Future Leaders Network Shortlisted for 2025 Business to Arts Awards

Irish National Opera is delighted to be recognised in the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Business to Arts Award for its partnership with Spencer Lennox on the Future Leaders Network initiative. 

The Future Leaders Network is designed to bring together young professionals across multiple industries through cultural engagement. Built on the belief that networking should be inspiring, inclusive and enjoyable, the initiative has created a unique space for early-career professionals, offering them opportunities to connect through shared, unique cultural experiences – including live opera!

An initiative tailored to young professionals who are interested in expanding their professional network in creative ways, the Future Leaders Network is a vibrant mix of emerging professionals, whether just starting their career or well into their professional journey, ready to connect, innovate and inspire. Since its inception in 2023, the programme has grown into a dynamic cross-industry community of over 150 emerging leaders from sectors including law, finance, tech, life sciences, engineering, fashion and more. By shifting networking out of traditional exclusive venues into an inclusive arts environment, this partnership lowers cultural barriers, introduces opera to a new demographic, creates organic connection between diverse industries and models how arts organisations and business can come together to drive social inclusion and cross-sector collaboration. 

Irish National Opera’s unique perspective as an arts organisation with a diverse and vibrant audience brings new and enjoyable forms of networking. Future Leaders Network events range from pre-performance talks and backstage tours to speed networking sessions – all in the spirit of building communities and fostering cultural engagement. 

For Irish National Opera, the partnership aligns perfectly with its values of access, innovation, and audience development. “We’re always looking at new ways to engage people with opera,” said Aoife Daly, Director of Development at Irish National Opera. “The Future Leaders Network has created a space to embrace the power of professional connection, breaking down perceived barriers to the arts to embrace authentic networking. Over three years, we have grown our network to over 150 emerging leaders, converting many into regular audience members, and in some cases, philanthropic supporters.”

For Spencer Lennox, the partnership its commitment to nurturing professional growth and creativity beyond the workplace. “At its heart, the Future Leaders Network is a bold reimagining of what professional networking can be. It began with a simple but striking idea: that opera, with its emotional resonance, cultural richness and shared audience experience, could offer a fresh and authentic backdrop for young professionals to meet.” said Bryan Durkan, Managing Director of Spencer Lennox. “As a recruitment firm, we understand the importance of networks; of being connected to people who can challenge you, support you and open doors. The Future Leaders Network allows young professionals to do just that - but in an environment that’s rich, inspiring and a little unexpected”.

About Spencer Lennox
Spencer Lennox is a specialist legal recruitment firm headquartered in Dublin. With a strong focus on partnership, professionalism and people, the firm supports legal professionals and law firms at every stage of their careers and growth journeys.

About the Business to Arts Awards
The Business to Arts Awards celebrate creative partnerships between the corporate and cultural sectors in Ireland. The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 8 September at the National Concert Hall, Dublin.