#FollowDASHLeaders
Meet Maria Langan, an AwakenHub member and proud participant of SheGenerate 4.0.
Maria is the founder of DASH Leaders, an AI-powered edutainment platform built to accelerate leadership development. DASH delivers personalised, bite-sized, practical leadership content to help the next generation of leaders build skills faster and lead smarter.
Read more below to hear about Maria’s founder journey, her vision for the future, and the impact she’s determined to make.
To get us started – how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Fast-paced, highly focused, authentically connected.
What prompted you to start your business?
At DASH Leaders, we accelerate leadership performance for the next generation—building better leaders, faster.
The idea grew from my own time as CEO of Trend Media Pacific (Digicel), stepping into leadership under pressure and making big decisions quickly, often with little time for my own development. That experience sparked a deep commitment to understanding what really makes great leaders, and a drive to create a smarter, more personalised way for others to grow.
DASH Leaders is an AI-powered edutainment platform delivering bite-sized, practical and personalised leadership content, tailored to each leader’s unique needs. Our customers are next-gen business leaders who want fast, actionable, relevant development that fits the realities of modern leadership.
Tell us a little bit more about you:
I’m a proud mum to two energetic boys (aged four and five), and deeply family-oriented. Before founding DASH Leaders, I spent over 15 years in senior leadership roles spanning media, commercial strategy, and leadership consulting—with experience in startups, scale-ups, company closures and established global organisations.
I’m a certified Emotional Intelligence and MBTI practitioner, trained in gender diversity strategy, and passionate about mentoring ambitious women in leadership.
Fill us in on your female founder journey:
Being a founder stretches you to your limits, but the wins, growth and moments of impact make it all worth it. Switching off isn’t easy, so protecting my energy and prioritising what matters most has become essential. Finding authentic, supportive networks has made all the difference—spaces like AwakenHub remind me that success and setbacks are better shared. This journey has taught me to lead with intuition, ask for help, and take a few risks along the way.
How did you hear about AwakenHub and what prompted you to apply for SheGenerate?
I first heard about AwakenHub through a fellow New Frontiers peer-turned-friend, Rebecca Molloy. She’s one of the most connected, people-focused champions I know. When she said SheGenerate was a must, I knew it carried real weight—she was absolutely right.
What have you gotten out of the SheGenerate process?
One of the most powerful parts of SheGenerate has been access to a genuine, supportive network of women—north and south of the border. The expert-led sessions, practical resources and personalised mentoring have been invaluable, especially as I prepare to raise capital. What really sets SheGenerate apart is the ongoing support, long after the programme ends.
What does success look like to you—in 12 months and in 5 years?
In 12 months, DASH Leaders’ edutainment platform will be live with B2B customers across Ireland and APAC, with a growing library of leadership content and features.
In five years, DASH Leaders will be a global innovator in leadership development, redefining how leaders grow and perform. Building better leaders, faster.
SheGenerate is only a small part of AwakenHub—now that you have the community’s attention, what can we do for you?
Now that I’ve got the mic... I’m looking to raise investment through Awaken Angels and continue onto SheScales as we take DASH Leaders global. If you’re passionate about accelerating leaders and shaping the future of leadership development, I’d love to connect.
As a founder—what are your non-negotiables?
Purpose, values, and progress. I believe in building something that scales, matters, and creates genuine impact.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received: “Always walk on the sunny side of the street”—a reminder to lead with optimism, even when the path isn’t clear.
Six words to live by:
Purpose, Curiosity, Resilience, Authenticity, Progress, Optimism.
Any question you want to add & answer here:
Would anyone like to learn more about the DASH Leaders development process? I’d love to share more and hear your thoughts!
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