Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet

Collaboration continues to play an increasingly important role in supporting businesses across the South East as organisations face growing challenges around talent development, competitiveness, workforce retention, and leadership capability. Recognising the value of regional partnerships, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet and Waterford Chamber Skillnet Skillnet continue to work together to deliver impactful training and development initiatives that respond directly to the evolving needs of businesses across the region.

One example of this collaborative approach is the launch of our new ESF+ Executive Leadership Programme, developed in response to a growing leadership skills gap identified by employers throughout the South East. The programme is designed to support senior managers, business owners, emerging leaders, and executives in developing the strategic leadership capabilities needed to drive business growth, innovation, and organisational resilience.

This ESF+ Executive Leadership Programme will support senior managers, business owners, emerging executives, and high-potential leaders with practical leadership tools, strategic insight, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities tailored specifically to the realities facing organisations in the South East.

Speaking about the launch, Ashling Ward Network Manager of Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet said “Businesses across the South East are telling us clearly that leadership capability is now one of the most critical factors in driving growth, innovation, and resilience. This programme has been designed to equip leaders with the skills, confidence, and strategic thinking needed to lead effectively in a rapidly changing environment.”

The programme will focus on key areas including:
🟢Strategic leadership and decision-making
🟢Leading organisational change
🟢High-performance team development
🟢Communication and stakeholder engagement
🟢Innovation and growth strategy
🟢Emotional intelligence and resilient leadership
🟢Talent development and succession planning

Participants will benefit from expert-led workshops, executive coaching, collaborative learning, and real-world business application. The programme is aimed at supporting both indigenous SMEs and larger organisations seeking to strengthen leadership pipelines and future-proof their businesses.

The launch aligns with broader regional ambitions to enhance competitiveness, productivity, and talent development across the South East economy.

Ashling added: “Investing in leadership development is investing in the long-term sustainability of our regional economy. Strong leadership has a direct impact on employee engagement, innovation, and business performance, and we are committed to helping companies build those capabilities locally.”

Applications for the Executive Leadership Programme are now open, with places expected to be in high demand.
For more information please email [email protected]

Great first half at the South East Skillnet Spring Conference - Leadership & Sustainability: The Business Case for Sustainability

Panel Discussion at the South East Skillnet Spring Conference in the Lyrath Estate discussing Leadership & Sustainability

• Fergal Doyle - Arboretum Home & Garden Heaven
• Anthony Dignam - Bulmers
• Amanda Stewart - High Performance Business Alliance
• Chris Boland - Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club
• Pat Kane - Antaris

Amazing examples of sustainable Irish Businesses from our first speaker Pat Kane from Antaris.

“These businesses are not the best, but they are doing their best and being fully transparent”

Skillnet Ireland

Here we go! South East Skillnet Spring Conference is kicking off at the Lyrath Estate with our MC Aoife O’Sullivan Skillnet Ireland

“Sustainability is no longer a nice to have”

👉TOMORROW - April 21st - Southeast Skillnets Spring Conference 2026 – Leadership & Sustainability: The Business Case for Sustainability

Join us for a powerful morning of insight, strategy and real business thinking with Sonya Lennon - Lennon Courtney

We’re delighted to collaborate with County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet, County Wexford Chamber Skillnet and Waterford Chamber Skillnet to bring you the Leadership & Sustainability Conference – The Business Case for Sustainability.

📅 21st April
📍 Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny
⏰ 10am – 1pm
💶 €45 per person

You’ll hear from experienced business leaders, learn from real-world case studies, and leave with ideas you can actually apply.

If you’re running a business, managing a team, or planning for the next stage of growth, this is well worth your morning.

👉 Secure your place now: https://www.carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie/leadership-the-business-case-for-sustainability

Join us on April 21st from 10am – 1pm at Lyrath Estate Hotel for a practical, grounded look at how sustainability is shaping modern business.

This is about real leadership, real decisions, and real impact on your bottom line.

✨ Keynote Speaker - Sonya Lennon - Lennon Courtney

✨ Panel Speakers:

• Fergal Doyle
• Anthony Dignam
• Amanda Stewart
• Chris Boland
• Pat Kane
• David Sinnott

🎤 MC - Aoife O’Sullivan

✨ What you’ll take away:
• Clear insights on how sustainability supports growth and profitability
• Practical case studies from Irish businesses
• Ideas you can apply straight away

🎟 Cost: €45 per person
📍 Location: Kilkenny
🕙 Time: 10am – 1pm

If you’re running a business and want to stay competitive and future-focused, this is a very worthwhile morning out.

Book on our website: https://www.carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie/leadership-the-business-case-for-sustainability

Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Sonya Lennon

We’re delighted to welcome Sonya Lennon as keynote speaker at our upcoming conference Leadership: The Business Case for Sustainability.

A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Sonya is the founder of Work Equal and LIFT Ireland, and co-founder of the lifestyle brand Lennon Courtney in partnership with Kilkenny Design.

If you're serious about leadership, sustainability and the future of business, this is one keynote you won’t want to miss.

👉 Find out more and secure your place here:
https://www.carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie/leadership-the-business-case-for-sustainability

Leadership and Sustainability Conference | The Business Case for Sustainability

If sustainability is on your radar this year, this is one event worth stepping out for.

Join us on April 21st from 10am – 1pm at Lyrath Estate Hotel for a practical, grounded look at how sustainability is shaping modern business.

This is about real leadership, real decisions, and real impact on your bottom line.

✨ Keynote Speaker
• Sonya Lennon

✨ Panel Speakers
• Fergal Doyle
• Anthony Dignam
• Amanda Stewart
• Chris Boland
• Pat Kane
• David Sinnott

🎤 MC
• Aoife O’Sullivan

✨ What you’ll take away:
• Clear insights on how sustainability supports growth and profitability
• Practical case studies from Irish businesses
• Ideas you can apply straight away

🎟 Cost: €45 per person
📍 Location: Kilkenny
🕙 Time: 10am – 1pm

If you’re running a business and want to stay competitive and future-focused, this is a very worthwhile morning out.

👉 Book your place now - https://www.carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie/leadership-the-business-case-for-sustainability

Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet – Training for SME's in the South East Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet is a multi-sector learning network that provides subsidised training for over 500 local businesses. We are committed to supporting regional growth and workforce development through the provision of quality, industry-led training. From carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie