Dr. Michelle Darmody’s work brings together sustainability, food entrepreneurship and creativity. She is currently putting the finishing touches to her second book and is completing a PhD, focused on environmental education. Her research projects have won RETHINK Ireland Social Innovation funding, and she was named an Ashoka Changemaker.

Michelle’s writing for The Irish Examiner won her the Irish Food Writers award for writing on sustainability in Irish food.

Over the past few years Michelle has been using her expertise to inspire and motivate organisations to meet their Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) goals through staff ideation workshops and motivational talks. Michelle founded internationally acclaimed bakeries The Cake Café and Slice and established Our Table, a social enterprise supporting people living in direct provision.

A Female Voice in Food Entrepreneurship

Having set up her business in her 30s and quickly building acclaim and awards Michelle is in an ideal position to offer inspiration and support for those planning the same journey. She became a leading female voice on the Irish food scene, both in media and sustainable food policy. Michelle grew her business into a successful catering enterprise and expanded to a second premisses before pivoting careers to focus on research and writing.

Pivoting Career While Building on What You Have Already Achieved

This talk will offer insights into what it means to take the plunge and change career, and how to drown out the sceptical voice in your head then take decisive action. Even when you desire change it is good to sit and look at all the experience you have garnered, you do not want to it to go to waste but to build on it. In this session you will learn why it is important to do your research, to get out there into the industry you want to join, and to build a team around you who can advise and help you on your new journey.

The Importance of Food Security and Innovative Ways to Achieve It

In a world where the global population is growing every day and where almost a billion people earn less than a $2.15 a day, food security is a pressing and urgent issue. We need sustainable food development which respects and responds to local conditions as well as public health and nutrition needs. We need bold thinking and political will to become a food secure island, one that acknowledges cultural heritage, diverse ways of cultivation as well as the importance of biodiversity. We can do this by looking at countries who have developed exciting and integrated approaches to food production and positive land and water use.