Kathleen O’Connor

Tell us about your first Freshwalks.

My first Freshwalks was quite some time ago and they have all merged into one brilliant memory to be honest. I do recall being nervous, for about 15 minutes and then realising that this would be the most relaxed networking I’d ever done, plus I was too out of breath from walking up hills to think too much about being nervous.

How many have you attended up until now, May 2019?

I think it’s either 3 or 4, but the relationships made go well beyond that, so I feel like I’ve been on more than I have.

Why do you come back?

Whenever I think about what networking events to attend, it has to fall into one of two categories: either really useful networking opportunities, or really good fun. Freshwalks does both, plus I get some much-needed headspace and exercise. Without bigging it up too much, it really is good for the soul.

The something you always bring?

My bright yellow mac – keeps me dry and means there’s no way you could lose me!

Favourite Freshwalks memory?

Most of my Freshwalks memories are pretty funny and probably not for putting down in print, but if you buy me a drink next time I’m on a Freshwalks I might share one or two anecdotes.

How has Freshwalks helped your business?

Freshwalks has helped both directly, with new contracts, and indirectly through meeting a brilliant circle of people that I’m really pleased to know.

Recommend three people you have met on Freshwalks.

Carlos Olivera, Richard Gahagan and Gareth Burton. All have helped me in some way or other and all have contributed to the memories I’ve made with Freshwalks.

How does Freshwalks challenge typical networking formats?

Everyone who is there wants to be there, regardless of whether there is a business outcome or not, it’s more than networking and better for it.

Freshwalks is a combination of exercise, networking, sharing knowledge and thinking time. How do you balance those components?

I don’t really go with a strategy for combining those things. It’s really just putting one foot in front of the other and having a natter, being open and being interested in other people. It feels very natural.

Suggest one new place for us to go.

Macclesfield Forest.

Sum up Freshwalks in three words.

Michael Di Paola.

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