Growing, Civically
Do something! Complacency is failing us…
As the brilliant documentary “Older than the Ireland” so vividly illustrated, 100 years is not a long time. It does, however, highlight how action taken today can significantly impact the Ireland of 2116. I for one think we need to seriously adjust the trajectory. Heartened and inspired by the leadership evidenced in the stories shared at […]
On Education, testing not required…
…or even relevant. The links provided will offer a view into what system changes are succeeding elsewhere. The video below says it all. Let’s get out of their way, stop lecturing and test less. Let’s motivate and challenge our young people to show us what they can do! In Ireland, both in the Republic and […]
On…Continuing Education
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste” So goes the very powerful fundraising campaign launched by United Negro College Fund in 1972. It’s one of the most enduring tag-lines Madison Avenue has brought the world. It endures because the sentiment is universal. Dust off the cobwebs, turn off the talking heads and find out what real […]
Forgiving and Moving on…
Not. Not now. For some, perhaps not ever. How much energy, creativity or progress is lost to us personally, professionally or civically, because we don’t choose to address this? Post conflict is complicated, human nature is not. This wisdom is over 2500 years old. Clearly, our limitations haven’t eased in nearly 3 millennia. Ironic that I was […]
Culture Change and a “Prosperity Process”
Culture shock comes close to describing my experience as a second generation Irish-American in Ireland. I was frequently told that I needed to learn how to “act Irish”. Apparently this calls for a combination of politeness, passivity, not being direct, self-deprecation, an avoidance of self-promotion, and a tendency toward begrudgery. Any attempt to fall back on […]
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Pivotal or Peripheral?
Peripheral to two capitals that benefit from significant foreign direct investment, policies favouring support of 21st century technologies plus agencies committed to expanding markets, the NI/ROI border region is uniquely placed to focus on just three of these six key pillars. Human Capital, Supports and Culture Our task is to develop these to ensure we can fully participate. […]
BizCamp is Back!
On behalf of Neo Ireland, I’m delighted to be coordinating #BizCampAND in Bangor on Friday, 11 September 2015! Initiated by Paula Ault at the Signal Centre of Business Excellence and supported by the Ards & North Down Council we’ll be gathering at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel Conference Centre all day. You can register to attend or pitch a talk here. Speakers will be determined […]
Neo Ireland, What We Do
“Sowing the seeds of prosperity” is about preparing people to fully participate in the “new” economy. There may be few jobs in the traditional sense, but there is plenty of work. Up-skilling and re-skilling may be required, confidence building and support for that process cannot be underestimated. There are upwards of 20,000 tech jobs currently unfilled on […]
#Tangible15 – Limerick
We had a great day in Limerick for “A Winning Culture“. The setting was the beautifully restored Bishops’s Palace and David Deighan, CEO of Limerick Civic Trust led with an overview of what they’ve accomplished and where they’re going! Limerick is coming off it’s year as Ireland’s first “City of Culture” and some wonder “What’s […]
