Reflecting on a Year of Learning and Connection

As we gently turn the page on 2023, it's a time for reflection at The Communications Coach. This year has been a meaningful journey, filled with learning experiences, connections, and humble achievements. The goal has always been to support and uplift entrepreneurs, with a focus on empowering women to confidently express themselves in the media and public speaking arenas.

A Year of Learning and Growth

This year, our "Cut Through the Noise" program, tailored for micro-business owners, has been a significant part of our journey. I’ve been privileged to witness growth and development among our clients, who have embraced new challenges in public speaking and media engagement with courage and determination.

Memorable Moments from 2023

Among the initiatives I am grateful for this year was the "Cut Through the Noise" talk series. These sessions were designed to demystify the media landscape and enhance public speaking skills. 

I have strived to offer valuable content through blog posts, videos, and free resources, aiming to share insights and tips in the realm of communication. In 2024 I will be adding to this so watch this space. 

Seeing clients raise their profile nationally has provided me with a huge sense of pride. From leading conversations to challenging perceptions, I am lucky to work with entrepreneurs who are passionate and leading the way in their respective fields. High-quality media training is invaluable if you want to grow your business and reach a new audience.

On a separate note my Radio show on Midlands 103 ‘Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke’ has breached over 100,000 listens on our podcast stream, what started as a passion project on an issue I care deeply about has grown into a community of people right across Ireland trying to do their bit for the environment. 

You can listen to the show here:

 

Collaboration and Community Spirit

2023 was a year enriched by collaboration. Joining hands with various organizations, we conducted workshops and training sessions, reinforcing our belief in the power of community. These collaborations broadened our horizons and deepened our understanding of diverse communication challenges across different sectors. 

A key moment of pride for me was being invited to lecture at Trinity College Dublin on their successful Entrepreneurship program and to speak on Ireland AM about my efforts to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of sepsis. 

The largest collaboration to date has been working with the HSE to raise awareness around Sepsis, we turned Tullamore red on World Sepsis Day and gained national coverage of this small but impactful moment. 

Looking Forward with Gratitude

As we look ahead to 2024, I am excited to explore new ways to support our clients and community. Our commitment remains strong: to empower each voice and to help individuals navigate and master effective communication.


On a personal level seeing my own name on a cinema screen in the credits came as a wonderful end to a successful year. If you haven’t year heard of "The Light Within: An Irish Quaker Story" have a read here it’s a beautiful short film and I’m delighted to have played a small part in its success. 

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey this year. Your stories, feedback, and engagement are invaluable to us. They remind us why we embarked on this path and inspire us to continue our work.

As we close this chapter on 2023, I do so with a sense of gratitude and a quiet excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you and best wishes for the year ahead. I will leave with you with my favourite quote of the year from Rachel Doyle of the Arboretum; “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough”.

Aisling O' Rourke
Born and raised in the Midlands of Ireland Aisling O' Rourke seeks to give an intimate insight into worlds ordinarily hidden from public view. Aisling enjoys devoting extended periods of time to her documentary projects. She works in both visuals and audio and intends to focus more on combining these skills into the future. Having travelled extensively Aisling is now based in Dublin, Ireland. She intends to self publish a Bower For Sisters in 2015. An experienced Broadcast Journalist Aisling holds a 2.1 Honours MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography from the University of Arts London's London College of Communication and a 2.1 BA in Journalism from Dublin City University.
https://www.thecommunicationscoach.ie
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New Year, New Strategies: Navigating Your 2024 Communications Plan

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Shining a Spotlight: "The Light Within: An Irish Quaker Story"