Communicate with more ccommunicate with authenticity and heart
Listen with curiosity and attention
Build trust and understanding across differences
Rediscover creativity and voice in professional spaces
Cultural Communication
The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
This keynote will introduce you to the art of Irish storytelling. The workshop explores how storytelling shapes cultural understanding, leadership identity, and organizational communication, linking ancient narrative traditions to modern innovation.
Through guided writing prompts, reflection, and shared discussion, you’ll develop stories that foster:
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Trust
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Credibility
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Shared Vision
About the KEY NOTE SPEAKER
Lara O’Brien is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting, Howth Writing Workshops has grown to include writing retreats on Martha’s Vineyard, New York, Maine, and the mountains of Cádiz, Spain, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila.
Passionate about stories, music, and community, in 2023 Lara combined that passion with “Hooks & Reels” — an evening of story and song — where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar, inspiring the work of many upcoming artists, writers, and musicians.
In 2025, Trinity College Dublin recruited Lara to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation at their Business School. She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership, and songwriting workshops for youth groups, and is an AsIAm Champion supporting the autism community.
Lara also championed the restoration of the historical Howth ÉIRE 6 sign, officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. She is the convener of the ÉIRE 6 Restoration Group and the Howth Community and Arts Group.
Lara divides family life between Howth, Dublin and Vinalhaven, Maine.
Book a Workshop or Talk (10–60 participants):