Our Team

Nicola O’Neill – Managing Director

I am Managing Director of Harvest and my role is to lead our exceptional team of learning specialists to create world-class learning solutions for our clients.

I have over twenty-five years’ experience in Learning and Development. My passion is to partner with clients to make a real difference to their organisations, their teams and their team members. My expertise is in leadership development, strategy development, facilitation, impact coaching, performance management initiatives and in-house mentoring programmes.

My qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.), a Diploma in Personal and Executive Coaching and a Diploma in Training and Development NCEA.

I am a past President of the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) having served two terms from 2014 to 2018. I also speak at a number of platform events for a variety of groups around the country.

My own learning journey continues as a Fellow of the IITD, a well as in Harvest’s in-house CPD programme “Ancora Imparo”.

I love to travel and relax by meditating, practising Pilates and playing padel tennis (the fastest growing sports globally).

Julie Ryan – Deputy Managing Director

I am Deputy Managing Director of Harvest, and my role is to lead our exceptional firm as we create and deliver world-class learning solutions for our clients.
I have over thirty-three years’ experience in Management & Leadership Development spanning Ireland, Europe, U.S., and Africa. I have an interest in how strategic ambition translates into winning behaviours. My expertise lies in my ability to accurately grasp context along with the problem our clients face. True Partnership in being in the arena with our clients.
For over 20 years, I led the only globally ranked (Financial Times) Irish business for Customised & Sectoral Programmes. I am passionate about Ireland based firms’ capacity to compete globally.
My qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Business, a Higher Degree in Marketing & Business, and a Professional Diploma Executive Coaching.
I work as a Conference Chair across all sectors and sit on the Board of two not-for-profit healthcare organisations.
I am passionate about mental healthcare in Ireland and I love to walk every day rain, hail or snow.

Aoife Coonagh – Business Relationship Manager & Learning Specialist

I am a Business Relationship Manager and Learning Specialist with Harvest and my role is to engage with clients and explore their learning and development requirements, and to develop tailored proposals and tenders outlining our recommendations and solutions to meet their needs.
Partnering with clients, I oversee client learning and development projects and with our expert team of Learning Specialists, deliver bespoke learning solutions that add value and improve organisation effectiveness in all areas of management and leadership.
As an Executive Coach I love to support and challenge people through change and career transition, helping them to develop personally, enhance performance, and ultimately achieve their goals and potential.
I have cross sectoral leadership experience in aviation, insurance, and professional management consulting, bringing a breadth of experience in leadership and team development, facilitation and coaching to clients at all levels.
I have led HR development solutions including Outplacement and Career planning programmes, Management Development programmes, Performance Management systems, Competency Frameworks, and career progression initiatives such as Graduate and Mentoring programmes and High Potential / Talent programmes for clients in public and private sectors.
My qualifications include a BA in Psychology, an MSc in Organisation Behaviour, and a Diploma in Personal and Executive coaching. I am also a qualified MBTI, EQi and DISC practitioner.
I am the author of a practical book for jobseekers called Find that Job and was the Career Doctor for the Sunday Tribune for many years.
In my free time l love to travel, and I enjoy walking in the mountains, yoga and pilates, and cooking.

Susan Harrison – Talent Development Consultant

I am a Talent Development Consultant with over a decade of experience in commercial and strategic roles in the education sector. My passion is creating meaningful, high-impact learning experiences that help individuals grow, teams thrive, and organisations transform.
 
With a strong background in relationship management, account direction and business development, I have worked closely with public and private sector clients – both in Ireland and internationally – to co-create leadership and talent development initiatives. My expertise lies in understanding client needs, shaping compelling solutions, and ensuring delivery that exceeds expectations.
 
I have a particular interest in leadership development and experiential learning, and I am driven by the belief that the most powerful development happens when people step out of their day-to-day environments and into experiences that challenge their thinking and build confidence.
 
My qualifications include an MA in Sociology & French from Trinity College Dublin, and an MBS in Business Practice from IMI/University College Cork, which incorporated both a Professional Diploma in Organisational Development & Transformation and a Professional Diploma in Executive Coaching. I also hold an L&DI Certificate in Training Needs Analysis & Design.
 
Outside of work, I am a dedicated planner and adventurer. I love planning new travel experiences with my family, heading out for a good long walk, and singing loudly in the car with my daughter.

Eamonn Eaton – Learning Specialist, Executive Coach & Harvest Director

I am a Learning Specialist, Executive Coach and Director in Harvest with a passion for helping people maximise their talents and be at their best in everything they do.
I have over 25 years’ experience in Learning and HR leadership roles within the financial services sector in Ireland and in designing, developing and delivering learning and development solutions aligned to business and individual learning objectives.
As an Executive Coach I enjoy working with people who are interested in maximising their effectiveness, facing career choices, navigating change and career transitions, are preparing for interview for senior positions or are part of an organisation or graduate onboarding programme.
My qualifications include an MBA from University College Dublin, the Henley Diploma in Management and the IMI / UCC Diploma in Executive Coaching. I am an EMCC Accredited Coach at Practitioner level and accredited by The British Psychological Society.
I am delighted to have been recognised for Outstanding Individual Contribution to L&D, at the IITD Awards 2018, as the L&D professional of the Year 2016, TJ Awards London and also HR Superstar EMEA 2016 by HRO Today.
I am a Fellow of the Institute of Banking in Ireland and Fellow of the Irish Institute of Training & Development,
In my spare time I enjoy swimming and cycling and participate in Sportive cycling events with my club Orwell Wheelers all over Ireland. I am interested in music and performed with the RTE Philharmonic Choir for 14 years and have held Board positions within the music sector in Ireland.

Tony Hayes – Learning Specialist

I am a Learning Specialist at Harvest. I am passionate about people and organisations and their potential to achieve great things.
I have over 20 years’ commercial experience and 15 years’ experience working and innovating in learning and development. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Hons) and Mathematics from UCC and an MSc in Human Resource Management from Sheffield University. I also hold an Advanced Diploma in Executive Coaching and have completed the eLearning Essentials programme here in Harvest. I am a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD).
I was a core Learning and Development team member at Arnotts Ltd. and Roches Stores where I held senior management positions with responsibility for Organisational Culture, Team Leader Development, Middle Management Development, Organisational and Personal Effectiveness, People Development and Management, Performance Management, 1:1 Coaching, Innovation in Learning and introducing eLearning and Blended Learning Solutions.
I enjoy working with clients to provide robust and impactful learning solutions that deliver a great return on investment.
I love rugby and am an active committee member of my rugby club. I recently began running for fitness and completed my first 5K race. I enjoy cooking and entertaining with friends and family.

Ailish Reid – Learning Specialist & Executive Coach

I am a Learning Specialist and Executive Coach with Harvest and I love to make a difference in what I do. I have over 15 years’ experience in both Senior Leadership and Learning and Development roles.
I worked as Director of Operations, leading a team of over 200 in a rapidly scaling technology company.
I bring a wealth of practical experience and passion to all engagements, ensuring initiatives are tailored to deliver tangible and systemic results. I have worked across a range of sectors including Technology, Banking and Professional services.
As a qualified Executive Coach, I am passionate about creating an environment that supports others to fulfill their potential and to deliver excellent performance. I am a passionate learner and have achieved a First Class Masters in Strategic Human Resource from DCU, a first class Diploma in Executive Coaching form the IMI and a Degree in Business and Economics from Trinity College.
I am also a Certified Master Trainer, NLP practitioner and therapeutic mindfulness practitioner. I also enjoy my work as a Lecturer with the National College of Ireland on their L&D and HR programmes.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am passionate about running, cycling, yoga and anything sports related! I have completed a number of marathons and I am presently training for the Dublin marathon.

Glyn Billinghurst – Learning Specialist & Executive Coach

I am a Learning Specialist and Executive Coach with Harvest and my passion lies in delivering positive results and accelerated growth through the development of individuals, leaders, teams, and organisations I work with.
I have over 30 years executive and operational experience working in Multinational Organisations such as Walkers, PepsiCo, Unilever, Shoes for Crews and Munster Rugby. My experience has helped to shape my approach and developed a unique insight into the commercial, managerial, and operational approach of businesses of different sizes working in a variety of sectors. Within these organisations I have a proven track record in business turnaround, change management, project management, team building and operational performance management.
In 2021 I joined harvest as a Learning Specialist and have had the opportunity to work with companies across multiple sectors, developing specific training plans with them and for their teams, ensuring that the programmes are tailored to deliver business and operational goals.
As an Executive Coach I am focussed on supporting my clients to both find and achieve their goals, by maximizing their potential. My coaching style is both supportive and challenging, designed to help
create awareness and facilitate change. In 2022 I achieved a First-Class Masters in Personal and Management Coaching from UCC, completing a thesis on “An exploration of how coaching impacts adaptability in the workplace”.
I have a number of activities outside work that help refresh me and keep me focussed. I love cooking and have a Catering Degree (BSc). I like to keep active by running, going to the gym, and walking Ellie (our dog!), and I enjoy watching my children play sport – soccer, hockey & tennis.

Aoife Donovan Lee – Learning Specialist & Head of Research

I am a Learning Specialist, Head of Research and Innovation, and an Executive Coach at Harvest. I have expertise in the areas of leadership, learning and development research and building emotional capital. With over 16 years’ experience in leadership, learning and development, coaching and consultancy roles, I have gained a wealth of experience as a business owner and consultant, as well as having worked for tech multinational organisations.
As a qualified Executive Coach and leadership developer, I am driven to create an environment that facilitates others in delivering exceptional performance and to fulfil their potential. I am a life-long learner, having completed a Masters in Psychology with the University of Leicester, an honours BSc in Human Resource Management, a Diploma in Executive Coaching from the IMI and a Diploma in Training and Development. I am a certified Korn Ferry Leadership Architect practitioner and qualified in the use of advanced Emotional Intelligence assessments, namely the Emotional Capital Report (ECR) and the ECR360.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband Barry and our two girls. I also enjoy getting some “me time” in at the gym, taking a spin class or going for a swim.

Audrey Nolan – Learning Specialist & Executive Coach

I am a Learning Specialist and Executive Coach at Harvest, with an expertise in leadership, sustainability, and communications. I have extensive corporate experience spanning over 30 years in financial services and with clients across a range of industries. I am also a part-time lecturer in Responsible and Sustainable Finance with the Institute of Bankers.
As a qualified coach and learning specialist, I am passionate about supporting leaders to bring out the best in themselves and their teams leading to better business and personal outcomes. My approach is to listen attentively and be a thinking partner for my clients while also bringing supportive challenges to deepen their insight, grow their leadership style and develop business strategy. My philosophy is humanistic in its approach, creating a partnership that acts as a powerful agent for change, growth, and transformation.
With a commitment to life-long learning, I am currently completing my master’s in business science (MBS) with UCC. I hold a professional diploma in Executive Coaching, in Leadership and in Organisational Behaviour with the IMI. In addition to this, I am qualified to Level A & B standard with the British Psychological Society (BPA) and licensed in the Emotional Capital Report (ECR) – a leading emotional intelligence assessment. I am also a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
Outside of work, I enjoy a busy family life and love to get out into nature most days by walking and swimming.

Eimer Lyons – Learning Specialist & Executive Coach

I am a Learning Specialist and Executive Coach with a passion for supporting the wellbeing and progression of clients, personally and professionally.
My areas of focus include Leadership & Management Development, Emotional Intelligence, Wellbeing and Personal Development. Before joining Harvest, my corporate career spanned Financial Services (Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB), Retail (Lidl), Hospitality (Mariott International Hotel Group), Telecoms (eir) both nationally and internationally in strategic and operational HR/OD roles.
I have experience mentoring, coaching, and professionally supporting C -Suite and Senior Management in areas such as: restructuring and strategic change management, performance management, learning and development, people management and employment law.
Ongoing personal and professional development is very important to me, and my qualifications include a professional Diploma in Executive Coaching, a professional Diploma in Strategic HR Management accredited by UCC and IMI also, an honours Degree in Business Studies, TUD, and a Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching.
As an EMCC accredited Executive Coach, my coaching philosophy is wholly client focused, working together with clients in a trusted and collaborative partnership. I bring supportive, challenging, and insightful coaching approaches to my coaching clients.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two wonderful daughters. I love to travel and experience new cultures. I am also very passionate about wellbeing, taking time out in nature, yoga and cooking healthy food.

Kevin Jennings – Senior Learning Specialist

I am a Senior Learning Specialist at Harvest, with over 20 years’ experience in leadership development, organisational capability, and executive coaching across global multinationals, the public sector, and high-growth start-ups. I have held senior roles at Google, ICON plc and Study Group, founded a tech startup and have worked across Technology, Pharma, Healthcare, Fintech, Education and the Music/Arts sectors.
As a designer, facilitator and coach, my approach to facilitation is practical, authentic, relational and grounded in the realities of my clients’ contexts. I work with organisations including the Irish Civil Service, SEAI, Pfizer and AVIVA, delivering impactful leadership and learning programmes focused on collaboration, influence, systems thinking, and change.
I hold a PhD in Technology and Learning from Trinity College Dublin, a PGDip in Executive Coaching from the IMI, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in both Applied Science and Music, an MA in music performance and a H.Dip.Ed. I’m an EMCC Senior Practitioner and am accredited in MBTI, Insights, DISC, Emotional Capital (ECR), and lecture in Leadership, HR Practice, and Change Management at UCC.
Outside of work, I play both classical and traditional Irish music, hike, cook, ski and watch my kids play football.
I serve on the Advisory Board of New Harmony Line, a music education charity in the U.S.

Kathryn Jones – Senior Project Manager

I am Project Coordinator at Harvest. Once our projects are confirmed with clients, I create the project plan and schedule the interventions and details.
I am the key point of contact for the clients and programme participants and look after the administration of our online Learning Hub and Virtual Classrooms.
I have over thirty years professional work experience in business and industry, both as an employee and an employer. I have a keen interest in business, entrepreneurship and innovation and prioritise my own professional development in these areas.
I have been active in numerous community and professional organisations including local Chambers of Commerce, Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) and National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN).
I co-founded the Ashbourne Retail Association in 2012. I enjoy volunteering my project management skills with Skerries Soundwaves Festival.
Art, photography and philosophy are my personal interests and I enjoy oil painting in particular. I coordinate annual art holidays for my group to France. I enjoy reading and meditation to relax.

Sanita Auseja – Project Manager

I am a Project Manager at Harvest, responsible for all aspects of the project lifecycle that ensure the smooth and successful delivery of programmes to our clients. I work closely with internal teams, learning specialists and clients to manage all the project elements that contribute to programme success.
With a rich background in project and people management, university lecturing, and running my own business, I am deeply passionate about continuous development and lifelong learning, and I’m driven by the opportunity to support others on their growth journeys. The fuel behind my commitment to creating meaningful, engaging, and impactful development experiences that help people thrive is bringing structure, coordination, and clarity to every stage of the project.
I have a Master’s in economics, a Diploma in Enterprise Development, and I’m currently completing a Professional Diploma in Executive Coaching. This blend of strategic thinking and a people-focused mindset allows me to support individuals and teams in achieving lasting growth.
Outside of work, I’m inspired by creativity, I enjoy textile arts, and my children’s sporting achievements and challenges – experiences that continuously remind me of the power of determination, perseverance, and adaptability. 

Brenda Sheridan – Relationship Manager Executive

I am a Relationship Manager Executive at Harvest, and my role is to support and lead business development and relationship management activities in order to provide high quality solutions to clients.
I have many years’ experience working in project management across a range of sectors and countries. My qualifications include a Graudateship in Marketing and a Diploma in Managing Business Networks.
Prior to Harvest, I have worked across a wide range of organisations including the airline industry, banking, biometrics, IT and in a business support agency of the Government of Ireland.
In my spare time, I love walking, cinema, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Niamh Banim – Strategic Business Partner

I am a Strategic Business Partner at Harvest, and my role is to contribute to the vision of Harvest through supporting and leading strategic projects and initiatives to enhance our client solutions and our team operation, dynamic and culture.
I have over 15 years’ experience in L&D support and project roles in sectors including the education sector, the professional services sector, and the airline industry. I also previously lectured on the BA in Adult Learning for Personal and Professional Development (ALBA) programme in All Hallows College (DCU). My qualifications include a Master of Arts in Gender Sexuality & Culture (UCD), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Philosophy (UCD) and a Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design (DLI).
In my spare time, I love walking, the theatre and spending time with family and friends.

Louise Emerson – L&D Administrator and Marketing Co-ordinator

I am a Learning & Development Administrator, and my role in Harvest is to provide a high level of administration support to our Clients, Operations Team and Learning & Development Specialists.
I have over twenty years’ experience in administration support across a range of industries, including Transport and Freight, Pharmaceutical, Non-profit and Recruitment Advertising. I believe in open and honest communication and bring strong organisational and creative skills to the team.
I am an avid writer and in my spare time I enjoy writing poetry & songs, walking, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family.

Alexandra Ibarra – L&D Administrator

I’m a Learning & Development Administrator with Harvest, and my role in Harvest is to provide a high level of administration support to our Clients, Operations Team and Learning & Development Specialists.
With a BA in Communications from Texas State University, I offer a unique blend of experience in my role. I have three years of experience in media and five years in education, including teaching ESL in Spain. I am passionate about fostering continuous learning and exploration.
Having recently moved to Ireland, I enjoy discovering new places in the city and around the country during my free time. I also practice aerial silks and Pilates, and I’m learning to play tennis. I thrive on embracing new challenges and helping others grow through learning experiences.

Declan Doran – Finance

I am an Account at Harvest. My role is an unseen one and some would say that is the best place for an accountant within in a company. I am the person who keeps the figures and books in order so that our team can get on with what they do best – creating world-class learning experiences for our clients.
I have 30 years’ experience in finance. In recent years, one of my main goals has been to implement automated systems which remove the repetitive nature of the work in any finance department. The area which gives me the greatest satisfaction is training and equipping my direct reports to reach greater heights in their accounting careers.
I studied Business Studies in the College of Commerce, Dublin and graduated with a Diploma in Business Studies and Diploma in Advanced Business Studies. I hold a Degree in Management Science from Trinity College and am a qualified accountant.
Outside of work if you don’t find me having a speciality coffee, you will most probably find me behind my camera taking pictures of nature and wildlife and enjoying the stunning array of life all about us.