Louise O'Neill: 'I suppose that’s the thing about change, there is always a loss in it'

"But the most important thing to remember is that a moment will come where we will have to give in to the change that is coming. It is easier to let it have its way with us, rather than fight it."

Picture: Miki Barlok

This week, I spoke at the Network Ireland West Cork Business of the Year Awards. I was invited to give the keynote speech for the online awards, talking about the topic of Embracing Change and the following day, I drove to Bantry House for a small, outdoor gathering (all social distancing rules were observed) where the winners were presented with their trophies. 

I was blown away the energy there, the camaraderie, the sense of cooperation rather than competition amongst the women. Their enthusiasm for their businesses was palpable, as was their incredible work ethic, and I was impressed by the ways in which they’ve had to diversify and adapt over the last year. The trope of the ‘Old Boy’s Club’ is a real one, where men have used social or familial connections to help advance their careers, and groups like Network Ireland, a “progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women”, go a long way to helping women form their own connections.