An open and friendly gathering where local business owners share their real-life stories – the highs, the hurdles, and the lessons learned along the way. This event is designed to inspire and encourage, offering down-to-earth advice, practical tips, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others. Expect engaging conversations, Q&A sessions, and a supportive community where ideas and experiences are shared.
Fireside chat hosted by Belinda O’Neill –
https://www.instagram.com/beinspiredtobe_/?hl=en
Belinda O’Neill is a Northern Ireland based business, leadership & wellbeing consultant, executive coach, business mentor, award wining author, event host & facilitator. She is founder of Be Inspired to Be®, home to her trademarked concept Creatively Cleansing®
In 2021 she left her 25-year career as a senior bank manager, to pursue entrepreneurship and fulfil an ambition of developing and empowering others, especially women, through the breadth of services offered.
A level 7 leadership graduate of Ulster university, Belinda works across the public, private, and community sectors in Ireland and the UK. She is a passionate business and community advocate, serving as a judge for various innovation and leadership awards, and has previously held voluntary leadership roles including Chamber of Commerce President and Non=Executive Director with Stepping Stones NI.
Sinead Lunney – https://www.vocalis.co.uk/
Sinéad Lunny is Managing Director of Vocalis, a voice and communication skills company. She also runs an award-winning 200-strong Speech and Drama school, is an actor, voiceover artist, event host and keynote speaker. A courtroom lawyer for many years, Sinéad draws on her courtroom experience and Speech and Drama skillset to provide unique, top quality corporate workshops in how to use one’s voice for maximum effect.
The components required to deliver a dramatic performance or run a trial successfully are the same as those required to address a group of people with confidence, deliver a presentation with gusto or to present a pitch impactfully.
Clients include BT, Citi, Dankse, Savills, Almac, Queen’s University Belfast, JMK Solicitors, Advice NI, NHS and EOS.
Winner of the regional FSB Entrepreneur of the Year award 2024 and Best Actress award 2023 in the Delaware Women’s Short Film Festival, Sinéad’s passion is helping others speak with gravitas.
Jonny Murphy – AKA – The Hungry Hooker – https://www.instagram.com/the_hungryhooker/reels/
Jonny, AKA The Hungry Hooker, is a former professional rugby player who has always had a passion for baking and cooking. His love for the culinary arts was nurtured in childhood by his beloved Nanny Mamie. After an early retirement from rugby due to injury, Jonny embraced this passion and, with encouragement from friends and family, started a small wholesale bakery.
Initially creating easy-to-follow recipe videos to boost sales of his delicious buns, Jonny’s social media presence quickly gained traction, attracting a dedicated following. Now back home, he is reliving cherished memories by cooking and baking traditional homely recipes with his Nanny.
Baking has become a therapeutic outlet for both of them, helping to heal after a turbulent couple of years. Jonny’s openness about their journey has resonated with many, prompting people to shar their own stories. He is passionate about fostering this sense of connection and support through food and vulnerability.
Katriona Monaghan – https://katriona.com
Katriona Monaghan is the founder and director of Katriona Ltd, a major women’s fashion retailer based in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Having immersed herself in fashion retailingfrom her teens, she launched her own store in 2000, offering carefully curated, high-quality ladies occasion wear and European fashion wear, with a strong focus on personal service. Over more than 25 years she has grown Katriona Ltd into a well-loved destination for stylish, tailored collections and attentive customer care, maintaining the warm, family-run ethos that first inspired her career.
