7 inspirational quotes from the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that last Friday, we celebrated the very best in business at our 2026 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the RDS.

With over 1,300 in attendance, the atmosphere was truly electric, as businesswomen from across Ireland and beyond gathered to celebrate their colleagues, support their friends and family, connect with fellow industry leaders and enjoy an unforgettable night of entertainment and inspiration.

One of the evening’s highlights was the winners’ speeches – many shared words of wisdom when accepting their award on stage. Alongside their initial shock and awe, and numerous thank yous, these impressive women used their platform to pass on valuable learnings, insightful experiences and expert advice with everyone in the room.

So, without further ado, here are our favourite quotes from the night – and ones to inspire you to put your hat in the ring (or that of a deserving colleague’s) at next year’s awards.

Kate English, Emerging Executive of the Year

Chief Economist, Deloitte Ireland

“I am so passionate about having a voice – having a voice, not only because I love economics… but because I think it’s so important to use it as almost an ode to everyone who’s come before me, inspired me. But also hopefully to inspire the next generation to have a voice, my little nieces and nephews at home, to show them you can be on the radio, you can present, you can be on TV.”

Sarah Byrne, Senior Executive of the Year

Director of Agency, Private Equity and Venture Capital Partnerships, EMEA, Google

“I grew up in the advertising industry in the era of Mad Men in Soho, and I was taught a version of leadership – I was led to believe it was about presence. They talked to me in many reviews in my time about commanding a room with authority, but thanks to the women that stepped up around me, I think I learned a different type of leadership.

“I also learned that leadership can be taught, and I think for us privileged few in this room, I think we have a responsibility to do that, to raise the young women coming up behind us. I was raised with two very simple values: to have courage and to be kind. I think kindness is something you probably could do with a little bit more of in our world leaders right now.”

Orla Donlon, Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Charitable Organisation

CEO, Breakthrough Cancer Research

“I lost my father to cancer as well years later, and I suppose it crystallised for me that research is needed, so we never come to the end of the road. There’s always something else to offer. I want the people in this room to know that there are amazing researchers and clinicians who are working tirelessly every day to try and give that good outcome. Hope is coming, change is coming. We’re inventing the future we want to see.”

Keilidh Cashell, Young Businesswoman of the Year (Under 35)

Creative Director, KASH Beauty

“I think it’s very important that we acknowledge that the only reason I’m even standing up here today is because of all the incredible women that I have in my life who have built me up and made me feel confident enough to be able to really chase my dreams.”

Larissa Feeney, CEO of the Year

CEO and Founder, Kinore Finance and Business Services,

“It’s really hard to build a business and raise a family, and it’s really hard to do it without support at home, and I’ve had the most incredible support.

“If you can take one thing away from my story, please let it be that you don’t have to leave where you love to have a meaningful career. You don’t have to choose between family and ambition, and you don’t have to be any less of yourself to be a successful leader.”

Melíosa O’Caoimh, Overall Businesswoman of the Year

Country Head of Ireland, Northern Trust

“If I’m giving one takeaway, it is: look after each other. Women need to help women, and we need men involved as well, so we all need to help each other, then everyone should have an equal opportunity to be successful. It’s really key, and I talk about women, but I mean all the diversities… the new people who’ve moved to Ireland, the new generations looking after everybody, [it’s] really, really important.”

Anne O’Leary, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Vice President of Mid-Market SMB Group EMEA and Head of Meta Ireland.

“One of the things that stands out most to me in my career are the incredible opportunities that come from being brave and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Time and time again, I found that saying yes to challenges has led to personal growth and valuable experiences.

“Women’s careers are now spanning more years than ever. We can take risks, we can try things and go again, so be brave, be bold, learn from every move you make, because you have a long road ahead, full of possibilities and opportunities.”