A Leap of Faith

You can write all the business plans in the world, fill planners with goals and deadlines and devise detailed strategies… but sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith. How many times do we marvel about our gut instinct and how it never leads us astray? Equally, how brave does one have to be, to follow it?

Join us for our final IMAGE Networking Breakfast of 2017 when we’ll hear from some strong Irish businesswomen who had the courage of their convictions to be brave and take a leap of faith. On December 1, IMAGE editor-in-chief Melanie Morris will be joined by jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman, Inglot Cosmetics Ireland founder Geraldine Swarbrigg and the Executive Director of KBC Bank Ireland, Dara Deering for a morning that will be full of insight, learnings and inspiration.

And of course, because it’s holiday season we’ll have special gifts and treats for everyone, plus a delicious Marker Hotel buffet breakfast and plenty of great Networking opportunities.

WHEN Friday, December 1
from 7.30am – 10am

WHERE The Marker Hotel,
Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2

TICKETS €45

Book tickets online,
call 01 271 9687 or email [email protected].

OUR SPEAKERS

Chupi Sweetman-Durney
Jewellery designer

Chupi is a multi-award winning jewellery brand founded by former Topshop designer Chupi Sweetman-Durney. Irresistibly drawn to ?wild and natural things? Chupi’s aesthetic is influenced by the imperfect, natural beauty of feathers, twigs, and leaves, all complemented by the sparkliest of gemstones. Chupi’s signature piece is the I Can Fly Swan Feather Ring cast in solid sterling silver and plated in 18k gold from a delicate swan feather found along the banks of Dublin’s Royal Canal. Chupi creates a delicate jewellery collection made for your inner magpie, with fans around the world from London to Tokyo. Each piece is designed, manufactured and finished in Ireland. Chupi is the 2015 IMAGE Young Businesswoman of the Year.

Geraldine Swarbrigg
Retailer and serial entrepreneur

Geraldine has retail in her DNA. Born in 1952, she grew up in Arvagh, Co. Cavan, the daughter and granddaughter of Morris General Drapers. After marrying musician Tommy Swarbrigg in 1977, her first foray into retail saw her open Music City record store in Mullingar the next year. A pivot into fashion began with Geraldine’s first boutique in 1980 before she discovered Vero Moda in Norway and brought it to Ireland in 1991. Opening stores across Ireland, this accessible fashion brand became a staple in style-savvy Irish women’s wardrobes. Geraldine then went on to repeat the success with Jack & Jones for men, and Exit for children. She brought Aldo shoes to Ireland in 2005, opening in the then brand-new Dundrum Town Centre and extending before she sold the brand back to its parent in 2008. Her canny skill at finding new blockbuster brands continued as Swarbrigg diversified into beauty in 2009, buying the licence for Inglot Cosmetics, which currently has 17 stores nationwide, one in the UK and a busy online sales portal at inglot.ie.  Geraldine recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award at The 2017 IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Photo: David Conachy

Dara Deering
Executive Director, KBC Bank Ireland

Dara Deering is Executive Director and Head of Retail Banking at KBC Bank Ireland plc. Dara was appointed Executive Director with responsibility for Retail Banking in KBC in February 2012. Since joining Dara has led the launch and implementation of a new Retail Bank, broadening the range of products and services available, and offering a new banking alternative for Irish consumers. She has been leading the charge in the transformation of the bank into a retail disruptor challenger bank in Ireland. This year Ireland became a core market within the KBC Group and Dara will share her thoughts on how to create and deliver a differentiated challenger brand. Being a ‘digital first’ challenger requires a different type of culture, mindset, agility and leadership and Dara will share her thoughts on what the future experience for customers might look like.  Prior to joining KBC, Dara worked in leadership positions in the retail financial services industry for a number of years. She holds an MBA from Smurfit Business School and a Bachelor of Science Management from Trinity College Dublin .

There will be plenty of festive treats for everyone and be in with a chance of winning an incredible stay courtesy of Ireland Blue Book

Ireland’s Blue Book is delighted to offer the lucky winner one nights bed and breakfast with dinner for two people sharing at the Ice House, Co Mayo

At the Ice House Hotel in Ballina, you’re greeted with a wonderful fusion of old and new. Luxurious bedrooms and suites, all with panoramic river views, marry the beauty of the original eighteenth century building with rich contemporary styling. This eclectic mix perfectly frames the amazing views that stretch across the River Moy to the woodlands beyond.

In association with

#IMAGENB