The Entrepreneur Experiment

Will Meara is the founder behind Bingo Loco — the 3-hour bingo rave that sells chaos as an experience and somehow turns strangers into mates in the space of one night. In this episode, Will breaks down how Bingo Loco went from a scrappy experiment in Dublin to a global live-experience machine — running roughly 2,000 events a year, active in around 270+ cities, with a team of ~276 people and ~200+ performers (MCs, DJs and talent) powering the shows. We get into the real mechanics most people miss: why Bingo Loco works as “competitive socialising” (a focal point that removes the awkwardness of meeting up) the win-win commercial model that makes venues want you back how they localise every show so it feels native (Texas ≠ New York ≠ Melbourne) how you keep quality when you're doing 40–60 shows at the same time on peak weekends the experimentation framework Will uses to launch new concepts: design → test variables → stress-test scalability → rollout We also flip the mic: Gary shares why the new studio is built around hospitality — making every step of the guest experience feel effortless — and Will shares the belief most founders won't like: sometimes you need to smash your own structures before bureaucracy kills growth. If you're building in events, community, hospitality, or any experience-led business — this is a masterclass in distribution, localisation, and disciplined creativity. In this episode Why Bingo Loco works as competitive socialising (a focal point that removes the awkwardness of meeting up) The “win-win” model: how to structure deals so venues genuinely want you back How to scale globally without losing the magic: localise everything (music, humour, pacing, crowd expectations) Why “you can't multiply chaos without discipline” (and what discipline looks like backstage) How they recruit and train talent for a 3-hour live show (and why it's so hard to do well) The feedback loops that protect quality: customer feedback + venue feedback + mystery shopping The framework Will uses to launch new concepts: design → test variables → stress-test scalability → rollout Why distribution is the real prize: once you have venues + trust, you can roll out new IP layers fast Founder lesson: too much structure kills growth, too little structure kills scale — and sometimes you must break your own rules Links & resources Guest / company Bingo Loco (official): https://www.bingoloco.com/ Locomotive HQ (Bingo Loco + concepts): https://locomotivehq.com/ Locomotive Live — Bingo Loco page: https://www.locomotivelive.com/bingoloco Will Meara on LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/williammeara Book mentioned Shantaram (Gregory David Roberts) Tool mentioned Brick (phone focus device/app): https://getbrick.app/ Sponsors Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostra26 Azure: https://bit.ly/azure26 Rory's Travel Club: https://bit.ly/rorys26 Chartered Capital: https://bit.ly/49ZuFrk

In this Mentor Moment, Rory King - founder of Rory's Travel Club - breaks down the content engine behind building a simple, low-cost membership business at scale. He shares how they publish across multiple platforms every day, the split between posts that convert (offers), posts that build trust (reviews/testimonials), and posts that drive engagement (questions, entertainment), plus why “value first” is the only strategy that lasts. If you're trying to grow an audience, build a personal brand, or turn attention into recurring revenue, this is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. For the full conversation with Rory, listen to Episode 421 of The Entrepreneur Experiment. Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostra26 Azure: https://bit.ly/azure26  Rory's Travel Club: https://bit.ly/rorys26 Chartered Capital: https://bit.ly/49ZuFrk

In this episode, Gary sits down with Dr Caitriona Ryan and Dr Niki Ralph, co-founders of the Institute of Dermatologists in Dublin, to unpack how they built a modern “centre of excellence” model in Irish private care - combining medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, skincare, and a growing surgical pathway under one roof. They share the realities of scaling a high-trust healthcare business (systems, hiring, standards, and culture), how COVID sparked a major pivot into new services, and why Ireland needs to shift from reactive healthcare to preventative, longevity-led thinking. Plus: the story behind ID Formulas, their new data-driven approach to supplements (including wearables integration), and what they believe actually moves the needle for healthspan. Show Notes Why Caitriona and Niki built a centre of excellence model (and why it's scalable) A day in the life of two Consultant Dermatologists with five businesses and thousands of patients The difference between medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology How they protect standards at scale: meetings, feedback loops, SOPs, and hiring The COVID moment that forced a pivot - and led to a new surgical model Their longevity philosophy: healthspan over lifespan The “longevity hype” they're most sceptical of — and what they'd focus on instead A simple, no-fuss skincare framework for founders (men + women) Links & Resources Institute of Dermatologists (IoD): https://instituteofdermatologists.ie IoD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteofdermatologists/?hl=en ID Formulas waitlist: https://www.idformulas.com/ Dr Caitriona Ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitrionaryandermatology?igsh=MW5jcGhleGFxMWRieg== Dr Niki Ralph Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnikiralph?igsh=MWl2anNucWc5MDR0Yg== Things mentioned in the episode WHOOP: https://www.whoop.com Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com Book — Unreasonable Hospitality (Will Guidara) Book — Outliers (Malcolm Gladwell) Book — Good to Great (Jim Collins) EltaMD UV Clear SPF from IoD site(mentioned as a daily sunscreen option): https://instituteofdermatologists.ie/collections/elta-md-skincare Episode sponsors Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostra26 Azure: https://bit.ly/azure26  Rory's Travel Club: https://bit.ly/rorys26 Chartered Capital: https://bit.ly/49ZuFrk Disclaimer This episode is for general information and education only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance, especially before starting new supplements or treatments.

In this bite-sized Mentor Moment, Seán Brett shares the raw, real start of his entrepreneurial journey - leaving school at 14 after being misunderstood for dyslexia and ADHD, and turning that experience into creativity, resilience, and a relentless drive to build a better life. Seán breaks down why “non-traditional” beginnings can become an advantage, how early selling teaches you more than any classroom, and why understanding people - not just products - is at the heart of business. For the full conversation with Seán (and why it became a listener favourite), listen to Episode 419 of The Entrepreneur Experiment. Check out our sponsors: Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostra26 Azure: https://bit.ly/azure26  Rory's Travel Club: https://bit.ly/rorys26 Chartered Capital: https://bit.ly/49ZuFrk

What doesn't disappear in a recession? Money. What disappears is confidence — and that's where opportunity lives. In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Ray Ryan, founder of The Noledge Group, for a wide-ranging, founder-first conversation on staying relevant through decades of tech change — from mainframes, to PCs, to cloud… and now AI, agents, and wearables. Ray shares how he's built and evolved a business by spotting shifts early, testing relentlessly, and focusing on what actually creates productivity (hint: it's not hype — it's time saved). They get into why voice + visual is the real unlock, how agentic AI changes the game, why the keyboard era is ending, and the simple human rule behind adoption: benefit must outweigh friction. This is a practical, honest conversation about how founders survive (and win) through change — and why systems, experimentation, and enthusiasm matter more than ever. In this episode: Why recessions are really confidence cycles (and where opportunity comes from) Tech cycles: mainframe → network/PC → cloud → AI The next shift: wearables + edge computing + AI agents Why voice is the “unlock” (and keyboards are on the way out) Business is experimentation: testing, packaging, and customer psychology Scaling through acquisitions — and why “audience” matters in business Ray's best advice: cash flow and enthusiasm (and why enthusiasm wins About the guest Ray Ryan is the founder of The Noledge Group, working with businesses on improving how they run finance and operational systems—helping leaders move from messy, manual workflows to clearer reporting and stronger decision-making. Links & resources The Noledge Group: https://noledge.ie/ Ray Ryan (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/rayryanossm Power Law of Podcasting (course): https://stan.store/garyfox/p/the-podcasting-power-law Our Sponsors Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostra26 Azure: https://bit.ly/azure26  Rory's Travel Club: https://bit.ly/rorys26 Chartered Capital: https://bit.ly/49ZuFrk Follow & support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with one founder friend, and leave a review - it helps more than you think. Connect with Gary / The Entrepreneur Experiment: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurexperiment?igsh=cmdiM2Y3OXoydTE%3D&utm_source=qr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrgaryfox Newsletter: https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1

In this weekend's Mentor Moment, Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan - the founders of Ella & Jo - share a refreshing take on what success really means. Instead of chasing someone else's version of the win, they talk about defining success for yourself: freedom, family time, building from the west of Ireland, and creating a legacy by bringing a brand from “nothing” to customers in over 50 countries. If you've ever felt swept up in external pressure - the numbers, the milestones, the “next thing”- this clip is your reminder to pause, reassess, and choose what you actually want your life to look like. For the full conversation with Charlene and Niamh, listen to Episode 417 of The Entrepreneur Experiment. Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostra26 Azure: https://bit.ly/azure26  Rory's Travel Club: https://bit.ly/rorys26 Chartered Capital: https://bit.ly/49ZuFrk

In this brand-new Masterclass Special, Gary Fox sits down with Diarmuid Corcoran of Chartered Capital to unpack the money questions Irish founders avoid - until it's too late. They talk openly about why money can still feel like a “dirty word” in Ireland, why founders can be brilliant at making money but hesitant to manage it, and how wealth often compounds simply because of maths. Diarmuid breaks down the core principles of long-term investing (without the hype), the psychology that causes people to panic at the wrong time, and the practical founder moves that build real security - like taking a salary, using pensions properly, and keeping “fun investing” firmly contained. If you've ever said “I'll start later,” “I'll wait for the markets to settle,” or “my business is my pension,” this episode is the reset. Important note This episode is education and perspective - not personalised financial advice. Always do your own due diligence and speak to a qualified advisor/accountant for your circumstances. Show notes What you'll learn Why the “rich get richer” is often compounding in action Why Ireland has a unique relationship with money (scarcity mindset + property-first thinking) The hidden risk of “safe” cash: inflation eroding purchasing power Time in the market vs timing the market (and why “waiting” usually backfires) The psychology behind bad money decisions: recency bias, fear headlines, and the Dunning–Kruger effect “Set-and-forget” investing, and why boring usually wins The founder dilemma: all eggs in the business and no personal de-risking plan Pensions: why they can be tax-efficient, protective, and misunderstood The “de-risking” concept approaching retirement (and the 2008 lesson) A simple way to start investing regularly (and remove emotion from the process) The “playpen” rule: keeping speculative investing (stocks/crypto/startups) to a small % Founder mistakes Diarmuid sees constantly: Not taking a salary early Not paying a spouse/partner (where relevant) Being far too cautious in long-term pension funds Missing employer pension matching More about Chartered Capital: Chartered Capital Initial Query Form (https://bit.ly/4a89Mcp) for people who want to get in touch. When people fill this out, Chartered Capital will reach out to  them afterwards to arrange a meeting. They also circulate a monthly newsletter that generally only consists only of good news and isn't ever in any way technical:  Newsletter link (https://crafty-innovator-3012.kit.com/57ab7f6ffd)  Link to Blogs on Chartered Capital website (https://charteredcapital.ie/insights/blogs-and-news/) Chartered Capital Website (https://bit.ly/charcap) This is a super video on Robert Cialdini's work for those who don't have time to read the full book = Science of persuasion - Robert Cialdini (https://youtu.be/cFdCzN7RYbw) The Financial Planners Ireland website: https://fpireland.ie/ Our Sponsors: Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostra26 Azure: https://bit.ly/azure26  Rory's Travel Club: https://bit.ly/rorys26 Chartered Capital: https://bit.ly/49ZuFrk   Book Recommendations General Psychology = Influence – The Psychology of Persuasion (https://amzn.to/4bB6q4c) by Robert Cialdini and The 48 Laws of Power (https://amzn.to/49XcBON)by Robert Greene. Running a business = Traction (https://amzn.to/4qgiJGM) and Rocket Fuel (https://amzn.to/3ZdOqWa) by Gino Wickman. Personal Finance = The Psychology of Money (https://amzn.to/4rosi7w) by Morgan Housel.

In this Mentor Moment, Keilidh Cashell shares the exact moment her career pivoted - she left her job on the makeup counter with plans to build a weekend client business… and instead, brands started reaching out with paid opportunities straight away. Keilidh breaks down how she stayed true to her values, learned the realities of the influencer industry, and why trust and long-term partnerships matter more than a quick ad.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Spencer Matthews - founder of CleanCo, endurance adventurer, and the definition of a modern founder operating across business, body and brain. Spencer shares the real story behind his identity shift: from heavy drinking and coasting, to building extreme discipline through endurance challenges, and channeling that same intensity into building CleanCo. He opens up about raising big money, moving too fast, the U.S. expansion that didn't land, stepping back from the day-to-day, and what he'd do differently if he was starting again. If you're building something and trying to balance ambition with sustainability, this one is a masterclass in reinvention, risk, and rebuilding properly. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

Welcome back to The Entrepreneur Experiment for 2026 - and Season 28 kicks off with a special format: an Ask Me Anything Q&A. Gary answers the most “juicy” questions sent in over Christmas (LinkedIn, Instagram, and the newsletter), covering everything from taking the podcast global, to the tools and team behind the scenes, to why he's doubling down on founder-led brands in the age of AI. You'll also hear Gary's hot takes for 2026 (see: remote vs. hybrid: pick a lane), the founders he believes will have breakout years, what he'd do differently if he started again, and the one mindset shift he's bringing into the new season: decisiveness.

Recorded live at The Sugar Club, this special edition of The Entrepreneur Experiment brings three standout Irish founders on stage for an honest, high-energy conversation about building modern businesses in public. Aine Kennedy, founder of The Smooth Company and newly crowned EY Entrepreneur of the Year, shares how she launched her first product with no budget, built everything herself, with the help of her family, and turned documenting the journey on TikTok into 150 million organic views, now shipping to 70 countries worldwide. Nadia Adan, founder of Ashford Motors, breaks down how she went from a small yard and a handful of cars to creating one of Ireland's most recognisable automotive brands - by obsessing over customer experience, moving faster than traditional dealers, and using social media to build trust at scale. Rounding out the panel, Jack Pierse, co-founder of Wayflyer and now Bold Golf and Happy Stack, reflects on launching a fintech at the start of COVID, scaling to €100 million per month in lending, the realities of hypergrowth, and what he's doing differently this time. From viral content and community-led growth to staying lean, moving fast, and learning the hard lessons of scale, this live episode is packed with real-world insight, plenty of humour, and unfiltered founder stories. An entertaining and insightful listen for you! Show Notes Hosted by Gary Fox, with Aine Kennedy, Nadia Adan, and Jack Pierse Recorded live at The Sugar Club, Dublin How Aine Kennedy launched The Smooth Company from scratch and built a global brand by documenting the journey online Turning TikTok into a growth engine: 150 million organic views and customers in 70 countries Why building in public — without gatekeeping — is changing who feels able to start a business Nadia Adan's rise from a small car yard to one of Ireland's most recognisable automotive brands Using customer service, flexibility, and speed to outperform traditional main dealers Dealing with online trolls when reputation and real-world sales are on the line The Wayflyer origin story: launching during COVID and scaling to €100M per month in lending The realities of hypergrowth, rapid hiring, and the lessons learned the hard way Why Jack Pierse is building his second company, Happy Stack, slower and leaner A candid, entertaining live discussion on growth, community, and staying adaptable in modern business Links & Resources The Smooth Company – https://www.thesmoothcompany.com/ Ashford Motors - https://www.ashfordmotors.ie/ Happy Stack – https://www.happystack.com/ Bold Golf - https://bold-golf.com/ ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE   Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

How do you build a powerful business network when you're starting with no members, no brand, and no shortcuts? In this Mentor Moment, Trevor McFarlane, founder and CEO of EMIR, shares how he built one of the Middle East's most influential private CEO networks — starting with a single event, a lot of nerve, and an obsession with trust and curation. Trevor explains why optics matter, how credibility compounds over time, and why protecting the integrity of a network is far more valuable than short-term revenue.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox welcomes back Matthew Coffey, co-founder of Squid, Ireland and the UK's largest local loyalty network with 550,000+ users and nearly 2,000 independent businesses. What began as a simple tap-for-coffee reward app has evolved into a powerful loyalty and payments infrastructure - and now Squid has launched Wave, a universal points currency described as “air miles for the high street.” You can now earn points in one brand and redeem them in another, all by linking your everyday spending cards. Matthew breaks down how Squid integrated with global giants like Square, raised over €10 million, and is now preparing to expand Wave across Europe as a new rewards-powered payment rail. He also shares the founder lessons he's learned, from communication to fundraising to scaling fast without losing trust and integrity. If you're curious about loyalty, fintech, payments, or the realities of scaling a startup into a European network, this episode is essential listening. Show Notes In this episode, Gary chats with Matthew about: How Squid grew from free coffee stamps to 550,000+ users and almost 2,000 independent businesses. Why Matthew & Katie focused on coffee shops to build a two-sided network from scratch. Introducing Wave — “air miles for the high street” where you earn across brands automatically. How card-linking with Visa/Mastercard/Amex enables one-touch loyalty. The impact of integrating with Square to give independents big-brand loyalty and data tools. The journey from early-stage startup to raising over €10m, including a €1.7m+ crowdfunding round. The North Star metric Squid tracks: the total free product given back to users. Squid's two-step scaling playbook for Europe: launch loyalty locally, then layer Wave on top. Why 2026 will be the “year of payments” as Squid builds a rewards-driven payment rail. Matthew's biggest founder lessons: communicate better, expand earlier, trust technology, and be relentless. Links & Resources Download Squid on iOS / Android: https://tr.ee/WFmx4sOqmR ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

What happens when a founder opens the company's books to every single staff member — salaries, P&L, everything? In this episode, Eoin Cantwell, founder of Fitt Meals, shares the bold move that transformed his culture, boosted performance, and created true ownership across his team. Eoin opens up about: why he embraced full financial transparency with staff how he teaches the “why” behind decisions, not just the “what” building accountability and KPIs in a growing food business scaling a bootstrap company while protecting quality the mindset shifts he had to make to become a better leader This is a brilliant, honest look at modern leadership — the messy bits, the growing pains, and the breakthroughs.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Jac Dunne, CEO of Dimply, an AI-powered financial experience platform that's quietly reshaping how banks, insurers and wealth managers serve their customers. After almost three decades in legacy finance, Jac made a bold move in her mid-50s into regtech and then fintech, “bookending” her career by building the kind of technology she always wished existed inside the big institutions. She breaks down what Dimply actually does in plain English, how it powers hyper-personalised journeys inside apps like AIB's, and why the future of money will be a hybrid of human advice and seamless digital experiences. Jac also opens up about leaving a senior corporate role where her voice wasn't being heard, taking on a startup CEO role, scaling a remote-first team, and building practical programmes to get more women and students into tech. If you're a founder, operator or leader trying to scale something meaningful and still have a life outside of work, this conversation is packed with insight. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

Forget the corporate polished front - authenticity wins every time. Conor McHugh, founder of Alchemy Search, shares why building a personal brand has been key to his success in Dubai, how honesty drives relationships, and why you should never pretend to be bigger than you are.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Laura Dowling — “The Fabulous Pharmacist” — a pharmacist, founder, educator, entertainer, and one of Ireland's most recognisable health voices. From 20 years behind the pharmacy counter to running a fast-growing wellness brand stocked in 1,500+ stores, Laura shares the real story behind Fabu Wellness: the failures, the stolen idea, the long nights in labs with breastfeeding babies, the near-quit moments — and the explosive online launch that changed everything. She reveals how she built a deeply engaged audience during COVID, why simplifying health information is her superpower, the truth about going viral, and how humour, honesty and empowerment built a movement behind her sell-out show Viva La Vulva. If you're a founder, creator, health professional or anyone thinking of starting something from scratch — this episode will give you courage, clarity and a reminder that nothing is ever “overnight success.” Show Notes In this episode, we cover: How Laura built her platform by simplifying health information during COVID. The power of answering real patient questions and showing up consistently online. Why humour is her secret weapon for breaking taboos in women's health. The origin story of Viva La Vulva and how it grew into a national tour. The 12-year journey behind Fabu Wellness — including the major setback that nearly stopped her. Leaving pharmacy in 2022 to go “all in” and launching Fabu via Instagram Stories. Selling out her first launch and securing distribution with Wholefoods Wholesale. Scaling to 1,500+ stores while staying authentic and refusing fear-based content tactics. Mistakes entering the UK market — and why toning down the humour didn't work. How she handles criticism, customer care, and running a business with her family.

How does a schoolteacher from Connemara end up buying his own airline? In this Mentor Moment, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, former owner of Aer Arann, shares how instinct and courage led him to take one of the boldest entrepreneurial leaps in Irish business — remortgaging his home to keep a vital island service alive.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Mark Breen, co-founder of Safe Events Global, the Irish team behind some of the world's most ambitious events - from Dublin Zoo's Wild Lights to Formula 1 in Qatar and mega-city festival sites across the Middle East. Mark shares the real, behind-the-scenes story of how a student “helping people up at a Frames gig” turned into running safety for shows with half a million attendees, expanding internationally, and building a 25-person specialist team that's redefining how event safety is done. He reveals why the best events feel effortless, how the industry changed post-Covid, why “no lazy no's” is the company philosophy, and how one email from Saudi Arabia transformed their entire trajectory. If you're an entrepreneur who loves hearing how niche expertise becomes a global business — and how culture, clarity, and instinct can build a category-leading company — this episode is for you. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

When opportunity knocks, sometimes the smartest move is to just say yes and figure it out later. Richard Fitzgerald, founder of Augustus Media - the company behind Lovin' Dubai, Lovin' Saudi and more — reveals how 100 days of relentless work and curiosity helped him build one of the Middle East's leading media companies from scratch.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Ryan Casey, the founder of C11 Recovery — one of Ireland's fastest-growing performance and recovery brands. From spending his days as an electrician to working with Rory McIlroy, Manchester City, Munster Rugby, and the DP World Tour, Ryan's journey is a masterclass in turning grit into global growth. In just three years, he's built a company that began with three plastic tubs and a few compression boots into a multimillion-euro recovery business operating in Ireland, the UK, and the Middle East. Ryan shares how he went from driving a van across Ireland doing free sessions to closing deals in Dubai, the mindset that helped him thrive under pressure, and why he believes confidence and consistency are the ultimate unfair advantages. If you're building from scratch, navigating uncertainty, or trying to turn momentum into mastery — this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

From his parents' house to supplying the world's top athletes, Greg Bradley's journey is pure entrepreneurial grit. In this Mentor Moment, the founder of BLK BOX shares how he went from teaching himself manufacturing to building a global fitness equipment brand trusted by Premier League clubs.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with elite performance coach Dan Lawrence — the man behind some of the world's top athletes and executives, including boxer Conor Benn. From his roots in London to building a thriving high-performance business in Dubai, Dan reveals what it really takes to operate at the highest level — not just in sport, but in business and life. He shares the frameworks and systems that drive elite results: the four pillars of performance (training, nutrition, recovery, mindset), how to design your environment for success, and why clarity of vision and resilience matter more than motivation. This conversation is a masterclass in discipline, structure, and unlocking your next level — brick by brick, day by day.

Is AI really coming for your job — or is that just the hype talking? Brian O'Rourke, co-founder and CEO of CitySwift, shares his grounded view on the real role of AI, the importance of founder-market fit, and why celebrating your wins along the way matters just as much as chasing the next goal.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Jenny Johnston, CEO and owner of Azure Communications — a print, packaging, and marketing company based in Dublin. Jenny's story is a masterclass in courage, negotiation, and belief. After joining Azure as CEO, she pulled off a leveraged buyout to acquire the business outright—without putting down her own capital. She shares exactly how she did it, from structuring the deal to getting bank funding and navigating the delicate transition from employee to owner. Jenny also opens up about her earlier ventures — from running a pizza franchise during COVID to launching a sustainable fashion brand — and the lessons they taught her about resilience, leadership, and trusting your gut. For anyone curious about buying a business instead of starting one, this is your essential guide to how it's done. If you've ever thought, “I want to own a business but I don't know where to start,” this episode will show you what's possible when you back yourself fully. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

What does it take to grow from one pharmacy to a nationwide network, and redefine what healthcare means along the way? In this Mentor Moment, Oonagh O'Hagan, founder of Meagher's Pharmacy, shares how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone can spark incredible innovation.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dan Murray, co-founder of Heights, the brain health and wellness brand redefining supplements through science and transparency. From building a startup after insomnia and burnout to scaling Heights to over £25 million ARR, Dan's story is a masterclass in resilience, product integrity, and founder mindset. Dan doesn't hold back-calling out the biggest scams in wellness, revealing how Heights earned credibility in a saturated industry, and sharing the truth about raising investment, building trust with scientists, and navigating toxic investor relationships. If you've ever wondered how to build a purpose-led brand in a crowded space—or how to rebuild confidence after failure—this episode is for you. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

In this Mentor Moment from episode 403 of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Aimee Connolly shares the behind-the-scenes story of building Sculpted by Aimee: from 19 months of figuring out formulation, logistics, and packaging on her own, to spray-painting roses gold for her first press drop. She opens up about what it really takes to bring an idea to life, the lessons learned along the way, and why embracing what you don't know is the real superpower of every entrepreneur.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Steve Crosbie, former professional rugby player turned founder of Fad Saoil Saunas — one of the pioneers of Ireland's sauna movement. After years playing for Leinster, Munster, and Connacht, Steve walked away from his dream rugby career at just 26. The transition from athlete to entrepreneur wasn't easy, but it led him somewhere unexpected: into the cold Irish sea. Out of heartbreak and healing came Fad Saoil Saunas - a business that began with one barrel sauna at the 40 Foot and grew into a nationwide wellness brand. Steve shares how he rebuilt his identity, how sport shaped his approach to business, and why starting small (and freezing cold) can sometimes lead to the warmest success. If you've ever wondered what happens after the dream ends, this story proves that endings can be the start of something extraordinary. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

In this Mentor Moment, tech founder Sean Blanchfield, best known for building and scaling Demonware (acquired by Activision, now part of Microsoft), PageFair, and now Jentic, shares his take on the age-old question: are entrepreneurs born or made? From being the “willing geek” in college to helping shape Ireland's startup ecosystem, Sean reflects on how curiosity, environment, and sheer drive shaped his journey, and why he still looks for that same entrepreneurial spark in every hire.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Connor Martin, founder of The JAQ Group, home to the viral fragrance brand The Essence Vault, as well as Thomson Carter and Liquid London. From selling wax melts at a Saturday market to building a £60 million e-commerce empire in just five years, Connor's story is a masterclass in resourcefulness, experimentation, and resilience. He reveals how he turned a £16,000 credit card experiment into one of the UK's most successful fragrance groups, scaled during COVID by pure instinct, and rebuilt after nearly losing everything in a logistics nightmare. Connor also shares how he applies ruthless efficiency, “fail fast” culture, and first-principles thinking to stay ahead in the hyper-competitive DTC world. If you want the real playbook for bootstrapping, scaling, and surviving e-commerce chaos, this episode is unmissable. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

In this week's Mentor Moment, Protex AI founders Dan Hobbs and Ciaran O'Mara share how they maintain an incredibly high bar when hiring, and why resilience, not just skill, is the real marker of top talent. They reveal how take-home exercises, structured culture frameworks, and a transparent interview process help them find and grow people who thrive under pressure.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Ciara Troy, founder of Oishii Sushi, to uncover the 19-year journey of building Ireland's most recognisable sushi brand. From her first Saturday market in Greystones to supplying nationwide through Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, and Spar, Ciara shares the grit, resilience, and fearless naivety that kept her going through long days, cashflow struggles, and van deliveries at dawn. She opens up about the pivotal lessons learned along the way: from cutting sushi rolls by hand on chopping boards to investing in her first machines, from maxing out family credit cards to securing Enterprise Ireland support, and from nearly burning out to carving out “Mummy Mondays” to balance entrepreneurship with family life. If you're an aspiring founder or a food entrepreneur wondering how to scale a product from a kitchen table to a nationwide household brand, this episode is packed with raw insights, honest reflections, and the strategies Ciara used to grow Oishii from a tiny market stall to a 75-strong team serving fresh sushi across Ireland. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

In this Mentor Moment, Colin Harmon, founder of 3FE Coffee, reveals why consistency beats occasional brilliance when it comes to building lasting brands. He shares the lesson that changed how he thought about coffee forever: customers don't need the “best cup ever” - they just need it never to be bad. By raising the floor instead of the ceiling, Colin built trust, scaled his business, and turned 3FE into one of Ireland's most iconic coffee names. Listen to the full conversation on Episode 400 of The Entrepreneur Experiment. Show Notes Why Colin shifted focus from chasing perfection to building consistency The compliment that redefined his business: “It's never sh*t” How raising the lowest standard creates long-term trust with customers Why brands should aim to be like Guinness: reliably good, every time The challenge (and opportunity) of standing out in a saturated market Resources & Links 3fe: https://3fe.com/ 3fe on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3fecoffee ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Colin Meagle, serial entrepreneur, venture builder, and founder of Continuous Ventures. Colin has built, scaled, and exited multiple businesses: from creative agencies to international tech ventures, and now operates out of Dubai, where he helps founders and corporates spin up disruptive businesses at scale. Colin shares his candid insights on what it really takes to spot opportunities, harness talent, and scale globally. From exiting Irish agencies to launching a venture studio in the Middle East, Colin talks about why saying no is a superpower, how to avoid AI-driven obsolescence, and why Ireland must think bigger if it wants to compete on the global stage. If you're a founder, investor, or anyone curious about building in fast-changing markets, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons on talent, focus, and disruption. Show Notes – In this episode, we cover:

This week's Mentor Moment dives into how Nadia Adan built her brand through bold, disruptive content, and why testing, learning, and finding a repeatable format is the secret to scaling on social media. Michael Corcoran shares why standing out often means doing the opposite of everyone else, and how brand storytelling, even with its raw ups and downs, is what truly connects with audiences.

In this solo episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox takes us behind the scenes of the very first Entrepreneur Experiment Retreat — a transformative five-day experience in Marbella, Spain that brought together a select group of founders to focus on their body, brain, and business. Gary shares how a spontaneous idea in 2024 turned into a fully-fledged founder retreat, what went into designing the experience, and why moments of stillness, movement, and shared learning can create huge momentum in business and life. From sunrise workouts and deep-dive masterclasses to shared dinners and accountability sessions, this is a blueprint for any founder looking to reset, realign, and reimagine what's possible. If you've ever thought about joining a founder retreat, running one yourself, or simply carving out space to think — this one's for you. Show Notes In this solo episode, Gary covers:

This Mentor Moment with Mary Sadlier (from Episode 398) dives into why digital is the great equaliser for entrepreneurs. Mary shares the art of getting products on and off shelves, why persistence matters, and the hard truth that nobody's coming — unless you ask the right questions. A powerful reminder that value creation and resourcefulness win in business. —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Paul Buckley — the fiercely honest and deeply reflective founder behind C2O Group. From nearly going pro in golf to blowing his savings in a poker room, to scaling and selling one of Australia's fastest-growing engineering companies, Paul shares his rollercoaster journey through ambition, burnout, and bold reinvention. You'll hear how Paul built EPS Group Australia from the ground up, scaled it to $84M in revenue in just three years, and exited in a major acquisition — only to find himself mentally and emotionally depleted in the aftermath. What followed was a two-year reset, a $14M relaunch, and a second act that's bigger, sharper, and backed by one of the world's leading private equity funds. If you're a founder who's exited (or wants to), this episode is your blueprint for navigating what comes next — the highs, the regrets, and the resilience it takes to start again.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Rory, the 22-year-old founder of Shirt in a Box, the mystery jersey startup on track to hit €10 million in revenue. What began as a lockdown side hustle selling vintage shirts has exploded into a full-blown e-commerce machine — with 200,000 shirts sold, 2,500 US subscribers, and viral moments like a surprise shoutout from Gary Neville on the UK's biggest football podcast, The Overlap. Rory breaks down how that single moment led to a 5x revenue day, why influencer marketing only works when it's authentic, and how he's pivoted from student entrepreneur to full-time CEO building a creative agency within his business to produce 400+ ad creatives a month. From boxing mishaps and marketing fails to future expansion plans in the US and new sports like basketball, this is an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build and scale a modern DTC brand. “That Gary Neville shoutout was probably worth £150,000 to us… and we didn't even ask him to do it.”

When everyone else is chasing trends, mentalist and hypnotist Keith Barry goes the opposite direction. In this Mentor Moment, Keith reveals how leaning into long-form content—when everyone else was focused on short-form Reels—helped him go viral and land major event bookings. He also shares how he uses platforms like LinkedIn in unconventional ways to connect with decision-makers and why valuing yourself, your energy, and your unique approach is key to standing out.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Alan Andrews, the unapologetically honest founder behind Old Barracks Roastery and Gucci Coffee Bar. Known for his bold social content and Ireland's most controversial coffee shop (no kids allowed, dogs welcome, €15 cups of coffee), Alan lifts the lid on the real cost of starting and scaling a successful hospitality business. He breaks down the myths that plague the coffee industry — from delusional €10K startup budgets to the glorification of hustle culture — and explains why €100K is the minimum buy-in for building a sustainable, profitable coffee business. Alan also shares the deeply personal reasons behind his adults-only policy, how he prioritises family without sacrificing growth, and why honesty (not trends) should drive your brand strategy. This episode is a masterclass in branding, business modelling, and living by your values — one cup at a time. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: ☕ The Real Costs of Starting a Coffee Shop Why €10K won't cut it, and what you actually need to spend How Alan built a coffee bar in Limerick for €100K — and what that buys you The weekly turnover benchmark every shop needs to survive: €10K

In this Mentor Moment, Gary Fox speaks with Sahil Bloom — investor, writer, and creator — about how his definition of success has transformed. Once focused purely on financial outcomes, Sahil now measures success through time, people, purpose, and health, seeing money as a natural byproduct rather than the goal. He also shares a refreshing take on imposter syndrome, reframing it as a sign of growth and a tax on personal progress, and explains why asking “Why not me?” is the mindset shift every founder needs when stepping into bigger rooms. This is a short but powerful conversation packed with perspective shifts to help you redefine success on your own terms. To listen to the full episode, go to episode number 401. ----- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners: Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with one of Ireland's most recognisable business voices, Bobby Kerr — founder of Perk, former CEO and Chairman of Insomnia, investor, broadcaster, and champion of Irish enterprise. Bobby shares his remarkable journey from starting his first business at 39 — remortgaging his house with a newborn at home — to building Insomnia into over 800 locations across Ireland through smart partnerships, relentless drive, and a willingness to bet on himself. He reveals the lessons learned from navigating the arrival of Starbucks, the power of merging with competitors to scale, and why focusing on multiple revenue streams saved the business more than once. Bobby also opens up about selling in 2018 after a cancer diagnosis, the freedom he's designed for himself since, and the businesses exciting him today, from Bread 41 to Irish tourism. Whether you're an early-stage founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Bobby's story is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and knowing when to play the long game. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: ☕ How Bobby spotted Ireland's coffee culture shift before it happened

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Áine Kerr, the award-winning journalist, serial entrepreneur behind startups including Storyful (acquired by News Corp), and Kinzen (acquired by Spotify). From teaching in Dublin classrooms to building Storyful alongside Mark Little, leading global journalism partnerships at Facebook, and launching her second successful startup, Áine shares the lessons she's learned from a “squiggly career” defined by reinvention, resilience, and purpose. Áine reveals the realities of startup life, why suffering and recommitment are part of the journey, and how she built extraordinary teams that continue to shape the future of technology and media. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance, finding your “why,” and creating impact-driven businesses. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Fran Quilty, co-founder and CEO of Conjura, the analytics platform powering the world's fastest-growing e-commerce brands. From spinning out Wayflyer to building one of Ireland's most exciting SaaS companies, Fran shares the unfiltered reality of transitioning from a services business to a scalable product, raising venture capital, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. Fran breaks down how AI is fundamentally changing the way brands operate, why marketplaces like Amazon, TikTok, and Walmart are driving revenue shifts, and the lessons he learned building two companies simultaneously. If you want to understand where e-commerce is headed, and how data and automation will define the next decade - this is an episode you can't miss. In this episode, we cover:

Barry Napier didn't follow the typical founder path. In this bite-sized Mentor Moment, he shares how trading phones around the world laid the foundation for building Cubic Telecom - the company he'd go on to sell 51% of for €473 million. From street smarts to striking deals with Tesla, it's a story of grit, vision, and relentless execution. To listen to the full episode with Barry, go to episode 355. —- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners: Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo .

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Kevin O'Loughlin, founder and CEO of Nostra, one of Ireland's leading IT services and cybersecurity companies. From being €1 million in debt and living on pasta, to building a company helping 1,000+ businesses across Europe, Kevin shares the deeply personal story behind his mission to impact a million lives. This is not your typical tech founder story. Kevin reveals: - How a recession forced him into radical self-reflection. - Why personal discipline became the foundation of his professional comeback. - The systems, vision boards, and daily habits that guide him. - How he's using AI to empower teams and scale his company—without compromising values. If you're an entrepreneur grappling with uncertainty or looking for clarity on how to scale with purpose, this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

In this weekend's Mentor Moment, Conor Sheridan, founder of Nory, shares the mindset shift that helped him go from startup operator to scaling a global restaurant tech company. From embracing boldness in a culture that often discourages it, to mastering the underrated power of “the next logical step,” Conor breaks down the thinking that led to raising $26 million and building a 10-year roadmap. This is a must-listen for any founder struggling with imposter syndrome, over-planning, or self-promotion. It's also a reminder that telling your story with conviction isn't arrogance - it's your biggest marketing opportunity. Want more? Listen to the full episode [Ep. 389]. —- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox is joined by Ross and David, the powerhouse duo behind Outmin, a game-changing AI bookkeeping platform. What starts as a conversation about longevity, biohacking, and raw vegetable breakfasts quickly evolves into a masterclass in building a deep-tech startup from scratch. From rejecting vanity metrics and confronting brutal truths in fundraising, to rebuilding the accounting infrastructure and quietly revolutionising an unsexy space, Ross and David reveal how Outmin went from an idea to a VC-backed company with 350+ customers across Ireland and the UK. With €4 million in fresh funding and a bold roadmap for the future, they're not just talking about AI - they're redefining what it actually takes to automate one of the most painful parts of running a business. This is a must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone curious about what building a truly differentiated startup looks like in the age of AI. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

In this Mentor Moment from Episode 372, David O'Meara, CEO of Greenman Group, unpacks the surprising reality of post-COVID retail: traditional supermarkets aren't just surviving—they're evolving. While many predicted the death of brick-and-mortar retail with the rise of e-commerce, David explains why food retail continues to thrive, especially in Germany where shopping habits, cost-conscious consumers, and smart infrastructure keep people coming back in person. He also touches on the bigger picture: how sustainability is shaping the future of retail real estate. From carbon capture tech to smarter building design, Greenman is betting on supermarkets not just as shops, but as future-proof community assets. This clip is a must-listen for anyone in retail, property, or future-focused business strategy. —- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo