Galway Chamber chief to tell of her own experiences at TEDx talk

So much so, she speaks about her experience at the upcoming TEDx Women’s talk in Tralee on October 18, sharing the stage with the likes of the well-known ‘Fabulous Pharmacist’, Laura Dowling.

Karen’s talk, ‘From Bathrooms to Boardrooms’, goes behind the scenes of networking events and describes how many attendees hide in the bathroom once their social battery has run low.

“My speech is around the fear of networking, which so many people have when they join an organisation,” she says.

“I chose the title because so many people hide in the bathroom at networking events. They retreat because their social battery has been drained. I share my personal story about joining associations and not going to anything!”

As part of her talk, she will share practical tips and tricks for success, drawing on her leadership experience in hospitality, business events, and sports tourism, including her time as General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau.

Her focus has always been on building partnerships that drive economic and social impact in the west.

“I’m going to share what many of us have been afraid to say out loud, about how to actually go to a networking event, even if you are fearful; to develop relationships to support your business and hopefully get business opportunities,” she says.

Despite her initial hesitancy, she found her confidence through Network Ireland, an organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women in business.

Next year, Karen will step into the role of President of Network Ireland. As part of this, she plans to bring the national conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards to Galway.

“I found my tribe and that was Network Ireland,” she explains.

“You need to join an organisation where people will support you and where you feel safe to make connections.  As President of Network Ireland, my plan is to bring the national conference and Businesswomen of the Year awards to Galway. I want to elevate all of Galway, the city and the county.”

Aware of how challenging networking can be, she is considering introducing a buddy system for Galway Chamber of Commerce events.

“We're going to put lots of supports in place for people who are nervous around networking,” she continues.

“Maybe, they would like to have a networking buddy, to know that somebody at the event will be there to meet and greet them. That they are not alone. They are not the only ones who feel the fear. I have felt the fear and, as they say in that book, I’ve done it anyway!”

■ Karen’s TEDx Tralee Women’s talk entitled ‘From Bathrooms to Boardrooms’ takes place at the Siamsa Tire Theatre in Tralee on October 18. The theme of the conference is ‘Empowering Resilience’.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

Pictured: TEDx Talk...CEO of Galway Chamber Karen Ronan.