Female Leaders share their successes and journeys as businesswomen on International Women’s Day
Siobhan Duffy, CEO, Element Six (4th left) pictured at the International Women’s Day with (from left): Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber; Lisa Mulvihill, HR manager, Element Six; keynote speakers Ailbhe Keane. founder, Izzy Wheels; Lavinia Duggan-Ryan, Vhi and research post grad, TUS; and Catherina McKiernan, distance runner and mindful running coach. Photograph by Eamon Ward
Shannon-based Element Six, in conjunction with Shannon Chamber, marked International Women’s Day (IWD) by inviting leaders from business and sport to engage in a panel discussion on taking ownership, responsibility, and action to close gender barriers in the workplace and beyond.
The event, which was held on-site in the Element Six’s Shannon facility, brought four female leaders together, each with a different life story, to share insights on topics ranging from gender bias, empowerment, self-belief, and balancing career, personal life.
The four leaders – Siobhan Duffy, the first female CEO of Element Six; multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Forbes 30 Under 30, and inspirational speaker, Ailbhe Keane of Izzy Wheels; project manager, people and sustainability with Vhi and research post grad with TUS, Lavinia Ryan-Duggan and; Ireland’s greatest female distance runner and mindful running coach Catherina McKiernan – did not disappoint the audience as they responded enthusiastically to insightful questioning from moderator, Lisa Mulvihill, senior human resources professional with Element Six.
Siobhan Duffy, sharing her journey to leading Element Six, said that equality in business is about not feeling different for being a woman but about encouraging women to have a louder voice. She stressed the importance of innovation and leadership in driving gender equality.
Requesting people to refrain from referring to women in sport, but instead focus on people in sport, Catherina McKiernan said that actions speak louder than words, that empowerment lies in achievements, and that mindfulness and well-being help in achieving goals.
Alibhe Keane, the multi-award-winning entrepreneur behind Izzy Wheels, enthralled the audience with her effervescent personality and her account of how she and her sister Izzy have transformed wheelchairs into vibrant personal statements, showcasing the power of innovation and breaking barriers in both business and disability representation.
PhD candidate at TUS, Lavinia Duggan-Ryan, blended her academic research with real-world experiences to share insights on how equity, inclusion and leadership development can empower individuals and organisations. Stating that no-one was born with gender bias, she stressed the importance of thinking strategically, connecting emotionally, and taking action to achieve goals and make a lasting impact.
“It’s all about head, heart and feet,” she stated.
Shannon Chamber’s CEO Helen Downes, was fulsome in her praise for the openness of the panel in speaking about their journeys in business and life.
“The focus of IWD is to recognise the contributions of women in various fields. It’s a day to celebrate how far women have come in the fight for equal rights and opportunities and we certainly saw that in spades at the event.
“My motto is life has always been: Be yourself; everyone else is taken. It is so important for everyone, not just women, to recognise that their value lies in embracing their individuality and authenticity. Trying to be someone else is a waste of a person’s unique potential. Bring your own strengths, creativity and perspective to the work and success will follow,” she added.
“Shannon Chamber was delighted to partner with Element Six to deliver an event to the IWD 2024 theme of ‘Accelerating Action’. In sharing their individual experiences, the challenges they have faced, and the steps they have taken, and continue to take, to break barriers and drive gender equality, the panel delivered effectively to this theme,” added Ms Downes.
Siobhan Duffy, CEO, Element Six (4th left) pictured at the International Women’s Day with (from left): Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber; Lisa Mulvihill, HR manager, Element Six; keynote speakers Ailbhe Keane. founder, Izzy Wheels; Lavinia Duggan-Ryan, Vhi and research post grad, TUS; and Catherina McKiernan, distance runner and mindful running coach. Photograph by Eamon Ward