#FollowInformedMinds
We are so excited to share our first AwakenHub SheGenerate #Follow with you this week. Kicking us off is Tyrone based Sinead Welsh, Founder of Informed Minds App. As we all look to support early stage women founders please have a read but also find Sinead on various social media channels below and give her a follow.
To get us started - how would you describe your reason for founding Informed Minds?
"Suicide IS Preventable & Mental Health CAN be improved"
What prompted you to start your business?
A close family loved one aged 21 attempted to end his own life & someone needed to do something to address what is a growing and hugely significant problem with regards to mental health... So I decided that person should be me! Informed Minds is a complimentary Add On App which can be added to existing E-Learning Hubs and/or Employee Assist Programs. We current host 400 vlogs lasting 3-5 minutes from people who have faced life challenges coupled with multi-disciplinary professionals offering us their "pearls of wisdom" in short videos. We also signpost people on to free Crisis supports.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I am trained in social work from Queen's University Belfast, a mother of 3 wonderful young children, from rural Co. Tyrone. In 2007 I moved to Melbourne and lived there for 10 years working for the Australian Government as a Child Protection Manager, Case Conference Chair Lady, Court Officer, Family Law Court Liaison Advisor and Professional Trainer. I held the child & adolescent Mental Health Portfolios. I worked alongside Victoria Police around the establishment of the Child Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigation Teams. Over the last 26 years- I've had 7 foster brothers...(my mum is an angel on earth)!
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
You know the saying 'everyday is a school day"- that's what building your own company feels like to me! I know I have so much to offer- while I am fully aware that I have so much more to keep learning. I follow the motto "if you're the smartest person in the room- find a new room! To be honest I was on a full time 6 figure income in Melbourne and since setting up my business back home in NI, I have taken a substantial financial hit building and funding the Informed Minds App myself. Now is the time that the App is ready to save lives and get into the pockets of our 16+ people. As a result our business model and financial projections can begin coming into fruition & and we are looking to scale. Becoming an entrepreneur meant I had less money (as a startup) but gave me a better quality of life as it allowed for = More Time. I can manage my own diary around my 3 little children and I’m more driven running my business. I’m in control of the decision making, can be agile and responsive which allows me to have greater impact in social reform in less time! I can and I will, with my team, interject and slow the stress, self-harm & suicide rates locally, nationally and one day - globally.
How did you hear about AwakenHub and what prompted you to apply for SheGenerate?
I was introduced to Mary Mc Kenna pre-covid 19 by a good friend and have been following Mary & AwakenHub since. I know I need strong female business role models and a supportive community where I'll learn and can support others as well.
What are you hoping to get out of the SheGenerate process?
This is a growth process for me. Some practical advice on the Sales and Marketing side, referrals would be nice, grow my network in NI and ROI. And knowing I have a community of women behind me to help promote and support my journey with Informed Minds App. I also enjoy the events and will look to support others where possible.
What does success look like to you - in 12 months and in 5 years?
In 12 months we will have received excellent testimonials from educational establishments, charities and private corporates with regards our Informed Minds App intervention and suite of trainings and guest speakers. They will repeat buy every year and word of mouth will encourage others to buy large subscriptions in NI, ROI, and GB. By year 5 we will have gone Global with presence in Australia, New Zealand and USA.
SheGenerate is only a small part of AwakenHub - now that you have the community's attention - what can we/they do for you?
Licensing advice with regards to 'leasing' our 400 Vlog content. Connect us with contacts who would be interested in purchasing subscriptions and/or featuring in the App via a Lived & Learned or professional vlog. Invite us to speak across TV, radio, social media, podcasts, live speaking and training conferences and events.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables and Six Words do you live by?
We Keep It Real & Keep It Short! Together we are stronger, real people sharing real life challenges and real professionals tips in real short videos! Prevention has the power to save lives. Digital Health is the future. We have found the best way to bring real people to technology. Suicide IS preventable & Mental Health CAN be improved. Women can and are changing the world- watch us!
A wee note of thanks to Pulsar (NI Women in STEM) for sponsoring Sinead’s place on the SheGenerate Programme. They are doing some fantastic work to address the inbalance for women in STEM in Northern Ireland and we encourage you all to go have a look. Find them on Twitter HERE.
Find Sinead online:
