Full coverage: Women

Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin’s experience should raise a red flag that despite the focus and significant resources allocated by third-level institutions to the issue of gender equality, they – and other Irish employers – still face an uphill battle to stamp out sexual harassment.

He did not know it at the time, but missing out on the top job at AIB in 2005 was a blessing. Since then, Gary Kennedy has become a boardroom titan, chairing companies such as Greencore and Green Reit. Now, he is pursuing his most difficult job yet: getting more companies to appoint women directors.

Numerous studies show that female-led companies perform better and produce higher returns than their male counterparts. So, the next big trend in investing is not in blockchain or IoT – it is women. And there’s a gap in the market for someone exploit this.