Paula Cogan

Main goals for 2020?

I would like to ensure that we celebrate success a lot more in my own organisation, but also in the Cork business community as whole.

There is lots of wonderful innovation and new start-ups developing and if we can tell their story and learn from their journey then we can encourage even more indigenous companies to develop.

I am also very conscious that I need to be more aware of my impact on the environment. I attended an event that Mary Robinson spoke at recently and she was inspirational and said we all need to make climate action personal and be self-aware as to what we can do to make a change.

Hopes for 2020?

I hope that the positivity in the business sector continues for 2020 and that some of the vital infrastructural plans as part of Ireland 2040 and Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy commence in 2020. These are game changers for the region and will increase everyone’s quality of life.

Most looking forward to in 2020?

The opportunity that a new year brings. It brings a new perspective on life.

Any resolutions?

They remain the same every year I am afraid - achieve a better work life balance. Concentrate on getting fit and limit my exposure to toxic people.

Was 2019 a good year for you?

Well it certainly was a busy year. As Head of Sales for the Doyle Collection I am incredibly proud of all that we achieved across our portfolio of luxury hotels in Ireland, UK and US. Our hotel in Cork, The River Lee, won a selection of awards including Best 4 Star Hotel in Ireland and Best Hotel Bar in Ireland which was wonderful.

I also took on the role of President of Cork Chamber in April in the 200th anniversary of the organisation. We have hosted a selection of events to celebrate this historic year and I have had the opportunity to meet with some fantastic people who are giving back and making Cork such a great place.

What did 2019 teach you?

Patience and humility. My husband does a great job of reminding me daily as to how lucky I am to have three healthy and happy boys, a great family and some wonderful friends and that everything else is a bonus. It also taught me that the Irish nation is starting to mature but we need to be ever vigilant and call out our failings as a society and everyone needs to play their part to tackle homelessness, child poverty, climate action, mental health and discrimination.

These can only be addressed when society as a whole is engaged in the solutions. Just look around the world currently at the lack of democracy and what impact that has had.

Major highlight of 2019?

Being appointed Cork Chamber President in April 2019. I am the second female to hold the position in 200 years and it was even more special to learn that John Cogan, my ancestor, was one of the founding members in 1819.

Any events to look out for in 2020?

Personally there are a series of artists coming to Cork in 2020 that I cannot wait to see. David Gray and Diana Ross are on that list. Royal Cork Yacht Club celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2020 and there is a wonderful calendar of events in Cork Harbour to celebrate.

There is also a selection of great conferences coming to Cork in 2020 including the European Angel Network Conference.

Any Cork people/businesses to look out for in 2020?

So many and so little time to name. I think exciting things will happen for many of our university spin-offs and of course the hospitality sector is booming in the city with three new hotels to open in 2020. The Cork Chamber Company of the year Awards are in February 2020 with some exciting winners to watch.