The Art of Business Networking

Following on from the success of our Challenging Times seminar, our second evening gathering this year focuses on "The Art of Business Networking" and is led by a panel made up of -

• Kingsley Aikins, previously CEO of the Ireland Fund,
• Declan Fearon of Tipperary Crystal,
• James Fitzsimons, MD Elevate Selection,
• Kevin McGowan, Managing Partner of Grey Matters

who have all kindly volunteered to openly discuss how they met the challenges thrown up by the current business environment and how they are once again building for the future. There will be an interactive discussion amongst the panellists with an opportunity for the audience to put their questions to the panel. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to network before and after the seminar.

"Art of Business Networking"

Nil cost to attend but all must pre-register at the BOOK HERE link below to attend. Please note you have to be logged-in to see this link.

In the current climate more than ever, it is important for us to remain positive and focused on our goals in life. To achieve our goals there is a real need to help, share, mentor and communicate with each other. We have gathered together a panel of pastmen and guests who are going to share with us their experiences in dealing with the challenges that many of us now face and how they have managed to deal with tough and unexpected situations that they have found themselves in.

You will if you listen to our PANEL:

KINGSLEY AIKINS was born in Dublin and went to High School and Trinity College and graduated with a degree in Economics and Politics. He has lived and worked in the UK, France, Spain, Australia and the US. He represented the Irish Trade Board and IDA Ireland in Australia from 1985 to 1992. From 1992 to 2011 he was CEO of the worldwide Ireland Funds based in Boston, USA. During his time the funds expanded to 39 cities in 13 countries and raised and distributed over a quarter of a billion dollars for projects in Ireland at no cost to the Irish government or taxpayer. In 2011 he established his own consultancy company in Dublin which focuses on helping companies to develop networking strategies and Diaspora strategies. He has written and spoken extensively on these topics and published a number of Toolkits.

He is a member of the Institutes of Exports, Marketing and Linguists (French and Spanish). He represented Trinity, Irish Universities, Vicy (France) and Leinster at rugby and in 2011 was awarded a CBE for his work with the Ireland Funds in Northern Ireland. He lives in Dublin with his wife Claire and children.

DECLAN FEARON have been involved with various businesses throughout the last forty years and is showing no signs of slowing up as he looks to take on China with his Tipperary Crystal in a joint venture with Neoglory, the largest crystal jewellery company in the world, which has nearly a thousand stores across China. Following a series of meetings in China between Neoglory founder Zhou Xiaoguang and Declan, the new venture called Project Jewel has seen Tipperary open its first standalone shop in six weeks’ time in Hangzhou, a city in eastern China with a population of more than eight million people. Coinciding with the Chinese expansion is another ambitious project by Declan for CHQ in Dublin’s docklands to convert the building into the largest culture centre in Ireland.

JAMES FITZSIMONS has 25 years senior level experience in the Irish executive search and recruitment industry. During his career James has successfully built and exited two leading recruitment businesses in the Irish market. He was a founding shareholder and Director of Cox Fitzsimons & Wilkes in 2003. He exited in 2008 through an MBO. He was also founder and Joint Managing Director of Careers Register which was sold to CPL plc, in 2000.

James holds a BA from University College Dublin, a Professional Diploma in Accountancy and a Diploma in Personnel Management. James worked in general practice with KPMG in Dublin before setting up Careers Register in 1987.

KEVIN MCGOWAN who is Managing Partner of Grey Matters, has had a wide and varied experience in blue chip organisations before setting up his own company. Previously a Director of Ernst & Young Executive Search and Selection (which included HR Advisory for Ireland), he also was a founder member of Abbey Life, a Partner with Goodbody Stockbrokers and former Managing Director of Alexander & Alexander (now part of the Aon Group). Kevin spent his formative years with Irish Pensions Trust.

Kevin is a past president of the Union.