Irish Business Builders

Evelyn Kelly joins Business Builders for a powerful conversation about rare disease medicine, scaling a global consultancy, and what it really means to build a business with purpose.From starting at her kitchen table in 2017 with no formal plan, to growing Orphan Drug Consulting from €250,000 to €5 million in just four years, Evelyn shares how she built a specialist pharma consultancy that has helped over 70 companies launch medicines in more than 100 countries.But this isn't just a growth story.Evelyn works in the world of orphan drugs — treatments for rare diseases, many of which affect children. With over 7,000 rare diseases globally and fewer than 10% having approved treatments, she explains the regulatory, commercial and supply chain realities behind getting life-saving medicines to patients.The conversation explores what most people never see: clinical trial constraints, reimbursement battles across Europe, US pricing pressure, post-Brexit complexity, and the volatility currently hitting the biotech investment market.Alongside the technical depth, Evelyn reflects on leadership — absorbing hard feedback, building processes that allow scale, being responsible for other people's livelihoods, and why managing risk isn't about fear, but about stability.This episode is a grounded, high-level look at the intersection of purpose and process — and what it takes to build a resilient business in one of the most complex industries in the world.

Michelle Walsh joins Business Builders for a grounded, honest conversation about scaling a family business, navigating relentless growth, and learning the hard lessons that only come from being in the arena.From unexpectedly stepping into a food manufacturing business straight off a flight home, to helping grow RibWorld from €7 million to nearly €50 million in turnover, Michelle shares what it really takes to lead through expansion, crisis, and eventual exit. Over nine intense years, she helped build a 250-person operation supplying major supermarkets across Ireland, the UK, and Germany — all while learning first-hand how easy it is to lose control when growth outpaces structure.Rather than glamorising scale, Michelle reflects on the summer that nearly broke the business — when booming demand exposed weak controls, poor management information, and the cost of avoiding the “hard stuff.” That experience reshaped how she thinks about leadership, information, delegation, and strategic planning.The conversation moves through succession in family businesses, the emotional complexity of selling a company built over generations, the stress of private equity due diligence during Covid, and the personal toll of running a high-pressure operation in a volatile industry.Now working with founder-led and family businesses, Michelle brings that lived experience into advisory — helping business owners step out of operational firefighting, build real management teams, and regain control of the numbers that actually drive profit.This episode is a practical and deeply human look at what scaling really demands — and why facing the hard decisions early can save you years of pain later.

Philip McKernan joins Business Builders for a powerful conversation about success, identity, money, and the quiet cost of living a life that isn't fully aligned with who you are.Rather than framing success as growth, scale, or financial achievement, Philip challenges the idea that more money or momentum will ever resolve a deeper sense of unease. Drawing on his work with entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders around the world — as well as his own experience of losing everything — he explores why so many people reach impressive milestones yet still feel unfulfilled, restless, or disconnected.The conversation moves through identity, failure, purpose, and self-awareness, examining how entrepreneurs often over-identify with achievement, postpone meaningful work, and build lives around what they want to avoid rather than what they truly want. Philip also reflects on the role of money, environment, and fear in shaping our decisions — and why most people never bring their greatest work into the world.This episode is a deeply human look at entrepreneurship as a personal journey — not just a commercial one — and an invitation to stop betraying yourself in the pursuit of success.

Neuroscientist and psychologist Ian Robertson joins Business Builders to unpack what confidence really is, how it shapes success, and why it can quietly turn against the very people it helps elevate.Ian is Emeritus Professor at Trinity College, Dublin and author of two best-selling books:How Confidence Works: the new science of self-belief. PenguinThe Winner Effect: the science of success and how to use it. BloomsburyRather than treating confidence as optimism or self-belief, Ian explains it as a brain-based mechanism; one that drives action, motivation, mood, influence, and decision-making. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, sport, leadership, and real-world examples, he shows how confidence compounds through small wins, why it's essential for navigating uncertainty, and how it can distort judgment as success accumulates.The conversation also explores the dark side of confidence: how overconfidence becomes addictive, why it mirrors the effects of power on the brain, and how leaders, founders, and public figures can lose self-awareness as dopamine, status, and success reinforce one another. Ian draws a sharp distinction between intrinsic goals, wanting to be good at what you do, and extrinsic goals like money, status, and beating competitors, explaining why one builds resilience while the other undermines judgment and mental health.This episode is a deep, practical look at confidence as a tool, one that can build extraordinary momentum if used well, and cause serious damage if misunderstood.

Sam Moffett, founder of Moffett Automation, shares what it really takes to build a world-class, high-stakes business where failure simply isn't an option . From growing up inside a family manufacturing company in rural Ireland to delivering fully automated warehouse systems for some of the world's biggest operators.Sam explains the fundamental shift from selling products to selling outcomes, and why, in his world, customers don't care about features - they care about certainty. When a warehouse goes down, the cost can be millions per day, and that reality shapes everything from how Moffett Automation sells, builds, installs, and supports its systems.The conversation explores the pressures of scaling a complex technology business, the early pain of winning trust as a young founder, and the responsibility that comes with having your name above the door. Sam talks candidly about projects that didn't go to plan, why honesty matters more than short-term wins, and how standing by customers, especially when things go wrong, became a defining principle of the company.We also dig into the human side of growth: balancing a global business with family life, the personal cost of constant travel, and why Sam is determined to scale without losing control, quality, or values.

Tim Sparsis, founder of The Attic Company, shares an honest account of what it really takes to grow a trade business from the ground up — from arriving in Ireland with an old van and borrowed money to building a company that now delivers hundreds of projects every year.Tim talks openly about the early days of doing everything himself, the fear of hiring when cash was tight, and the moment he realised that staying “on the tools” was holding the business back. He explains why scaling meant going backwards to go forwards, how systems and people unlocked growth, and why letting go was the hardest — but most important — leadership shift he made.The conversation also explores the human side of building a business: mental health, burnout, and the role running and fitness play in helping Tim switch off, think clearly, and build something sustainable over the long term.

Business leader and entrepreneur Pádraig O'Céidigh shares a deeply reflective conversation on success, stress, and the question most people never stop to ask: what is enough?Drawing on decades of experience in business and life, Pádraig speaks candidly about decision-making under pressure, the hidden cost of ambition, and why many of the richest people he knows are not happy. He introduces the idea of a personal “safe harbour” — a way of making life and business decisions that prioritise perspective, values, and long-term wellbeing over constant growth.This is not a hustle story. It's a conversation about wisdom, restraint, and learning to recognise when more is no longer better.

Mail Metrics co-founder Nick Keegan shares a raw and revealing account of what it really takes to survive the early years of a startup — from three years with no customers to building one of Ireland's largest customer communications businesses through bold pivots and high-risk acquisitions.Nick speaks candidly about the naïve mistakes made at the start, burning through investor capital, letting staff go, and being months from running out of cash — before a single RFP became the lifeline that changed everything. He also explains how stumbling into a regulated, enterprise-grade business model unlocked long-term growth, and why learning by doing was the only way forward.

Tom Rowan, founder of Rowan Engineering, shares a grounded and refreshingly honest account of how he built a forensic engineering and environmental consultancy from one customer and no grand plan into a 30-person business working with insurers, public bodies, and major Irish organisations.Rather than chasing hype or overnight success, Tom explains how his ambition evolved gradually — from simply replacing his salary, to hitting €250k, then €1 million, and beyond. Along the way, he reflects on leadership, culture, setbacks, and why values like integrity, professionalism, and balance matter more as a business grows.

After losing his engineering job during the 2008 crash, Daniel Plewman found himself unemployed, on the dole, and unsure what came next. A chance moment — his wife struggling to source quality scrubs from the US — sparked the idea that would eventually become Happythreads, an e-commerce scrubs and healthcare uniform business now operating across Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Germany and beyond.In this episode, Danny shares how he built Happy Threads from a spare room in Stoneybatter, going door-to-door with samples, and why launching an e-commerce scrubs business long before it was obvious became his unfair advantage. He opens up about the early years of survival, cashflow tricks, moments of being “technically bankrupt,” and the burnout and hospitalisation that forced him to rethink how he worked and led.

Former Paddy Power co-founder Stewart Kenny shares a brutally honest account of how he built — and then left — the world's biggest betting company.From his father's influence and early fascination with risk to the creation of Paddy Power's fearless marketing, Stewart speaks candidly about success, addiction, ethics, and why he ultimately left the industry he helped define.

Niall Jones, co-owner of Anglo Irish Refrigeration, joins host Conor Kearney to share his journey from redundancy to running a €30M+ business. In this episode, Niall gets candid about the personal risks of buying a company, the adrenaline of nonstop growth, and how culture—not spreadsheets—has become his most powerful business tool. If you're interested in acquisitions, scaling SMEs, or what it really takes to grow a service-heavy business, this is an essential listen.

What can a magician teach us about leadership, resilience, and growth?In this episode of Business Builders Podcast, Ciaran McCormack shares how his early lessons in crowd control and stage presence became the foundations for running one of Ireland and the UK's most successful retail groups. From balloon animals to Apple, to steering a company through examinership and rebirth, this is a story about creativity, grit, and believing in possibility — even when everything's on the line.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #94, I interview Sean Mac Fhearraigh, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Assay Genie. Sean shares his journey from academic cancer researcher to successful entrepreneur. We delve into the challenges of transitioning from science to business, raising funds, and growing Assay Genie into a multimillion-euro enterprise. The conversation spans topics like the importance of credibility in the scientific market, the impact of AI on science, and personal sacrifices made along the way.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH SEAN:LinkedInAssay GenieDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #93, I interview Laura Dillon, head of Waterland Private Equity. She elaborates on Waterland's investment strategy, focusing on mature companies with high growth potential, and highlights the importance of aligned values and ambition in partnerships. Laura also shares her diverse career trajectory from McKinsey to an MBA at Harvard, running a family-owned business, and returning to private equity. She emphasises the significance of hard work, learning from real-world experiences, and the impact of maintaining a balanced personal and professional life. The conversation delves into how private equity can help businesses scale, manage risks, and achieve significant growth through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH LAURA:LinkedInWaterlandDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #92, I sit down with Ross Keating, founder of The Lennox Academy, a sales training business that has achieved six-figure monthly revenues within two and a half years. Ross shares his journey from door-to-door sales to founding The Lennox Academy, detailing his strategies for building an effective sales team and marketing via LinkedIn. He emphasises the importance of a repeatable and scalable business model, offers insights into his content distribution strategy, and outlines his plans for launching two new ventures: The Arena, a community for sales leaders, and Overpath AI, an AI agent service for sales teams.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH ROSS:LinkedInThe Lennox AcademyDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #91, I interview Laura McDermott, Founder and CEO of Colectivo, a sustainability consultancy. The discussion covers various aspects of Colectivo's services, including advancing sustainability strategies, implementing change programs, and redesigning products and services. Laura shares her journey from living in Spain to establishing Colectivo in Ireland, the benefits of the adjunct consultancy model, and her passion for design innovation in sustainability. We also explore the challenges Laura faced in rebuilding her local business network after returning to Ireland and the importance of mindfulness and journaling in maintaining focus and calm under pressure.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH LAURA:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #90, I sit down with Ciaran Marron, founder and CEO of Activ8 Solar Energies. Ciaran shares his incredible journey of starting from a makeshift office in a rented house's back bedroom to building a large-scale solar energy business with over 300 staff and a turnover of 70 million euros. He discusses overcoming early challenges like cash flow issues, adapting to market changes, and scaling operations across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Ciaran also touches on his risky yet successful ventures, including landing a crucial deal with SSE Arena and forging a strategic partnership with SSE Airtricity.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH CIARAN:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #89, I interview Michael Flynn, famously known as Mattress Mick. Michael shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Dublin's Pearse Street, working in a bank, and taking over the family business, to experiencing significant business failures and ultimate success. After his furniture business crashed during the 2009 recession, Michael invented the Mattress Mick persona, which propelled him to become Ireland's leading mattress retailer through innovative marketing strategies. Michael discusses the importance of resilience, believing in oneself, and leveraging social media for business growth. He also touches on personal experiences, humanitarian efforts, and the role of faith and community support in his ventures. CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH MATTRESS MICK:TikTokInstagramWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #88, I interview Fionn Barron, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at Tracworx. Fionn shares his experiences from starting a business as a college project to creating a successful company that tracks returnable transport items like kegs, pallets, and cylinders. The discussion covers the challenges of finding and keeping world-class talent, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of customer commitment and market pivots. Additionally, the conversation delves into the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, including imposter syndrome and the importance of maintaining a balance between business goals and integrity.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH FIONN:LinkedInTracworxDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #87, I talk to Stuart McCaul, founder of Ishikawa Technologies. Stuart shares his journey from working in software sales to acquiring and scaling software businesses through Ishikawa Technologies. We discuss the importance of founder-led businesses, the process of acquiring such companies, Stuart's hands-on approach to leadership, and his healthy level of imposter syndrome. Stuart also highlights the importance of remote working, the potential of AI in SaaS, and his involvement with the charity An Taisce.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH STUART:LinkedInIshikawa TechnologiesDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 10, Episode #86, I interview Greg Clarke, founder and CEO of Digicom, a company specialising in high-end video conferencing and AV technology. Greg shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his career as a sales executive in Los Angeles to founding Digicom 28 years ago. Greg discusses challenges such as managing ADHD, the importance of networking through the Chamber of Commerce, and the benefits of mindfulness and Buddhism in his personal and professional growth. He also highlights pivotal moments, including the impact of his brother's death on his decision to start his own business and lessons learned from the Leadership for Growth program. The conversation delves into Greg's leadership style and his continuous efforts to balance client satisfaction, shareholder returns, and employee well-being.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH GREG:LinkedInDigicomDublin ChamberDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Welcome to Series 10, Episode #85, where I chat to Rachel Bright, a celebrated children's book author and illustrator of such titles as:The Lion InsideThe Koala Who CouldThe StompysaurusAnd many more!To date, Rachel has sold over 6 million copies of her books. They've been translated into 50+ languages and have been adapted for both television and live-theatre. Her self-illustrated, Love Monster, is a major animated series for the BBC and currently has over 20 million downloads.The film rights to Rachel's famous title The Lion Inside have been acquired by a BAFTA winning production company and the project is currently in development. If that wasn't enough, Rachel also has an award-winning gifts and stationery business, The Bright Side, selling over 18 million greeting cards and over 6 million gifts on 5 continents.I came across Rachel's books while reading to my son and was blown away by her wisdom and the lessons that she's so kindly passing on to the younger generation. The story of Rachel's success is one of passion, grit and trusting that you're on the right path even when all the signs are pointing in the opposite direction. If you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur or just someone with a dream, get ready to be inspired by the wonderful, Rachel Bright.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH RACHEL:Rachel Bright BooksThe Bright Side - Gifts & StationeryInstagramSuperman (David Corenswet) reads Rachel's first ever published book, "What Does Daddy Do?" on CBeebies Bedtime storiesDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

*This episode was originally aired in April 2022*Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.This week I caught up with Brian Keegan. Brian was founder and CEO of a global outsourced payroll company called 360 Group which he started from his one bed flat in London, and grew it to 6 offices in the UK and Ireland, a data-processing centre in India and a £60 million annual revenues.Brian sold 360 Group in 2018, and has started business coaching, helping entrepreneurs through the journey from the scale-up to stage, to ultimately selling their business.Brian has embraced the Scaling Up methodology, created by Verne Harnish and the Entrepreneurs Organisation, having used it so successfully in growing and selling the 360 Group.More about Scaling Up https://www.scalingupglobal.com/CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

*This episode was originally aired in June 2021*Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Welcome back to another exciting chat, this time with Anne Heraty, CEO of CPL Resources PLC, a global talent and recruitment company that she started in 1989.Anne took CPL public 10 years later, and has since grown the company to 570 million euro in annual revenues. In this conversation, Anne talks about starting a business in a recession, the positives and negatives of focusing on a niche, and the importance of making the customer of your business, as successful as they can be.Anne also talks about the recent sale of CPL, to the Japanese group, Outsourcing, for 318 million euro!Find out more about Anne and CPL Resources here: https://www.cpl.com/ieCONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

*This episode was originally aired in November 2021*Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.I'm thrilled to welcome Dan Hobbs this week, Co-Founder and CEO of Protex, a software company using artificial intelligence to track safety for industrial employees.Dan and his Co-Founder Ciarán are recent graduates of Y-Combinator, a start-up incubator based in San Francisco, boasting an enviable track record of finding the next big companies in tech.Other notable alumni include Airbnb, Dropbox, Reddit, and Stripe!In this conversation, we cover a host of topics, from Dan's experience applying to and going through the Y-Combinator programme, raising money from some of the world's most successful and best-known entrepreneurs, to Dan's first start-up, which he started at the tender age of 22, and sold a few years later in 2019!Find out more about Protex: https://www.protex.ai/CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

*This episode was originally aired in May 2021*Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.This week I caught up with Pat Caslin. Pat is currently CFO of Exit/Entry and serves as Chairman of Capventus.In this conversation, we do talk about Pat's career in business, but I think more importantly, Pat tells us about how a devastating diagnosis led him to discovering Stoic Philosophy and how this diagnosis has ultimately been a gift that has changed his values.Pat talks about dealing with adversity in life and how to use it to your advantage, and the big question of what is actually important in the end?Find out more and connect with Pat here: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/1patcaslinCONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

*This episode was originally aired in May 2021*Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Welcome back to Season 4 of Irish Business Builders! I'm excited to be back, and share more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, creators and thinkers this season. Kicking things off is this wonderful conversation I had with Suzie McAdam.In this conversation, Suzie talks about failing as an architect before discovering her true passion - Interior Design.We also talk about Suzie's journey from start-up designer to managing director of a now, much larger business, and the impact of appearing on Home of the Year and becoming a household name in Irish design.Find out more about Suzie McAdam Design here: https://www.suziemcadam.com/CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

*This episode was originally aired in February 2021*Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.This week I chatted to Niall Wall, Executive Chairman of Enva – a leading provider of waste management and recycling solutions, operating across 30 facilities in the United Kingdom and Ireland, employing over 15 hundred people.Between 2006 to 2016, Niall was the CEO of the The Ardagh Group, an Irish packaging PLC listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Over that ten year period as CEO, Niall and the team grew the business from €650 million to €8 billion in annual revenues.In this conversation, Niall talks about investing in large public companies, what the key strategies were when growing Ardagh, and the learnings he gained running his very first start-up – a quail farm, in his early 20's.Find out more about Enva here: https://enva.com/CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #84, I talk to Shay Lally, the man behind the successful social media channel 'Houses to Restore.' Starting the channel during the pandemic, Shay has amassed over 67,000 followers by sharing insights into home renovations and property sales in Ireland. Shay's remarkable journey involves founding The Mobile Music School in 2011, which teaches music to students across 150 primary schools in Ireland, and rebranding his contracting business to 'Renew,' focusing on house renovations and commercial refurbishments. Shay's diverse career spans from playing percussion with the RTE Concert Orchestra to working as a qualified quantity surveyor and managing family businesses. This wide-ranging conversation explores Shay's early start, the challenges of running multiple businesses, and his ultimate aim of moving into property development.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH SHAY:InstagramLinkedInDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #83, I interview Sean Moran, CEO of the Home Project Centre Group. Sean shares the story of his career, from growing up in Crumlin, Dublin, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business leader. He discusses the challenges of navigating the recession, dealing with NAMA, and executing a management buyout to save and grow the business. Sean also talks about his business philosophy, the importance of doing the right thing, and how he plans to step into a chairman role to focus on strategy and future growth.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH SEAN:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #82, I talk to Will Meara, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Bingo Loco. Will shares the journey of how Bingo Loco transformed from a spontaneous event in Dublin to a global phenomenon with over 200 sold-out shows weekly across multiple countries. The discussion delves into the challenges of scaling a business, creating a unique competitive advantage, and the importance of investing in talent and operations. Will also offers insights into the dynamics of working with co-founders, the lessons learned from his family, and the future growth plans for Bingo Loco.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH WILL:LinkedInInstagramBingo LocoDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #81, I speak with Harry Girvan, the founder and CEO of the Simplicity Group and MANTIS, about his journey from salesman to successful entrepreneur. Harry discusses the challenges and learnings he faced while bootstrapping his business, emphasising the importance of culture and loyalty within his team. He also introduces his new venture, MANTIS, which aims to solve the problem of high commercial fleet insurance costs through advanced smart camera systems. The episode delves into Harry's decision to seek external investment for the first time to scale MANTIS and expands on the role of the Entrepreneurs Organisation in his journey.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH HARRY:LinkedInMANTISDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #80, I talk with Brian Honan, founder and executive chair of Fortus Group. We discuss the challenges and strategies involved in growing a business, focusing on acquiring and integrating companies across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Brian shares his unique journey from an accidental entrepreneur with Osmosis Technologies to leading Fortus, highlighting critical aspects of leadership, culture, and resilience in the face of significant health issues, including a recent ADHD diagnosis. This episode provides valuable insights on scaling operations, maintaining a family-oriented culture, and navigating the complexities of a buy-and-build strategy with a mix of equity and debt financing.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH BRIAN:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #79, I introduce Rani Dabrai, an executive coach and Ireland's only certified implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Rani discusses her journey from founding MissMoneypenny, a virtual assistance business, to becoming a pivotal figure in EOS implementation. She shares key concepts of EOS including vision, traction, and healthy business practices, and emphasises the critical roles of visionaries and integrators within entrepreneurial teams. Rani also reflects on the personal challenges she faced while scaling her business and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs seeking both financial growth and personal fulfilment.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH RANI:LinkedInEOS ProfileDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #78, I chat with Stephen Shortt, the managing director of ETC Consult. Stephen shares his extensive experience growing up in family businesses, specifically focusing on career guidance, selection services, and psychometric assessments at ETC Consult. Stephen's personal journey, including his strategic involvement in the Entrepreneurs Organisation and his life-changing diagnosis of diabetes, underscores the significance of aligning business practices with personal fulfilment. The conversation also delves into the Happy People Project, a new initiative aimed at fostering happiness and providing practical tools to improve work-life balance through measurable action plans.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH STEPHEN:LinkedInETC ConsultHappy People ProjectDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #77, I interview Paul Ryan, CEO of Temple, about his journey in building an IT distribution business that generates eight-figure annual revenues while Paul works just one hour a week. Paul shares his experiences and insights about overcoming stress, finding personal fulfilment, and the importance of focusing on both professional success and personal well-being. He discusses the significance of creating a strong company culture, the challenges of making courageous decisions, and his passion for personal development. Paul also talks about his podcast, The Inner Entrepreneur, and his approach to balancing various aspects of life, including family, personal growth, and wealth. CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH PAUL:The One Hour CEOThe Inner Entrepreneur PodcastApple PodcastsYouTubeDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #76, I interview Barry Shevlin, Managing Director at Global Home Improvements. Barry discusses his journey from avoiding his family's business to transforming it into a customer-centric powerhouse. Key topics include the importance of respect and honesty in business and the role of vision and culture in sustained business success. Barry also shares insights on balancing work and personal life, the value of learning from industry leaders like Feargal Quinn, and strategies for fostering a positive company culture.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH BARRY:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Welcome to Series 9, Episode #075, where host Conor Kearney interviews Jerry Kennelly, founder and CEO of Tweak, a productivity platform for marketers. Jerry shares his journey from growing up in County Kerry and dropping out of school to work in the family newspaper business, to his success as a photojournalist, and eventually creating the multimillion-dollar business Stockbyte, which he sold to Getty Images for $135 million. He discusses the challenges he faced, the relentless pursuit of business innovation, and his efforts to foster entrepreneurship in Ireland, including the establishment of the Junior Entrepreneur Program. Jerry also shares insights on the balance of work and life, the importance of community, and the motivational aspects of entrepreneurship.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JERRY:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.   Today's episode is very special, because I caught up with Brian and Rachel from Nobó, an Irish food company creating delicious treats such as dairy-free ice cream and chocolate, with as little as 5 ingredients.The couple started the business in 2012 and have since grown Nobó into an international brand, with even bigger future ambitions!Rachel and Brian talk to me about what it was like to leave their secure jobs in New York to come back home to Ireland and sell ice-cream at farmers markets.We chat about the ups, the downs, and the many challenges they've encountered along their journey.Find out more about Nobó here: https://www.nobo.ie/CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.   In Episode #074 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney speaks with Dairine Kennedy, co-founder of Neurodiversity Ireland, and Emma Maye, CEO of Ardale Property Group and Core Building Providers. Both accomplished businesswomen and winners of prestigious awards, Dairine and Emma share their personal experiences with dyslexia, the challenges they faced in school, and how embracing neurodiversity has shaped their careers. They emphasise the importance of self-kindness, tailored support systems in schools, and the role of advocacy in promoting acceptance of neurodiverse conditions. The discussion also highlights Neurodiversity Ireland's mission to create a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals through community support and educational initiatives.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH DAIRINE & EMMA:WebsiteDairine LinkedInEmma LinkedInSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #073 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews Jerome O'Drisceoil, owner of the Green On Red Gallery in Dublin. Jerome shares his journey from training to be a priest to becoming an art gallerist, highlighting the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the evolving nature of the art industry, the highs and lows of running a gallery, the complexities of art interpretation, the role of private collectors, and the financial difficulties of sustaining an art business in Ireland.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JEROME:WebsiteInstagramSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #072 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney talks with Alan Merriman, founder of Elkstone, Ireland's leading alternative investment firm. The episode delves into Alan's career transitions, from being a partner at PWC to founding Elkstone, his approach to venture investment, the need for diversified portfolios, and the opportunities in the Irish economy. Alan shares personal insights on leadership, the significance of grit and resilience, building a strong team, and the role of failure and risk in achieving success. The conversation also touches upon the challenges in the Irish housing market and Elkstone's efforts to address these through strategic investments and collaborations.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH ALAN:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #071 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews Lorraine Corcoran, Co-founder and CEO of Nyrah Beauty. Lorraine shares her journey from a chartered engineer to an entrepreneur in the beauty industry, highlighting the challenges and successes she faced while launching and scaling Nyrah Beauty. The discussion covers her transition from B2B to B2C, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her business, and how she leveraged her technical background to create a skincare brand focused on plant-based, active ingredients. CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH LORRAINE:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #070 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews Philip Gardiner, an investment director at Foresight Group. They discuss Philip's journey from banking into private equity, emphasising the crucial role of sustainability in business growth. Philip explains Foresight's investment strategies, highlighting their regional focus and support for SMEs in Ireland and the UK. The conversation covers the challenges of transitioning from founder-led businesses to scalable operations, the importance of hiring the right people, and the value of experience and strategic support in driving company success.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH PHILIP:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth. In Episode #069 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews John Cunningham, founder and managing director of Complex Nutrition and Epicom. John shares his extensive experience in scaling successful businesses, navigating through crises, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The discussion covers topics including cultural shifts within businesses, the importance of family, and dealing with financial challenges.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JOHN:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #068 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney talks with Dave McCormack, co-founder of the video production agency Fluent. Dave shares his journey in the media industry, from his beginnings with City Channel in Dublin, to launching local TV stations across the UK, and finally transitioning into corporate video production. Dave reflects on the challenges he faced, the valuable lessons learned in his operational roles, the evolution of his career, and the significant opportunities he sees in video storytelling for businesses.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH DAVE:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #067 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney speaks with Johnny Campbell, founder and CEO of SocialTalent. Johnny shares insights into the challenges and successes of building SocialTalent, a recruitment training platform that teaches large enterprises how to hire effectively using social media tools. He discusses the origins of the business, the accidental pivot to online training, the impact of the global financial crisis, and the continuous journey of learning to be a better CEO. He also highlights the importance of having a clear customer profile, the strategic use of AI in recruitment, and the future vision for SocialTalent.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JOHNNY:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #066 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney speaks with Tom Keogh, founder and managing director at Keogh's Farm. Tom shares insights on the evolution of his family business from a modest potato farm to Ireland's largest homegrown potato crisps brand, exporting to over 20 countries. Listeners learn about the key challenges and successes faced by Keogh's, including an in-depth discussion on their focus on quality, strategic branding, and overcoming industry difficulties. Tom also touches on the significance of sustainable practices and global philanthropic efforts, alongside his long-term vision of making Keogh's a globally recognised brand on par with icons such as Guinness and Kerrygold.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH TOM:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #065 of Series 8, Conor chats with Ross Culliton, founder and CEO of Roody, a promotional products company. Ross discusses his transition from a Big Four accounting firm to creating custom Hawaiian shirts and Christmas jumpers. He shares his entrepreneurial highs and lows, including the learnings from a failed venture and how it fuelled the creation of Roody. Ross also explains Roody's commitment to sustainability, planting a tree for every item produced, and his ambition to plant a billion trees. The conversation touches on the importance of company culture, lessons from hiring practices, and the value of networks like the Entrepreneur's Organisation.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH ROSS:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #064 of Series 8, Conor sits down with Aine Kilkenny, founder of Riley, an eco-friendly period products company. Aine shares how a personal inconvenience during a night with friends sparked the inception of Riley in 2021. She discusses the company's rapid growth, their mission-driven approach focusing on female health and sustainability, and the challenges they've faced along the way. Highlights include insights into their successful crowdfunding campaigns, the importance of maintaining core values in business, and the benefits of having a supportive co-founder team. Aine also opens up about the emotional journey of entrepreneurship, the critical role of customer feedback, and their ambitions for global expansion. Tune in to hear the inspiring story of Riley and how they're transforming the landscape of period products.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH AINE:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.