Outgoing President of Network Cork: ‘It’s more than a network, it’s a community’

Susana Marambio, outgoing president of Network Cork, said she learned more about herself in the past 12 months while at the helm of the organisation, than she did in the previous 15 years.

She had a traumatic start to her year, as just 10 days after taking over the role her father passed away in her native Chile.

Susana was unable to travel home for his funeral as she had a scheduled medical procedure at the time. Grieving his loss, while getting established as president, wasn’t the start to the year she had imagined.

“My father had dementia and was very ill for the previous six months so his death wasn’t a surprise, but it was still a terrible shock,” she said.

What was a surprise to her, was how she initially began to doubt herself in the role as president.

“After four years in Ireland, I felt that suddenly this was going to be a very visible role, and that I was somehow putting my future in this country on the line by how I performed in it,” she admitted.

The admission will seem at odds with such an accomplished businesswoman.

“I might come across as very confident, but in a networking situation I’d be far more comfortable staying ‘busy’ with my head in my phone until it’s time for business,” added Susana.

“My only difference is that I take on challenges as I know there’s opportunity for growth there. 

If I’m out of my comfort zone, I know I’ll be learning. So I’m the same as anyone with normal fears, it’s just that I try not to let that stop me.

Thankfully, after speaking to a mentor in Network Cork she realised she was putting far too much pressure on herself.

“I saw that I was taking it far too seriously and in doing that I was missing the bigger picture, which was enjoying the experience,” she said. “I realised I was missing the point and that I just needed to take it for what it was.”

That was her big learning during the year.

Secondly, I realised that it’s OK to reach out for help, which is not something I’d usually do, and I really felt that support first-hand that Network is so renowned for.

Ultimately, when she reflects on the past year she feels privileged to have had the opportunity.

“I’m definitely not one for patting myself on the back or cheerleading and all I wanted was for our members to be part of something memorable,” she said.

The numbers speak for themselves. During her year, membership grew by 15% and event attendance increased by 35%.

Her theme for the year was collaboration and building an environment where perspectives and experiences could come together to achieve something.

“I’m still meeting people who say they are still feeling inspired and got something special from our events so I think that worked,” she said.

She wholeheartedly encourages anyone to join Network. She moved to Glanmire from the UK with her husband Andrew in December, 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, and credits Network with getting her established, professionally and socially.

“When I came to Ireland, I knew four people, two of them living in Dublin; now I can walk down the streets and meet so many people I know, and feel part of a community. From the point of view of someone not born here, you can really fast-track that connection with the help of Network. 

It’s the best place to start. It’s more than a network, it’s a community, and a place you can find your tribe.

Handing over her chain will feel a little emotional.

“But one of the lovely things about being president is that you know it’s for a year so you can give it 200% from beginning to end and then you’re happy to support the next president. I don’t want to keep it, even though I’ve enjoyed it so much, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be handing over to our next President, Cathy Fitzgibbon.”

Not that her pace of life will be slowing down in the slightest. Along with Andrew, she runs Beacon Business Commercial Services (named after Baltimore’s Beacon) which they established in 2021.

“I’m also delivering leadership and management courses for the retail sector in Cork ETB, and supporting a group of professional Chilean women in Ireland, helping them in business, and sharing what I’ve learned over the past few years.”

Susana has spent the past 24 years living in Europe: the last seven were in the UK, the previous eight in the Netherlands, and seven in Madrid in Spain.

Cork very much feels like home now.

“That’s really down to how the people here make me feel, that it’s our place.,” she said.

We are happy to call this our home, I love Cork.

Network Ireland Cork's AGM takes place on December 3.