Lisa Regan on Communication Skills: Building Connections and Confidence
Lisa Regan is a communications expert who brings her passion for language, community, and connecting people into every project she takes on. Here, Lisa shares an inside look at her daily routine, career journey, and the values that fuel her work.
Early mornings and a fresh start
I am an early riser. The morning is my favourite part of the day. I train in the mornings, so either running, boxing and or weight training, followed by coff!ee and a lovely stroll around the neighbourhood with my dog Toby. By 8am I have had an energetic and considered start to the day.
The path to communications
My love of language and the power of words led me to working in communications. Like the rest of my life, nothing for me is linear, so I never had a degree to back up my professional dreams. I did study English in university, but really my life and career has been built on taking opportunities and people giving me a shot.
I tried a variety of jobs and career paths, worked hard, met people, and took a chance – mainly on me. But I found my way back to myself and where I felt at my best, being self-employed and highlighting wonderful people, brands, businesses and social enterprises.
The core of my work
I spend most of my time listening, talking and understanding. I am always looking for an angle or point of interest. A great question to pose is, “So what?”. If people can’t tell you that, you will have difficulty selling their story and the world’s need for their brand, business or idea.
I shoot from the hip and it is one of the reasons people like to work with me. I have no issue with asking questions and trying to find out more. I am a curious person and see potential in people and ideas.
Building confidence through communication
No matter what you do or who you are, being a good communicator is fundamental. I would love to bring in an understanding of words, emotions and how we express ourselves into our education system.
It is so rewarding when people find their voice. I do a lot of workshops with young people and women in politics and key leadership roles; there are so many similarities here as women often lack the confidence to express themselves through generational and societal normative controls. But when you can highlight their strengths, their weaknesses and their power, you can help people to shine.
Creating and connecting in community
If you want a community you need to make sure you are part of it. I love where I live and work, but I take accountability – I want to know my neighbours and the people on the street I see every day.
We all seek connection, it is a basic human need, along with security, and in forging community you do both.
I love to be with people who want to change things that aren’t working. I am a person of my word and I am solutions-led, so I am always looking at ways to improve life for everyone around us.
Lisa Recommends
Walk! Galway is such an enjoyable town on foot. Explore along the canals, up to the University and then around the streets in town and back west. Mix up your routine and try new places to eat and drink.