Every detail from THE GLOSS Investment Dinner in association with Goodbody and AIB Capital Markets …
The Garden Room at The Merrion, Dublin was the elegant setting for THE GLOSS Investment Dinner, in association with AIB Capital Markets and Goodbody on Wednesday, September 20.
The theme for the event, ‘In Women We Trust,’ focused on female founders and the financial ecosystem that exists to nourish and support them. MC for the evening, television broadcaster Ciara Doherty welcomed guests on behalf of the hosts Jane and Sarah McDonnell, founders of THE GLOSS, Cathy Bryce, Head of Capital Markets at AIB, and the first female president of the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland, and Michelle O’Keefe, Head of Wealth Advisory at Goodbody.
Jane McDonnell, Publisher, The Gloss Magazine, Sarah Moriarty, Head of Corporate Affairs, Goodbody, and Sarah McDonnell, Editor, The Gloss Magazine.
Cathy Bryce, Head of Capital Markets, AIB.
After dinner, a panel discussion with female founders Tracy O’Rourke, CEO, VividEdge and Dr Helena McMahon, CEO, Seabody who shared their stories of founding, developing and funding their businesses, while Dr Helen McBreen, Partner, Atlantic Bridge Capital, whose job it is to invest in entrepreneurs and spot and support those likeliest to succeed, gave an insight into those female-led businesses that have secured funding.
Dr Helen McBreen, Partner, Atlantic Bridge, Tracy O’Rourke, CEO, VividEdge and Dr Helena McMahon, CEO, Seabody.
Dr McMahon spoke of the need to be authentic in the stories that women tell about themselves, to find networks that are supportive and to overcome imposter syndrome. “Only take advice from people who have done what you do,” advised Tracy O’Rourke. “If you haven’t found a network that you can contribute to or is supportive, build your own,” said Dr McBreen.
Louise Kennedy in conversation with Ciara Doherty.
Female founder and designer Louise Kennedy, who celebrates the 40th anniversary of her company this year, recounted her experience of founding, developing and funding her business, taking attendees on a journey back to a pivotal moment when, armed with a bank loan of £10,000, in 1983 she established her label, was spotted by Brown Thomas, and went on to become Ireland’s most successful designer. Despite recessions and downturns, Louise has thrived and survived, which she credits to the loyalty of her clients and her desire to “set the bar high and go higher”.
The event concluded with a special Louise Kennedy salon show, produced by Catherine Condell, featuring investment pieces from the current AW23 collection.
A wonderfully inspiring evening, testament to the power of female networking, guests departed with a special gift to mark the occasion – a gold necklace from MoMuse, whose female founder, jeweller Margaret O’Rourke, was also in attendance.
Click into the gallery to see the guests who attended.
Click into the gallery below for more pictures from the Louise Kennedy salon show …
Photographer: Conor Healy
Do you know about a smart party, event or wedding happening soon? Email details to [email protected]