VistaTalks Host Simon Hodgkins catches up with Naomh McElhatton, CEO and Co-founder of dara & Co. Naomh is on a mission to transform lives by addressing the fundamental human need for self-awareness, resilience, and effective communication. Her journey, deeply rooted in personal experience, has shaped a platform not just about education but empowering individuals to thrive in all aspects of life.

A Personal Journey

Naomh's founding dara & co story is as deeply personal as it is professional. What began as an opportunity to lead a new startup quickly evolved into a mission to address the growing issue of loneliness and disconnection in today's society. Initially conceived as a dating app, dara & co took a different path after Naomh recognized the toxic culture prevalent in the dating world and the epidemic of loneliness, particularly in post-pandemic Ireland.

Ireland, known for its rich culture of storytelling and community, was paradoxically identified as the loneliest country in Europe. This stark reality, combined with Naomh's own reflections on relationships and the importance of self-awareness, led her to pivot the company's focus.

Instead of just romantically connecting people, Dara & Co. was reimagined as a platform that helps individuals build healthier relationships with themselves and others through self-reflection, resilience, and articulate communication.

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

At the core of dara & co's mission is the belief that personal growth starts with self-awareness. Naomh emphasizes the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their actions and understanding their role in their relationships. This introspective approach is about looking inward and equipping individuals with the tools they need to build resilience and communicate effectively.

The platform offers various resources, including expert-led masterclasses, insightful articles, podcasts, and live events. These resources are carefully curated to meet each user's specific needs, ensuring that the content is not just informative but transformative.

Naomh highlights the importance of "hyper-personalization" in content delivery, leveraging technology to tailor the experience to each individual's unique needs.

The Role of Technology: Human First, AI Second

While dara & co is deeply rooted in human connection, technology is crucial in enhancing the user experience. Naomh is a strong advocate for a "human first" approach to technology, particularly in the context of AI. She reminds us that humans built AI and should serve to augment human experiences rather than replace them. This philosophy is evident in dara & co's commitment to delivering personalized, science-backed content that supports users on their wellbeing journey.

Naomh's perspective on AI is refreshing in a world where fears about automation and job displacement are prevalent. She argues that it's up to us, as creators of technology, to harness it for good and ensure that it enhances, rather than diminishes, human connection.

Challenges and Opportunities in EdTech

Building and scaling a platform like dara & co is no small feat. Naomh candidly shares the challenges she has faced, from navigating the crowded wellness market to ensuring the authenticity of the content they produce. Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic and driven by the impact dara & co can have on a global scale.

Naomh's experience with previous startups and expansion into new markets has taught her the importance of commercialization and staying true to the company's mission. For dara & co, this means focusing on creating genuine, impactful content rather than just producing content for content's sake. The platform's success is measured not by the content volume but by the level of engagement and the positive impact it has on users' lives.

Empowering Students and Fostering Leadership at Queen's University

In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Naomh serves on the board of Queen's University Belfast's Student Union, where she plays an integral role in addressing the issues students face today. Her work at Queen's has given her a deep understanding of students' challenges, from financial pressures to mental health struggles. These insights have informed the development of student wellbeing initiatives on the dara & co platform, ensuring that the content and support provided resonate with the younger generation.

Naomh's involvement at Queen's University goes beyond administrative duties; it is a hands-on commitment to fostering student leadership and resilience. By integrating her experiences with dara & co, Naomh is helping shape a generation of students better equipped to navigate the complexities of academic life and beyond.

Naomh was also an Associate Lecturer at Ulster University, teaching Digital Media Communications PostGrad and through the Ulster University Business School, specializing in Entrepreneurial Leadership and working with international students.

Empowering Women in AI and STEM

Beyond her work with Dara & Co, Naomh is also a passionate advocate for women in technology. As the Entrepreneurial Lead at Women in AI Ireland and a STEM Ambassador, she is dedicated to supporting the next generation of female tech leaders. Naomh's involvement in these initiatives is driven by her belief in the power of community and mentorship. She actively supports women in AI by running mentoring programs and connecting talented women with opportunities in the industry.

Naomh's commitment to these causes is about promoting diversity in tech and ensuring that women have the support they need to succeed in a male-dominated field. Her work with Women in AI and her role as a STEM Ambassador are testaments to her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in technology.

A Vision for the Future

As Naomh looks to the future, she is focused on going global and expanding dara & co's international reach. She acknowledges that while the journey is challenging, the support she has from her board, shareholders, and the wider community has been instrumental in the company's growth.

Naomh's vision is clear: to empower individuals worldwide with the self-awareness, confidence, and resilience they need to navigate life's complexities. Through dara & co, she hopes to create a global community where people can connect, learn, and thrive together.

Final Thoughts

Naomh McElhatton's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and communication. Whether through her work at dara & co, her advocacy for women in AI, or her role as a STEM Ambassador, Naomh is making a significant impact on the lives of many. Her message is clear: We can all lead more fulfilling and resilient lives by focusing on personal growth and fostering genuine human connections.

If you're interested in learning more about enhancing your self-awareness and building healthier relationships, visit dara & co and explore the wealth of resources available to support your journey.

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