S6E6: Jackie Gilna – We Are Global Irish, from Canada to the World
Irish Stew goes to Canada for a most “Global Irish Nation Conversation” with Jackie Gilna, who’s been Irish in Dublin, Spain, the Netherlands, and now she's Irish in Canada's capital, Ottawa. And through a new venture, she's Irish all around the world.
Jackie launched We Are Global Irish this year to showcase Irish innovation, connect Irish businesses and organizations globally, drive opportunities to and from the island of Ireland, and to engage the Irish diaspora and anyone with an affinity for Ireland. Her “WAGI” platform is an online center for networking, collaboration, and commerce within the international Irish community.
We Are Global Irish is a natural outgrowth of a career that included founding and leading the Irish Canada Business Council and co-founding and leading the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce.
Jackie talks of balancing the Irish storytelling culture with the need for direct communications skills in international business, how “Plastic Paddy” thinking is “sand in the gears” for the Irish diaspora, the case for diaspora representation in the Oireachtas, and the bid by Chairman of New York’s St. Patrick's Day Foundation Hilary Beirne to earn the National University of Ireland panel nomination to Seanad Éireann.
Jackie closes with a heartfelt “Seamus Plug” to support your local hospice for children in Ireland or abroad. And she welcomes you to join the We Are Global Irish movement!
Links:
We Are Global Irish
Jackie Gilna
00:00 - Introduction
04:32 - Combining Diaspora and Business
06:33 - South Dublin Meets Longford
08:50 - Directness vs Irish Storytelling
12:40 - Congruency Between the Netherlands and Ireland
14:53 - The Irish Experience in the Netherlands
18:29 - Moving to Canada
21:14 - Understanding the Irish Canadian Landscape
25:13 - Defining "We Are Global Irish"
31:50 - Easing Irish and Diasporic Frictions
36:08 - Irish Offshore Voting Rights
40:45 - Case Study: Connecting WDC to America
45:27 - Adapting WAGI for a Changing World
48:42 - Seamus Plug
51:09 - John and Martin Recap
52:58 - Credits
Jackie Gilna
CEO
Jacqueline (Jackie) Gilna stands as a passionate, award-winning leader and entrepreneur, boasting an impressive career spanning three decades. Her leadership skills shine through in her adeptness at steering multilingual, international teams toward collaborative success. With a rich tapestry of experiences across the private commercial sectors at C level, government, and non-profit realms, Jackie has showcased exceptional skills in navigating diverse environments.
Her unwavering dedication to Ireland is evident in her pivotal role in cultivating and nurturing Irish Diaspora networks, underscoring her commitment to uplifting and empowering communities. Her entrepreneurial acumen and innovative spirit have been instrumental in driving progress and fostering connections that transcend borders. Jackie's contributions have been recognized through nominations for the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. Her expertise extends to matters concerning cross-cultural trade relations, demonstrated by her presentation to the Oireachtas. Jackie's innate talent as a connector and networker opens doors effortlessly, establishing her as a dynamic force propelling positive change in today's intricately interconnected world. Her relentless commitment to community empowerment and her innate ability to forge impactful connections cement her legacy as a true trailblazer.
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