Profile Snapshot! Meet Denise O’Brien of Team EVOLVE
‘Profile Snapshot’ is a new initiative from Ennis Chamber to give our members a platform to share background, insights, advice, and some fun facts.
This week we meet Denise O’Brien of Team EVOLVE. Amongst many talents, Denise is recognised as one of Ireland’s most impressive and accomplished networkers.
Describe your business in 20 words or fewer?
Team EVOLVE helps leaders unlock hidden potential and build future-ready organisations through sustainable transformation, growth, and our evidence-based 3-S Model™.
When and why did you start your business?
I started my business to create more freedom and flexibility so I could be at home with my daughter when she was a young teenager. After 25+ years in financial services, leadership development and transformation, I was inspired by great consultants and wanted to see what I could build myself.
What drives you?
Excellence, and the belief that organisations and people have far more potential than they are currently accessing. I love seeing the right people in the right roles, doing the right work, in the right way, across sectors including education, aviation, luxury hospitality and retail. I am also passionate about supporting women in business, and I am Vice President of Network Ireland, Limerick this year.
What makes your business stand out from competitors?
Our work is grounded in research, science and real-world case studies, and powered by our proprietary 3-S Model™, so transformation sticks. We combine neuroscience-informed leadership development with Lean thinking, digital capability, sustainability, and brand storytelling. The result is clear strategy, supported people, and a psychologically safe culture.
Describe your ideal client business (stage, size, needs). What do you bring to the table?
An organisation at a pivotal moment, growth, change, complexity or ambition, where leaders want progress that is practical and sustainable. We bring an evidence-based framework, strong facilitation and coaching, and the breadth of expertise needed to turn strategy into action and build a culture that lasts.
Do you set regular goals? If so, for what time period(s)?
Yes. I set annual direction, quarterly priorities, and weekly actions. My goals shift as life and business evolve, and family is always part of the picture. Balance is not always easy, but having a simple rhythm helps me stay grounded and make space for family, friendships, health, and the hobbies that recharge me.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever heard/received?
Arthur Ashe said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” It has been in my office since day one, a gentle reminder that sometimes all that is required is to take the next right step, in every area of life.
What piece of wisdom can you share?
When I have a lot of competing priorities, I remind myself that sometimes, less is more. Running a business can be daunting so I focus on the few actions that truly make a difference. I build in support and accountability too, and I always have a mentor or coach, ideally more than one, to guide me and challenge me.
Name someone you admire and why?
I admire leaders who combine courage with kindness, especially those who create psychological safety and bring people with them through change. Jacinda Ardern comes to mind. As Prime Minister of New Zealand, she was widely recognised for compassionate, empathetic yet decisive leadership, including during Covid. A couple of years ago I was inspired to write about her leadership style, and that article now sits on my business website in the Resources section.
What achievement are you proudest of?
Building Team EVOLVE and creating opportunities for others through it, bringing brilliant associate expertise together through my network. I am also proud to have developed the 3-S Model™, which I started developing in my first year in business, and which marks its 10-year anniversary this year. Beyond the business, I am proud to serve as a board member of Shannon Community Partnership, and to be completing my master’s in work and Organisational Behaviour in UL at present.
If you were not running your business, what would you do?
I would still be drawn to work rooted in curiosity and impact, possibly investigative journalism, politics, writing, or advocacy. I would want to shine a light on what matters and help drive change.
Finally, can you recommend a book, film or podcast?
Film: The Life of Chuck. It left a profound impact on me, a reminder of the fragility and wonder of life, and to seize the day!
