Dr. Niall O’Leary and Fiacre Muller Delivered the 'Strategic Clarity' Workshop for 22 Advisors at Údarás na Gaeltachta On November 13th

Dr. Niall O’Leary and Fiacre Muller, from the Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence and lead of the Interreg NPA project  Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success, was delighted to deliver a specialised workshop for 22 business advisors from Údarás na Gaeltachta. The blended  in person and online event equipped advisors with an innovative methodology for developing projects and supporting clients widely applicable across the diverse roles Údarás na Gaeltachta plays in fostering enterprise and development within the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) regions.

Participants were particularly impressed by the depth of insight the Target Circular methodologies generated. Many noted that the tools could significantly improve the impact of their advisory work, while also helping to standardise service provision across the Gaeltacht regions.

Éamonn Ó Neachtain, Head of the Research and Development Division in Údarás na Gaeltachta said the Strategy Clarity Workshop offers a proven method for enterprises to follow to give them the best chance to succeed. Údarás na Gaeltachta is now actively considering how best to incorporate the methodology into an upcoming programme scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.  The broader implications of Target Circular’s outputs are also being explored, particularly how the approach may benefit similar regional and rural development organisations.

About the Workshop

The workshop introduced practical, evidence-based tools that have proven effective in advising entrepreneurs and small businesses. Advisors were invited to step into the shoes of their clients, working through their own ideas or advisory cases to gain a hands-on understanding of the methodology. To support this learning, all participants received a 10-page guide containing step-by-step instructions and background information.

Tools and Approach

The session centred on three interconnected steps of the Strategic Clarity method:

1. Milestone Mapping – clarifying the path from idea to measurable progress points.
2. Assumption Testing – designing simple, targeted tests to validate or challenge those assumptions.
3. From Validated Strategy to Implementation – turning results into a clear, actionable plan.

Participation and Next Steps

Business advisors and enterprise developers from Údarás na Gaeltachta engaged deeply throughout the workshop, sharing experiences and applying the tools to real projects and client cases. Dr. O’Leary will continue supporting the organisation as advisors integrate the approach into their work, in collaboration with the wider Target Circular project team.

Participants are encouraged to continue using the guide and digital materials as they bring these methods into their day-to-day advisory practice across the Gaeltacht regions.

If you’re an entrepreneur, an advisor, or part of an organisation that might benefit from a Strategic Clarity workshop - get in touch with Dr. Niall O’Leary (Niall.OLeary@mtu.ie) to explore how strategic clarity can unlock greater impact in your work and projects.