60 Seconds with Lisa Kavanagh

Wednesday 28 October 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I’m the founder of ForwardPM Ltd, a consultancy that helps organisations turn strategy into action through transformation, project delivery and change leadership. I work alongside business leaders to bring clarity, structure and momentum to their priorities, offering fractional leadership and practical support. Drawing on more than 20 years of global leadership experience, I also support businesses in exploring how to adopt AI responsibly and confidently.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

My career has taken me from Northern Ireland to international leadership roles, where I spent more than 20 years leading global teams through complex change with Concentrix. During that time, I held senior leadership positions across project management, transformation, acquisitions and client success, most recently serving as VP of Global Client Success. Earlier this year, I founded ForwardPM Ltd to bring that experience to organisations navigating growth and change. Alongside launching the business, I recently completed Oxford Saïd's AI-Driven Executive Transformation programme.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

The ability to bring clarity to complexity. Whether I’m leading a transformation programme or helping a business shape its next steps, I can see the bigger picture, connect the dots and turn competing priorities into a practical plan. It helps people feel confident about where they’re going, understand their role in getting there and move forward together.

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?

Don’t wait until you feel completely ready to take the next step. Back your experience, make your contribution visible and surround yourself with people who both support and challenge you. You can lead with warmth and still be decisive and ambitious. One belief I often share with people I mentor is that there is more than one way to reach your destination. Be clear about what matters to you, but stay open to the route. You may discover opportunities you never imagined.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

It’s an exciting first year for ForwardPM Ltd, having secured clients across Northern Ireland, England and the Republic of Ireland. In the year ahead, I’ll be building those partnerships and developing three core service offerings: ForwardStrategy, ForwardDeliver and ForwardAssure. I’m particularly looking forward to helping businesses connect their ambitions with practical delivery and adopt AI with confidence. Following completion of Oxford Saïd’s AI-Driven Executive Transformation programme, my next step is undertaking ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Auditor training to further strengthen the AI assurance expertise I bring to clients.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

My biggest inspiration has come from the women I’ve worked alongside who have balanced motherhood with demanding executive careers. I’ve admired their resilience, ambition and generosity in supporting others while managing responsibilities that aren’t always visible at work. They’ve shown me that there are many ways to lead successfully, and that warmth, authenticity and determination can sit comfortably alongside professional ambition.

What's the best way for our members to connect with you?

I’d love to connect with fellow members on LinkedIn. You can also visit www.forwardpm.global or email me at lisa@forwardpm.global. I’m always happy to chat about business challenges, opportunities to collaborate or the experience of building and growing a business.

Describe how your membership with Women in Business has helped you in your career

As I build ForwardPM Ltd, I value being part of a community of women who understand both the opportunities and challenges of business. Women in Business offers a space to connect, share experiences and learn from others. At this new stage in my career, that sense of connection, encouragement and support is especially valuable.

Want to raise your profile across the Women in Business network? Make the most of your membership benefits by completing a Member Profile Form and sharing your story, expertise and achievements with our community.

Wednesday 28 October 2026