Niamh Briggs inspires at Regional Leaders session

Inspiring, humble and honest are just some of the words that were heard after the recent Regional Leaders Programme speaker session, as Irish International Rugby player Niamh Briggs joined outgoing Waterford Chamber President Paul Nolan for an open mic session.

Niamh, who is originally from Abbeyside, spoke from the heart on how recent injuries left her feeling angry and bereft and out of love with the game. But with the help of her family and friends, she began her slow recovery and is back fighting fit and more determined than ever.

Speaking to a large group of programme participants, mentors and invited guests at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Dunmore East Golf Club, Niamh and Paul offered their experiences on leadership, achieving results, the importance of teamwork and creating a work/life balance, all of which are integral topics within the Regional Leaders Programme structure.

Speaking after the event, outgoing President Paul Nolan said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to ask Niamh about her own personal experiences. The level of engagement from the participants in attendance showed how well she is regarded, not just on the pitch, but also as an inspiration for many young men and women out there. Her honesty and integrity is certainly inspiring and she epitomises what the Regional Leaders Programme is all about.”

The inaugural year of the programme is now drawing to a close and Waterford Chamber, along with programme partners Bausch + Lomb and Waterford Chamber Skillnet, are busy working on year two, which will commence in September.

The programme is aimed at professionals who want to develop their leadership skills or for companies who would like to increase the capacity of their internal talent pool to ensure the next generation of their company is in safe hands.

Participants enjoy one to one mentoring with business leaders, as well as group mentoring and guest speaker sessions over the nine month period. Year one saw nearly 30 mentors and 45 participants work together and the booking process is now open for year two.

Leadership and professional development is a key component of the Bausch + Lomb ethos, making them the ideal partner for the Regional Leaders Programme.

“We are delighted to partner with Waterford Chamber on this programme. What we have learned over the past twelve months is there is a keen appetite for continuous professional development. Being a leader today is challenging and this programme helps current and potential leaders explore their leadership style through the guidance of the Business Mentors”, said Jackie Roche, Learning + Organisational Development Manager, Bausch + Lomb.

The cost for the eleven month programme is €350 for Waterford Chamber/Skillnet members and €499 for non members. For more information on the Regional Leaders Programme, please contact Lynda Lawton on 051 311130 or email lynda.lawton@waterfordchamber.ie