Linda Kiely, Lifetime Achievement Winner at the IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2019
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From visionary beginnings to the highs of 2026: The evolution of the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards
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"What these awards have become over the years is much bigger than just one night; they’re a real moment for the Irish business community to come together, celebrate success and recognise ambition on a national stage."
The awards were born in 2007, a very specific moment in Irish history. What was the vision behind launching them?
Melanie: “In the first few years, the awards were held as a cocktail reception in the Merrion Hotel. It was a really lovely evening, with about 100-150 women. What was really interesting was that women would come to me during the year and say how amazing it was to meet other businesswomen. It dawned on us that, at that time, all the parties and the receptions women would go to would be social events, socialite-oriented and not events where women would be acknowledged as businesswomen, as leaders, as entrepreneurs or as women with purpose or ambition. Our vision was to change that, to provide a platform and a space, and that was the beginning of our IMAGE business community.”
How did that 2008 economic crash change the types of stories you were seeing?
Melanie: “After the crash, many women had to return to work or start their own businesses. This was a big shift. It was tough for women, but it pushed them to succeed. They had to work harder and earn money again. We saw women shine in new areas, new sectors and with new businesses.”
Laura: “Now, when we gather for the judging, we are seeing founders, we are seeing women with decades-long corporate careers that have impacted multi-nationals, and we are seeing innovation in everything from space technology and bioengineering to AI. We have the honour of hearing the stories of women whose mission is to improve life for all of us culturally and through their work in the non-profit and social enterprise sectors. These stories are a testament to how women are now shaping business in Ireland and how women have made this change happen.”
The criteria for ‘Businesswoman of the Year’ awards have shifted over the decades. Beyond revenue and profit, how important is it that the awards place a high value on social impact, mentorship and workplace culture?
Ciara: “It’s hugely important because leadership has evolved so much over the years. Commercial success will always matter, of course, but today we also place huge value on how leaders build their businesses and the impact they have on the people around them. Some of the most inspiring women we come across through the awards are creating incredible workplace cultures, mentoring others, championing diversity and using their businesses to create positive change within their communities and industries. For everyone at IMAGE, it’s important that the awards reflect what modern leadership actually looks like. Success is no longer defined purely by revenue or scale; it’s also about influence, integrity, resilience and the ability to bring others with you as you grow.”
With the rise of the digital economy, we’ve seen a surge in ‘solo businesswomen’ and tech entrepreneurs. How have the event categories adapted to ensure these modern business models are evaluated fairly against established brick-and-mortar firms?
Ciara: “The business landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade, and the awards have evolved alongside it. We’ve seen huge growth in digital-first businesses, solo founders and entrepreneurs building incredibly successful brands with lean teams and global reach. The judging process has adapted to reflect that. We’re not simply comparing businesses based on size or turnover anymore; we look at innovation, growth, scalability, creativity, resilience and overall impact within their sector. That’s especially important for solo entrepreneurs and digital businesses because success in those spaces often looks very different to a more traditional business model. The goal is to ensure every entrant is judged within the context of their own industry and business journey, so innovation and entrepreneurial excellence are recognised fairly.”
The event has grown from 150 guests to over 1,300. Why has the physical, high-production awards ceremony become even more important in 2026?
Ciara: “In a world where so much communication and networking happens online, people genuinely value in-person connection more than ever. What these awards have become over the years is much bigger than just one night; they’re a real moment for the Irish business community to come together, celebrate success and recognise ambition on a national stage. The move to larger venues like the RDS reflects that growth and demand. There’s something incredibly powerful about having thousands of people from across industries in one room together. So many collaborations, conversations and connections happen organically in a way that simply can’t be replicated digitally.”
Beyond the trophy, what is the real-world impact for the women who enter?
Melanie: “I think the reward for being brave enough to put your name forward is the light that shines on your business. There’s the publicity around it; there’s the noise around it; there’s a celebration around it. Anecdotally, we hear a lot about the impact on individuals who are shortlisted or win an award. It’s given them a huge boost and a lot of new energy in their career. It can lead to new positions, new jobs, new opportunities, non-executive directorships – there definitely is a knock-on effect.”
As the awards became a national benchmark, what has the partnership with PwC brought to the table?
Ciara: “The partnership with PwC has been hugely important in the growth and credibility of the awards over the past decade. Having a partner of that calibre has helped strengthen the judging process, governance and overall reputation of the programme. What started as a celebration has now become a genuine benchmark for professional achievement within Irish business.”
How did you navigate the transition from a “one-night-only” event to an annual calendar of events for a 365-day community of business women in Ireland, and why is that important?
Ciara: “What became very clear to us over time was that the community wanted more than just one annual event. The connections, conversations and support networks built through the awards continued long after the night itself, so it felt very natural to evolve that into a year-round platform. Creating a 365-day community allows us to keep those conversations going and provide ongoing opportunities for networking, mentorship, learning and collaboration throughout the year.
That’s been a huge part of the growth of the IMAGE Business Club and the wider community around the awards. I think it’s important because women in business genuinely value spaces where they can connect openly, share experiences and support one another. The awards night will always be a huge flagship moment, and building a year-round community supports that momentum to ensure a longer-lasting impact.
Finally, looking at a winner from that first era in 2007 versus a winner this Friday in 2026, what is the common thread?
Laura: “A 2008 winner and a 2026 winner have loads in common – grit, tenacity, acumen, flexibility and, above all, soundness. The more our winners and wider community get to know each other, the more we’re all inspired, and we realise we’ve faced many of the same monumental challenges and can thrive no matter what comes our way.”
IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2026
Awards Ceremony: Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6pm until late
Where: The Main Hall, RDS
Dress Code: Black Tie
What to expect
- Welcome drinks reception and opportunity to network with Ireland’s leaders in business
- Delicious four-course dinner including wine
- Luxurious gift bag
- Special musical performance by Niall Breslin (@bressie)
- Opportunity to win fantastic prizes
Follow IMAGE.ie on Instagram for live coverage of the awards this Friday, May 15.
For event terms and conditions and the booking policy, please visit HERE.
Photography by Kieran Harnett
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