Guest Mary Ann Pierce, an inspirational leader, innovator, and advocate for women in business, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode. As the Founder and CEO of MAP Digital and a Global Ambassador for AwakenHub, Mary Ann is a trailblazer in digital transformation, event technology, and female entrepreneurship. A Pioneer in Digital Event Technology Mary Ann’s journey into the digital space began in 1996 when she conducted her first webcast—an experience she likens to falling into Alice’s rabbit hole. From there, she never looked back, becoming a visionary in integrating technology into events long before it was the norm. Her company, MAP Digital, is a full-service global event management agency that also developed the groundbreaking MetaMeetings platform. This all-in-one platform integrates everything from content management and live streaming to data tracking and attendee engagement, creating a seamless experience for event organizers and participants alike. “Events are the last frontier of underutilized content,” Mary Ann explained during the podcast. “It’s a terrible thing to waste. Live events are authentic and human. Why not maximize their reach with AI tools and thoughtful design?” Her innovative approach has allowed MAP Digital to produce large-scale events, including some of the world’s largest investment banking conferences, with an unparalleled focus on content repurposing and attendee engagement. Empowering Women Through AwakenHub Beyond her professional achievements in technology, Mary Ann is also a fierce advocate for female entrepreneurship. She serves as a Global Ambassador for AwakenHub, an all-island network supporting female founders across Ireland and Northern Ireland. AwakenHub’s mission is simple yet profound: to empower women to build wealth, create thriving businesses, and support their communities. Through AwakenAngels, the organization’s female-focused angel investment syndicate, Mary Ann is helping to break down the barriers to funding that female founders so often face. “Women are inheriting significant wealth globally,” she said. “For the price of a weekend away, anyone can join this movement to fund and uplift female entrepreneurs. It’s about building a bigger pie—not scarcity.” Mary Ann’s passion for fostering ecosystems that nurture innovation and equity is palpable. She is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future by encouraging women to invest in women. Global Connectivity and Democratization of Knowledge Mary Ann also champions the power of digital tools to democratize knowledge and opportunities worldwide. Her work extends beyond corporate events into social good initiatives, including Project Dandelion, which she supports alongside former Irish President Mary Robinson. Through these projects, she’s leveraging technology to address critical issues like climate justice and gender equity on a global scale. Lessons for Future Leaders When asked for advice, Mary Ann’s wisdom shines through. She encourages young professionals to embrace failure, explore their passions, and focus on becoming well-rounded individuals. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her message is clear: build networks, volunteer, and focus on creating processes that lead to excellence. “Don’t be afraid. Fail, learn, and keep moving forward. Your job is to become the best human you can be.” Follow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes. Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook