Over 50 business professionals graduated from Waterford Chamber’s Regional Leaders Programme at an inspiring lunch event in Faithlegg.
Having worked with mentors and coaches over the past six months, the graduates now join an elite alumni of over 500 leaders who have completed the programme to date, a very powerful network of people who are driving forward business development in our region.
Opening proceeding, Kevin Doolin, President of Waterford Chamber said: “The very basis for this programme is to develop a cohort of future leaders...that is you. Your job now is to go out there and lead - strengthen our business community and be a voice for that community.
“The theme I have for my year as President is Waterford - A City of Innovation. We need people you like gathered here today to make that a reality. Innovation doesn't just mean projects like we do at the Walton Institute. It can be found anywhere - in hospitality, in retail, in manufacturing and so on. To be innovative is to think big and Waterford has been guilty in the past of not doing that. That is changing and you can make a real difference. Work together, dream big, build the network and the rest will follow. Use the Chamber and other networks to do that. There is power in numbers and the alumni of the Regional Leaders Programme is a very powerful force.”
Before a sumptuous meal, the programme participants and their mentors and coaches heard from guest speaker Dr Sinead Kane, who is registered as legally blind. Her story is one of perseverance, breaking down barriers, and refusing to be defined by limitations.
Throughout her engaging speech, Sinead offered a very strong leadership message, relating it back to her own experience and following in the footsteps of running guide John, who was with her at the lunch. Together they have achieved so much, including Sinead becoming a double Guinness World Record holder. In 2018, she broke the Guinness World Record for the furthest distance run by a female on a treadmill in 12 hours, covering a staggering 130.5kms.
Her academic accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. In 2017, she was awarded an honorary PhD from the National University of Ireland and an academic PhD from Dublin City University, a testament to her tireless dedication and brilliance.
Sinead made history as the first blind person to complete a marathon on each of the seven continents. She completed this incredible feat in less than seven days, running marathons across Antarctica, South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, including a joint-first place finish in Dubai.
Sinead has not only conquered physical challenges but has also been a passionate advocate for disability rights, pushing for changes in policy and removing societal barriers that hinder people with disabilities. Her work in disability law and policy, along with her role as a lecturer and writer, has brought about real, positive change in countless lives.
Closing proceedings, Michael Stafford of The Chapter Coach thanked programme partners Waterford Chamber Skillnet and Bausch + Lomb for their continued support, as well as the programme mentors, leaders and ICF Ireland coaches who give their time, expertise and energy to the programme.
There has already been significant interest in the next Regional Leaders Programme, which commences in September and expressions of interest are now been taken. To do so, please email Lynda.lawton@waterfordchamber.ie or see www.waterfordchamber.ie for more information.
