Forging Futures: Confidence & Leadership for Women in Manufacturing
About this Event
Forging Futures: Women in Manufacturing Network — Powered by The Learning Reservoir is back and we'd love for you to join us.
This event brings together women from across Ireland's manufacturing sector for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and practical learning. Whether you work in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, engineering, production, quality, operations, HR, logistics, or leadership, this event is for you.
Featured Talk
Forging Your Voice: Confidence & Leadership for Women in Manufacturing
Following the fantastic response to our previous Forging Futures events, we're delighted to bring the Women in Manufacturing Network together again in Galway.
This time, we're focusing on something that came directly through in feedback from women in our community: finding your voice, building confidence and developing your influence as a woman working in manufacturing.
From speaking up in meetings and communicating with confidence, to influencing others, navigating career progression and stepping into leadership, this session will explore practical ways women can strengthen their voice and impact at work.
Whether you're at the beginning of your career, progressing into leadership or already leading teams, this event is designed to offer practical insights, honest conversation and the opportunity to learn from other women working across the industry.
What to expect
- Practical insights on confidence, communication and finding your voice
- Assertiveness and influencing skills for the workplace
- Leadership and career development
- Real experiences and perspectives from women in industry
- Structured networking to help you meet other attendees
- Plenty of opportunity for conversation and making new professional connections
Meet Our Guest Speaker – Deirdre McLoughlin
We're delighted to welcome Deirdre McLoughlin, Executive Coach and Coach Supervisor, as our guest speaker for this event.
Deirdre is the former Director of Manufacturing for Medtronic Galway's Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure business, bringing extensive firsthand experience of senior leadership in the manufacturing sector.
She was instrumental in establishing the Women's Network at Medtronic and co-designed and co-facilitated the Women in Leadership programme at the Irish Management Institute (IMI) over several years.
With her combination of senior manufacturing leadership experience and executive coaching expertise, Deirdre brings a valuable perspective to our November theme of assertiveness, influence and leadership for women in manufacturing.
Networking
Alongside the talk, the event includes dedicated networking time, an informal and welcoming opportunity to:
- Meet and connect with women from across Ireland's manufacturing sector
- Exchange ideas and share experiences with peers who understand your world
- Expand your professional network in a relaxed and supportive setting
Manufacturing can sometimes feel like a lonely space for women; Forging Futures exists to change that. This is a room full of people who get it.
Women working across all areas of manufacturing are welcome — including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, engineering, production, quality, operations, supply chain, HR and leadership.
Event Details
📅 Friday, 20th November 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Clayton Hotel
About the Event
This free event is hosted by The Learning Reservoir, a specialist training and consultancy company serving the manufacturing sector. It is proudly presented under our Forging Futures: Women in Manufacturing Network initiative, designed to bring together women working in all areas of industry to meet, connect, and support each other in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Why We're Organising This
My name is Fiona Masterson, and in my capacity as CEO of The Learning Reservoir, I wanted to create a dedicated space where women in manufacturing can meet, connect, and thrive.
I've worked in manufacturing since graduating from college and have always loved the industry. Over the years, I've met incredible women working in all kinds of roles from the factory floor to senior leadership.
Later in my career, through my work teaching manufacturing-related programmes at university and in adult education, I connected with even more brilliant women who are working hard to upskill and advance. I saw firsthand the immense power of bringing these different women, on their diverse career paths, together.
This event series is my way of creating a positive, relaxed space for us to network, share practical ideas, and build capabilities together. For those who know me, you'll know I am deeply passionate about championing women in industry. This is about connection, visibility, and supporting each other as we shape the future of this amazing industry.
Learn more on our website: https://thelearningreservoir.com/forging-futures-women-in-manufacturing-network/
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
