Your Pursuit Of Happiness

Alejandro is Co-Founder of Defactor and CEO of Defactor Labs – who this week are launching Europe's first institutional grade DeFi product. A well known figure in Blockchain and Web3 in Ireland (and Globally), we speak about all things from moving from engineering, to supply chain to Web3 via Sydney to Dublin. Alejandro shares insights on what the market wants and where the ecosystem is going as well as advice on getting into Web3.   0:30 – Intros and Alejandro's background 2:50 – Getting into blockchain for the first time 4:20 – What difference does blockchain make in the supply chain process? 5:50 – Further down the blockchain rabbit hole with the Happy Pear 7:20 – Co-Founding Consol Freight 9:30 – Pilot with Maker DAO 10:50 – The concept of Defactor – spotting a market gap 11:40 – What do Defactor do? 14:00 – Growth strategy 15:20 – What has the Defactor journey been like so far? 16:50 – Regulation & compliance being a commercial advantage 17:40 – Being regulated doesn't equal safe 18:20 – FTX and it's impact on DeFi and the opportunity it creates for real world assets 20:00 – Where next for Defactor? 20:30 – Alejandro's view on Web3 in Ireland 22:50 – Interest in blockchain and opportunities from the TechWreck 24:50 – The next evolution of Web3 26:40 – The range within Web3 and how to look at Web3 projects 24:30 – New skills in demand in Web3 28:35 – Advice for someone thinking of getting into Web3   Defactor: https://defactor.com/ Alejandro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-gutierrez-98979b43/ Hackathon: https://www.ethdublin.io/    

Delighted to have Andrew Quinn back on the show for a second time. Andrew talks about how he went from bringing down Lehman Brothers

Sara Jane, at 18 years of age, is probably one of the best known people in and around the Web3 space in Ireland… and beyond. For anyone who want's to get into Web3 (or any industry for that matter), this podcast is for you. Sara Jane has had her own start up, worked with Mel Ventures, Sors, Algorand, Unbanx and invests in Crypto and Web3 projects – we chat about everything from crypto to taking risks to get what you want.     1:00 – Tell us about your background and how you got into Web3 & Blockchain 7:00 – You don't need to be from a tech background to get into Web3 9:00 – Attempted career recap! 10:20 – How to get into Web3 & Blockchain 12:45 – Networking in Web3 in Ireland 13:45 – Always upskill! 15:00 – Non technology roles in Web3 & Blockchain 16:45 – Advice for getting into Web3 & Blockchain 18:30 – Is Web3 more about the person than the skills?   Don't forget to connect with Sara Jane!   LinkedIn: Sara Jane Kenny Twitter: https://twitter.com/ganainmtech

Back in 2023 with our focus on Web3 & Blockchain. First up, Owen O Driscoll, Founder of Impact Investing platform - Plandail. Paul & Owen get into all things Plandail, the world of Web3 and how to break into it and advice for someone thinking of going out on their own. 0:38 Seconds - Intro 1:35 – Owen & Plandail – the back story and blockchain 8:10 – The Maltese Accelerator 9:00 – The fundamentals of a business are sector and technology agnostic 10:00 – a good idea is not necessarily a commercial idea and raising money through VC 11:30 – What exactly Plandail do 14:20 – Why blockchain technology was important for Plandail 17:10 – Web3 – where is it going in Ireland and globally in 2023 and beyond 22:20 – Advice for budding entrepreneurs – talk to people and validate 25:50 – Stepping away from a ‘steady' pay check 30 – Is redundancy the right time to start your own business? 28:50 – Getting into the blockchain / Web3 world 30:15 – Web3 & Blockchain community in Ireland Links: Plandail.com Owen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenodriscoll/

Gavin Pitcher is Head of Corporate Finance and Technology Advisory for CKS Finance. In this episode, Gavin speaks about all things CKS and how they are on a track to become the premier Corporate Finance advisory in Ireland. 

In this episode, Paul and Laura cover various aspects to consider when drafting and editing your cv. Did you know you should adapt your cv to each and every role you apply to?

As we look back on 2020, Paul and Laura discuss how this year will differ from previous ones. Tune in for plenty of tips!

Recruitment always gets slower coming up to Christmas. Companies are focused on their end of year results and hiring Managers take time off to spend with their families, so it always takes a back seat. It is the perfect time to brush up on your cv, interview skills and job search strategies.

We are now in our second lockdown, however, this time does feel a lot less severe – perhaps it has become out new normal.

In this episode, we discuss: What is the reason for being at a point where you are considering changing career? Do you know what you want to do? Mind the gap! How will you know you are making progress? What is your timeline? What are you prepared to do to achieve your goal?

In this episode, we discuss: What are you seeing in the financial services market at the moment and how has it changed over the course of the pandemic? Are there any particular sectors that are hiring at the moment? What types of roles are particularly in demand? In terms of level, anything standing out? What impact is Brexit having now?

Wow, what a hectic year!!! 2020 will certainly be one we will all never forget. For some, it has been stressful, sorrowful and an unenjoyable experience. For others, it has given them the chance to press the reset button, get their exercise and eating patterns at a satisfactory level, and has allowed them reassess what is important to them.   Regardless of where you are in your Covid journey, an interesting question is continually raised from our clients and candidates – “when do you think we will return to the office?”.

We were delighted to have Adrian Whelan join Paul on this episode of Your Pursuit of Happiness. Adrian is and SVP and Head of Regulatory Intelligence with BBH but is also actively involved in a long list of extra circular activities within and outside of BBH, a lot of which revolve around Inclusion and Diversity.

As we know Pride week is themed every year and this year the theme was “In this together” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was joined by Vessy Tasheva who shared some intimate details about her story and how she celebrated Pride this year.

"What Basis.Point does is it puts together those people who want to make a difference and want to make a change with those who can" - Edel O'Malley's succinct description of what Basis.Point do. We were delighted to have Edel on the show, particularly in light of their quickly established but effective Emergency Fund to help charity partners during Covid. For notes and links, check out https://www.toptierrecruitment.com/podcast

In this special episode, we welcome back Pete Townsend of Norio Ventures to discuss the impact Covid 19 is having on the FinTech, Blockchain and Financial Services market with Paul.   In this hour long special, we cover the opportunities and challenges for businesses operating and recruiting in this market, what Pete is seeing in areas like fundraising, transformational projects and who will come out of this stronger than ever while Paul gives an insight into the recruitment market and demand for coaching.   Please don’t forget to check out our complimentary 90 min coaching session offering through Possible.ie for any SMEs, leaders or HR professionals who could do with support during the Covid 19 crisis. Go to www.possible.ie/covid and tell us how we can help.

Brexit has come to pass and will affect Irish business and employment for years to come. We spoke with the former Brexit spokesperson at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, Katie Daughen, for her thoughts on how best to deal with this huge change. Show notes here.

R3 is an exciting international enterprise blockchain software firm that continues to grow in Ireland. Join us as we talk with Dave Hudson and Katelyn Baker from R3. Show notes here.

The Funds Industry in Ireland has gone from strength to strength and today we're joined by an industry leader, Karen Malone. Karen is Founding Partner & CEO of Centaur. With offices in Europe and North America, Centaur delivers independent fund administration and regulatory services worldwide. Show notes here.

We're joined by former Leinster and Ireland rugby player, Jamie Heaslip. Jamie is an investor and member of the team at the successful Irish Fintech, Flender, which is a digital lending platform that provides Irish SMEs with flexible finance, quick decisions, and competitive rates. Show notes here.

FINTECH Circle is the leading Fintech angel investment network. It also helps banks and service providers to make sense of Fintech.  We spoke with Michal Bezak, Head of Partnerships at FINTECH Circle, all about FINTECH Circle and the future of FinTech. Show notes here.

Starling is an exciting Fintech company that is reshaping the world of financial services. We spoke with Felim O'Donnell, COO with Starling International, about Starling's journey past, present, and future. Felim also shared some fascinating insights on creating a positive, powerful workplace culture. Show notes here.

Coral Movasseli is the Managing Director of Girls in Tech Dublin, a dedicated platform for women-in-tech and entrepreneurs. Coral joined Laura & Paul for an entertaining and informative chat. Show notes here.

Following her excellent article in the Employee Retention Guide, productivity expert Moira Dunne from BeProductive.ie joined Laura & Paul to share her ever-useful workplace productivity advice. Show notes here.

The weather has turned cold in Dublin and the Top Tier Recruitment team got to talking about what we could do to help people less fortunate than ourselves this winter. We made a decision: Instead of giving gifts this Christmas, we've decided that we will donate €100 to the Dublin Simon Community every time we're asked to fill a new vacancy (within Fintech & financial services) between now and Christmas Day. We'd love it if people shared this within the FinTech & Financial Services industries. Show notes here.

Following her excellent article in the Employee Retention Guide, peak performance strategist Abigail Ireland joined Laura & Paul to talk about employee engagement and peak performance. Show notes here.

Made it through the first interview? Phew! Well done! Now, Laura and Paul explain how to handle the second and third interviews . . . Show notes here.

Laura & Paul had a fascinating discussion with Evelien Veenman - Chief Happiness Officer at innovative Dutch company, Experius. Show notes here.

Laura & Paul had a fascinating discussion with Joanne Hession of LIFT Ireland about LIFT's inspiring mission to increase the level of positive leadership in Ireland. Show notes here.

Laura & Paul had a fascinating discussion about employer branding with Niamh O'Connor, Brand Strategist at The Pudding. The Pudding is a commercial and creative brand agency in Dublin. They work with companies to build, re-position and grow game-changing corporate and employer brands. Read on or listen in to understand the power of employer branding and how to make it work in your business to attract (and retain) talent in the financial services and Fintech industries. Show notes here.

Employers: Top Tier Recruitment do things a little differently. Today, Paul & Laura discuss a few of the key differences, including: Our ‘Jerry Maguire approach’ to recruitment. The four key things we focus on so that we get consistently high ratings from clients. And plenty more. Laura and Paul explain how . . . Show notes here.

Congratulations! You got the job! Now, let's make sure you hand in your notice of resignation in the right way. Laura and Paul explain how . . . Show notes here.

Paul recently had a fascinating talk with Enda Lynch, Head of Enterprise at Munster Rugby.  Enda runs the Munster Rugby, High Performance Leadership Programme business in partnership with the University of Limerick.  Read on or listen in to learn how to achieve high performance in your career and in your business. Show notes here.

It can be really disheartening when you're unsuccessful in your job application. What should you do? Laura and Paul help you through this difficult time . . . Show notes here.

We had a fascinating conversation about employee engagement (and a lot more) with Fania Stoney of Great Place To Work. Show notes here.

Congratulations! You got the job! Now, how do you negotiate the job offer? Laura and Paul tell you how . . . Show notes here.

We discuss employee financial wellness with Adam Hankin, General Manager - Ireland at Wagestream, a rapidly-growing Fintech. Show notes here.

Today, we're very pleased to be joined by Andrew Quinn, Course Director for Accountancy, Finance, Financial Technology & Business Analytics Programs at Dublin Business School. Show notes here.

Today, we're very pleased to be joined by David Kindlon, CEO of Eppione, a company which offers cloud-based HR and Employee Benefits software as well as a complete insurance broker service. Show notes here.

Today, we're very pleased to be joined by Hesus Inoma, a leader from Grant Thornton's Financial Services Advisory practice where he leads the FinTech service offering. Hesus kindly joined us to talk about all things Fintech, funds, and financial services. Show notes here.

Welcome to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! Ever wondered whether it's necessary to keep track of job applications and to follow-up?  If so, how and when do you do it? Laura and Paul give you the low-down on this issue. Show notes here.

Welcome to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! Ever wondered whether you should try to steer the interview discussion or is it best simply to respond to questions? If trying to steer the conversation, how and when do you do this? Laura and Paul walk you through this dilemma. Show notes here.

Philip Coffey is an Executive Career and Life Coach based in Dublin. Show notes here.

Pete Townsend is an influential tech leader who regularly delivers insight as a keynote speaker, moderator, MC, and podcaster. We spoke with Pete about his background, how he helps tech businesses via TheStartup.com, and about the future of the funds industry in Ireland. Show notes here.

Welcome to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! Ever wondered about the impact of your social media activity on your career? Are there things you should do? Are there things you shouldn't do? Laura and Paul walk you through the social media minefield. Show notes here.

Welcome to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! Ever wondered whether you should apply to a job directly or via a recruitment firm? Sure, we lean a particular way on this but, today, Laura and Paul will give you their honest opinions and give you some tips to consider either way. Show notes here.

Welcome back to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! Today, we're talking with Vessy Tasheva of Vessy.com.  Vessy helps organisations develop and implement diversity & inclusion strategies. Show notes here.

Welcome to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! If you've applied for a job or been asked in for an interview, the chances are good that your potential employer will take a look at your LinkedIn profile. Today, Laura and Paul discuss why you should optimise your LinkedIn profile and how to do it. Show notes here.

Paul Smyth from Top Tier Recruitment gave the opening address at the FuSIoN event with an exploration of the concept of 'safety' and how it applies to financial services companies in Ireland seeking to improve their diversity & inclusion. Show notes.

Welcome back to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! Today, we're talking with Sarah Johnston of Briefcase Coach. Sarah helps high performers land amazing jobs. Show notes here.

Welcome to the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast! Many businesses use behavioural interviews to assess the skills, knowledge, and values of potential new employees. Today, Laura and Paul explain exactly what is behavioural interviewing and how best to answer the questions you'll be asked. Show notes here.