‘I want to bring the next generation along with us’: Meet the new Network Cork President

When Diane Higgins was embarking on her career, she wishes she had access to a support group like Network Ireland Cork.

“I wish I had gotten involved with networking sooner. It has been instrumental for me building my confidence,” she said.

That’s why Diane, the new president of Network Ireland Cork, is now extending an invite to the next generation of women to join the group and avail of the support – both professional and personal – that’s on offer in abundance.

“The earlier you have access to supports like this, the better in terms of confidence building,” said the mum-of-three whose theme for the year is ‘better together’.

Diane is a graphic designer who runs ‘Diane Higgins Design’ and is a part-time lecturer in the Marketing and International Business Department in MTU. She joined Network Ireland Cork in 2020, during covid.

“I started my business in 2017 so my initial reason for joining was to increase my clientele. I always felt that networking was something that I ‘should’ be doing so I bit the bullet and joined up. But it’s nothing to do with exchanging business cards and handshakes – it’s a much softer and friendlier network,” she said.

Diane, who lives with her family in Cork city, discovered this when she was organising a bake sale in aid of Children’s Health Foundation.

“Things were just starting to open up after lockdown and I posted on Network Cork’s Facebook page, asking if anyone knew of a venue to hold the bake sale. It all spiralled from there from something small to a big event with many members either baking, donating or giving prizes. I had honestly expected to raise around €50 and that first year in 2021 we raised €6,500!” she said.

Since then Diane and her family have gone on to raise an incredible €33,000 for the charity.

“That first year I hadn’t even met most of the members in-person and it really illustrated to me the pillars of Network Ireland which are leadership, collaboration and support, which is how I came to decide my theme for the year.”

But it’s not just the younger generation or business owners to whom Diane extends the invitation to join Network Ireland Cork.

“Network Ireland means so many different things to so many people who join for different reasons – you can be employed, self-employed, un-employed, but the idea is that we’re all better together. It’s also about cultures, businesses, or generations coming together to share knowledge, ideas or support each other.

“That’s what the bake sale showed me, that it’s an all-encompassing group, that we’re greater than the sum of our parts. To me that was where ‘better together’ came from.”

Having experienced so many benefits herself, she wants to pay this forward.

“I really want to bring the next generation along with us, and show them what we have to offer as, regardless of your goals, it’s never too early to start building relationships and being part of the wider professional community.”

She’s excited about the year ahead, but emphasises it’s not about her.

“I couldn’t do it without the support of the Network committee. There’s a group of 20-odd people behind me and that’s how the work gets done. It’s all voluntary too which is even more remarkable as the events the group runs are of such a professional standard that you often forget that. I also have the backing of my husband Kevin and my family. Funnily enough, ‘better together’ was the name of our first dance at our wedding. We celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary this yea r- the same day as the Network Ireland awards deadline!”

In another nice twist, the Network turns 43 this year and so does Diane.

“I can look back and reflect what I’ve done in my 43 years, and in the same way, what Network Cork has done. This Network holds so much wisdom between us, and the past presidents are always there to help guide and advise along the way. And while there’s lots done, there’s also a lot more to do in terms of the gender gap and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in for 2026.”

She added: “I am proud to have come from a long line of strong women, and to be raising the next generation in my own daughters. Putting myself forward as a leader will hopefully serve as a role model for both of my daughters and my son.

“This is a new kind of leadership role for me, and that’s something that is great about our Network, anyone can become the president.

“When I first joined, I never imagined leading the organisation, but with the confidence that being a member has brought, I put myself forward for the role. It truly is an honour to lead an organisation that has given me so much, both personally and professionally since I first became a member.”

• Diane’s first event takes place in the Imperial Hotel on January 7 and is titled ‘Get Yourself Published in 2026’. Up for discussion will be ways to get a book published, self-publish and podcast, among other things. See social media for more.