Join host Louise as she sits down with Mary McKenna MBE, an exited technology founder, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who describes herself as a "critical friend and backer of horses." In this inspiring conversation, Mary shares her journey through three distinct career phases, from finance director to startup founder to her current portfolio of investments and mentorship roles.Guest BioMary McKenna MBE is an entrepreneur, innovator, thought leader, advisor, and angel investor based in Northern Ireland. She is the co-founder of Awaken Hub, Ireland's first social enterprise for women founders, and Awaken Angels, Ireland's first and only women-led angel syndicate. Mary received her MBE for services to digital technology, education, and innovation.Key Topics DiscussedCareer JourneyThree phases: corporate employee, startup founder, angel investor/mentorCo-founding and selling Learning PoolTransitioning from wage slave to entrepreneurial freedomCurrent Roles & ImpactEntrepreneur in Residence at University of Oxford and Ulster UniversityInvestment committee member at Coin Invest Capital (Lithuania)Mentoring hundreds of founders annuallyBuilding Awaken Hub and Awaken AngelsWomen in Tech & StartupsChallenges women face in raising early-stage financingThe importance of flexible accelerator programs for working mothersBuilding Ireland's first women-led angel syndicateSupporting women founders across the island of IrelandNetworking & VisibilityThe "100 People" exercise for maintaining your networkBuilding a network of value, not just utilityWhy networking is a long-term investmentThe importance of being in credit with your networkStartup CEO ChallengesThe two hardest jobs: attracting talent and raising investmentWhy visibility matters for recruitmentThe mindset differences between corporate and startup cultureSpeaking engagements and building your profileKey Quotes"I call myself a critical friend and backer of horses""Planting a thousand flowers and seeing which of them grow""Networks are about we, we, we - not me, me, me""Every opportunity in business is attached to a person""I always like to be in credit with my network"Resources MentionedAwaken Hub - Social enterprise supporting women founders across IrelandAwaken Angels - Ireland's first women-led angel syndicateLearning Pool - E-learning company co-founded by MaryCoin Invest Capital - Lithuanian sovereign investment fundConnect with MaryLinkedIn: Mary McKennaBlue Sky: @MaryMcKennaAbout the HostLouise is a LinkedIn expert and author of "Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn" who helps professionals and businesses build their online presence and networks of value.Episode Highlights[00:02:00] Mary's six-word introduction[00:04:00] The three phases of Mary's career[00:09:00] Starting Awaken Hub during COVID[00:14:00] The two hardest jobs for startup CEOs[00:21:00] Networking and people collecting[00:28:00] The "100 People" exerciseTags#WomenInTech #Entrepreneurship #AngelInvesting #Startups #Networking #Visibility #WomenFounders #NorthernIreland #Leadership #MentorshipIf you enjoyed this

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