Empowering rural innovation: Cork entrepreneur elevates digital learning

Siobhán O’Leary, founder of SOL Learning, a company specialising in transforming learning experiences through technology and creativity, has successfully completed the ACORNS programme.

This initiative supports female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland to grow their businesses.

The ACORNS programme, running for six months part-time, is designed to empower early-stage businesswomen like Ms O’Leary.

Participants benefit from the shared knowledge of more than 350 female entrepreneurs who have previously participated. Her enrolment in ACORNS 9, which ran from October 2023 to April 2024, proved to be a valuable experience.

“The ACORNS programme encouraged me to focus on the core elements of my business,” said Ms O’Leary. “The chance to network with other inspiring businesswomen was hugely beneficial.”

She highlighted the programme’s supportive environment, particularly the roundtable setting that allowed her to exchange ideas with a peer group of like-minded ambitious business women while learning to balance business and family life.

Each roundtable is led by a highly successful Lead Entrepreneur offering advice, support and a space to discuss in confidence the challenges and celebrate successes.

Ms O’Leary’s group was led by Caroline Reidy, CEO and founder of The HR suite.

SOL Learning bridges the gap between technical knowledge and creative design to create exceptional learning programmes. “Our comprehensive programme development framework helps businesses transform their existing training materials into engaging and effective Learning experiences,” said Ms O’Leary.

Partnering with SOL Learning offers a range of benefits, including:

Increased employee engagement and retention.

Improved training accessibility and flexibility.

Reduced training costs and increased efficiency.

Reaching a wider audience and expanding learning reach.

Positioning your organisation as a leader in eLearning innovation.

Ms O’Leary brings a wealth of experience to SOL Learning. With more than 13 years in the pharmaceutical sector, she possesses a strong background in engineering and project management. After taking time out to raise her family, Siobhán returned to education, completing a Masters in Technical Communication & eLearning. This qualification, combined with her existing skills, allows Siobhán to seamlessly convert traditional learning programmes into engaging digital formats.

Ms O’Leary is a member of several professional organisations, including Network Cork, The Learning & Development Institute (Ireland), The Learning & Performance Institute (UK) and Tech Alliance.