AS we prepare ourselves to enter the new year with bellies full of anticipation and brains loaded with unanswered questions, I find myself reflecting on a busy yet hugely successful 2019.
And looking at the astonishing accomplishments Women in Business NI members have achieved this year, paving the way for women behind them, I couldn't be prouder.
Over the years I've witnesses incredible journeys of many young aspirational business women who have beautifully blossomed into future leaders, pushing boundaries and shattering glass ceilings with sheer determination and passion along the way.
We must encourage and motivate these women and carry on showing the world that our ambition will not be tamed.
My friend and Women in Business NI board member Mairead Mackle is a true inspiration and a picture-perfect model of what local business women have to offer the economy, not just in Northern Ireland, but on a national and global scale.
Chief executive and founder of Tarasis Enterprises, a suite of complementary businesses encompassing housing, care, training and renewable energies, Mairead has, rightly so, received excellent recognition for her work within a challenging sector.
The Women in Business NI Awards proudly presented Homecare Independent Living with the ‘best customer service award’ for the continuous forward-thinking and life-changing work they do and the impact they have had on those who benefit from the many services provided, but Mairead has multiple wards under her belt.
The Armagh mogul was recently presented with the NatWest EveryWoman Woman of the Year Award at the 17th awards ceremony in London.
Celebrating the UK’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs, each recognised for their outstanding achievements, the awards champion women in enterprise from all walks of life, providing a platform to share their journeys to success. And in my opinion, they couldn’t have picked a better woman to acknowledge.
An innovative and dedicated visionary, Mairead took home the highly coveted overall award of the day, and was described as a“ woman who really breaks down barriers, dedicating her energy to working in one of the most challenging industries and is transforming it by creating effective solutions.”
Ever so humble and grateful, the mother to seven children has made it her priority to fulfil her passion for philanthropy and giving back to her community, highlighted in the number of charities and mentoring initiatives she is involved with.
To quote the multi-award winner and family woman: “No-one achieves success alone, and I am incredibly proud of both our family and our team who all have a part to play in our collective success.”
Mairead is correct in saying that no-one achieves success alone, and we should learn from her and the thousands of women out there like her.
A final note of encouragement from Women in Business: let's embrace this coming New Year with open minds and hearts, let's grasp every opportunity that come’s our way with both hands and lastly, remember there are no limits.
:: Roseann Kelly (roseann@ womeninbusinessni.com) is chief executive of Women in Business (www.womeninbusinessni.com)
