LaunchMe Spotlight: Kate Gilsenan + Michele Richardson
For Kate Gilsenan, joining the LaunchMe mentorship program through 100 Women in Finance was about gaining practical insight into an industry she was eager to enter.
As a final year Finance student at University College Cork, Kate was looking for guidance, professional perspective, and the opportunity to begin building connections within finance before starting her full time career.
“I joined LaunchMe to gain practical advice and to begin building a professional network, particularly since I didn’t have many existing connections in the finance industry,” Kate shared.
What she found through her mentorship with Michele Richardson was far more impactful than she expected.
Michele Richardson, an executive coach and senior business leader with extensive experience across finance and business transformation, joined LaunchMe because of her passion for helping others navigate their careers with greater confidence and clarity.
Throughout the program, Michele focused not only on career advice, but on helping Kate recognize her own strengths and potential.
“She helped me recognise that I have more skills than I initially realised and showed me how far a small boost in confidence can go,” Kate explained.
Their mentorship conversations ranged from networking and professional development to practical strategies for building confidence in real world environments. One of the biggest areas of growth for Kate was learning how to approach networking more naturally and proactively.
Through Michele’s guidance, Kate attended the 100 Women in Finance event “AI in Financial Services: From Potential to Practice” in Dublin, where she was able to apply those lessons firsthand by engaging with professionals across the industry.
“That experience allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, engage with professionals, and apply what I had learned in a real setting,” Kate shared.
For Michele, mentorship is about helping mentees expand their thinking and move forward with greater confidence in themselves and their abilities.
“What has been most rewarding is seeing mentees grow in confidence, broaden their thinking, and take meaningful steps toward their goals,” Michele said.
She also believes mentorship is a two way learning experience.
“Working with my mentee has been genuinely energising,” Michele shared. “Their motivation, curiosity, and eagerness to learn have been both inspiring and refreshing.”
One lesson Michele hopes emerging professionals carry with them is the importance of stepping forward before feeling completely ready.
“Confidence grows through experience, so don’t wait until you feel fully ready before stepping forward for new challenges,” she advised.
For Kate, LaunchMe became more than a mentorship program. It became a foundation for entering the finance industry with greater confidence, stronger professional skills, and a clearer understanding of the value she already brings to the table.