My three days in Dublin at the end of November were a whirlwind of full schedules, meaningful conversations, little sleep, and the kind of energy that reminds me why relationship-building is at the heart of everything we do at Lenox Consulting.
The Cork Chamber of Commerce Dublin Dinner was once again a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of Ireland’s business community. Anyone still referring to Cork as a “second city” simply isn’t paying attention. The evening’s tribute to John Mullins, a leader who embodied integrity, generosity, and purpose, underscored a belief we share deeply at Lenox Consulting: relationships matter most when they are built on doing the right thing, not on what you hope to gain in return.
Just two days later, AMCHAM’s Thanksgiving Lunch, sponsored by my longtime friends at William Fry, echoed that same spirit. While Thanksgiving isn’t an Irish holiday, the values behind it: gratitude, connection, and community, translate easily. Even amid global uncertainty, the U.S.–Ireland partnership remains one of the most resilient and strategically important relationships in the world.
Hearing Tánaiste Simon Harris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin address both gatherings was particularly meaningful. Even without claiming full fluency in Ireland’s political system, it’s encouraging to see leaders from different parties converge around themes of shared prosperity, partnership, and purpose.
Both events, thanks to the generosity of hosts Conor Healy and Paul Sweetman, offered opportunities to reconnect with longtime friends and forge new relationships. As we often remind our clients, effective communication starts long before the press release, it begins with genuine conversations.
It was great to spend time with folks I genuinely enjoy being around, like Julianne O’Leary, Grace Kelleher, Katherine Fitzpatrick, and Dara Fitzgerald, and to forge new connections with Daire Lawler, Rob Kinsella, and Hilary O’Connor.
The best conversations happened naturally. Running into Stephen Hicks, Brendan Quinn, Mark Cockerill, Brian O’Callaghan, Stephen Hackett, Keith Carney, and Rebecca McManus served as a welcome reminder that the most productive discussions are often the least planned.
A particularly memorable part of the trip came from an Uber ride shared with Frank Brennan, Niamh Collins, and Noreen Conway, moments that reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about each other’s successes.
Between events, I met with entrepreneurs whose ideas align with the conversations happening across Ireland’s business community, and with the work we do at Lenox Consulting to elevate stories, connect markets, and build bridges between Ireland and New Jersey.
Sports Impact Technologies, led by Eoin Tuohy and represented by Patrick Ryan, is developing wearable technology that will make high-contact sports safer—a mission that could easily find a home among New Jersey’s youth sports organizations.
Carlichauns Entertainment is reimagining Irish folklore through animation and augmented reality. With New Jersey’s film and digital-media sector booming, I can already picture these creators making their mark in one of our new studios.
TAP Retail, driven by Stephen Hallahan, is helping small businesses connect to online shoppers—exactly the kind of innovation that can breathe new life into New Jersey’s downtowns. Stephen also kindly introduced me to Hub 17, another example of Ireland’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Future Proof Insights, Sean Higgins knows exactly where he is taking his concept turned into a company, helping brands get the most out of consumer insights and how we make buying decisions. So many opportunities for partnerships that start in New Jersey and expand from here.
And of course, spending time with Leo Moore is always a highlight and always leaves me more energized and optimistic.
A special thank-you to Liam Cronin for welcoming me to UCD’s VentureLaunch Accelerator Showcase. The early-stage companies presenting—from AI to life sciences to public policy—reflect the kind of visionary thinking that will shape the future. I was proud to share a message I’ve delivered many times: when the moment is right, New Jersey is ready to offer them a second home and a platform to grow. And to Anne Coffey—thank you for the warm hospitality and ensuring I didn’t get lost on UCD’s beautiful, expansive campus.
We have built Lenox Consulting on belief that good communications begin with good relationships. Whether we’re advising governments, businesses, nonprofits, or innovation-driven startups, our role is to help clients tell their story clearly, authentically, and strategically, to the right audiences.
We know that the strongest messages are built on trust, shared purpose, and a genuine interest in helping others succeed, and that’s where we will continue to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
