Log in
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Create an account
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
.webp)
Caroline actively addresses systemic barriers and social norms as the Co-Founder and Director of KELLA Leadership, an organisation designed to cultivate meaningful connections among influential female leaders and tackle executive isolation. Caroline's motivation for co-founding KELLA stems from her belief that women deserve a space where they can grow as leaders and thrive as individuals, fostering long-lasting connections and empowering mutual support at the highest career levels. KELLA utilises advanced AI matching technology to connect women leaders facing similar challenges, transforming isolation into impactful peer relationships. For Caroline, KELLA is a mission to create meaningful change through leadership, wellness and purpose-driven connections.
Caroline supports skills development and learning through several avenues within the KELLA community:
The KELLA Community App: Offers continuous community engagement and educational resources.
Advanced Leadership Programmes: Includes executive masterclasses and mentorship programmes that link experienced leaders with rising talent.
Collaborative Forums: Industry-specific think tanks, role-based working groups and opinion forums facilitate shared insights and problem-solving.
Exclusive Events: KELLA Executive Summits feature keynotes and workshops from thought leaders, innovation labs to address global challenges, peer coaching circles and tailored retreats for personal and professional growth.
Caroline champions skill development by creating opportunities for women to refine their leadership abilities in real-world settings. Through mentorship initiatives, she connects emerging leaders with experienced executives, fostering meaningful knowledge exchange. She also facilitates peer-led learning through industry think tanks and coaching circles, where women collaborate to solve challenges and share expertise. Additionally, her commitment to professional growth extends to immersive retreats and leadership events that focus on strategic development, resilience, and innovation. By integrating these learning experiences into KELLA, Caroline ensures that women leaders have the support and tools to continuously advance in their careers.
In addition to her work at KELLA, Caroline is the CEO & Co-Founder of Core Optimisation, an award-winning digital performance and transformation agency. Her approach has facilitated the company's growth, leading to recognition as a Deloitte Fast 50 company in both 2022 and 2023. In addition to her role at Core Optimisation, she also chairs Digital Business Ireland, further demonstrating her leadership in the digital business sector. Caroline's contributions to the tech and business landscape have been recognised through several awards, including the Entrepreneur Award from Dublin Tech Summit, Women in Tech in 2019 and Best Use of Digital by Network Ireland in 2018.
Caroline Dunlea is the CEO and Co-Founder of Core Optimisation, one of Ireland’s leading digital growth and transformation agencies. With almost 20 years of experience in digital, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, Caroline has become a key figure in supporting the industry’. As Programme Director for Fáilte Ireland’s “Digital That Delivers” and Just Transition programmes, she oversees the digital transformation of over 700 businesses, driving their digital maturity forward, along with delivering digital growth for a number of DMOs in Ireland.
Under her leadership, Core Optimisation has grown to a team of 55, serving clients across Ireland and the UK, and has been recognised as a Deloitte Fast 50 company in 2022 and 2023. Her entrepreneurial spirit was further acknowledged when she was named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in 2022, following earlier recognition with the Entrepreneur Award at Dublin Tech Summit’s Women in Tech event in 2019.
In addition to leading Core Optimisation, Caroline is Chairperson for Digital Business Ireland and sits on the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Board. A regular speaker and panellist at major events such as Google, the Irish Hotels Federation, and Retail Excellence, Caroline’s insights into digital transformation and leadership have made her a prominent voice in the industry, as a leader driving change in the digital landscape.
