SHANNON-based Element Six, in conjunction with Shannon Chamber, is smashing the glass ceiling, having marked International Women’s Day (March 8) 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, held on-site at Element Six’s Shannon facility, brought four female leaders together, to share insights on topics ranging from gender bias, empowerment, self-belief, and balancing careers with personal life.
The four leaders – Siobhan Duffy, the first female CEO of Element Six; multi-award-winning entrepreneur Ailbhe Keane of Izzy Wheels; VHI project manger Lavinia Ryan-Duggan; and distance runner and mindfulness coach Catherina McKiernan engaged audiences answering insightful questioning from moderator Lisa Mulvihill of Element Six.
Siobhan Duffy 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 wellbeing help in achieving goals.
PhD candidate at TUS, Lavinia Duggan-Ryan said that no one was born with gender bias, stressing the importance of thinking strategically, connecting emotionally, and taking action to achieve goals and make a lasting impact.
Shannon Chamber’s CEO Helen Downes, said that “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.”
