Q: What does leadership in sport mean to you, and how do you apply it in your work with Sport Ireland?
Leadership in sport, whether on the field or in the office, is about leading by example, fostering confidence in yourself and others, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. It’s about inspiring, supporting, and elevating those around you to reach their full potential.
In my role at Sport Ireland, I lead by actively collaborating with colleagues, bringing enthusiasm and fun, and most importantly, championing my team’s successes. I constantly strive to create a positive, inclusive, and empowering culture in the anti-doping unit where we can all push boundaries and drive meaningful change in sport.
Q: How can leaders help inspire more women to take part in sport?
Leaders can inspire more women to take part in sport by using their positions to provide meaningful opportunities and their voices to amplify the achievements of women in sport both in Ireland and internationally.
Leaders are in a position to break down barriers that have historically limited female participation. Don’t just open the door—hold it open, create space at the table, and let women’s voices be heard, valued, and empowered.
Q: What advice would you give to other women looking to take on leadership roles in sport?
Believe in yourself and own your achievements. Too often, women downplay their successes—so take the credit you deserve and recognise the impact of your work. Speak to yourself with the same encouragement and support you would give a close friend or colleague.
Confidence comes from acknowledging your strengths, trusting your instincts, and staying true to your core values. Leadership in sport requires resilience, so don’t be afraid to take up space, push boundaries, and advocate for yourself and others.
Be loud, be brave, be ‘hysterical’, be the change.
Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing women in leadership positions in sport?
Breaking through long-standing gender biases and stereotypes remains one of the biggest challenges. Women often have to work harder to prove their credibility in a space that has historically been male-dominated.
Balancing leadership responsibilities with personal commitments can be tough, and it’s important to acknowledge this so women don’t feel like failures when they can’t ‘do it all’.
Women need strong allyship and a collective commitment to fostering inclusive leadership pathways where they are supported, valued, and given equal opportunities to succeed.