They came top in their class, and sometimes not. They were confident team leaders, but shy girls too; they excelled at university, or went straight into the workforce; they were catapulted through the ranks for their outstanding abilities, or they rose slowly, one promotion at a time. At first, they would seem to have little in common, but most will give you a similar recipe for success – work hard; develop expertise; be good to others; find a mentor and learn from them. Who are they? An outstanding bunch of Irish women whose influence is felt around the world and who are celebrated in this magazine on International Women’s Day.
We’ve chosen women who contribute to great effect in their fields, be it public service, diplomacy, finance, law, education, health, medicine, arts and culture, sports, media and entertainment, fashion and more. The women have been selected using a broad range of criteria including career achievements, appointments, directorships held, work published, awards won, research carried out and so on.
While lists of this kind can often focus on achievers at the height of their careers, we’ve striven to recognise young women who are emerging as leaders. Most are based outside Ireland, but we’ve included Irish women at home, whose influence is largely overseas. Here are women who have carved out their own businesses or who, operating in the corporate or professional world, have build up formidable reputations – and encourage others to do the same.
To all the women who have contributed to this magazine, thank you for sharing your stories and your advice. All of it is interesting; some is downright amazing.
And to everyone reading, if you know of a woman, or women, who should be included please let us know. Inevitably, we’ll have left out women who deserve recognition; your suggestions are welcome by email to influentialwomen@irishtimes.com
