Over the past three years of co-chairing Causeway, we have experienced first-hand the incredible impact that collaborative leadership and strong business connections can achieve. It’s been a privilege to lead an organisation dedicated to strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Scotland and the Island of Ireland with the full support of the Scottish and Irish Governments, Enterprise Agencies and corporate sponsors who have made our success possible.
From exponential growth in our reach to establishing flagship events, it’s been a period of transformation, and the strategic strides Causeway has made would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our members and our dedicated management board who give their time for free.
Membership Growth – Building a Thriving Network
One of the most rewarding aspects of our tenure has been witnessing the growth of our network. This steady expansion we’ve seen reflects our ambition and commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaged business community.
But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about creating meaningful connections. Each new member brings fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a shared enthusiasm for building bridges across the Irish Sea.
Events – Expanding Impact
Events have been the backbone of Causeway’s success, providing platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and growth. Over the past 12 months, we have seen a significant increase in attendance, demonstrating the value of our events.
A significant milestone has been establishing an annual calendar of flagship events that our members now anticipate year on year, including the Glasgow and Belfast Business Lunches, the Causeway Awards Gala, and our St Patrick's Day Breakfast. These events not only attract new members but allow us to “up our game” annually, driving enhanced planning and wider participation.
Our one-off events have also made waves, from Climate Innovation Seminars to ESG Business Roundtables, helping tackle pressing global concerns through a Scottish-Irish lens. With the 2025 calendar already shaping up to deliver new and impactful events, we’re excited to see what the future holds.
Celebrating Excellence – The Causeway Awards
Perhaps one of the standout highlights has been the growth of the Causeway Awards, which has evolved into one of the most anticipated annual events celebrating business collaboration across the Irish Sea.
This year’s gala hit a record high in entries and sponsorship including securing Johnnie Walker Princes Street again as a headline sponsor. It’s a testament to the growing recognition of the outstanding innovation and excellence within Causeway's business network.
Young Professionals – Shaping the Future
We firmly believe the future of collaboration lies in empowering the next generation of leaders. This is why we’ve actively involved Young Professionals in Causeway’s leadership, appointing one to the management board and placing them at the helm of high-profile events like International Women’s Day.
Their energy, creativity, and leadership have enriched the organisation’s mission, and we take pride in seeing them spearhead initiatives while playing key roles in major events like the Causeway Awards.
Embracing Operational Robustness
As we continue to grow and expand, we felt it was crucial to prioritise operational robustness. This meant evaluating Causeway's processes and systems to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptability.
We are excited to announce that we will be launching a new membership website this month which will streamline the registration process and provide members with easy access to resources.
Additionally, we have implemented a more efficient online accounting system to improve financial management. As part of our commitment to providing exceptional member experiences, we partnered with Represent Comms – an agency dedicated to effective membership engagement, marketing, and event management.
With these changes in place, we are confident that Causeway will continue to operate at the highest standard and meet the evolving needs of our members.
Strategic Co-Leadership – Lessons Learned
Co-chairing Causeway has reinforced our belief in the power of Strategic Co-Leadership. Collaboration at this level demands excellent communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision. Our combined leadership allowed us to multiply our impact, achieving milestones we could never have reached alone.
It also underscored the importance of shared accountability—not just in leadership but across teams, members, and communities. When everyone is moving toward a shared goal, the results have been extraordinary.
Why Collaborative Leadership Matters
Our experience as Causeway's co-chairs highlights the significance of Business Impact Collaboration—a principle deeply rooted in Causeway’s ethos. It proves that with the right leadership and collective effort, business communities can achieve extraordinary transformation by creating a space where leaders connect, learn, and grow together.
To the business leaders reading this, we encourage you to engage with organisations like Causeway that embody collaboration and strategic leadership. Take part in events. Share your expertise. Build meaningful connections.
The growing momentum at Causeway is an open invitation for leaders like you to shape business relationships. To learn more or get involved, we invite you to connect with the Causeway team today. Together, we’ll continue building a bridge between Scotland and the Island of Ireland—one business collaboration at a time.
Looking Forward – Causeway’s Future
As we reflect on the past three years, our hearts are full of pride and gratitude. It’s been an absolute privilege to serve as co-chairs of Causeway, and we leave inspired by what we’ve achieved together. Thank you to our members, sponsors and partners who’ve made this incredible period of growth possible.
Today, as we hand over leadership to Martin McBride and James Horton, we do so with full confidence in their ability to build on Causeway’s successes and continue fostering collaboration across Scotland and the Island of Ireland. They bring fresh perspectives and tremendous passion to champion the Causeway mission.
Their leadership, backed by Causeway’s vibrant membership, will no doubt usher in a new era of growth, innovation, and impact for the organisation. Here’s to the future of collaboration, and the continued success of Causeway.
Judith O'Leary & Brigid Whoriskey
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