Marilyn Reidy: 'It’s so easy to get stuck in imposter syndrome'

You never know what’s possible until you step outside of your comfort zone. Say yes to opportunities, push yourself and meet people.

So says Marilyn Reidy, who should know what she’s talking about as her original plan was to be a historian and lecturer, but along the way she discovered marketing which has led to a hugely successful and completely unexpected career.

“I originally set out to pursue an academic career. I studied history for many years, but along the way, I found myself drawn to the fast-paced, creative, and data-driven world of marketing,” she said.

“An internship with SOS Ventures introduced me to the world of business and start-ups, and I was hooked. I’ve always been a creative person, and marketing gave me the perfect outlet to combine creativity with strategy and measurable impact – it’s just another form of storytelling and I love that,” said Marilyn.

Originally from Limerick, she has lived in Cork for 16 years having come here to study.

Currently, she leads Demand Generation and Digital Marketing at Kneat Solutions, a leading provider of digital validation software for the life sciences industry.

Essentially, her job is about “making sure the right people hear about what we do and helping turn that awareness into long-term clients”. It’s not surprising so that she won Networker of the Year at the recent Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year awards. But what is surprising is that not too long ago she suffered from imposter syndrome.

“I joined Network Cork in 2022, encouraged by two people I really respect — my CMO at the time, Ciara Byrne, and my friend Paula Daniela Scopetta, who was already on the committee. They both felt it would be a great space for connection and growth, and they were right.

“I was looking to build my network locally and connect with people outside my day-to-day tech role. What I found was a genuinely supportive community of ambitious, engaged women from all sectors. It’s a place where people share ideas, opportunities, and practical advice.

“Through a connection at a Network Cork social, I became involved with the Marketing Institute Ireland and was later invited to join the National Marketing Competency Framework board. This is a national initiative designed to define the essential skills marketers need at every stage of their career, from entry-level to CMO. Being invited to contribute was a real honour and a career milestone. It’s given me the opportunity to help shape the future of marketing talent in Ireland – and it all started with a conversation at a local networking event.”

In 2023, she won the Network Cork Shining Star Award, and said it truly opened doors for her.

“I believe it helped me secure my current role at Kneat. Recognition like that gives you a real boost — not just professionally, but personally too. It gave me the confidence to aim higher and believe in myself more.

“It’s so easy to get stuck in imposter syndrome, and that win reminded me I deserved a seat at the table.”

Marilyn also believes in giving back, and bringing others along with you.

“It’s brilliant to see more women stepping into leadership, and I’m passionate about helping create space for those voices to be heard.

“I’m a big believer in leading with empathy, using data to inform decisions, and creating space for others to shine, especially women in tech, life sciences and marketing. I also mentor early-career marketers and am a mentor with Network Ireland.

“There’s something truly special about helping women discover their voice, not just professionally, but the voice of their business. It’s a part of mentoring, I genuinely love.”

Winning the Networker of the Year award this year was another proud moment.

“More than anything, it reminded me how important it is to get involved and put yourself forward, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. You never know where it might lead. The world of marketing is changing fast, but at its core, it’s still about connection. Being described as ‘a committed networker who brings people together with purpose’ was incredibly meaningful, because that’s exactly what I try to do, whether it’s in my job, through Network Cork, or just amongst my friends.”

Marilyn lives in Cork with her partner Cormac, who she says has always been one of her biggest supporters.

“Having someone in your corner who believes in you makes a real difference, especially when you’re balancing a demanding role with committee work and personal goals. My parents have also always been incredibly supportive, cheering me on in every new chapter and always encouraging me to follow my interests, even when my path took unexpected turns. I try to get home to Limerick to see them and my brother as often as I can,” she said.

Her top advice is not to short-change yourself. “You might study one thing, but you never know where your career will take you.

“I wouldn’t be in the role I’m in today or have won the Network Cork Networker of the Year Award if I hadn’t taken those chances and connected with so many incredible people along the way. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.”

Marilyn's top networking tips 

1. Show up consistently

I remember when I first started going to business events, I wasn’t just shy, I had a bit of imposter syndrome too. I wasn’t sure how to approach networking or if I even belonged in the room. But the key is to keep showing up.

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room — just be present. Whether it’s a formal event, an online session, or a casual catch-up, people notice when you make the effort to turn up consistently. Relationships take time, but that consistency builds trust.

Even if you only speak to one person at your first event, that’s one more connection the next time, and chances are, they’ll introduce you to others. That’s how your network starts to grow.

Going to these kinds of events really helped me come out of my shell. The more I showed up, the easier it became, and those early conversations led to genuine, long-lasting connections.

2. Be helpful without an agenda

Good networking isn’t about pitching yourself — it’s about being useful. That might mean sharing something relevant, making a quick intro, or just listening properly.

You don’t need a grand gesture, just a willingness to engage without expecting something in return.

People remember the ones who add value without pushing for anything. That’s how you build trust and real relationships, not just contacts.

3. Follow up — and follow through

The real value of networking happens after the event. Send the message. Connect on LinkedIn. Grab the coffee. And if you said you’d do something? Do it. Reliability builds trust faster than any pitch and it’s the easiest way to stand out.