This year’s virtual TWIG Networking Event examined how learning from past events can help us to move forward and succeed in a post-pandemic world
The past can weigh heavily on your shoulders, or you can use it to guide you and propel you forward. That was the message to participants in this year’s Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund annual lunch event in conjunction with Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) to raise funds for those working in the sector who experience unexpected financial hardship.
The virtual event was attended by over 500 people, and hosted by MC Sonya Lennon, with a line-up of five sterling speakers including: Gráinne Wafer, Global Brand Director for Guinness at Diageo; Roísín Hennerty, Managing Director of Ornua’s Global Foods Division; Sinéad Bryan, Managing Director at Vodafone; Sharon Buckley, Commercial Director of the Musgrave Group, and IGBF President of Appeals; and Chupi Sweetman, CEO of Chupi Jewellery.
TWIG Chair Sharon Yourell Lawlor emphasised that through looking back at the past, we can anticipate the future better, shorten our learning curve, predict trends and use them to achieve the results we want.
“We can build on our successes and avoid making the same mistakes,” she said. “And what better context than now, as we emerge from Covid to reflect, look back and consider the past, the recent Covid past or a longer horizon, to ensure we now move forward stronger than ever to build on our successes and position ourselves for future growth.”
A key event in the IGBF calendar
IGBF President of Appeals and Musgrave Group Commercial Director, Sharon Buckley explained the importance of the event itself, both as a forum for networking and as a fund-raiser for the work of the charity.
“In the very short time that we’ve been running this TWIG event – this is the fifth event - it has become a really important event in the IGBF calendar,” Buckley said, “providing a fantastic forum for women from our industry to get together”.
She went on to explain how the IGBF’s fundraising has been “severely curtailed” by the pandemic, urging viewers to support the Fund in its work in supporting “over 200 families in our industry”. While the sums going to each individual family may not be enormous, they provide “a lifeline” for those involved, Buckley stressed.
What would Arthur do?
Keynote speaker Gráinne Wafer of Diageo told attendees, that when faced with challenges the team she works alongside often ask “what would Arthur [Guinness] do?”: “Of course the question is not literally about what Arthur would do, but more about what is the core set of values and principles that you need to hold dear when making decisions…what is the lasting legacy you are creating?” she noted.
“Thinking about what experiences have shaped us, what were our highs and lows, what patterns emerge from these and what can we learn from this about what it says about us,” Wafer told the audience.
She spoke very honestly about maintaining the work/life balance, about the effect of the pandemic on her life over the last 18 months and about what motivates her to reach her full potential, and to help her children to do the same in their lives.
Addressing the theme: Looking back to move forward
Reflecting on the theme of ‘Looking back to move forward’, Wafer advised listeners to respect the past, to stay present, which she felt was particularly effective in the pandemic, and finally to know your purpose, to understand “what you and your business stands for”, which can help you to navigate difficult times, to create a touchstone and meaning for yourself.
The theme was addressed by all the speakers. Sharon Buckley spoke about how the last year and a half has given her a greater appreciation, both professionally and personally, on the importance of surrounding yourself with individuals and activities that lift you up and energise you.
Roisin Hennerty noted that the period of unprecedented change brought about by Covid-19 highlighted the importance of diversity, belonging and inclusion to Ornua’s business. Reflecting on the beginning of her career, Sinead Bryan reflected on the importance of taking risks and backing yourself, while Chupi Sweetman spoke about looking back on her career and being proud of overcoming some of the early challenges she experienced as a female entrepreneur.
The event, sponsored by CPM, Musgrave, Diageo and Suntory Beverage & Food Ireland, also featured a raffle with six great prizes, including a Chupi 14k Gold TWIG Band Diamond Ring, which was won by Maria McKenna, Marketing Manager at Nestlé Ireland, and five overnight breaks in some of Ireland’s top five- and four-star hotels. Sponsors of these prizes included GSK, the Doyle Collection, INUA Collection, Glanbia and Coca-Cola.
The work of the IGBF
Through the IGBF, enormous assistance has been provided to relieve hardship amongst those from the grocery industry and their spouses who have fallen on difficult times because of ill health or bereavement. The charity currently assists nearly 250 families monthly and will contribute over €560,000 annually in 2021.
The Fund is a registered charity, as well as a registered friendly society, and has historically been very wellsupported by the leading companies in the retail, wholesale, food and drink and services industries. Individuals in difficulty can apply for financial assistance and the awarding of grants is managed through a well-governed and totally confidential welfare process.
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