Where are you from and how did you get here?
Where are you from and how did you get here?I’m from Galway City. I came to Waterford to work for Waterford Crystal with responsibility for worldwide sales outside Ireland and the US. I later joined Waterford Institute of Technology to manage their enterprise development programmes.
What is it about business and start-ups that so interests you?
I have an interest in the commercialisation of research and innovation. I am highly experienced in supporting early-stage businesses and have extensive business networks. In recognition for my support for entrepreneurship development, I was appointed Waterford City Coordinator of Startup Gathering by Minister Jed Nash TD.
When did you become a New Frontiers PM and what inspired you to become one?
Right back in 2011. New Frontiers is the follow-on programme for the South East Enterprise Platform Programme (SEEPP), which I previously managed. New Frontiers provides an opportunity for me to leverage my significant international business development experience to support start-up and early-stage businesses. I have held senior management positions with organisations such as Diageo (Baileys), Waterford Crystal and A.T. Cross. I have lived in the USA, Europe and the Middle East and have conducted business in over 50 countries during 18 years of international business development roles.
What do you feel are the qualities you bring to the role?
I am highly experienced in working with start-ups and early-stage businesses as an advisor. I have undertaken doctoral research interest is in the area of investment in high potential businesses. I hold BA and MBA Degrees and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business in Enterprise Development. I have lectured in Marketing and Strategic Management at WIT and UCC. I am a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Training & Development, an NCGE Entrepreneurship Educator Fellow plus a European Entrepreneurship Educators Fellow. I served as a Director for Waterford Chamber and was a core member of the marketing committee for the Waterford Tall Ships Race.
