Over the past six weeks I have been low in energy, dealing with a few ailments, which had me feeling drained and lacking motivation to get work done. The February full moon newsletter was put on hold, so now that March is here I'm feeling somewhat more back to myself.
With this period of recovery I have been reflecting on finding my health balance back to 'my normal'. I have put these musings on how we find balance in our life into an article for you.
One way I believe everyone can find balance is by putting your advance plans in place. I am delighted to launch our first ever Advance Planning eBook. As a support to this eBook I am going to be hosting a free introductory webinar to Advance planning. Check out www.livinglegacy.ie for more details.
As we approach the Spring Equinox, it is time for this year's 100 Day Journey. Helping you take stock and put your advance plans in place, these daily posts on Instagram will guide you to finding what is important in getting peace of mind, not only in finding your balance but getting to the core of what matters for you. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @livinglegacy.ie to get these daily tips.
I recently applied and was short-listed to pitch for a place in Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers Phase 2 programe. This is an accelerator business development programme for start ups. I was fortunate to be accepted onto Phase 1 of the New Frontiers programme at the beginning of the year so was excited at the opportunity to delve even deeper to making Living Legacy accessible and relevant for more people. Phase 1 was a real eye opener on all things strategy and exploring new ideas for Living Legacy. There is so much I’d like to do to help people get their advance plans in place - whether that be end of life plans for individuals and families, or succession plans for business. I was short-listed to pitch for a place on Phase 2 which was a fascinating and insightful application process, but the pitch itself was tough as I advocated for death planning and succession - topics many don't want to explore. Unfortunately this time around I wasn’t awarded a place this time but thankfully there are a few other phase 2 application options in 2025 so I shall try again. To support this I am keen to speak with organisation leaders about how they support their staff in crisis preparedness and succession planning, so I’d love the opportunity to speak with you if you run a business, or are in senior management. Please contact me at [email protected]
Please check out some updates below and news that maybe of interest. For now I wish you a happy forward March into the month and season ahead.
Jennifer McConnell (Founder, Living Legacy)
The Legacy of Pat Ingoldsby (August 25th 1942 - March 1st 2025)
A fellow Clontarf native, Pat Ingoldsby - as many in Ireland of a certain age will remember - was quite a whimsical yet vocal and determined character. Forever a hat wearing accompanied by flowing scarves and various accoutrements, he was a poet, a broadcaster, performer, children's entertainer and general man about town. He had a lot to say and many platforms on which to share his thoughts on life. He died at the weekend and my town and country will be all the lesser for his absence. However, he has left an indelible mark through his work, his art, and the inspiration he gave to so many. An Irish Gandalf both in looks and wisdom, long may his legacy remain.
Ar dheis DĂ© go raibh a anam (May he now be at peace)
Living Legacy Programmes
Succession Planning
The second cohort for our Succession Planning programme with Donegal Local Development Company finished this week. As below's testimonial shows, the feedback has been incredibly positive so I am eager to bring this programme to more organisations.
From these programmes it has identified a clear need for ongoing support, which is why I am pleased to offer weekly check-in group calls. If you are already in the thick of strategic reviews and need to get your succession plans implemented, this option could suit you to dip in and out as often as you need. Alternatively if you have no idea where to start, then our 8-week online programme will help guide you. Check out https://www.livinglegacy.ie/succession-planning for further details.
Coming Up
We have a couple of events coming up in March:
International Women’s Day
Accelerate Action is this year’s theme, and I have been invited to be involved in two events in which I firmly believe:
Construction Industry Federation International Women’s Day conference - The CIF are focused to bridge the gender gap in leadership and financial parity, as well as provide opportunities for schoolchildren to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). Each year the CIF have a conference for International Women's Day. Growing in interest annually, this year promises to be the biggest event yet. I have been invited onto a panel to explore the topic of financial health and advance planning. Speaking alongside some fantastic women who are doing great things for financial planning in Ireland and abroad, I am really looking forward to this event. This conference is sold out at capacity of 650 tickets, so it will be Living Legacy's biggest audience yet. I am looking forward to sowing the seed for advance planning to encourage everyone to really consider what they want their plans to be. For those who are interested to consider the importance of financial planning check out our recent Living Legacy Conversation podcast series which featured Susan Walsh of Metis Ireland.
Diva Voces International Women’s Day fundraiser in aid of Women’s Aid. Last September I joined the immensely superb group of women in Dublin who sing for Diva Voces women’s choir. Together we are singing this weekend in aid of Women's Aid to support those dealing with violence. If you are interested to hear us sing or support our fundraiser please check out www.divavoces.ie
Advance Planning eBook and Introductory Webinar
As mentioned above, make sure to get your copy of our Advance Planning eBook. If there are any areas you would like to focus on or have any questions, come join our free advance planning introductory webinar on March 19th @ 3pm GMT
We look forward to helping you navigate the journey.
The Living Legacy Team
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