The guest speaker at Network Ireland Louth’s February event in the Marcy Hotel, was author, speaker, podcaster, and coach, Colm O’Brien, who enthralled the audience of female entrepreneurs with stories of his business journey entitled “Planes, Trains…….and a Perfect Storm”.

Colm told his story of working for Bewley’s until he acquired a Bewley’s Franchise in Limerick in the late 90s.  The business was, initially, very successful but customer eating habits changed, 9/11 took its toll with tourism being affected and, finally, a Celtic Tiger rent review saw the business meeting its demise.  

After that, it was a chance meeting with ‘the man on the train’ that changed the course of Colm’s business life. Carambola was born and this business, which provided 27 children with a school lunch on its first day in December 2003, has become the market leader in Ireland for bespoke healthy school lunches in Primary Schools and has supplied over 25 million lunches to date.

Along with the advice he gave to the businesswomen present, Colm also praised their bravery in starting their own businesses and described the corporate job as a “fur lined mousetrap.” 

He said that, as a business owner” we must always turn up and our first aim is to be of service – “stop selling, start servicing.”   However, he said, we have to look after ourselves and put on our own oxygen mask first, as we get told on a flight. 

“Look after yourself so that you can look after others and your business. This means looking after the four pillars of Health, Wealth, Relationships and Spirit.   He advised giving 15 minutes of the day, 4 days a week, to these.  Colm advised to “only do the jobs in your business that only you can do in your business” – delegate everything else – and that life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.

Nicola Connolly-Byrne wrapped up the night by thanking Colm and reminding everyone of Local Enterprise Week from 3^rd – 7^th March and the events being run by the LEO and, in particular, the joint event, with Network Ireland Louth, on 6^th March in the Fairways Hotel Dundalk.  Julie Burke (aka JulesRulesIrl) will be presenting ‘The Recovery Position’.  Booking is open through localenterprise.ie/louth, and admission is free.

Network Ireland is a progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women. With over 1,200 members and a strong nationwide presence, the group holds regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities that promote empowerment and leadership for women in business.  To join Network Ireland, go to:  www.networkireland.ie  and ‘become a member.’