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From "Mrs Fantastic" in Dublin
Seven Things You Must Give to Others If You Want to Achieve Success! by Chris Widener.
A major part of the process of achieving success and living the kind of life that you dream of is to give. Many people think that to get what you want you have to take it. There is a universal truth though that the true path to get what you want is to give. When you give, you get. What you sow, you shall reap. If this is true, then what is it we must give? I’ll show you the way...
Give Others Your Honesty
The world we live in has a simple rule that most follow: Lie when you have to. Unfortunately, this may make some people wealthy but it makes us humans poor. To achieve success is to become wealthy not only in money, but in character. To be successful, truly successful, is to be able to attain your goals and keep your character at the same time!
“Honesty is the single most important factor having a direct bearing on the final success of an individual, corporation or product.” —Ed McMahon
Mr. McMahon is right, though others will tell you otherwise. Some people will say, “You have to bend the truth to get ahead.” Not true. Some of the most successful people who have ever lived were honest people.
How about you? Are you honest in all things? The problem with little lies is they become big ones. Lies spin out of control. You get caught in one lie and you lie to get out of it, etc.
In all things and at all times, give others your honesty.
Give Others Your Respect
Most of the time, we give people respect based on what they have done or what they have accomplished. We gauge whether or not they are “worthy” of it based on what we know of what they have achieved or who they know or are related to.
But I believe we should have a higher standard. We respect people not for what they have done, or for who they are related to, or for what they can do for us. Instead, we respect people for simply being.
What would happen in our world, in our company, and yes, even in our families, if we started with respect for everyone else rather than making them earn it? I think we would see that most people would live up to the respect that we give them!
Give Others Your Vulnerability
We are taught to “be strong.” And yes, we should be strong. But we have also embraced something that I think keeps us from having the kind of life that we long for. It is an attitude that keeps us from experiencing the kind of relationships that would bring deep meaning to us. It is our attitude about vulnerability.
“Make yourself vulnerable and people will step all over you!” It is true that this will happen. But I have also seen that most people will be drawn to you. They will help you. They will open up to you. You see, we are all broken people inside. We all have secrets. Yet everyone plays the poser. When one lets down his veil, others soon follow—and we all win.
Give Others Your Care
Too many people are running around this old earth not caring about others. The days of “Look Out for Number One” and “Winning through Intimidation” are over! Let’s bring about a new day when we can care about others AND succeed!
Take the time to show people you care. Listen to them. Empathize with them. Love them. Now, I don’t mean that you have to go around hugging everyone—that probably wouldn’t fly in corporate America anyway—but we can take some time to step back from business and be human! And I have found that when we do so, our business succeeds as well!
Give Others Your Passion
There is nothing this world needs more than passionate people. And people need passionate people. Living in this day and age can be tiring. The hustle and bustle of it all can wear you down and tire you out. Give your passion to others and fire them up.
Don’t just be humdrum. Be excited. Give people all the energy you can muster. And you will find that energy reciprocal. They will get energized and passionate. This in turn will fire you up more when you are already charged and get you going when you don’t feel like moving at all!
Give Others Your Experience
We all have areas that we excel in and they are usually areas that we have experience in. One of the things we can do to make our lives more meaningful and be of utmost help to others is to show them the way through the experiences we have.
Sometimes it will be what they should do: Shortcuts to take, people to meet, etc. Sometimes it will be what they should not do: Shortcuts not to take and people to stay away from! Whatever it is, we can be of service to others by giving them our experience and ultimately it will make us all better!
Give Others Your Help
All in all, what we want to do is to help others. Zig Ziglar says that if we will “help others get what they want, we will in turn get what we want.” If we want to be successful, we should consider ourselves servants of other people. What can we do to help them and make them better? This is the true path to greatness and success, not only in business but in life!
If you want to live the life you have always dreamed of, ask yourself if you:
Give Others Your Honesty
Give Others Your Respect
Give Others Your Vulnerability
Give Others Your Care
Give Others Your Passion
Give Others Your Experience
Give Others Your Help
Good News from "Miss Fantastic in Limerick"
The Young Couple in the ‘Back of Beyond’ who chose to CREATE their own success
I first met artist Rebecca Carroll (see www.rebeccacarroll.com ) some twenty years ago: bubbly, golden hair, deeply spiritual yet very practical. Her Husband, Dave - an enormously positive guy and so warm-hearted and caring. When, two years ago, they spoke to me about the decline in sales for the Art Sector, I met with Dave: he had an idea to have three large exhibitions of Rebecca’s work in America – and they had never done this before. I gave Dave some names to contact and, I believe one of the keys to his success (apart from his positive, warm attitude!) is that he ACTED on the leads. Before long, they had set up an exhibition in Washington, New York (Manhattan) and California (Los Gatos). Rebecca’s practical and hard-working energy got moving and she produced 40 stunning art works which they shipped to the US. The exhibitions were a huge success.
One buyer who spotted Rebecca’s work happens to be one of America’s most noted Art buyers. He bought several of Rebecca’s paintings and then arranged to come and visit both herself and Dave at their wonderfully creative and idyllic home on the beach at Littor Strand, Asdee, North Kerry. Now, Rebecca and Dave have set up a link with wealthy and art-conscious Scottsdale, Arizona and plan also to create an Arts Centre in Ballybunion.
This is just one more great story of people who CREATE their own success rather than waiting for it to appear!
Good News from "Mrs Fantastic"in Dublin
“BONNIE” – our wonderful new dog!
If you don't already own a dog, you should. For those that already have a pet you are already aware of the benefits of having a dog in the home. For those of you that don't have a dog read on to find out why you should. There's nothing quite as exciting as bringing your new family member home. We adopted ‘Bonnie’ on Wednesday 4th November this year. She is absolutely beautiful. We had been trying to get a dog for some time without much success. But, it was worth the wait! A dog provides you with unconditional love whether you are 1 or 100. Besides unconditional love there are plenty of other benefits of having a dog in the home. Health is probably the topic that's most talked about these days. That's because studies have shown some remarkable data on pets and health such as a reduced risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. 28% percent of people that are hospitalized for heart disease are still alive one year later, while only 6% of those that did not have a dog survived a full year.
A dog will also help reduce stress in your life and overcome feelings of isolation if you live on your own. You've had a horrible day, you're ready to scream, and you walk in the door greeted by Bonnie wagging her tail and welcoming you with open arms! What happens to your stress? It just melts away!
Dogs also make wonderful companions. The first step is to decide which breed matches your personality. Remember your new friend is going to be part of the family for as many as 16 years bringing you love, friendship, and companionship. It is very important to do your research. This is a life-long commitment. Your dog is a living creature that requires your care. You will all build a lasting friendship that will be hard to explain to anyone that doesn't have a dog of their own.
We got Bonnie from the Dogs Trust. It is an amazing place. See below!
IRISH “PUPPY DOG” EYES ARE SMILING AT THE ARRIVAL OF DOGS TRUST DUBLIN
Actress and model, Amy Huberman welcomes the first rescue dogs to Ireland’s most stylish Rehoming Centre
Dogs Trust, Europe's largest dog welfare charity is delighted to announce the official opening of its new Rehoming Centre in Dublin. Amy Huberman will give her seal of approval to the dog rescue facilities as she welcomes the first rescue dogs to Dogs Trust Dublin. The charity is privileged to have the Rehoming Centre officially opened by Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, one of the VIP guests on the day.
Over 10,000 stray and abandoned dogs were destroyed in Ireland in 2008 for want of a good home*. That’s the equivalent of 27 dogs every day. Dogs Trust is determined to end this tragic loss of life and will work alongside other animal rescue organisations to achieve this goal by rehoming more dogs within Ireland.
The new Rehoming Centre hopes to save an extra 1,000 dogs from all over Ireland every year and heralds a new era in animal rescue, promising to give both the canine residents and visitors a whole new experience in rehoming a rescue dog. The Rehoming Centre looks after over 100 dogs at any one time. Some of the features of the Rehoming Centre include:
• Surgical suite
• 24 rehoming kennels (all angled and glass fronted)
• 6 puppy kennels (all glass fronted)
• Indoor puppy play area
• 30 holding kennels (all angled and glass fronted)
• Underfloor heating for all kennels
• Behaviour assessment and training suite
• Training barn
• 8 free-running exercise and play areas
Visit Dogs Trust and see for yourself!!
Good News from "Mr Fantastic"in Limerick
Limerick Tech Firm To Continue Global Expansion Despite Downturn
Despite the current downturn, Ireland's leading provider of web-enabled hotel software has announced plans to continue its global expansion and accelerate its growth to EUR3.5m in 2010.
Avvio made the announcement today after it was ranked fifth in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50. The prestigious programme, now in its 10th year in Ireland, ranks the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in Ireland based on percentage revenue growth over a five-year period.
Employing 40 people at its base in the National Technology Park, University of Limerick, Avvio provides online reservations software, including online marketing and web-design, for over 700 group and independent hotels and serviced apartment providers worldwide. With ongoing support from Enterprise Ireland, 2009 client acquisitions include London-based boutique hotel group MyHotels, Italy-based tourism portal Varese.it, Dubai MiNC Apartments and Maldives tour operator BookMaldives.com. Avvio also supports over 360 hotels throughout Ireland including 80% of the 5-star market.
According to Avvio CEO Mr. Brian Reeves: “Avvio is a wholly-owned Irish company and has grown revenue significantly over each of the last three years. We have continued to invest heavily in innovative software and marketing services, and have expanded our team to over 40 highly skilled professionals, all of whom have been trained to a level we need to offer world class services both at home and in tough international markets.”
Commenting on the Deloitte Fast 50 programme and the company’s plans to continue its global expansion, Mr. Reeves stated: “This award is reserved for Ireland’s fastest growing technology companies, which is appropriate given that we will continue to accelerate our growth from EUR750,000 in 2007 to EUR3.5m in 2010. This has been driven by a concerted business development effort, deploying a global franchise and distribution model internationally, continuing to invest up to 20 percent of turnover in software research and development, partnering with the best and most cost effective local partners for non-software services, and achieving return on investment on a par with blue chip tech companies”.
“In today’s economic climate, more than ever, our focus is on delivering innovative solutions to hotels so they may compete more aggressively online”, he added.
Avvio was established in 2002 by Limerick brothers Brian and Frank Reeves, who were previously shortlisted for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Further information on Avvio is available from LoCall 1890 302000 or at www.avvio.com.
Good News from Mr Fantastic in Limerick!
Over 80 children and adults with an intellectual disability from the Daughters of Charity service in Lisnagry performed to a capacity audience of family, friends and special guests in University Concert Hall this Wednesday night.
Pride & Courage – A Musical Celebration was an hour long celebration of music, song and dance which brought the audience back to Thomond Park in 1978 and the famous Munster victory over the All Blacks. The performance showcased the musical talent of children and adults with an intellectual disability and the organisers were thrilled with the success of the sold out show.
“We could have put on a second performance the demand for tickets was so huge”, commented Michelle Doyle from the Daughters of Charity, Lisnagry. “We have filled University Concert Hall which is not an easy task and we are already planning for next year! The concert was a huge success and everyone in the audience and on the stage had a fantastic night” she continued.
Guests on the night included Anthony Foley and Munster Rugby Players Barry Murphy, Damien Varley and Ciaran O’Boyle. Members of the winning 1978 Munster Rugby Team including Brendan Foley, Gerry McLoughlin and Colm Tucker took to the stage to help perform a roof raising rendition of The Fields of Athenry.
The great success of the Munster Rugby Team has had a very positive influence on the lives of the children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This musical performance was centred on the shared attributes of determination, commitment, strength, friendship and hope of the Munster Rugby Team.
The concert themed on the success of Munster Rugby featured well known Munster songs including Stand Up and Fight, There is an Isle and Twelve Nil to Munster. Legendary entertainer Brendan Bowyer made a very special appearance and performed the musical premiere of ‘Carve their names with Pride’ which Musical Director Don O’Connor wrote for the event.
Over the last number of years the children and adults with the Daughters of Charity Service have being engaged in music projects under the guidance of Don O’Connor. Over these years they have displayed their talents and abilities for families and friends however, this was the first time they took to a stage as large as University Concert Hall under the guidance of choreographer Gerdi McGlynn.
The University Concert Hall roof was raised high when Brendan Bowyer, the full cast and Munster Rugby Players sang and danced to The Hucklebuck ending a fantastic and very memorable night for everyone in the audience and on stage.
Note to the editor:
The Daughters of Charity Service provides supports for 700 adults and children who are intellectually disabled. The main location of this support is provided from St. Vincent’s Centre in Lisnagry, including St. Vincent’s School, as well as a number of other services and houses in the community. The Lisnagry Association is a fundraising and support group for the families attached to this service.
Good News Story from Mr Fantastic in Dublin!
Press Release 9 October 2009
JAVA REPUBLIC ROASTING COMPANY
THE 2nd MOST ETHICAL COMPANY IN EUROPE
Java Republic Roasting Company scooped the title of the 2nd Most Ethical Company in Europe Award from other nominees: Mathew Algie and Starbucks at the Allegra Strategies European Coffee Symposium 2009 Industry Awards held in Vienna, Austria last night.
Java Republic is an Irish owned coffee company that has been handroasting coffee for the past ten years. Java Republic handroast their award-winning ethically-sourced coffee in their 23 000 sq foot purpose-built interactive carbon-neutral coffee roasting facility in Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin Dublin 15, which was built to EU specifications.
They source their Grade 1 coffee through their coffee with a conscience programme where they buy their coffee from recognised ethical traders or sustainable co-operatives. They also give 11% of their net profits to coffee growing communities and are the only coffee company in the world to openly display their green bean purchase price on their website.
‘To come second and to be honoured by our industry peers is a great achievement for us as an Irish company, and gives us huge credibility in a very tough economy.’
‘David Mc Kernan : CEO and Founder : Java Republic Roasting Company
For further information on Java Republic and our distributors visit www.javarepublic.com
For further information on Java Republic contact:
David McKernan on:
Mobile: + 353 862891678
Email: david@javarepublic.com
Tessa Van Rensburg on:
Mobile: + 353 868539361
Email: tessa@javarepublic.com
For further information on Allegra Strategies visit www.europeancoffeesymposium.org
Further information on Allegra Strategies contact:
Jeffrey Young
Telephone: + 44 207 691 8830
Email: jyoung@allegra.co.uk
Java Republic Roasting Company: www.javarepublic.com
Good News Story from Mr Fantastic in Limerick!
Ireland’s eyes on Shannonside for 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games
Rugby legends call on volunteers and business to show their support for Special Olympics Ireland
The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will take place in Limerick it was announced today (Thursday, 10th September). The announcement was made at a gala event in the University Concert Hall, Limerick.
The Games will take place over four days from Thursday, June 9th to Sunday June 13th. In what will be one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events to take place in Ireland next year, 1,900 Special Olympics athletes from throughout the island of Ireland will travel to Limerick. They will be accompanied by 650 coaches and official delegates as well as a contingent of over 4,000 family members. The Games will be supported by a team of 3,500 volunteers who will be recruited from Limerick city, county and beyond over the next number of months.
Today FM’s Ian Dempsey was Master of Ceremonies at the event which gave a flavour of the fun and excitement that is to come to Limerick next June.
The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin T.D., who attended the launch of the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games in Limerick today, remembered the recently deceased Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics movement saying “Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver showed energy, drive and dedication in improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her legacy is that the power of Special Olympics today is such that the positive impact of the Games is felt not just by the athletes involved but by society as a whole. The athletes, coaches and volunteers who are involved in Special Olympics Ireland display tremendous dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm in their endeavours and I wish them all the very best of luck for the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games.”
Former Irish and Munster Rugby star Keith Wood was a guest speaker at the event and welcoming the assembled audience to Limerick said “The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will showcase the talents and skills of 1,900 Special Olympics athletes. Every one of these athletes will have worked extremely hard at club and regional level to reach these prestigious Games. It is now up to each and every one of us to show them the support they deserve. I call on all businesses in Munster to get behind these Games and support these fantastic athletes in every way they can.”
The 1,900 athletes will compete in 13 sports in venues throughout Limerick. As well as being the main residential centre, the University of Limerick will host the athletics, aquatics, basketball, football, bocce, gymnastics and kayaking competitions. Across the city, the Tailteann Sports Centre, Mary Immaculate College, will host the badminton, table tennis and the non-competitive Motor Activities Training Programme. The equestrian competition will take place in Clonshire Equestrian Centre. Funworld on the Ennis Road and Ennis Leisure World will host the tenpin bowling while Murroe Pitch & Putt and Limerick Golf Club will host the pitch & putt and golf competitions respectively.
A total of 3,500 volunteers will be required to ensure the successful staging of these Games and a major volunteer recruitment campaign for the Games was also launched today. This volunteer recruitment drive is being supported by Munster, Irish and Lions Rugby hero Paul O’Connell, who said “Getting involved as a volunteer at the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will be an unforgettable and rewarding experience. We all need to help Special Olympics Ireland reach its target of recruiting 3,500 volunteers to ensure that these Games are a huge success. Your involvement is vital and is guaranteed to make a real difference.”
Denis O’Brien, Chairman of Special Olympics Ireland’s Council of Patrons said: “31 years ago Special Olympics Ireland set out on an ambitious journey to provide sporting opportunities for people with an intellectual disability in their local communities. Today Special Olympics Ireland has grown to an organisation with more than 10,948 registered athletes and 446 affiliated groups. The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will leave a lasting legacy on Limerick, providing more opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to benefit from participation in sport.”
Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland said: “Today’s launch is the start of something very special, which we will be building up to over the next 9 months. Everyone in Limerick has a valuable role to play. With the help of volunteers and businesses from the greater Limerick area we are determined to ensure that the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will be a fantastic success.”
Speaking on behalf of eircom, Premier Sponsors of Special Olympics Ireland, Cathal Magee, Managing Director, eircom Retail said “Next year will mark 25 years of eircom’s support of Special Olympics Ireland. We are extremely proud of this association and how far the organisation has come in that time. I would like to wish everyone involved in the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games the very best of luck.”
Special Olympics competitions in each of the sports have been taking place over the past number of months at regional level, and athletes from each of the five regions have now qualified to compete at Ireland level. For the next nine months these athletes will be busy training in their local clubs, supported by their volunteer coaches.
- ends -
For further information please contact:
Anne-Marie Butler, Special Olympics Ireland: 086 873 22 34 / 01 869 1711 annemarie.butler@specialolympics.ie
Rachel McKinstry, Special Olympics Ireland : 01 869 1688 rachel.mckinstry@specialolympics.ie
About Special Olympics Ireland:
Special Olympics Ireland is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport. Special Olympics changes lives. Through sport, athletes develop both physically and emotionally, they make new friends, realise their dreams, and know they can fit in. Special Olympics Ireland enables our athletes to achieve and win not only in sport but in life too.
Special Olympics Ireland currently has: 10,948 registered athletes participating in 13 sports in 446 affiliated groups throughout the island of Ireland.
For further information about Special Olympics Ireland please visit:
www.specialolympics.ie
Good News Story from Mrs Fantastic in Dublin!
One Armed Lady Golfer comes second in the Irish One Armed Golf Championship.
On September 26th Mary Jennings came second with a cracking score of 32 points, only one point off the lead, in the Irish One Armed Golfing Championship which was held in Mitchelstown.
Mary was born missing her left forearm. This gives her the strength and resilience that underlies everything she does and has led to her passion for instilling/building confidence in both individuals and businesses.
Mary is the only female playing member of the Society of One Armed Golfers. This Society was founded in 1932. Its objective is to provide a level playing field in golf for all those unfortunate enough to have been born one armed, as Mary was, or to have lost an arm or the use of one. Since its inception the Society has attracted an aggregate membership of around 1000. It has done much to foster the spirit of goodwill and fellowship, and has made many friends throughout the world. The present membership stands at approx 180 drawn from all parts of the world. Although largely based in the British Isles other members are from places such as USA, Germany, Sweden, India, Australia, Bermuda, France, South Africa, Denmark, Indonesia and the Netherlands.
The Society of One Armed Golfers has played a huge part in Mary’s life. Every year she travels to the Worlds Championship held either in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. She has organised both the World and Irish Championship in the past. The support, friendship and fun she has experienced and continues to experience are second to none.
It has contributed in no small way to Mary's vision which is to help you to gain the confidence and recognise that you have the ability to go for your dream, to live the life you want to live, and do what you absolutely love to do.
Good News story from Mr Fantastic in Limerick!
http://www.independent.ie/health/against-all-odds-1657531.html
"Wow, wow, wow, what event. Fantastic and such optimism from such important people about our economy's future. Thanks Ana"
- Well done on a fantastic event yesterday - it was a brilliant idea, brilliantly executed.
- Please pass on Congratulations to Mary and Helen on a Fantastic programme of speakers. Inspirational and full of positives......
- I would like to congratulate you for the Confidence in Action event you organised. The quality of the speakers you managed to introduce to us was of the highest standard and interest.
- Well Done Mary and Helen on a brilliant day!
- I want to say thank you for the welcome I received from both of you. I enjoyed the experience , the buzz and hope your future conferences go well.
- The perfect organisation and smooth running of the day is a credit to your immense efforts. This is my first step on the route of recovery and I am glad we took it together, I am looking forward to the next ones.
- Thank you very much for the 'Confidence in Action' conference today - I thoroughly enjoyed it and found everyone to be very friendly & positive.
- Well done on a great event yesterday and I wish you every success with your future endeavours.
Good News Story
Off We Go Publishing scoops €15,000 prize in 4FM’s “Doing It For Themselves” competition. Limerick mum Avril Webster, who established Off We Go books as a learning tool for her son, proves to be a shining example of people ‘Doing It For Themselves’
For Immediate release 4FM, Ireland’s newest radio station, is delighted to announce Off We Go Publishing as the winner of their ‘Doing it for themselves’ competition. Off We Go Publishing was born of a Limerick Mum’s passion to help her son, who has a severe developmental brain disorder, to learn day-to-day skills and cope with new experiences.
This nationwide competition was established to recognise and reward all those people who have taken a chance in “Doing it for themselves” and are forging ahead in business and in life in spite of the current economic difficulties.
Off We Go Publishing will now receive an extensive radio and print advertising package as well as a tailored communications campaign by public relations and advertising experts Unique Media to the value of €15,000.
Also commended in the 4FM ‘Doing It For Themselves’ competition were Galway based Michael Fitzgerald who set up ‘Swift Accounts’, a web-based book-keeping and accounts application dedicated to the single person enterprise and Deirdre Collins who runs ‘Dee’s Eat Well, Be Happy’ range of wholefood burgers which are manufactured in Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Each of the runners up will receive €1,500 of advertising on 4FM.
4FM were looking for entrepreneurs from around the country who have set up a company or an ongoing local business recently. Local charity, community and ‘not for profit’ initiatives were also invited to participate.
The “Doing it for themselves” judging panel consisted of:
- Senator Feargal Quinn, Founder and supermarket chain Superquinn
- Tanya Airey, Managing Director of Sunway Travel
- Martin Block, CEO of Ireland’s newest radio station 4FM
- Richard Curran, host of the Irish Dragon’s Den series.
Martin Block, CEO of 4FM, was delighted to be able to instigate this competition in order to recognise fellow entrepreneurs who are striving ahead in business and in life in spite of the economic recession.
“Over 200 outstanding applications were received and these top three have been judged to be the most inspiring examples of people ‘doing it for themselves’ according to their enterprising spirit, business merits and the extent that they could benefit from this great prize. We were all blown away by the standard of entries which we received from all over the country and commend each and every one of them for their efforts.”
For further information log onto www.4fm.ie
The Media Campaign begins!!
August 2009
Listen to 4FM.
Download the interview Action Part 1
Download the interview Action Part 2
Time to redefine the “R” Word - Top Irish economists, entrepreneurs and adventurers take ‘Route for Recovery’
Brain-child of Helen Fahy and Mary Jennings, co-founders of ‘Confidence in Action’, the Routes to Recovery initiative is aimed at those struggling to find their feet during the recession, including those who have recently graduated, those facing redundancy or early-retirement, those in business or wanting to set one up.
Supported by FÁS, The Irish Times, Newstalk, Venture Business Network and, Failte Ireland, the first ‘Routes to Recovery’ seminar takes place at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin on September 10th, with hourly seminars running from 8am to 8pm that day, together with an exhibition of business and lifestyle support organisations offering advice and information around career, enterprise creation and stress management.
“Every day, there seems to be yet another report or announcement, which contributes to the sense of pessimism amongst the population,” according to co-founder, Helen Fahy. “We have undergone a traumatic year of cut-backs, job losses and economic turmoil, which understandably contribute to increasing stress levels and fear. However, it’s time for us all to redefine the ‘R’ word, by focussing on recovery rather than recession. The ‘Routes to Recovery’ seminars will help navigate individuals and companies through the maze of uncertainty and into the right direction for their business or career,” she added.
Fahy and Jennings, who are both experienced business consultants, have designed the seminars around a six step programme. Beginning with two economists, Dermot O’ Leary and Marc Coleman, the first seminar sets the scene for the current economic climate; the next seminar, aptly called: ‘Reasons to be Optimistic’, includes contributions from economist Jim Power, Insomnia founder, Bobby Kerr and Brightwater Group Managing Director, David Bloch; the third seminar, ‘Setting the Pace’, features Louis Copeland, branding expert Gerard Tannam and Colette Henry from the Dundalk Institute of Technology. The fourth seminar is called: ‘Imagineering,’ where Aileen O’ Toole from the Ideas Campaign, Eibhlin Curley from Dublin City Enterprise Board and Gavin Dunne from Zumpty.ie will be discussing how to take a business idea from concept to reality; the fifth seminar, called: ‘Taking the Next Step’ with Java Republic founder Dave McKernan, motivational speaker and adventure athlete Mark Pollock, Tom O’ Mahony from halfaloaf.ie and Gerry Murphy from The Churchtown Project all deal with the importance of courage, bravery and self-belief; the sixth seminar, ‘Let’s Go’, with Think2Act, focuses on the steps required from ‘thinking’ about an idea, to ‘doing’.
Replacing Recession with Recovery
The New “R” word
New Company Launched in Dublin
Officially launched in Dublin today, Confidence in Action is a company specifically formed to address the problems and questions individuals and businesses have about their current situation in these challenging times. The company will run a series of nationwide recovery forums, the first of which takes place on Thursday 10th September in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin from 8am to 8pm.
Co-founders of Confidence in Action, Helen Fahy and Mary Jennings both from business consulting backgrounds, formed the company after an original idea about a redundancy event evolved into something more encompassing and holistic. The nationwide recovery forums, entitled “Routes to Recovery” will offer practical solutions to current issues like reducing overheads, pension security & maximisation, job opportunities, re-skilling, start ups, as well as offering some alternative advice on stress and time management, relaxation therapies and business coaching. The forums will feature a host of guest speakers, agencies and companies from a wide range of sectors including economists, retailers, financial advisors, educational institutes, entrepreneurs and television and radio personalities.
Speaking about Confidence in Action, Helen Fahy said, “Our philosophy is to provide direction for positive change. We see Confidence in Action as a vehicle for development, to provide people and businesses with the skills, knowledge and abilities to be confident, to motivate and to increase self-awareness in these extraordinary times. We are encouraging people to take the initiative and figure out their next step.”
Commenting on the reason behind these recovery forums Mary Jennings said “The key theme is solidarity, raising awareness that you are not alone; there are people in the same situation as you. Everyone has fears, stresses and questions that are personal to them – why not house, under one roof an event that covers all areas and offers practical advice and solutions to current issues”.