‘One More Attempt’ was the theme of Michael Doherty’s address at the Waterford Chamber Regional Leaders Programme Inspiring Lunch talk at the Majestic Hotel.
In front of a large crowd, the Cheekpoint native and CEO of Woodbrook Group said: “Fear and failure are indicators you’re on the right road, not roadblocks. The more you handle your fear and accept failure and move forward, the more you continue creating entrepreneurial vision and graft, the more you will come to appreciate important errors.”
Having started his own mobile phone company at just 16, Michael went on to have many successes and failures along the way and spoke about how hitting rock bottom while sleeping in a Metro Station in Moscow made him realise the only way was up and to give it one more try.
This led to the foundation of the Woodbrook Group just over five years ago, which he has led through a period of significant international expansion and he is now considered one of the '100 Most Influential People in the Global Financial Services Sector' by the respected International Advisor publication.
Things have come full circle for Michael as he is now looking to expand his European operations in Ireland, having just secured a new company in Galway, which will be re-located and expanded right here in Waterford, under separate to the Woodbrook operation.
He has full confidence in the Waterford of the future and in its entrepreneurs and business leaders.
“There are no limits to the Waterford’s next millennium of opportunities because we are world class, and that is reflective in the investment flowing into the region at present. We have survived underfunding, marginalisation, and dismissal. We created the new future Waterford out of consistent campaigning for infrastructure, links and development funding.
“The seeds not just of economic recovery, regeneration and renewal are sprouting in Waterford today. Waterford’s global engagements – Crystal Valley Tech, the emergence of vibrant tech and pharma hubs, the world class development at North Quays – are fully representative of the new way of working and the new way of succeeding. Waterford is returning to its roots as a global trader of excellence. Entrepreneurship and the further shore are in our DNA. There are no barriers to the entrepreneur, only obstacles leading to opportunities.”
Speaking at the event, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said, it is these opportunities we must now grasp with both hands.
“It is companies of international repute, working with our own indigenous companies, which will make Waterford great again and we all have a responsibility to work together to achieve that common goal.
“By supporting Waterford Chamber through membership and initiatives like the Regional Leaders Programme, we in turn can support you, by working on your behalf to be the voice of business in Waterford. By coming together the business community is a powerful voice and one we are proud to champion and advocate for.”
This was the last Inspiring speaker lunch before the programme’s closing lunch on June 19th in Faithlegg with Waterford Ambassador of the Year and renowned chef Paul Flynn. Expressions of interest and applications are now being accepting for year three of the Regional Leaders Programme, which is designed to develop leaders for the future in the South East Region. It is aimed at professionals who want to develop their leadership competencies and will benefit companies seeking to increase the capacity of their internal talent pool.
The programme runs monthly from September to June and incorporates practical guidance on leadership styles, problem-solving and key recommendations during 1:1 mentoring sessions. Mastermind workshops and speaker lunches create opportunities for programme participants to engage with Regional Leaders colleagues and expand their network.
The programme is supported by Bausch + Lomb, Waterford Chamber Skillnet and Waterford Institute of Technology.
For more information, contact Lynda Lawton or Kelly Cummins on 051 872639.
