Fiona Gainfort selected for AIB mentoring Access Initiative for Women in SMEs

Fiona Gainfort, Director of Gainfort Hair & Beauty Supplies, has been selected to participate in the AIB Mentoring Access Initiative for Women in SMEs.

“I’m extremely grateful to AIB, the Irish Management Institute (IMI), and the 30% Club for choosing me as one of 10 female SME leaders,” said Fiona, who is also a Director of the Gainfort Academy. “I thoroughly enjoy working within the hair and beauty industry, alongside my husband and business partner, Michael. I am looking forward to improving my leadership skills given that Gainfort has grown to a 20-plus workforce in Wexford and Waterford.”

Better gender balance in business leadership

The 30% Club is a campaign to achieve better gender balance in business leadership. Successful applicants to this initiative partake in a year-long mentoring programme where they will have a mentoring partner, provided by AIB, access to the resources of the IMI, and the opportunity to build a network with other mentors and mentees.

“There is also a real opportunity for personal development too. As an SME, we rarely take the time to focus on our own development – this programme will ensure I take time to focus on that.”