Waterford Chamber has officially launched the 10th Regional Leaders Programme, bringing together a new cohort of participants, experienced mentors and professional coaches at Faithlegg.
The launch marked the beginning of another year of the programme, which supports leadership development, personal growth and professional connections among emerging and established leaders across Waterford and the wider South East.
The event featured a keynote address from Marian Walsh, President of Waterford Chamber, who shared her own business journey and offered great advise to those in the room.
“Leadership is about more than holding a position or making decisions; it is about the impact you have on the people around you. Great leaders are willing to listen, challenge themselves and create opportunities for those around them to succeed.
"Remember to be yourself and learn from others. The world has enough imitators, what it needs is you. The greatest value your mentors and coaches can give you, is not providing the answers but helping you find them on your own.
"Waterford Chamber just launched a strategy for 2075 to grow the South East region. You have a part to play in that. You are our future leaders."
A highlight of the launch was a panel discussion featuring programme leaders Tom Cullen, Deputy Director General, SIMI Ireland; Michael Stafford, The Chapter Coach and Natasha Hughes, Executive Coach. The discussion focused on how to get the most out of mentoring and coaching, the importance of having a sounding board and the value of creating a network of like minded people.
The launch also provided an opportunity for participants to connect with their fellow programme members, mentors and coaches, laying the foundations for relationships that will develop throughout the coming months. Networking was a central feature of the event, with participants sharing experiences, exchanging ideas and beginning to build a supportive peer network.
Closing remarks were delivered by Deirdre Lacey, Bausch + Lomb, who previously participated in the Regional Leaders Programme and has since returned as a mentor. Her journey reflects the programme’s lasting impact and the value of participants continuing to share their experience, knowledge and insights with future cohorts.
Over the course of the programme, participants will meet one-to-one with their assigned mentors, gaining individual guidance, fresh perspectives and support in navigating their professional and leadership journeys. Monthly events will complement these mentoring relationships, providing opportunities to explore leadership themes, learn from experienced business leaders and strengthen connections across the region.
MC Lynda Lawton of Waterford Chamber acknowledged the support of industry partner Bausch + Lomb, whose involvement with the Regional Leaders Programme spans a decade. She also highlighted the continued partnership with Waterford Chamber Skillnet, which is celebrating 25 years of supporting business growth and innovation through talent development in Waterford and the wider region.
The programme continues to bring together people from different sectors and professional backgrounds, creating a valuable network of leaders who can learn from one another and contribute to the future success of their organisations and the wider region.
