Synopsis

Susan Toohey: A Cultural Journey

Susan Toohey's session stands out as a beacon of motivation, encapsulating her rich professional
journey with a sense of warmth and authenticity. Within the confines of a concise presentation,
Susan masterfully navigates the cross-cultural intricacies of the workplace, sharing personal
experiences of adaptation during her time in Chinese academia. Her storytelling goes beyond the
typical knowledge-sharing space, offering profound insights into multinational corporations,
decision-making dynamics, and the delicate art of negotiation. Susan becomes a guiding force,
illuminating the path from student to a seasoned professional.

Sara Dolan: Leading Through Challenges

Sara Dolan, the commercial director at Mount Cosgreve Gardens, emerges as a resilient leader in
the symphony of speakers. Her decade-long career unfolds gracefully, from a teaching assistant
to an area manager in France, offering valuable lessons in operations, sales, and marketing. In the
face of pandemic-induced challenges, Sara shares her strategies for crisis management, team
leadership, and the meticulous process of hiring the right candidates. Her session resonates with
the cadence of challenges met, conquered, and lessons learned, providing a symposium on
leading through uncertainty.

Finbarr O Sullivan: Navigating Global Finance

Finbarr O Sullivan, a senior loan officer at the European Investment Bank, takes center stage,
unraveling the intricate web of EIB's global contributions. From sustainable development to
overcoming financial challenges during the pandemic, Finbarr provides a glimpse into the
dynamic leadership steering EIB's initiatives. His session becomes a beacon of insight into the
financial realm, emphasizing the importance of skill development for a competitive workforce.

Fergal O'Brien: Crafting Economic Strategies

Fergal O'Brien, IBEC's executive director, intricately details his academic and professional
journey, providing a seasoned economist's perspective with an engaging personal touch. From a
Canadian corporation to the Irish Dairy Board, Fergal oversees project bids and engages in cost-
benefit analyses of public projects and European Union matters. His session becomes a
comprehensive exploration of economic policy creation, stressing effective communication and
negotiation in the intricate process.

Dr. Eugene Crehan: Nurturing Entrepreneurial Spirit

Dr. Eugene Crehan, the director of CEDRE-SETU-Waterford, takes the audience on a journey,
dedicating the majority of the seminar to unraveling the value of entrepreneurship. He sheds light
on programs and resources fostering startups in Ireland, emphasizing the pivotal role
entrepreneurship plays in boosting the economy. From initiation to IPO, Eugene's detailed
exploration sparks contemplation, especially for students aspiring to launch their ventures.

Sabrina Birner: Sowing Sustainability in Agriculture

Sabrina Birner, an expert in agriculture at the International Financial Corporation, a World Bank
subsidiary, elucidates IFC's goals and her role within the organization. Her focus on supporting
rural agriculture and farmers in Africa and other remote areas provides a quick overview of
collaboration with the commercial sector. Sabrina becomes a guide through the intricacies of
addressing digitization, gender equality, poverty, food security, and climate change in the
agricultural landscape.

Rachel Finn: Ethical AI in Today's World

Rachel Finn, the Head of Irish operations for data protection and cyber-risk services, steps into
the limelight, discussing the significance of ethical AI in the current context. Her session
navigates through the challenges of implementing AI responsibly, offering insights into research
and applications in various industries. With a focus on responsible AI, data protection, and
cybersecurity, Rachel's discourse provides a glimpse into the future of ethical AI.

Louise Grubb: Entrepreneurial Resilience in Veterinary Science

Louise Grubb, the founder and CEO of Trivium Vet's, brings her entrepreneurial journey in the
veterinary sector to the forefront. From a dietician and nutritionist to a businesswoman filling a
niche in the market, Louise shares the challenges faced, particularly during the pandemic. Her
session underscores the importance of trust-building in the marketplace, offering insights into
financing, expansion plans, and innovative strides in veterinary science.

Eve Mc Eneaney: Navigating the Marketing Landscape

Eve McEneaney, an Oracle project director and SETU alumna, offers insights into the ever-
evolving marketing industry. Her session, catering to marketing students, addresses the
challenges posed by workplace diversity. Emphasizing the significance of employee engagement
programs, Eve sheds light on creating bonds that enhance individual and team productivity.

Rory Harte: A Paradigm Shift in Cyberspace

Rory Harte, the Head of Strategy at the European Movement, delivers an inspiring session on his
journey from journalism to cyberspace. With a master's in MSc cyber psychology, Rory explores
the pivotal role social media cyberspaces play in the political landscape. His engagement in
public health initiatives in New Zealand adds a layer of depth to his diverse career, providing a
comprehensive perspective on the intersection of psychology and technology.