‘Take that step into the unknown,’ says outgoing President of Network Ireland West Cork 

Stop waiting for invitations, stop waiting for permission, and just go for it.

So says Sandra Maybury, who recently passed the chain of office as president of Network Ireland West Cork to Anna Healy, of Anna Healy Coaching.

Maybury said while putting herself in the limelight to lead the organisation for the past 12 months was a “huge personal challenge”, she has enormous gratitude for what this year has brought her.

“I think we all suffer from that niggling self-doubt and we are waiting for someone to tell us we can do it.

“But everyone is busy navigating their own lives, and sometimes you have to take that step into the unknown yourself.

“I did, and I realised that I was stronger than I gave myself credit for,” she said.

Sandra also runs a marketing business, Maybury Marketing, and admits that at times the ‘whirlwind year’ was a juggling act.

“Leading Network Ireland West Cork is a full-on job, that’s for sure. But when I took on this role, I said I’d give it 100% and I did that.

“For anyone considering a role like this, I feel you must be prepared to take a step back a little from your own business and other commitments, and that was probably the biggest challenge of the year.

“But I have wonderful clients and two incredible staff members, Aisling and Ellen, who were able to step in to support clients when needed.”

Mum to three girls aged 18, 14 and 10, Sandra admits home life is full-on too!

”There were times when I was out of the house three or four evenings a week, my poor husband and children were left to fend for themselves and I do want to thank them for their patience and support.

“But the girls see what I do, and I think it’s later in life they’ll understand it and be motivated by it.

“My parents were a huge inspiration in my career, but I feel it’s only in the past number of years that this has really hit home for me.

“The November event at The Parkway Hotel, my family’s business, was extra special for me, to bring this event to my home town of Dunmanway.

“We had over 100 people attending, which is the largest attendance at any event the branch has hosted this year.

“My dad is 89, and to have him there, along with my mother, mother-in-law, sister, sisters-in-law, and nieces, friends and colleagues was wonderful.

“I found I was a bit emotional to have that much personal support in the room, especially when I was delivering my final official speech as branch president.”

The stand-out positive of the year was the connections Sandra made, locally and nationally, and the biggest learning was realising the real positive impact she could have on others.

“In the words of Frank Sinatra, I did it ‘my way’!” she said. “I think my own personality shone through in some of the events we hosted.

“Our summer event was a ferry trip to Cape Clear, it was very relaxed and lots of fun.

“Our fundraiser was a t-shirt painting morning in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland, which was as much about raising awareness as raising funds.

“Another first was our collaboration with neighbouring branches, Network Ireland Cork and Kerry, for a joint event earlier this year, and our membership grew by over 50%.”

Is she looking forward to some free time in 2025?

“Free time, what’s that? I like to keep busy! I think my focus for 2025 is growing my own business.

“I will continue to support the 2025 Network Ireland West Cork committee, but I am especially looking forward to spending more quality time with family.

“Oh and I signed up to walk the Camino next year, so I urgently need to get my steps up for that.”

Best foot forward then...

Cork woman Sandra Maybury tells EMMA CONNOLLY that putting herself in the limelight over the past 12 months as the president of Network Ireland West Cork showed her she is stronger than she thought.

I think we all suffer from that niggling self-doubt and we are all waiting for someone to tell us we can do it.

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