Welcome October! September has been a month of celebration and stepping forward — from back to school to marking my daughter Síne’s 8th birthday to collaborations and work across many sectors, to building new partnerships and celebrating award opportunities. A real highlight was the chance to work directly with participants on the Irish Football Association’s UEFA Pro Licence diploma and even engage with a coach from a Premiership soccer club, an incredible reminder that visibility opens doors and creates genuine connections. And the spark that began it all? LinkedIn, which gave me the visibility to start that first conversation.
And then there was the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards in Killarney. While I didn’t come home with a trophy, what surprised me most was how I felt. Yes, there was a flicker of disappointment, I’d have loved to bring something back for our Wexford branch but what stood out even more was the genuine joy I felt seeing my friend and colleague, Kathleen Kinsella, receive the Judge’s Recognition Award for Solo Businesswoman of the Year. Her win felt like a win for all of us. What makes it even more inspiring is the work Kathleen is leading on Menopause in the Workplace such a powerful and necessary topic that is breaking down barriers and driving cultural change in organisations. It’s a reminder that visibility isn’t just personal; it’s also about shining a light on issues that matter.That moment reminded me: visibility with emotional intelligence isn’t about the spotlight being on you. It’s about how you connect authentically, even in moments of vulnerability. Huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners what an inspiring group of women, each navigating the many emotions of building and leading a business.
It also connects with something Miriam Hussey spoke about at the Conference, and in her beautiful new book Light Up, which I’ve started reading (and highly recommend). She writes about creating space for yourself, tuning into your heart, and staying aligned with your inner circle, your soul space. Miriam speaks about a deep inner knowingness a quiet conviction beneath the surface, guiding us toward our truest selves. This reminds me of the RocheMartin Martin Emotional Capital Report (ECR) concept of Self-Knowing: the ability to recognise how our feelings, emotions, and inner sense influence our judgments and choices. When we lean into that inner knowingness, we link intuition and emotional awareness and that’s where authentic leadership begins.
This is powerful work, and it’s something I share often with my clients: the inner work we do today pays dividends tomorrow. Some of the inner work competencies measured through the ECR include self-belief, self-confidence, self-control, self-reliance, and self-knowing — all of which shape how we show up visibly and authentically.
So what does emotional intelligence really teach us about visibility and “lighting up”?
It reminds us that true visibility isn’t about pushing yourself into the spotlight ,it’s about cultivating the inner qualities that allow you to shine naturally, while lifting others with you.
- Self-reliance, Self-belief, and Self-confidencegive you the courage to step forward with independence and responsibility. They allow you to trust your own judgment, back yourself when outcomes are uncertain, and hold steady in the knowledge that you are enough.
- Empathytransforms visibility into connection, turning someone else’s win into a moment of shared celebration.
- Optimismkeeps your perspective wide, reminding you that every opportunity win or lose is a step on the journey of growth and leadership.
Sometimes a song captures this energy perfectly. For me, it’s “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. It became a soundtrack to September in our house, because it’s a favourite of Síne’s! I heard it countless times at her birthday celebrations with her friends and what struck me was how inspiring the words are, not just for 8-year-olds, but for women and girls of all ages. The song speaks to moving from the shadows into the light shining as you were meant to, with nothing to hide. It’s a powerful metaphor for emotional intelligence: when we lead with self-belief and empathy, our presence shines brighter than performance ever could. It’s also something that resonates with the work of Christina Vidovich and her Women Getting Visible programme encouraging women to step into their light unapologetically, and on their own terms.
Step Into Visibility with Your Leadership Pathway
I’m also delighted to share something exciting that connects directly to this theme of visibility and emotional intelligence in leadership. In partnership with Charley Swords , we’ve launched our Your Leadership Pathway Programme, commencing January 2026. This in-person and online programme combines the RocheMartin Emotional Capital Report (ECR) self-assessment with modern leadership practices, coaching, and mentoring.
We’ll host the 3 in-person day sessions at the beautiful Royal Marine Hotel, with online modules for flexibility. It’s designed for leaders who want to step into visibility with confidence, connect authentically, and unite people and purpose with real impact. If this feels like your next step, I’d love to hear from you.
This Month’s EI Tip:
Before your next presentation, networking event, or even awards ceremony, pause and ask yourself:
- Am I showing up as my authentic self?
- Am I making space for myself and others to truly shine?
- How can I connect, not just communicate?
Visibility rooted in emotional intelligence isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about presence, heart, and alignment with your true authentic self. Thank you for reading and subscribing.
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