‘If you don’t try you will never know what you’re capable of’: 5 Irish businesswomen share words of wisdom

In the lead up to this year’s IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year awards, we present five inspirational past award winners. Each of these women have gone on to be movers and shakers in their industries, leading the way for other entrepreneurs and women in senior roles, and are keen on sharing their wisdom with others to follow.

We profile past winners Pippa O’Connor, founder of fashion brand POCO by Pippa, Sinead McSweeney, Managing Director of Twitter, Jennifer Rock, CEO & Founder The Skin Nerd, Vicki O’Toole, Managing Director of family business JJ O’Toole, and Cora Murphy, Clinical Director All About Healthcare.

Each of these dynamic women discuss what winning an award felt like for them; why it is so important to support and recognise other women; and how winning has impacted their confidence and their business.

Pippa O’Connor, Founder of POCO by Pippa

Winner of Young Businesswoman of the Year 2017

“When I won the award, I remember feeling completely shocked and surprised because I was in a room full of over 800 powerful, inspiring women that I look up to. So to hear your name… it was surprising and humbling, and I was just so delighted.

“It’s amazing to get recognition for hard work, blood, sweat and lots of tears. The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards is a night to celebrate successes, your business and your accomplishments. If you win, it is the cherry on top. If you don’t, it is a great night to get together to support and be inspired by so many other women.”

Sinead McSweeney, MD Twitter

Winner of Overall Businesswoman of the Year 2019

“Women are at our best when we lift women up and that’s why I love IMAGE so much. IMAGE as a group of individuals are about lifting people up, not tearing people down, and looking for the best in people. They do it in a way that is so genuine.”

Jennifer Rock, CEO & Founder The Skin Nerd

Winner of Start-up of the Year 2018

“Winning an IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year award for The Skin Nerd and Skingredients has truly reinforced my belief that we are on the right path to success. As a young business, to receive such an accolade from peers whom we hold in high esteem validates all the hard work, hours, blood, sweat and skin cells that we as a team placed into our consult service via Nerd Network and product formulas for Skingredients.”

Vicki O’Toole, MD JJ O’Toole

Winner of Overall Businesswoman of the Year 2011

“Since the IMAGE awards, I’m constantly being approached to speak at business events, and this has boosted my confidence enormously. I believe in myself more, and in my business, because of that.”

Cora Murphy, Clinical Director All About Healthcare

Winner of Young Businesswoman of the Year 2019 & Start-Up of the Year 2014

“Winning Start-up of the Year in 2014 was the defining moment of my young career. It opened so many doors, and the exposure brought exclusive attention to my company. On the night of the awards, I managed to network and meet so many other likeminded women, acquaintances I keep to this day. And, when I won Young Businesswoman of the Year 2019, it came as such a shock. I did not think lightning could strike twice.

“Looking at the exceptional women that have won past awards and having been part of that group still surprises me today. I would urge any businesswomen of all backgrounds, big or small businesses, to apply for this year’s awards. The nomination alone gave me great confidence and belief in my business. Winning the award provided a boost to staff morale, as the award is not just yours; it’s for the people who have helped to get you there. If you don’t try you will never know what you’re capable of and, let’s be honest, it’s a fantastic, fun night out.”

How to nominate

Do you want to join this group of inspiring women? Who wouldn’t?! Carve out time today to submit your application for yourself (yes, you do deserve recognition) or another inspiring business woman you know.

It could be the best investment in yourself and your business you make all year. Just imagine how you would feel to be one of the Businesswoman of the Year winners this year…

*Click HERE to apply*

IMAGE PwC Businesswomen of the Year Awards 2022

WHEN: Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 6pm until late

WHERE: The Clayton (Burlington Road, Dublin 4)

HOW TO REGISTER: Register for your tickets below.

 

*General Admission tickets are priced at €250 ex VAT and Business Club Member tickets are priced at €200 ex VAT. (Join our Business Club today and receive a discounted ticket!)

**You can find FAQs & T&Cs for the event here.