEO, Tallaght University Hospital; President of the European Association of Hospital Managers; Emma Kennedy – Managing Director, The Echo Tallaght, and Dee Casey – Finance & Operations Director, Trinity Medical and Bond Health.

“Supporting female entrepreneurs and business leaders has always been a priority for the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin,” said Sandra Hickey.

“This event is designed to inspire and empower women at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from those taking their first steps to established leaders looking to grow.

We’re thrilled to bring together such a diverse lineup of speakers and panellists who can share real-world insights, challenges, and successes.”

For more details and registration, visit online bookings at HERE.