Building Visibility with Purpose: From Influence to Impact
Hello there,
Before diving into this week’s update, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the deeply sad and shocking news of Manchán Magan’s passing. Manchán was not only a gifted writer and broadcaster, but also a kind and generous soul who brought beauty, wisdom and curiosity to everything he touched. From Gaeilge to nature, culture and beyond. He inspired so many of us in the media and creative worlds to think more deeply, speak more thoughtfully, and live more lightly on this earth.
As we ease into October, this week’s conversations are all about visibility, with purpose. Whether you’re building a business, leading on sustainability, or making sense of climate challenges, clear communication is key. I’ve had some brilliant chats this week: from creators carving out influence to community efforts tackling real-world problems.
Let’s get into it.
🎙️ Cut Through the Noise
From Creator to Influencer: The Real Story Behind the Algorithm
In the penultimate episode of Season 9, I sat down with Conor Cochrane of Icon Management, a bespoke agency that helps creators and brands collaborate for real business impact.
We explored:
✔️ The journey from content creator to influencer
✔️ Micro vs. macro influencers, what’s the real difference?
✔️ How businesses can leverage influencer partnerships to grow
🔗 Listen now on your preferred channels via our Podcast Page.
💬 “You can’t post a video and expect overnight success. You need resilience, a unique voice, and the ability to adapt.”
If you’re curious about the evolving influencer space or thinking about your own visibility strategy, this one’s for you.
🎥 Bonus Content on YouTube: We tackled the persistent negativity surrounding influencers, where it comes from and how businesses can reframe the conversation to unlock real opportunity. We also discuss how to become an influencer with longevity and purpose.
🌍 Climate Cocktail Club at Ballintubbert House
This week I attended the Climate Cocktail Club at the stunning Ballintubbert Gardens and House, an evening of food, conversation and shared purpose.
From a beautiful plant-based meal by Michael Kelly (GIY) to an inspiring interview with Dr. Tony Juniper CBE by Anja Murray, the night was filled with hope and insight. I was especially grateful to connect with incredible people like Kyra Fingleton (Glamping Under the Stars), Sarah Blake (Earthology), Holly Alpine (Enable Emissions) and Jennie C. Stephens (Maynooth University).
Huge thanks to Suzanne Dempsey, Tom Popple and the team at Laois County Council for creating such a thoughtful and impactful event.
🎥 I’ve shared a short reel here if you’d like a glimpse:
Watch the reel on LinkedIn
💼 A Look at My Sunday
From Ireland AM to podcast recording to a quick walk in the local dog park, my Sundays are rarely quiet!
🐾 Watch the behind-the-scenes reel here:
🌿 In4Green Business Event
Today I had the privilege of hosting the In4Green Business Networking Event at the Thrive Centre of Business Excellence in Navan, alongside Meath Climate Action Office, LEO, and Meath Chamber. The event, part of Meath County Council’s participation in the URBACT In4Green Project, brought together local leaders to explore what real sustainability looks like in action. From energy efficiency and plastics innovation to tourism, mining, and community engagement, our expert panel shared their challenges, successes, and actionable insights for building greener businesses. It was an honour to facilitate these important conversations.
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Events like this show what’s possible when we come together to share knowledge and lead with intention.
We heard from incredible business leaders and sustainability advocates including:
• Niall Skeffington, Novelplast
• Charles Coyle, Emerald Park
• Jason Kenna, EirGrid
• Paschal Walsh, Boliden Tara Mines
• Kathleen Moore, SEAI
Each speaker shared how sustainability is shaping their work, from decarbonising heavy industry to embedding climate goals into visitor experiences.
It was a privilege to guide the conversation and hear first-hand how businesses are tackling climate goals head-on. Events like this remind us that real change starts with real stories and that collaboration is the key to progress.
Thank you to everyone who attended. It’s always inspiring to see what happens when conversation meets real-world action.
What is URBACT I hear you ask?
URBACT is a European programme that supports cities in working together to find innovative and sustainable solutions to shared urban challenges like climate action, economic development, social inclusion, and more. It helps cities collaborate, share knowledge, and co-create practical strategies that can make real change at the local level.
In4Green is one such URBACT project, and Navan is one of just nine participating cities across Europe. The goal? To help industrial and commercial areas, like Meath’s, move toward greener, more sustainable practices that support both the environment and the economy.
🌱 Let’s Go Green
Fish Kills, Waste Wisdom & A County-Wide Climate Carnival
This week on Let’s Go Green, we’re looking at how Ireland is responding to environmental challenges, from our rivers to our recycling habits.
Caroline O'Doherty, Climate & Science Correspondent with The Irish Times, joins me to unpack the major fish kill in Co. Cork. We discuss what’s known so far, how these events are investigated, and what they say about water quality and environmental protection.
Dr. Compost (Craig Benton) returns with practical advice on home waste management, from busting recycling myths to getting your compost right.
Tom Popple shares the latest on this week’s Climate Carnival in Laois, a festival of workshops, talks and family-friendly events that make climate action more accessible to all.
📻 Tune in Monday nights at 7PM on Midlands 103 or catch up anytime on your podcast app.
Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group.
Until next time, whether you're showing up on camera, speaking up for climate, or just trying to cut through the daily noise, remember, your message matters.
If you're ready to refine it, I’d love to see you in The Clarity Collective, my monthly mastermind for independent business owners who want to communicate with confidence and grow with purpose.
Warmly,
Aisling
