Connect Ireland: Land of Opportunity for Business

Ireland’s economy was hit hard by the global financial crisis of 2007-08 and entered into economic depression in 2009. By 2012, unemployment reached 14.6%. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-2008Irisheconomic_downturn)

In this interview with Jim Nico and Dr. J, Joanna Murphy, Chief Operations Officer of ConnectIreland, explains the effort to capitalize on the connections of 70 million persons of Irish heritage living abroad, the Irish diaspora, in getting Ireland back to work. A passionate proponent of the program, Ms. Murphy describes the creation of jobs through the participation of “connectors.” Anyone can register as a Connector on the website “ConnectIreland, our country, your opportunity”. If a business the Connector refers to ConnectIreland creates jobs in Ireland, the Connector can receive a reward of €1500 per job.

Joanna’s enthusiasm is contagious as she speaks of rolling out the figurative red carpet for visitors who come to Ireland to explore the possibilities of setting up shop. The Irish government has gone all out to favor “a green light over red tape.” This intriguing leverage of a worldwide social network among those of Irish heritage highlights the value of cooperative effort among government, non-governmental agencies, and grass roots participation of persons-with-something-in-common around the world.

Joanna Murphy is the Chief Operating Officer of ConnectIreland – an incentivised referral programme appointed by IDA Ireland to deliver the Succeed in Ireland Initiative.

She is responsible for ConnectIreland’s brand development and strives to extend its reach through partnerships with leading global organisations, such as GAA, DAA and many more.

A business development specialist, Joanna leads ConnectIreland’s international marketing growth and has worked on countless successful marketing campaigns since being appointed as COO.

Prior to joining ConnectIreland as Project Manager in 2013, where she quickly rose through the ranks, Joanna was Managing Director at two highly successful business entities, Protherm Thermal Insulation Solutions and MLCS, which she established and subsequently sold.

Her passion and enthusiasm for the ConnectIreland model is matched only by her invaluable experience in the Irish business market and she has been prominent in furthering links among the Irish, at home and abroad.

Joanna holds a first class honours degree in business studies from the Irish Management Institute.