Why we launched Ireland Together during Covid-19, Louise O’Conor, Beta Digital

What is your own background briefly?

I’ve been digitally enabling, transforming and scaling companies across multiple sectors and industries, internationally for over 20 years (Startups, SMEs, Multinationals).

It started with the explosion of the internet back in the early 2000s with companies needing new ways of adapting their products/ services to online. This expanded into moving companies entirely online, and now helping even digital native companies adapt and transform their business and revenue models, digital capability, skills, workforces, technology, strategies, processes and finding new ways of adapting to an entirely digital world.

I’m currently Partner and company director at Beta Digital – a specialised Digital Transformation consulting firm; business mentor for Enterprise Ireland; on the Board of the Irish International Business Network; and Co-Founder of Ireland Together.

Does it seem like a logical background to what you do now?

100%. I love challenging the status quo and turning ideas into business reality. I’ve lived in 10 countries, speak 6 languages and am passionate about education, technology, innovation, leadership, diversity, connecting people and making a difference. The variety of work I do across Beta Digital, Enterprise Ireland, IIBN and Ireland Together, combines all my experiences, values and passions.

How was the last 12 months? What were your big wins?

Exciting, new and challenging. Big wins include: meeting my businesses partners Tony Moroney and Paul Doyle and launching our own digital transformation consulting firm Beta Digital; co-founding Ireland Together to help make a difference; and having had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring individuals. I feel very grateful.

What would you have done differently?

Probably not waited so long to join and set up Beta Digital.

1 min pitch for what you are doing now?

Ireland Together is a free, non-profit business community to help companies adapt and find new ways of doing business through peer-to-peer professional advice and knowledge. Our goal is to connect, collaborate and innovate based on a shared belief that collective thinking, shared diverse knowledge and community are key to economic recovery and sustainability.

It all started 4 weeks ago when a group of passionate individuals, across a range of different industries, jumped on zoom call (many of whom had never met in person), to brainstorm ways we could help and support companies through our collective and diverse range of knowledge and skills.

8 days later – Ireland Together was launched with a resource platform, expert content, social channels, slack forums, dual member and advisor registration, blog news and free licences from many of the tech companies in the country.

We now have over 300 people, from 28 counties, in less than 3 weeks of launch, engaging, connecting and supporting each other daily and we are about to launch a new tech partnership to start co-creating ideas, initiatives and new solutions for businesses.. with much more to come!

Why did you get involved with this project? Why do you think it is such a powerful idea?

People and businesses are struggling and I wanted to help. Individually we all have knowledge and experience; but imagine the difference we can make by bringing all that collective knowledge and know-how to one place, to support and collaborate together.. It’s a powerful thought and that’s my reason for being part of Ireland Together.

The team are truly passionate individuals. We’re working around the clock (all voluntarily whilst running our own businesses), and our shared passion to help is energising and infectious. Combine all that with the kindness and solidarity of people signing up to support and offer their time and knowledge for free .. it’s inspiring.

Who and where do you get inspiration from?

People, traveling, reading, learning, listening, mentors/ mentoring and family!

How can people find out more about you personally & your work?

Social channels are the best way to connect, engage and find out more about me, Beta Digital and Ireland Together.

Linkedin:/louiseoconor (note the one ‘n’ in O’Conor)

Twitter: @louiseoconor

Linkedin:/BetaDigital

Twitter: @BetaDigitalLtd

Website: BetaDigital.net

LinkedIn: /IrelandTogether

Twitter: @Ire_Together

Website: IrelandTogether.ie

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