When you speak with Lisa Regan, you won’t just hear a story about PR, journalism, or business, you’ll hear a story deeply rooted in human connectivity. Keep reading to discover all about what drives one of Galway's leading ladies..
On a cosy couch in her living room overlooking Henry Street, Lisa leans back, her beautiful little dog Toby happily padding around before settling on a cushion between us. The space feels warm and inviting, comfortable, lived-in, and the perfect backdrop for conversation.
Lisa’s openness has shaped her career and her outlook. From starting out as a junior reporter at the Galway Independent, to running her own communications company for the last 15 years, she has always leaned into the power of authentic relationships. Her interest in current and political affairs, pop culture and sports led her naturally into PR, but what keeps her there is deeper: “At the back of it all, I love storytelling, language, and I really enjoy working with people.”
Travel is a big part of her life. From living in New York, and spending time in LA, Australia, and New Zealand, to hiking the Camino, Lisa thrives on new experiences and meeting new people. Yet, Galway remains her grounding place. Its sense of quiet, combined with Galway’s size and intimacy, has allowed her to build both business and community ties. Some clients she’s worked with for years, forming relationships that have become more than transactional. “I’ve had gorgeous relationships with most of my clients. Even when business ends, the personal connection remains.”
One of Lisa’s most refreshing qualities is how much she champions showing up for life, whether that’s art, culture, or community events. “People say to me, ‘God, how did you know that was on?’ And I’m just like, I seek out enjoyment. I want to have a good time, and I want to go to things. That's what I love about art and culture and shows, you can go to all of those things on your own. So you don't have to be under this impression ‘I have no one to go with’ - just go on your own! You’ll listen, you’ll meet someone, you’ll talk to the person beside you. You don’t have to wait for someone to come with you.” For her, living fully means embracing those experiences, whether going solo or with others. “There’s endless opportunities to enjoy life and you shouldn’t be held back by feeling like you need to do them with other people.”
She’s also deeply thoughtful about the ways technology affects us today. “I read this thing recently and it was a survey of 500 people (mainly women) asking - ‘What do you do in the evenings?’ - over 98% said, we watch something and we scroll on our phones. And I thought, wow, that is modern society. You’re never really committed to anything - you’re not committed to the phone, you’re not committed to the show and I don’t think we realise the long effects of what the phone is doing to us.” What restores us, she counters, are the little things - our simple, human interactions: “Going for a walk with a friend. Chatting with a neighbour for ten minutes. Saying hello to someone on the street. Those are the things that make us feel good.”
It is that appreciation for real and authentic connection which is at the heart of her latest project, launching this November 10th in Dublin with her friend, social scientist and comedian Kate Feeney. “We’re trialing something in November, a new kind of meetup on how to connect better. Not networking in the hustle sense, but when you go to things, whether it’s the gym, or something for work, that you go there and feel as confident as you can, and how the facilitators can make that easier for people.”
This involves quite simple but surprisingly impactful steps: moving people around the room, asking light but meaningful questions, and creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels seen. “At the crux of it is a bit of levity, taking people out of their heads, and helping them meet people where they’re at. It’s networking more intelligently, but it’s not about career gains. It’s about curiosity, being interested in the world, and being present with one another.”
Lisa’s story, ultimately, is not just about PR, business, or even Galway, it’s about the magic that happens when people come together. Whether she’s working with local businesses, cheering on the arts, or creating new ways for people to talk to one another, her ethos is the same: show up, be authentic, and value conversations with others. “I definitely think that human connection… is crucial for the sense of place in yourself and where you live.” And, well, in a world of constant noise, that is something worth remembering.
Stay updated on everything Lisa is working on by following her on Instagram @lisareganpr.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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