Breaking Barriers: Women in Business and the Power of Visibility

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of networking and visibility with Mary McKenna, an entrepreneur and angel investor who knows a thing or two about making connections that count. Mary shares her journey from corporate life to the vibrant startup scene in Northern Ireland, where she co-founded initiatives like Awaken Hub and Awaken Angels, dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. We’ll explore how visibility is crucial for startups looking to attract talent and investment, and Mary’s unique approach to maintaining her network through her "100 People" initiative. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that will help you elevate your online presence and grow your business. So grab a seat, and let’s get into how we can all plant our own flowers in the entrepreneurial garden!

Join host Louise as she sits down with Mary McKenna MBE, an exited technology founder, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who describes herself as a "critical friend and backer of horses."

In this inspiring conversation, Mary shares her journey through three distinct career phases, from finance director to startup founder to her current portfolio of investments and mentorship roles.

Guest Bio

Mary McKenna MBE is an entrepreneur, innovator, thought leader, advisor, and angel investor based in Northern Ireland. She is the co-founder of Awaken Hub, Ireland's first social enterprise for women founders, and Awaken Angels, Ireland's first and only women-led angel syndicate. Mary received her MBE for services to digital technology, education, and innovation.

Key Topics Discussed

Career Journey

1. Three phases: corporate employee, startup founder, angel investor/mentor
2. Co-founding and selling Learning Pool
3. Transitioning from wage slave to entrepreneurial freedom

Current Roles & Impact

1. Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Oxford and Ulster University
2. Investment committee member at Coin Invest Capital (Lithuania)
3. Mentoring hundreds of founders annually
4. Building Awaken Hub and Awaken Angels

Women in Tech & Startups

1. 
   
2. Challenges women face in raising early-stage financing
3. The importance of flexible accelerator programs for working mothers
4. Building Ireland's first women-led angel syndicate
5. Supporting women founders across the island of Ireland

Networking & Visibility

1. 
   
2. The "100 People" exercise for maintaining your network
3. Building a network of value, not just utility
4. Why networking is a long-term investment
5. The importance of being in credit with your network

Startup CEO Challenges

1. 
   
2. The two hardest jobs: attracting talent and raising investment
3. Why visibility matters for recruitment
4. The mindset differences between corporate and startup culture
5. Speaking engagements and building your profile

Key Quotes

"I call myself a critical friend and backer of horses"

"Planting a thousand flowers and seeing which of them grow"

"Networks are about we, we, we - not me, me, me"

"Every opportunity in business is attached to a person"

"I always like to be in credit with my network"

Resources Mentioned

1. Awaken Hub - Social enterprise supporting women founders across Ireland
2. Awaken Angels - Ireland's first women-led angel syndicate
3. Learning Pool - E-learning company co-founded by Mary
4. Coin Invest Capital - Lithuanian sovereign investment fund

Connect with Mary

1. LinkedIn: Mary McKenna
2. Blue Sky: @MaryMcKenna

About the Host

Louise is a LinkedIn expert and author of "Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn" who helps professionals and businesses build their online presence and networks of value.

Episode Highlights

1. [00:02:00] Mary's six-word introduction
2. [00:04:00] The three phases of Mary's career
3. [00:09:00] Starting Awaken Hub during COVID
4. [00:14:00] The two hardest jobs for startup CEOs
5. [00:21:00] Networking and people collecting
6. [00:28:00] The "100 People" exercise

Tags

#WomenInTech #Entrepreneurship #AngelInvesting #Startups #Networking #Visibility #WomenFounders #NorthernIreland #Leadership #Mentorship

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Share with anyone who would benefit from Mary's insights on building networks, supporting women founders, and creating visibility in business.

Takeaways:

1. In this episode, we learned the importance of visibility for entrepreneurs, especially women, to secure investment in their startups.
2. Mary's journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship highlights the value of adaptability and continuous learning in the business world.
3. Awaken Hub serves as a vital community for women founders in Ireland, addressing the need for support and visibility in a male-dominated industry.
4. Networking is not just about connections; it's about building reciprocal relationships that foster mutual benefit and growth over time.
5. The concept of 'planting a thousand flowers' emphasizes experimentation in entrepreneurship, where not every idea will bloom, but some will thrive beautifully.
6. Mary's practice of reconnecting with 100 people each year showcases a proactive approach to maintaining and refreshing one’s professional network.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Awaken Hub
2. Learning Pool
3. Invest Capital
4. Elemental Software