Founders Friday returns with talk by local business leader
The Founders Friday series of business and networking gatherings in Tullamore made a strong return after the summer break at Eugene Kelly’s Bar on Friday, September 12.
This month’s guest speaker was Dr Anne Cusack, co-founder of Critical Healthcare, who shared her remarkable journey from start-up founder to international business leader.
She spoke candidly about growing the company from a small medical distributor into a manufacturer and later a healthcare software provider, scaling across Europe before selling in 2021.
Dr Cusack discussed the challenges of competing with established players, managing rapid growth, and balancing international expansion. She emphasised the importance of continuous innovation, building a strong leadership team early, and keeping the company’s vision at the centre of every decision.
Today, she continues to contribute to Irish business and enterprise as Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, a Non-Executive Director with Bord na Móna and the National Maternity Hospital Foundation, and as a Governing Body Member at the Technological University of the Shannon.
She is also a strong advocate for female entrepreneurship, mentoring women through initiatives such as Going for Growth.
Her advice to local founders was practical and direct: launch before perfection, be transparent with customers, secure funding before it’s urgently needed, and always keep the company vision front and centre.
Speaking after the event, David Gleeson, CEO at AllPro Recruitment, said: "It’s always inspiring to hear such an honest account of the entrepreneurial journey.
"Founders Friday is about building connections, learning from each other, and reminding business leaders that they're not alone on the journey."
The event once again delivered on its promise to inspire, connect, and equip local business leaders with real-world insights. Organised by AllPro Recruitment in association with the Tullamore & District Rotary Club, Founders Friday continues to grow as a vital platform for the Midlands business community.
Details of next month’s event will be announced soon. Attendees are encouraged to keep an eye on AllPro Recruitment’s social media channels for updates.