Dawn's motto in life and in business is 'You Didn't Come This Far, To Only Come This Far'

Dawn has long had an interest in workplace equality. During her role as Director of People and Resources with Chartered Accountants Ireland she worked closely with boards, leadership teams and individuals across a number of sectors. Prior to taking up this role Dawn contributed in a variety of industries including manufacturing, publishing, recruitment, education and the charity sector.

Chartered Accountants Ireland had a gender balance at management level of 50:50 female to male, and throughout the organisation women professionals outnumbered men at 61:39. Having observed how some organisations succeeded in promoting diversity at senior levels while others struggled to do so ignited Dawn’s curiosity and motivated her to launch Leane Empower.

Dawn is a graduate of the National College of Industrial Relations (now National College of Ireland) and holds a Masters of Business from University College Cork, in addition to post-graduate qualifications in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour. She served on Chartered Accountants Ireland Diversity Committee and in 2020  was listed as one of 125 People to Follow on Linkedin about Diversity & Inclusion. 

Dawn is active as Past-President of Network Ireland’s Wicklow Branch and as a member of the national mentor panel. Network Ireland is a membership organisation, supporting the professional and personal development of women. Dawn is former Chair of Sunbeam House Services, an organisation which supports adults with intellectual disabilities to live full lives in the community.

Dawn works with a wide range of individuals and organisations as a coach, mentor, trainer and consultant.

Podcast - Venture Business Network

This podcast with Robert Fitzhugh of Filmsmart Productions was recorded for Venture Business Network. Listen to Dawn and Robert discuss how leadership differs from management and why it's important to understand all the unwritten rules and norms of behaviour in organisations.

Podcast - Next Pivot Point

Dawn was a guest of Julie Kratz, of Next Pivot Point about creating an inclusive workplace culture. Listen the podcast here