Scaling Case Study: Gina Oglesby, Founder & CEO, Back to Work Connect
Connecting returners with opportunity and a founder with her voice
Gina Oglesby is the powerhouse behind Back to Work Connect, a talent resourcing platform unlocking the potential of midlife returners who are ready to re-enter the workforce with skills, life experience, and fresh ambition. Her platform provides data-driven, returner-friendly recruitment solutions to employers ready to deliver on diversity and inclusion with real impact. Read how AwakenHub’s SheScales programme helped her find greater confidence and clarity while scaling her business.
Gina Oglesby is the founder and CEO of Back to Work Connect and a woman on a mission to empower midlife returners to re-enter the workforce by bridging the gap for employers seeking diverse, experienced talent.
“We’ve created a long-term, accessible solution to help employers drive the impact of their D&I recruitment strategy. We offer data-driven insights and industry expertise and are unlocking the potential of an often-overlooked talent pool. We’re solving the challenge employers face in attracting experienced, overlooked talent, and we’re doing it with purpose,” Gina says.
Gina had been in business for four years when she joined AwakenHub’s SheScales programme and later the AwakenHub St Brigid’s Day Trade Mission to the United States. “I knew I needed to expand my network at that stage, and thanks to the She Scales programme and being on the US Trade Mission, I have certainly achieved that.”
From self-doubt to strategic direction
Being part of SheScales also helped Gina reframe how she saw herself and her business. “SheScales made me realise I need to be braver, to step out of my comfort zone, and believe in myself more. I’ve now been pushed out of my comfort zone, but because of that I’ve found a space of greater clarity, confidence and visibility.”
One turning point came during the Trade Mission to Boston and New York in February 2025, where she connected with US business leaders and gained valuable market insights. “I realised that with the current political landscape in the US, diversity and inclusion initiatives like ours may not gain the traction needed, so we made a strategic decision to double down on the EU market instead. Being part of the mission helped me recognise when the time is right, and when it’s not, when considering expanding stateside. That kind of opportunity, to gain that kind of clarity, was invaluable for me.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the recent challenging conditions in the D&I space overseas, Gina is optimistic about the momentum building locally for Back to Work Connect. “More and more Irish companies are breaking the trend and continuing to support initiatives like ours that genuinely bring value to their organisations. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, companies need both seasoned skills and fresh perspectives to stay competitive. We bring them that.”
Backed by an amazing community
Supporting initiatives for women founders is also something Gina feels strongly about, as the sense of community she found within her SheScales cohort and the AwakenHub network is something that has stayed with her. “Being part of the AwakenHub community has helped me connect with amazing female founders. For me, it’s support, network, and community all in one. If I were to offer one takeaway, it would be that access to the AwakenHub community matters because visibility matters and community matters. Being a founder can be a lonely road and I have had the chance to connect with some amazing women founders.”
What would Gina say to other women founders about the opportunity to join the AwakenHub community? Her answer is simple: “There are no reasons not to join and every reason to join AwakenHub. Don’t miss out.”
For further information on AwakenHub’s range of supports for women founders scaling their team visit https://www.awakenhub.com/shescales
