About

Who we are

The Networking Institute is comprised of a committed group of individuals who have decades of experience working in the core areas of  Philanthropy and Fundraising, Diaspora Engagement, and Speaking and Presenting. In all of these areas, networking is the glue that made everything possible. Collectively we have been exposed to a wide range of business experiences, spanning many geographies, helping us to develop depth in best practice and to define what success looks like in each of these critical areas of business success.

What we do

We’re passionate about the knowledge we have amassed over the years, and so our mission is to share this expertise with those who need it. We do this by developing online and offline programs for corporates, individuals, governments and organisations, both in the private and not-for-profit sectors. We deliver our programs in a clear, light-hearted manner to ensure participants enjoy the experience while improving their skill level in these key areas.

Why we do it

We think we have something unique to offer and we want to pass on what we have learnt through experience. We believe that by acquiring the skills we teach, and following the processes we suggest, that this will give individuals and organisations a competitive advantage. In a world where life is a game of inches, we are convinced that these soft skills are incredibly important and can be the difference between success and failure.

Our Team

Kingsley Aikins The Networking Institute

Kingsley Aikins

CEO

Kingsley, an Economics and Politics graduate from Trinity College Dublin, has lived and worked in 6 countries. He spent 8 years as the IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland representative in Sydney and then, for 17 years, was the Worldwide CEO of The Ireland Funds based in Boston before returning to Ireland and establishing The Networking Institute.

Throughout his extensive career he has come to appreciate the power of Networking and he sees it as the ‘glue’ that makes everything happen. As a result he and his colleagues have developed a unique and distinctive approach to Networking training and, through The Networking Institute, they want to share their methodology with a worldwide audience.

Claire McDonough The Networking Institute

Claire Mc Donough

COO

Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Claire understands that aesthetic thinking enables the communication of complex concepts simply which is a key factor in the design and strategy of the learning product. Claire works with clients in developing training products that work for companies and clients.

Renske Ensing

Renske Ensing

Programme Director

Renske has 20+ years of corporate productivity, project and operations management experience within the education and technology sectors. Within The Networking Institute Renske is responsible for working with the clients, companies and coaches on delivering the training programmes.

Harpreet Deighan

Harpreet Deighan

Design Director

Harpreet has over 20 years’ experience in UX and graphic design and has worked with The Networking Institute for over 10 years. She provides creative consultancy solutions and specialises in brand identity and instructional design.

Martin Russell The Networking Institute

Martin Russell

Diaspora Advisor

Martin is the founder of Global Diaspora Insights. He completed his PhD at the Clinton Institute (University College Dublin) where his research focused on The Role of the Irish Diaspora in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. He has worked in over 30 countries, regions and cities helping them develop strategies and policies in Diaspora Engagement.

Margaret-Morgan-The Networking Institute

Margaret Morgan

Educational Advisor

Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Margaret evaluates and develops ever-changing networking, philanthropy & fundraising content. Within The Networking Institute Margaret is responsible for creating and evaluating content for all the programmes.

Marcos Keaney Inch and Mile Digital Marketing Strategy and website development

Marcos Keaney

Digital Strategy Director

Marcos is Digital Strategy Director at Inch & Mile and has 10+ years of experience the digital space. Within The Networking Institute, he works on growing their digital marketing presence on all their digital channels.

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