Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? Cyd is my middle name that I share with my Aunt, a fearless woman who defied societal norms and travelled the world. Her spirit of independence and defiance shaped my thinking and taught me rules can be broken.
Cyd has come to represent all the courageous women who came before us and reminds me every day of the resilience and strength we carry forward.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given? The late Professor Sucheta Nadkarni at Cambridge Judge Business School was full of great advice. She put me forward for the scholarship to the Rising Women Leaders Programme, where I learned so much. I used to be full of self-doubt, but Sucheta said when you face your fears and step up to the challenge, you’re not just doing it for yourself, you’re doing it for every other woman too. I recall her words whenever I need a dose of courage.
What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? Get a mentor! I’ve seen so much research that shows men have mentors and sponsors while women don’t ask for that guidance and support to help build their business. Most people are happy to help, so go ahead and ask for it.
What does success mean to you? Success is about using our time on this planet to make a positive impact! And recently I’ve learnt how important it is that we have fun while doing it! Often growth comes from discomfort, however I’ve learnt that we can enjoy the growing pains too!
How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit? Adaptability, purpose, and a strong support network. I also lean on the wisdom of mentors, my team, and time in nature. Sometimes a walk in nature provides the clarity needed to tackle challenges with a positive mindset.
Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? We believe that empowering women in leadership is essential to solving the climate crisis and driving sustainable innovation. That’s why we’re committed to lifting women in every way we can — through mentorships, education, partnerships, and most of all, collaboration. When women rise, everyone benefits.
60 Seconds with Aisling Connaughton
My inspiration is: A cold water swim always gets my imagination flowing.
My greatest fear is: Not making the most of this lifetime.
The most courageous thing I have ever done is: Battling my dyslexia and dropping all the baggage that came with that.
I am most proud of: Co-founding Cyd Connects!
Guiltless pleasure: Chocolate.
Mantra I live by: The same thinking that created the problem won’t create the solutions (that’s why we need more diverse voices and more women with a seat at the table).
Female role model: Mary Robinson, first female president of Ireland and the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights.
Women-led brand I love: Sealore. A mother and daughter team who create handcrafted skincare on the coast of Western Ireland.
