Blended

Leadership and Executive Programmes

NOVA Women in Tech Leadership

Igniting women's leadership in tech
Unlock the leader you already are, and raise your voice to help shape the future of Irish tech

NOVA - Award Winner for: Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme - The Institute of Leadership 2026

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Next cohort starting

24 November 2026

€1,500

Enrolment now open

At a glance

Across Ireland’s technology sector, women are already leading innovation, shaping culture, and driving progress. Yet too often, their potential remains unseen - not because it’s lacking, but because it’s unsupported.

NOVA: Women in Tech Leadership Programme exists to change that.

Developed and supported by Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet, this programme is designed exclusively for women working across Ireland’s tech ecosystem – those ready to lead with purpose, confidence and authenticity. Participants will strengthen the skills, presence and networks needed to thrive as leaders in fast-moving, innovation-driven organisation.

It's not about adding more to your plate. It's about amplifying your impact.

Because when women bring their full brilliance to the table, the whole industry rises.

The programme at a glance

In-person Days

Virtual Half Days

Individual Coaching Sessions

€1,500

Subsidised Fee

From The Institute of Leadership

Formal Accreditation

Outcomes

Impact and Outcomes

Graduates of the programme will:

Lead with clarity and purpose

Define your leadership vision and brand

Own your voice and a clear leadership identity

Sharpen presence and influence

Thrive under pressure

Future-proof your leadership with AI and digital fluency

Lead with integrity and inclusion

Build high-performing teams

About the programme

"Women hold only 14% of senior technical and engineering roles, and an estimated, shocking 5% of top executive leadership positions."
— Una Fitzpatrick, Director, Technology Ireland, speaking at the NOVA Women in Tech Leadership graduation, July 2026

NOVA is more than a leadership programme - it’s a launchpad for those ready to lead boldly in tech. Designed for navigating fast-moving industries, NOVA helps women step forward with clarity and connection – developing the emotional intelligence, strategic influence and technical fluency required to shape the future of Ireland’s digital economy.

This is where your leadership voice gets louder, your vision gets sharper, and your impact becomes undeniable. Rooted in the power of human connection, we'll equip you with practical tools to take up space with authenticity - amplifying your presence, influence, and impact. It’s designed as an interactive and immersive learning journey over 6 months, blending deep personal insight with practical, tech-relevant leadership skills.

Created by Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet, the NOVA: Women in Tech Leadership Programme is more than a training initiative - it’s a launchpad for Ireland’s next generation of women tech leaders. It’s where leadership meets innovation, and women in tech learn not just to adapt to change, but to shape the future of it.

Shine brighter. Lead bolder. Transform what’s possible - for you and your company.

Upcoming Dates

4 places

NOVA Open 2026

Starting

21 October 2026

€1,500

30 places

NOVA Open - November 2026

Starting

24 November 2026

Blended

€1,500

Enrol Now

Course content

Module 1

Becoming a more emotionally intelligent & authentic leader

Your leadership sets the tone for how others think, feel and contribute. Deepen your self-awareness and learn to respond with intention, stay true to your values and create the conditions for people to do their best work.

Module 2

Building trust and foundations of psychological safety

The best ideas need people willing to voice them. Learn how to earn trust and make it safe for your team to ask questions, challenge assumptions and raise concerns early, so you can make better decisions together.

Module 3

Setting yourself up for success

Be deliberate about where your leadership takes you. Get clear on what matters, the impact you want to make and the choices that will move your career forward.

Module 4

Turning obstacles into opportunities

When something stands in your way, how you respond can open up new possibilities. Learn to challenge the thinking that holds you back, approach obstacles from a fresh perspective and find a practical way forward.

Module 5

Creating a culture of mattering

People need to know they matter to you, beyond the work they deliver. Learn how to help others feel seen, valued and needed, building the connection and commitment that help a team thrive.

Module 6

Diversity, equity & inclusion: from intent to impact

Equal opportunity means little if barriers still stand in the way. Understand the difference between equality and equity, recognise what holds women and other underrepresented colleagues back and take practical action to support fair access to development and progression.

Module 7

High-impact conversations for productivity and impact

Have the conversation that moves things forward. Build the skills to address difficult issues, give useful feedback and reach clear agreements while strengthening the relationships the work depends on.

Module 8

Future-proofing your leadership with AI

Put AI to work so you have more time to lead. Learn practical ways to reduce time-consuming tasks and improve productivity, freeing your attention for the people, decisions and relationships that need you.

Module 9

How to be the most informed person at the table in tech

Test your thinking, explore different perspectives and ask better questions. Free up time for the work that needs you: understanding people, building relationships and making sound decisions.

Module 10

Sustaining performance under pressure

Leading through change means managing your own response as well as supporting others. Recognise how stress affects you and build practical habits to stay clear-headed, adapt as demands shift and sustain your energy through transformation.

Module 11

Leadership strengths team networking

Others often see strengths in you that you take for granted. Through a structured networking exercise, uncover skills you may not recognise in yourself, learn to articulate what you bring and discover how your strengths complement those of other women leaders.

Module 12

Creating a culture of psychological safety

You need to hear what people really think to lead well. Learn to welcome challenge, respond constructively to mistakes and make room for honest disagreement, so your team can spot problems earlier, learn together and put better ideas into action.

Final Day

Leadership impact capstone project & graduation

Bring your leadership growth to life. Share what you’ve done differently, the difference it’s made to you and those you lead and your ambitions for what comes next. Celebrate your achievements alongside the women who’ve shared the journey.

Delivery Partners

Genos Europe

Genos Europe - Deiric McCann

Head of Consultancy

Genos Europe - Mary Ann Mc Gowan

Lead Coach & Programme Designer

Investment

Subsidised Fee

€1,500

Enrolment & Elibibility

To be eligible for this programme, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Identify as a woman working in the technology or digital sector.
Have a minimum of 5 years' experience in a people management or team leadership role (i.e. currently or recently responsible for leading others, not just seniority of job title).
Be currently in, or actively progressing toward, a senior management, director, or VP-track role.
Be able to commit to attending each workshop and coaching session, and completing associated pre-work and follow-up activities.

Applications from candidates close to this threshold (e.g. 5–6 years, or non-people-management leadership roles) will be reviewed individually and may be invited to a short screening call.

Funding Eligibility

Applicants must be living in the Republic of Ireland.

Applicants must be working for an Irish registered company.

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FAQs

FAQs on this course

General FAQs

Who can join the NOVA Women in Tech Leadership programme?

NOVA is open to women working in tech who:

Have a minimum of 5 years' experience in a people management or team leadership role.
Are currently in, or actively progressing toward, a senior management, director, or VP-level role.
Can commit to attending all workshops and coaching sessions, and completing associated pre-work and follow-up activities.

How is the NOVA programme delivered?

2 full-day in-person workshops
3 x 3.5 hour virtual sessions
Self-paced learning (approx. 2 hours)
3 executive coaching sessions + EI 360 Assessment (3.5 hours)

How much do I have to participate?

We understand that unexpected events can arise; however, participation in this programme is designed to be highly interactive and developmental. Because places are limited, we ask that participants commit fully to attending all scheduled sessions and coaching engagements. This ensures that every space is offered to someone ready to engage fully and gain the greatest value from the experience.

What coursework and assignments are involved?

Completion of all workshops and coaching sessions
Participation in the Genos Emotional Intelligence 360 Assessment
Applied leadership exercises and pod group reflections (details provided during the programme)
A 10-minute Capstone presentation to senior leaders in your organisation. (Further explanation provided during the sessions).

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. On the final day of the programme, participants will take part in a graduation ceremony and receive a Certificate of Completion, formally accredited by The Institute of Leadership. In addition, participants will be awarded a digital badge recognising their achievement, which can be shared on LinkedIn, professional portfolios, and other digital profiles to showcase their accomplishment.

General FAQs

Who can join the Digital Skillnet Network?

Network membership is free for private sector and commercial semi-state companies based in the Republic of Ireland.

Once registered, eligible member companies can access Digital Skillnet part-funded programmes, helping reduce the cost of training and making upskilling more accessible across your organisation.

What are the aims of the Digital Skillnet Network?

The aim of the network is:

To support software and digital technology companies to remain at the cutting edge of skills and knowledge.
To enable companies to gain access to staff training and development programmes which are aligned to their current needs.
To work with educational bodies in strategic partnerships to develop new educational solutions to meet new software sector needs.
To provide funding support for staff training thereby lowering training costs for companies.
To extend up-skilling opportunities to more employees and companies across the sector.

How can a training provider join Digital Skillnet's roster?

As training requirements arise, the network invites suitable trainers to quote or tender for the delivery of each programme.

Contact us for further information

Where does Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet funding come from?

Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet receives funding on an annual basis under the Training Networks Programme from Skillnet Ireland, the enterprise-led training agency. This allows the network to provide courses at a lower cost than commercial training courses – while still being delivered by the highest quality experts and trainers.

Over the last 3 years the Digital Skillnet has been awarded subsidies in excess of €2 million to support companies by significantly lowering the cost, and increasing the effectiveness of, organisational development strategies. The specific levels of subsidy for companies are allocated on a course-by-course basis.

What is Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet?

Established in 2010, Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet (“Digital Skillnet”) is the national training network for Ireland's Digital Technology sector. Our mission is to enable workforce development, performance and competitiveness for companies and their workforce through innovative upskilling solutions, backed by government funding. We support companies in all sectors to accelerate digital capacity, transformation and strategic innovation.

Member companies include a combination of indigenous organisations and multinational foreign direct investment (FDI) firms.

The Network Sponsor is Technology Ireland, a federation within Ibec, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (www.ibec.ie). Our upskilling initiatives are co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union through the European Social Fund ESF+ and Network Companies.

How can Digital Skillnet help companies to fund their training needs?

Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet receives government funding. This allow us to provide support on course fees so that companies incur lower costs than commercial training courses.

Through the network, we also use our combined buying power to achieve the best training rates from providers.

Subsidised fees for network members are shown on our training schedule. These are the costs after funding support from the network.
Typical savings of 40-60% for companies through DIGITAL Skillnet

To access subsisidised course fees companies can join the network. Network membership is free and is open to all enterprises in the Republic of Ireland.

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