Leading Ladies to the Fore at WINR’s Autumn Event
On Tuesday evening, the Cape Cross Centre at Kildangan Stud played host to an engaged gathering of women for the Women’s Irish Network for Racing’s Autumn event. The group came together to learn more about the increasingly popular Mentoring Programme and listen to a fascinating line-up of panelists discuss their experiences as women in the workplace.
The committee’s own Fiona Dowling kicked-off proceedings, alongside coaching expert Anna Healy. Together, they introduced the transformative impact of mentorship, highlighting its unique ability to empower both mentor and mentee. Dowling made the important point that mentoring isn’t just for those starting out in their careers, it is a powerful resource for anyone looking to grow, pivot, or re-energize their path at any stage.
Healy explained how, in our professional lives, we often encounter hurdles and sometimes it is our own doubts that keep us from taking the next step. A mentor, she noted, can be the one to offer that timely “nudge,” reassuring you that “you can do this; you have the knowledge, and you have the experience.” Mentors, she added, see potential we might overlook, helping us unlock our capabilities and achieve our goals.
The evening unfolded with a lively and insightful panel discussion, masterfully led by former broadcaster turned trainer, Lorna Fowler. Fowler’s skillful moderation brought out the experiences and perspectives of an all-female panel, weaving together humour and hard-won wisdom in a way that was both educational and incredibly entertaining.
Joanna Morgan, former jockey and now trainer, captivated the audience with tales from her early career when women were expected to be “seen and not heard.” In her words, she simply “got on with it,” adding that her status as a “girl doing a fella’s job” came with a certain novelty at the time. The fact that Morgan was regaling these stories wearing a neck brace from a recent injury, was evidence enough of the toughness that has undoubtedly fueled her success.
Sasha Kerins, a partner at Grant Thornton and a dedicated advocate for the industry, underscored the importance of enacting diversity policies that are truly “lived” rather than merely displayed on the walls. She emphasized that the real responsibility lies with us to actively support and bring forward the next generation of women in our chosen field.
When asked about gender bias, Katie Walsh spoke with conviction, sharing how she was raised to see no difference between herself and the men around her. This perspective, she explained, allowed her to forge her path without feeling disadvantaged. Balancing her successful breeze-up business and family life, Walsh credited her mother for working behind the scenes to make this possible – opening doors that her mother’s generation hadn’t had the same access to.
Zoe Smalley, traveling head person for Henry De Bromhead, modeled work-life balance right there on the stage with her 10-week-old son, PJ, asleep in his pram. Smalley’s dedication to her work was clear as she shared how a supportive and flexible workplace had enabled her to return to her passion on her own terms.
The topic of maternity leave arose as a factor that can sometimes slow progress for women at work, but Kerins pointed out a powerful truth that “whether you’re a CEO at 31 or a CEO at 51, you’re still a CEO.” Also among key takeaways from the evening was the call to action for women to uplift one another, fostering a community of positivity and support that empowers the next generation to thrive.
WINR’s Mentoring Programme shall run from January until April 2025 and potential mentors or mentees are encouraged to get in touch with a member of the committee or email womensirishnetwork4racing@gmail.com for more information.
