‘It feels like the right time for me to lead,’ says new Network Ireland West Cork president 

Building capacity is incoming Network Ireland West Cork President Anna Healy’s theme for her year at the helm of the organisation.

“For women, building capacity is often about balancing a lot of moving parts while staying true to ourselves,” she explained.

“I want to focus on the ways we can build capacity in the different areas of life, work, and business.

“I hope to bring speakers and experts in this area of building capacity such as working smarter, growing your business strategically, and living more consciously and courageously,” said Anna.

Originally from Kerry, Anna has lived in Cork since 1994, and has spent the last 16 years in the coastal village of Courtmacsherry with her husband Paul and their two children.

She has worked as a business and executive coach for nearly 20 years.

“I work with business owners and organisational leaders to enhance their leadership and performance.

“I coach women in business through my Wingwoman Coaching programme, ing them to thrive as they grow their business.

“I provide training in mentoring for organisations, especially mentoring skills for new managers. I have also recently developed a programme for training mentors and mentees on preparing for their mentoring programme,” she said.

Anna has been involved in Network Ireland West Cork since it began in 2018, starting as a committee member in the role of hip officer.

“I quickly fell in love with the experience, especially connecting with the incredible women who attended our events,” she said.

“For me, being surrounded and ed by like-minded women in business is the real draw.

“For women in business, the road can be lonely, so having other people who understand the journey and who may be a little further along is so helpful.

“Being part of Network Ireland West Cork is a great opportunity to share ideas and be inspired, and having access to mentors in the mentoring for success programme is a real bonus.

“Jim Rohn said, ‘You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with’. I know that spending time with these women who lead, who and who inspire has helped me so much with my business and personal development.”

Her message to anyone considering ing is to come along to an event.

“I when I started my journey with Network Ireland West Cork, I was a real ‘shy-boots’ and I knew nobody! I was genuinely nervous of talking to people and I thought networking was all about selling.

“I quickly learned that networking is about building relationships with others, getting to know people, learning from them, ing them when you can, and authentically connecting. So when you come to an event, be 100% yourself, and be open to meeting lovely people with lots of different ideas and experiences.”

Anna has held various positions on the committee over the years, and now feels ready to hand over the reins – personally and professionally.

“It feels like the right time for me now. I have gained a lot of experience both on the branch committee and on the National Executive, and having outgoing president Sandra Maybury to mentor me over this past year, I feel that I am ready to step up and lead the branch.

“2024 was an amazing year for the Network and I want to keep this momentum going into 2025. My goal is to create opportunities that and promote our during the year. We’ve got some great plans in the works to shine a spotlight on our .

“With a diverse hip that includes business owners, employers, and employees, I want us to provide events that will inspire, educate and entertain and naturally create space to meet new people and renew connections with others.”

Anna is the eighth Network Ireland West Cork Branch President and will be ed by Anna Groniecka, of Anna Groniecka Photography, who holds the role of Vice President.

Network Ireland West Cork has already commenced its activities for 2025 and will hold an event for female business owners on January 22 at the Clonakilty Park Hotel, with keynote speaker Niamh Moynihan, founder of A Better Workday and host of The Better Workday Podcast.

Niamh is an expert in helping individuals and teams unlock their potential by creating space in their busy schedules. She’ll share simple strategies to help to reclaim back time and energy, and navigate the working day with greater ease, and advice on how to discover moments of joy amidst the busyness.

The event, hosted by Network Ireland West Cork and President Anna Healy, will provide actionable insights as audiences dive into the network’s theme for 2025 ‘#BuildingCapacity’.Non- are welcome. Attendance is free for Network Ireland and €25 for non-.