Inspirational Story: Adrienne Cole - A Journey of Networking, Mentoring, and Career Transformation

Adrienne ColeAdrienne Cole is no stranger to international career success. Born in Ireland, she has spent the past two decades building a rich and diverse professional portfolio, with stints in the UK, Italy, and Switzerland. Her expertise in corporate procurement and supply chain management has led her to work with major global firms like Procter & Gamble, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Citi, Microsoft and British Telecom. 

But after years of navigating the corporate world, Adrienne took a bold step—transitioning from her high-level corporate roles to freelancing. Today, she provides consulting and strategic sourcing services to large corporations, SMEs, and startups, while also collaborating with consultancy firms to deliver top-tier expertise.

PWN Dublin Journey

Adrienne’s journey with PWN Dublin began in 2019, driven by a singular goal: to find the right mentor. “I was looking to progress to the next stage of my career,” she shares. Despite years of searching through workplace programs, she struggled to find a mentor who could truly understand her aspirations and unique life stage. “Working in a senior role in Ireland, most of the potential workplace mentors were also my stakeholders, and that didn’t allow for an impactful mentoring relationship,” she recalls. It became clear that she needed an external perspective—someone who could bring fresh insights and diversity of thought to her career.

That’s when Adrienne turned to PWN Dublin. She joined in September 2019, just months before the world would face the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. By March 2020, Ireland was in lockdown, but Adrienne had secured a spot in the highly sought-after PWN Dublin Group Mentoring Programme. She describes the online mentoring sessions that followed as “a lifeline,” providing structure, focus, and much-needed personal time during a challenging period.

“The pandemic was actually a great opportunity for some people,” Adrienne reflects. With the shift to virtual events, she was able to participate in more networking and professional development opportunities than ever before. For someone who had found it difficult to attend in-person events due to work and family commitments, this new format was a game-changer, both professionally and personally.

“I loved the PWN Dublin Group Mentoring Programme,” she says. “It gave me many different perspectives and relationships.”

Originally, Adrienne had hoped to join a mentoring group focused on professional visibility, but instead, she was placed in a group led by Maria Ryan, focusing on resilience. In hindsight, she believes this was no coincidence. 

“I strongly believe the universe had my back. Facing the pandemic and my own health challenges, resilience was exactly what I needed to focus on.”

So much more than a local network

Through PWN Dublin, Adrienne also gained access to an array of online events hosted by PWN Global and other city networks, which provided invaluable international perspectives. Having lived abroad for almost 20 years, Adrienne wanted to expand her professional network in Ireland while maintaining a global outlook. PWN Dublin allowed her to do both, offering connections with local professionals and access to the wider PWN Global community.

One particularly impactful connection was with Executive Coach Nadira Artyk, whom Adrienne met at a PWN Lisbon event. This encounter led her to enroll in a Female Leadership Course, which helped her enhance her executive presence and visibility. “I wouldn’t have made this connection if it weren’t for PWN Dublin,” she says.

When asked why she continues to stay involved with PWN Dublin, Adrienne is clear: 

“Our Mentoring Group is still in touch, and I’ve continued to meet with my mentor. PWN Dublin has helped me build a wider domestic network, and it continues to meet my needs.”

Her commitment to the network is evident in her active involvement on the events committee, where she now volunteers her time.

For anyone seeking to grow their professional network, Adrienne has one piece of advice: start with PWN. “It’s a fantastic place to gain fresh perspectives, attend relevant in-person events, and tap into a wealth of online content from around the world,” she says. “PWN opens doors to a broader network than you could access on your own. It’s truly a breath of fresh air.”

Adrienne Cole’s story is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and taking bold steps toward career reinvention. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain new perspectives, or take the next big leap in your career, PWN could be the perfect place to start.

Published: November 2024
Author: Rebecca Fountain, PWN Dublin