Five of Ireland’s most influential business leaders chat leadership at The IMAGE Icons Roundtable

True leadership always leaves a mark. Sometimes it’s visible in numbers, growth or scale. More often though, it’s felt in culture and the opportunities created for others. This belief sits at the heart of The IMAGE Icons, our new series honouring the women shaping Irish business and society.

As IMAGE marks fifty years, and eighteen years of celebrating Ireland’s most dynamic businesswomen through the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards, The IMAGE Icons looks both back and forward. It honours the trailblazers who helped build the landscape we stand on today, while spotlighting the visionaries defining the future.

We gathered five truly remarkable women for an The IMAGE Icons Roundtable discussion: Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee and Overall Businesswoman of the Year 2025; Eva Pau, managing director of Asia Market and Overall Businesswoman of the Year 2023; Lorna Conn, CEO of Cpl; Breege O’Donoghue, former board director at Primark and Lifetime Achievement Award winner; and Emma Maye, founder and chairperson, CORE Building Providers, CEO of Ardale Property Group and Overall Businesswoman of the Year 2024.

Together, they reflected on the values that have guided them, and the realities of leadership at different stages of life and business. The conversation moves beyond titles and accolades, focusing instead on responsibility, resilience and the small decisions that shape long-term legacy.

• “I believe very strongly in teamwork and empowering people. We don’t make mistakes, we learn, and you must allow people those learnings. Encourage them. You will always be amazed at what a person can do if they are trusted.” – Breege O’Donoghue
• “I love being a female in a male-oriented business… because I am always underestimated.” – Emma Maye 
• “One thing that I love is that every day and every week looks different for me. I know that I could never ever be in a routine of 9-5 at a desk. I thrive on the chaos.” – Aimee Connolly
• “What is possible? What’s not possible?! Everything is achievable as long as you can think of it. Having a vision and sticking to it, that’s what keeps me going.” – Eva Pau 
• “Get your house in order from the get-go. Equality starts at home. I would never be where I am today – and have three children – without my husband at home.” – Lorna Conn

Throughout the discussion, a very clear picture emerges of modern leadership. One rooted in empathy, adaptability and purpose. The IMAGE Icons Roundtable is not just a conversation about success. It’s a reflection on what it really means today to lead well, and leave something meaningful behind.

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