The Entrepreneur Experiment: Recent Episodes
Gary Fox
Hosted by Gary Fox - The Entrepreneur Experiment reveals the secrets and systems world-class founders use to master their business, brain, and body.
If you dream of being an entrepreneur or are already running your own business, this podcast will transform how to think about business and your life.
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox meets Anthony Gallagher - the man behind Petstop, Ireland’s most successful independent pet retailer. From sweeping floors at Penneys to nearly selling his dot-com startup for $42 million (before it all collapsed), Anthony’s story is packed with lessons on grit, resilience, and building something that lasts. He shares how he bounced back from financial ruin using pure hustle, delivered pet food himself during lockdowns, and quietly scaled Petstop to €40 million in annual revenue—all while competing head-to-head with global giants. This is a masterclass in staying the course, putting people first, and never underestimating the power of showing up - week after week, store after store. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🐾 How Anthony grew Petstop to €40M without external takeovers 💥 The $42M dot-com deal that collapsed overnight 📦 Using his son’s communion money to pay staff - and bouncing back 🧠 Competing (and winning) against multinationals like Maxi Zoo 🏪 The importance of location in retail—and why he still visits every store 🚚 Scaling delivery by literally driving orders to customers 🔁 Building a team with 20+ years’ loyalty 🐕 Why launching private-label brands like Nádúr changed the game 💡 How being “too early” can kill a great idea (and why timing is everything) Resources & Mentions: Anthony's business: https://www.petstop.ie/ Private-label brand: Nádúr Lifestyle pet range: Alice & Co Irish-made treats company backed by Anthony: Green Treat: https://green-treat.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 Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo
What do you do when your business is on the brink of collapse? For Gary Lavin, it meant getting in his car and personally selling into 3,500 stores in 18 months. In this raw and honest moment, Gary shares how fear became his biggest motivator, why most people skip the hard (but essential) work of selling, and how doubling your store count can double your business — if you're willing to do the legwork. This is a must-listen for any founder struggling to grow or hesitant to sell. -----
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Lorraine Heskin, the trailblazing founder of Gourmet Food Parlour, one of Ireland’s most successful independent hospitality groups. Lorraine shares her journey from selling Irish foods on the streets of Manhattan to opening a tiny 25-seater café off a side street in Dun Laoghaire - without investors, key money, or a culinary background.
She reveals how she grew a brand that now spans restaurants, catering, corporate hospitality, and even cross-country expansion, all while maintaining a fierce loyalty to her team, her customers, and her values. This conversation is a masterclass in brand-building, resilience, and trusting your instincts - especially when the world tells you otherwise.
Whether you're in food, retail, or simply thinking about taking the leap to start your own business, Lorraine’s story will light a fire under you. ----- 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/nostraee
In this Mentor Moment from Episode 365 with Laura Bonner, founder of The Muff Liquor Company, she opens up about the mental practices that keep her grounded in business and life. Laura shares her unapologetic belief in therapy, the importance of taking time to reset, and why legacy isn’t about being a great business person—but a great person. It’s a raw, real reflection on healing, perspective, and purpose from one of the most authentic voices we’ve featured. ---- 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/nostraee ---
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Rory King, the founder of Rory’s Travel Club- a radically simple subscription business that’s quietly revolutionising travel in Ireland and beyond.
With no investors, no fancy app, and no startup playbook, Rory turned a €10 Facebook idea into a thriving travel club with over 200,000 members, a 10-person team, and a blueprint to reach one million users. From sleeping in his car outside Applegreen Petrol Station to traveling to Sri Lanka with his customers, Rory shares his unfiltered journey of hustle, honesty, and high-impact email marketing.
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a profitable business without venture capital - or how to make email sexy again - this episode is your masterclass.
Show Notes:
In this episode, we cover:
- 💡 How Rory validated his idea with a €10 PayPal experiment on Facebook
- 📬 Why email marketing (done right) is still king—with 70% open rates
- 🚀 The low-cost, high-impact subscription model fueling explosive growth
- 🤝 How Rory builds loyalty through real-life connection and 1:1 interaction
- 🌍 The plan to scale from Ireland to Scotland, the UK, and beyond
- 🎯 Why keeping the annual fee at €12 is part of the growth strategy
- 🧠 Repurposing old content + smart social media strategies
- 🔄 Retention, recurring revenue, and the beauty of a no-commission model
- 🛏️ How 5-star hotels and top travel brands now come to him with deals
- ☕ From sports science grad to group trip leader: Rory’s real entrepreneurial journey
Links & Resources:
- Rory’s Travel Club
- Follow Rory on Instagram: @rorystravelclub
- Email Marketing Tool Rory Recommends: ActiveCampaign
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In this Mentor Moment from episode 370, Nadia Adan shares how she left a high-paying corporate job in finance to launch her own car dealership, Ashford Motors, just before the pandemic. With grit, intuition, and a flair for social media, Nadia built a thriving business from scratch—even as others called her a "backstreet garage." This short episode is packed with powerful insights on betting on yourself, overcoming cultural expectations, and building a brand with both heart and hustle. ___________________ Visit my partners: Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
In this powerful episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox meets Sean Brett – the unstoppable founder behind Steeltech Sheds. From painting houses with no experience to dominating Galway’s coal market and eventually building Ireland’s leading steel shed business, Sean shares a rollercoaster entrepreneurial journey packed with grit, hustle, and heart.
With no formal education beyond the age of 14 and a background shaped by dyslexia and adversity, Sean embodies the very essence of resilience. He opens up about cold calling his way to success, reinventing himself through personal development, and why not caring what others think is the greatest entrepreneurial mindset of all.
This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, questioned their path, or needed a reminder that the best businesses often start with zero resources and pure belief.
🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🔥 Sean’s first “Eureka” ad that kickstarted his painting business 🚛 How he went from one bag of coal to Galway’s biggest coal distributor 🏗 The origin story of Steeltech Sheds – and the pints-fuelled brainstorming that led to the name 🧠 Why overcoming dyslexia became one of his greatest strengths 🧰 The surprising power of rejection and how it built his sales resilience 📉 What he did when orders dried up overnight during the crash—and how expansion saved him 🎯 The marketing lessons he learned that still hold true today 🧍 Why being the face of your brand matters more than ever in the age of AI 💬 “If you could not care what other people think about you, your life would be so much happier, better, successful.”
🔗 Links & Resources: Steeltech Sheds — Learn more about Sean’s business: https://www.steeltechsheds.ie/ The Entrepreneur Experiment Newsletter — Stay updated with new episodes and insights: https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1
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In this bite-sized Mentor Moment from Episode 384, David Jelly, founder of Property Bridges, joins Gary Fox to dissect two of Ireland’s biggest challenges: why people aren’t investing — despite sitting on billions in cash — and why startups struggle to retain talent in a post-COVID world. From cultural mindsets to broken incentives, David gets honest about what needs to change.
Whether you're a founder, investor, or just trying to make sense of Ireland’s economic contradictions, this moment will provide some useful food for thought on investing in Ireland, and how to shape your team in our hybrid working world. ------ Visit my partners: Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
In this inspiring episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan—the powerhouse duo behind Ella & Jo, one of Ireland’s fastest-growing beauty brands. From a single product and two simultaneous pregnancies to a global business stocked in Boots, Dunnes Stores and over 400 pharmacies, their story is anything but ordinary. Charlene and Niamh open up about how they built Ella & Jo from the West of Ireland, how they define success on their own terms, and why authenticity, connection, and community are at the heart of everything they do. Whether you’re a solo founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or building a business while juggling parenthood—this episode will leave you fired up, grounded, and full of ideas. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 💡 The serendipitous start to Charlene & Niamh’s partnership 👩🔬 From skin clinic and bridal makeup to co-founders of a global beauty brand 🧴 How a single brush cleanser idea turned into an award-winning product range 🌍 Building a global brand from the West of Ireland 💬 Why your business doesn’t have to be born in Dublin, London, or NYC 👩👩👧👦 Growing a business while growing a family—simultaneous pregnancies and startup hustle 🧘 The importance of defining your own version of success 🌟 How coaching and self-acceptance helped shape their leadership styles 📦 Behind the scenes of product development: the 9-month launch timeline 🤝 The role of trust, community, and social media in scaling Ella & Jo 🧠 How to stay creatively inspired while managing the demands of entrepreneurship Links & Resources: 💻 Ella & Jo Website: https://ellaandjo.ie 📸 Charlene Flanagan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleneflanagan_ 👩⚕️ Niamh Ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niamhryan_skin/ 🛍️ Buy Ella & Jo at Boots Ireland: https://www.boots.ie/ella-and-jo 📚 Going for Growth – Women entrepreneurs programme: https://goingforgrowth.com/ --- Visit my partners: Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
In this Mentor Moment from Episode 355 of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Barry Napier shares hard-won wisdom on how founders need to evolve as their companies scale. From letting go of control to building a culture of trust and accountability, Barry reflects on how he went from “hard work and chaos” to leading with clarity and self-awareness.
If you're a founder feeling the weight of doing it all, this is a must-watch moment on what it really means to grow — not just your company, but yourself.
Full Episode: The Entrepreneur Experiment Episode 355
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with John Purdy, co-founder of Ergo and a seasoned leader who has helped shape the Irish tech landscape over the past three decades. From launching Ergo in 1993 with just a handful of people to scaling it into one of Ireland’s top IT services companies, John shares the highs, the hard decisions, and the philosophies that guided him through it all. John shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at how he scaled Ergo without external investment and spun out an eventual unicorn, Fenergo, along the way. He opens up about the emotional and strategic decision to step away as CEO after 28 years, and what he’s doing now to give back—both to founders and to causes close to his heart. If you're building a business or figuring out what comes after success, this is the playbook. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🚀 Growing Ergo from a printer repair business to €200M+ in revenue 📊 How John bootstrapped and resisted outside investment for decades 🏗️ Spinning out Fenergo—now valued at €1.2 billion 🔁 Why he stepped down as CEO and how he let go without meddling 🧠 What he looks for before joining a startup board or investing 🔥 The brutal honesty of what it takes to scale and survive the “messy middle” 🤝 How personal values define great founders 💬 "The team that got me the last trophy won’t get me the next one." — John Purdy quoting Sir Alex Ferguson on leadership and succession Links & Resources Ergo Technology Group: https://ergotechnologygroup.com/ Connect with John Purdy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpurdy Book mentioned: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Recommended Podcast: The Tim Ferriss Show Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Keilidh Cashell — one of Ireland’s most recognisable beauty creators turned entrepreneur and founder of Kash Beauty. With over 2 million followers on TikTok and a loyal global audience, Keilidh opens up about what it really takes to build a brand in the public eye. From creating makeup looks in her bedroom to leading a business stocked internationally, Keilidh shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments where she questioned it all. She talks burnout, stepping back from content creation to become a better CEO, and learning how to lead a team while staying true to her creative core. This is an unfiltered look at the business behind the brand — and the mindset shift required to scale beyond just being the face of it. Whether you're a content creator dreaming of launching your own product or a founder navigating what growth actually feels like, this one is a must-listen. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 💄 How Keilidh transitioned from makeup influencer to founder of Kash Beauty 🌍 Scaling a brand globally while staying rooted in authenticity 🎥 The pressure of building a business while millions watch online 🧠 Burnout, boundaries and taking a step back to lead better 📦 Why she focused on product and customer experience before anything else 💬 Learning how to hire, manage and make tough business calls 🧪 Creating products that go viral and deliver results 💡 “At the start, it was all vibes — no plan.” 🔑 What it really means to build something bigger than yourself Links & Resources: Follow Keilidh on YouTube: @KeilidhMua Follow Keilidh on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keilidhmua Follow Keilidh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keilidhmua/ Shop Kash Beauty: https://www.kashbeauty.com/ Kash Beauty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kash_beauty/ --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox is joined by Gerry Hussey - performance psychologist, author, and founder of Soul Space- for a raw, profound conversation on mindset, mastery, and meaning. From coaching Olympic athletes to filling the National Concert Hall with nothing but belief and vision, Gerry shares the ignition moments that shaped his life's work.
He opens up about overcoming debilitating anxiety as a teenager, how his mother’s unconditional love set him on a path of purpose, and why real change doesn’t start with tactics - it starts with truth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or someone simply searching for clarity and courage, this episode will leave you rethinking how you show up for yourself and the world around you.
Show Notes
In this episode, we cover:
💥 The “ignition moment” that set Gerry on his life’s mission
🧠 How he rebuilt his mindset after early trauma and self-doubt
🥊 Lessons from working with Olympic boxing teams and elite athletes
🎯 The "WIN" Mindset: What's Important Now
🧘♂️ Building daily habits of personal excellence
💬 The power of saying no, and living with integrity
🏛️ Booking out the National Concert Hall during lockdown - with zero notes
🔄 Reset triggers: why emotional mastery starts with micro-decisions
🔍 Why most people fall short: the missing “why” behind their goals
👨👩👧 The true measure of success (hint: it’s not money or medals)
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Gerry Hussey’s New Book: I Am, I Can, I Will: https://amzn.to/3YSf6vK
Soul Space – Gerry’s wellness and performance platform: https://soulspace.ie/
Joe Dispenza – Inspiration behind Gerry’s live event transformation
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, we dive into Conor McHugh's remarkable journey from finance to founding Alchemy Search in Dubai.
Drawn by tax-free incentives and sun-soaked opportunities, Conor shares how he navigated the cultural complexities and business challenges of the Middle East over seven years.
His story weaves through personal transformation—from KPMG in Guernsey to a soul-searching travel adventure across Asia that sparked his entrepreneurial awakening.
With candid insights on managing multicultural teams, overcoming financial pressures, and respecting local business practices, Conor offers invaluable advice for anyone considering the leap into international entrepreneurship.
Whether you're curious about expat business opportunities or seeking inspiration to take your own calculated risk, this conversation reveals the grit and adaptability required to succeed far from home.
🎧 Show Notes:
In this episode, we cover:
🌍 Conor's decision to leave London and build a business in Dubai's tax-free environment
🔄 The career pivot from finance at KPMG to recruitment entrepreneurship
✈️ How a year of international travel triggered his entrepreneurial mindset
🤝 The importance of the Irish community network in Dubai
💼 Managing multicultural teams and navigating business relationships in the Middle East
💰 Financial challenges and the realities of invoice collection across cultures
⏱️ Understanding different cultural approaches to timelines and commitments
🧠 Overcoming Western entitlement mindset when operating internationally
🌱 The evolution of Dubai's business landscape over seven years
"A sense of entitlement, often carried by those from Western cities like Dublin or London, can be a hindrance to success in the Middle East." - Conor McHugh
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In this special Dubai-recorded edition of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Trevor McFarlane—CEO and founder of EMIR, the ultra-exclusive intelligence and advisory network serving the region’s top CEOs, ministers, and government officials.
Trevor shares the incredible story behind building EMIR from scratch—starting with a borrowed ballroom at the Burj Al Arab and a fake guest list—to now curating powerful, private briefings for over 400 regional leaders.
This episode is a masterclass in the psychology of influence, the power of elite curation, and why being “hard to access” is a business strategy. Trevor also offers a piercing macroeconomic analysis of what lies ahead globally, from Trump 2.0 and AI to population booms and climate migration.
Whether you’re a founder, strategist, or just a curious mind—this one will leave you thinking.
🎧 Show Notes
In this episode, we cover:
🎩 How Trevor built a high-trust, invite-only CEO network across the Middle East.
🧠 The psychology of selectivity: why scarcity builds value.
💼 Turning elite briefings into board-level influence (and the risk that comes with it)
🌍 From geopolitics to geoeconomics: why the next 25 years will divide the world
📉 The real danger of AI: widening inequality
📈 Opportunity in adversity: where Trevor sees business potential in climate migration and demographic collapse
🏠 A surprising Airbnb idea involving abandoned Japanese islands
🇮🇪 Trevor’s blunt take on Ireland’s economy, inequality, and global tax pressures
Quote of the Episode
💬 “What we’re selling isn’t just intelligence—it’s trust, access, and success.” – Trevor McFarlane
🔗 Links & Resources
EMIR Official Website → www.emirintelligence.com
Book mention: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Gareth Sheridan, the relentless founder and CEO of Nutriband Inc — a pharmaceutical company tackling one of the most controversial issues in modern medicine: opioid misuse. What started as a college thesis and a dining room stacked with questionable Chinese vitamin patches has since become a NASDAQ-listed company pioneering safer drug delivery systems.
Gareth walks us through his raw, rollercoaster journey — from painting houses to fund his dream, to being duped in a million-dollar pump-and-dump scheme, and how he clawed his way back to ring the NASDAQ bell on October 1st with $6.6 million in fresh funding.
If you're an entrepreneur with ambition (and a high pain tolerance), this episode will teach you about resilience, smart capital strategy, and how to build billion-dollar businesses the hard way — brick by brick, and patch by patch.
🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:
💊 The origin story of Nutriband: from a college idea to fighting the opioid crisis
🚗 Why Gareth was a millionaire on paper but driving for Uber in Florida
🏥 How transdermal patches can replace pills and even injections
💸 Getting duped: the brutal truth about OTC markets and a $1.5M illusion
🧠 Learning to think like a public company CEO (before even listing)
🔁 Why he rebuilt the same company… twice
🧱 Gareth’s unique strategy: acquiring IP and talent using stock instead of cash
🛑 How he said no to $80 million in funding offers — and why
🔔 Manifesting the NASDAQ bell: “It was never if, only when.”
⚖️ The shady side of Wall Street: naked shorts, phantom trades, and SEC investigations
📈What it takes to build a billion-dollar business the unconventional way
🔗 Links & Resources: Nutriband: https://www.nutriband.com/
Follow Gareth Sheridan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsheridanntrb/
Watch the GameStop story: Dumb Money (IMDb): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13957560/
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox meets with Eoin Cantwell, founder of Fitt Meals. Eoin shares his remarkable journey from running a busy sports club to creating one of the UAE’s most innovative meal prep businesses. Eoin candidly discusses how he bootstrapped Fitt Meals, his approach to radical transparency with open book management (🤯), and how he empowers his entire team by sharing profits and insights.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale your business, enhance your team’s engagement, or understand the power of collective responsibility, this episode provides deep insights into a unique business model and leadership style.
🎧 Show Notes:
In this episode, we cover:
🔥 The moment Eoin realised the opportunity in healthy meal prep
🚀 How Fitt Meals grew from renting a kitchen at night to operating a state-of-the-art facility
💡 Why Eoin believes in radical transparency and open-book management
📈 How profit-sharing with employees transformed Fitt Meals’ culture
🌍 The challenges and opportunities of scaling a logistics-heavy business
🔑 The critical importance of teaching your team the ‘why’ behind decisions
🏋️♂️ The balance between company growth and maintaining team culture and morale
💬 “A company of owners will always outthink the owner of a company.” – Eoin Cantwell
Resources Mentioned:
• Scaling Up by Verne Harnish
• The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack
• HeyGen AI for multilingual communication
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Pádraig Ó Céidigh, a name synonymous with Irish entrepreneurship and business leadership. Best known for founding and scaling Aer Arann, one of Ireland’s leading regional airlines, Pádraig shares his journey from humble beginnings to building an airline—despite having no aviation experience.
He reveals the key moments that defined his career: remortgaging his house to buy an airline, negotiating with Aer Lingus, securing multimillion-dollar aircraft deals, and eventually selling his business. Beyond aviation, he opens up about the personal cost of success, his near-death experience, and the philosophy that guides his life today.
If you're an entrepreneur, this episode will change how you think about risk, vision, and what it really means to build a business with purpose.
📌 Show Notes:
In this episode, we cover:
✈️ How Pádraig went from teacher to airline owner—without aviation experience
💡 The mindset shift that allowed him to scale Aer Arann from a small regional service to a multimillion-dollar business
📉 The biggest challenges of running an airline (and why profitability was harder than it looked) 🎯 Why a clear focus on one word—safety—transformed his business strategy
⚖️ The cost of entrepreneurship: health, family, and personal sacrifices
📖 His perspective on wealth beyond just money and how he defines success today
📚 His book, ‘The Purposeful Decision Maker,’ and the lessons inside
🚀 His next chapter: mentoring, investing, and new business ventures
🔗 Resources:
📖 The Purposeful Decision Maker – Pádraig Ó Céidigh’s book
📚 Recommended book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Richard Fitzgerald, the founder of Augustus Media, an award-winning modern media company in the UAE and KSA, publishers of Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, and Smashi TV.
With a background in media and advertising since 2006, Richard worked at agencies in Ireland, England, and the UAE before building a regional social media department at Mindshare MENA and later becoming Managing Director of a creative technology start-up.
In 2015, he launched Augustus Media, a ‘new media’ company that has since expanded across the Middle East, winning Best SME Company at the 2018 MENA EFFIE Awards. Today, Augustus operates Lovin brands in multiple cities, including Dubai, Saudi, Bahrain, Cairo, Riyadh, and Sharjah, and in 2019, they added ODEUM, a dedicated content studio, to their growing media empire.
Richard reveals the strategies he used to scale his media brands, the challenges of monetising digital media, and why he believes traditional media is broken.
If you’re building a content brand or looking to scale your business in a competitive market, this is a must-listen!
🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:
🔥 How Richard turned Lovin Dubai into a media powerhouse from scratch
🚀 The strategies he used to growth-hack his way to millions of pageviews
💡 The future of media & why traditional outlets are struggling to adapt
🌍 Expanding across the Middle East: The challenges of entering new markets (Dubai, Saudi, Bahrain, Cairo, Riyadh & more!)
🔑 How Lovin and Smashi became the region’s leading digital media brands 📈 Revenue, investment, and why he rejected buyout offers
🎥 The role of ODEUM, Augustus Media’s content studio
🎤 Hiring journalists vs. content creators – what media needs now
📌 Resources & Links: 📖 Learn more about Augustus Media: https://weareaugustus.com/
📰 Follow Lovin brands across the Middle East: https://lovin.co/
🎥 Check out Smashi TV – https://smashi.tv/en
🎬 Discover ODEUM – Augustus Media’s content studio: https://weareaugustus.com/odeum/
📱 Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzyrichard/
💬 “I didn’t want to think about fundraising or exits—I wanted to build something real, something that lasts.” – Richard Fitzgerald
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Greg Bradley, founder of BLK BOX, one of the leading gym equipment manufacturers in Europe.
Greg shares his journey from bootstrapping a startup with no engineering background to building a business that supplies some of the world’s top sports teams—including Irish Rugby and 75% of the Premier League clubs.
Greg opens up about the challenges of scaling a manufacturing business, the rollercoaster ride of COVID-19, and why he stepped away from the CEO role to focus on his strengths.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for insights on brand-building, international expansion, and leadership, this episode is packed with value.
🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:
🔥 From side hustle to global brand – How Greg built BLK BOX from scratch
🏋️♂️ Supplying the pros – Landing contracts with elite sports teams & gym chains
📉 The COVID challenge – Why it was a net negative for the business
💡 Lessons in leadership – Why Greg hired a CEO to replace himself
📈 Scaling manufacturing – Expanding operations without outside investment
🇺🇸 Cracking the U.S. market – BLK BOX’s next big move
🎯 The future of fitness – Hyrox, functional training, and what’s next
💬 "I didn’t bring investment in at the start because I feel sometimes money can suffocate creativity. My strength has always been being resourceful—turning lemons into lemonade." - Greg Bradley
📌 Resources & Links:
🔗 BLK BOX – Greg’s company: https://www.blkboxfitness.com/
📖 Scaling Up – Business book recommendation
🏃♂️ Hyrox – The fitness race taking over: https://hyrox.com/
📱 Follow Greg Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-bradley-69610539/
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The Entrepreneur Experiment Live Special with The Local Enterprise Offices: Lessons from Ireland’s Top Founders.
To celebrate Local Enterprise Week, we sit down with Tom Keogh of Keogh’s Crisps and Noreen Hackett of Advanced Cosmetics to uncover the real stories behind building globally recognised brands from Ireland.
Tom shares how his family farm transformed from market gardening to a premium snack brand sold in over 20 countries, including on international airlines.
Noreen reveals how she went from chemist to CEO, creating an end-to-end cosmetics manufacturing powerhouse serving 37 brands worldwide.
If you're a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on branding, scaling, and navigating sustainability and global expansion.
🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:
🔥 The power of branding – How Tom turned a family farm into a global snack brand
🚀 Taking the leap – How Noreen built her cosmetics empire from scratch
💡 The importance of authenticity – Why telling the truth in branding is a competitive advantage 📈 Expanding internationally – Breaking into global markets while staying true to your roots
🌍 Sustainability & business – What actually works vs. greenwashing
💰 Navigating funding & investment – Lessons from early-stage growth
🔑 Scaling smartly – How to manage multiple business lines without losing focus
💬 "Word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing you’ll ever get." – Tom Keogh
📌 Resources & Links:
📖 Enterprise Ireland – Support for Irish startups: enterprise-ireland.com
🛍️ Keogh’s Crisps – www.keoghs.ie
🧴 Advanced Cosmetics – www.advancedcosmetics.ie
Loved this episode?
Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more founder insights.
--- Visit my partners
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Sean Blanchfield, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Demonware, PageFair, and Jentic, to unpack his journey from student entrepreneur to scaling and selling tech companies.
Sean shares candid insights into the early days of launching startups in Ireland, how Demonware became a critical player in multiplayer gaming, and the bold pivots that led to success.
He also dives into his later ventures, PageFair, which tackled ad blocking in the digital advertising space, and Jentic, his latest project at the forefront of AI-driven market insights.
From fundraising struggles to navigating acquisitions, Sean reflects on the lessons he’s learned across multiple ventures. If you’re a founder working on product-market fit, considering an exit, or fascinated by the business behind gaming and ad tech, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Show Notes:
In this episode, we cover:
🔥 The origins of Demonware and its role in multiplayer gaming
🚀 How Sean and his co-founders pivoted their product four times before finding the right fit
💡 Fundraising challenges in Ireland and how they bootstrapped early growth
🎮 The rise of online gaming and how Demonware powered global hits like Call of Duty
📈 Selling to Activision – why it was the right move and how the deal unfolded
🛑 PageFair & ad-blocking – the problem it solved and how it changed the digital ad space
🤖 Jentic – Sean’s latest AI-driven insights company and the future of market intelligence
💼 The emotional and strategic aspects of selling a business
🤔 Lessons from failed ventures and why iteration is key to startup success
💬 "We were in existential crisis for the first 18 months. Then suddenly, we had product-market fit, and everything changed." – Sean Blanchfield
Visit my Partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE
Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
📌 Resources & Links:
🔗 Enterprise Ireland – Support for Startups: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/
🎮 Demonware – Behind Activision’s Multiplayer Gaming: https://www.demonware.net/
📢 PageFair – Ad-Blocking Analytics & Solutions: https://www.pagefair.com/
📊 Jentic – AI-Powered Market Intelligence: https://www.jentic.com/
📱 Follow Sean Blanchfield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanblanchfield
📖 The Lean Startup – Eric Ries (A book Sean references in his startup journey)
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Aimee Connolly, the powerhouse founder behind Sculpted by Aimee. From working on makeup counters at 16 to building one of Ireland’s most successful beauty brands, Aimee shares her incredible journey of bootstrapping her way to the top.
She reveals the bold steps she took—cold emailing manufacturers, self-funding her first product launch, and scaling from a solo founder to leading an international beauty empire. If you're an entrepreneur looking for real, unfiltered insights on launching a product, navigating challenges, and building a loyal brand community, this episode is for you.
🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🔥 The moment Aimee decided to build her own beauty brand 🚀 How she launched Sculpted by Aimee with just €10,000 💡 The power of ‘massive action’ and breaking down big goals 📈 Bootstrapping vs. raising investment: the cashflow lessons she learned 🌍 Expanding into new markets: from Ireland to the UK and beyond 🔑 Why authenticity and community-building have been key to her success 🏋️♀️ Balancing business growth with personal well-being
💬 "The number one difference between an entrepreneur and someone who doesn’t start is knowing you don’t have all the answers—but not letting that stop you." – Aimee Connolly
Visit my Partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE
Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
📌 Resources & Links: 📖 Enterprise Ireland: Support for Startups🛍️ Sculpted by Aimee📱 Follow Aimee Connolly on Instagram & LinkedIn 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more insights from world-class founders.
Two of our all-time favourite guests return to the pod to announce their $36 million fundraising round!
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dan Hobbs & Ciarán O’Mara, the co-founders of Protex AI, a startup using computer vision to prevent workplace accidents before they happen.
They first appeared on the podcast in 2023 after raising $18M. One year later, per Gary’s prediction about how their 2024 would go, they’ve just closed a $36M Series B, expanded from 4 to 22 countries, and are working with Fortune 500 giants like DHL.
Show notes: In this episode we cover: 🔥 The brutal reality of raising capital & how they secured $54M 🚀 How they attracted inbound investors and flipped the script 💡 How AI is transforming workplace safety & why enterprises are buying in 💰 The difference between raising a Seed, Series A & Series B 📈 What it REALLY takes to scale from startup to enterprise 🔑 Why building relationships—not just products—matters in B2B sales 🏋️♂️ The mindset shifts they had to make as leaders
If you’re a founder looking to raise capital, scale a startup, or break into enterprise sales, this episode is packed with raw, real-world insights.
🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs. Resources & Links: 📖 The Founder’s Survival Guide by Rachel Turner 📩 Learn more about Protex AI: protex.ai📱 Follow Dan Hobbs & Ciarán O’Meara on LinkedIn: Dan Hobbs | Ciarán O'Mara🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs.
Visit my partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE
Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
Sahil Bloom went from private equity investor to one of the most influential creators and investors in the world—without a plan. In this episode, he shares his founder formula for success, why money isn’t the answer, and the hidden struggles behind entrepreneurship. We discuss defining your own version of wealth, battling imposter syndrome, and the power of taking action over planning. If you’re searching for clarity in business, body, and brain—this one’s for you.
Show Notes In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Sahil’s journey from private equity to creator, investor, and entrepreneur ✔️ Why money alone won’t make you happy—and what actually does ✔️ The “arrival fallacy” and why success never feels like you expect ✔️ The biggest mistake founders make when chasing more ✔️ Why imposter syndrome is a tax on growth (and how to reframe it) ✔️ How Sahil structures his businesses for maximum impact ✔️ The power of defining your own success instead of society’s version ✔️ How to balance ambition with purpose without burning out
Resources & Links: 📖 Get Sahil’s book The Five Types of Wealth: thefivetypesofwealth.com 📩 Subscribe to Sahil’s Curiosity Chronicle: sahilbloom.com 📱 Follow Sahil on Social Media: @SahilBloom on all platforms
🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs.
In this episode, we sit down with Colin Harmon, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed Ireland’s coffee culture. From starting as a barista to building 3fe, one of Ireland's most respected coffee brands, Colin shares his journey of entrepreneurship, branding, and the shifting landscape of social spaces.
We explore:
- Why traditional social spaces like banks, pubs, and churches are declining
- The power of community in business
- How Colin built 3fe from a single café to an industry leader
- The business lessons he learned through scaling and adapting
- The future of coffee culture and entrepreneurship
If you’re an aspiring founder or someone fascinated by how businesses shape culture, this episode is a must-listen!
--
Visit my partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE
Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
--
Show Notes: Guest: Colin Harmon, Founder of 3fe Coffee
Topics Covered:
-
The Evolution of Social Spaces
- Why traditional meeting points are disappearing
- How coffee shops have replaced banks and pubs as social hubs
-
Colin’s Entrepreneurial Journey
-
How he transitioned from a finance job to coffee
- The early struggles of starting a coffee business
- Scaling from one café to a respected brand
-
The Business of Coffee
-
The challenges of running a specialty coffee company
- How branding and storytelling played a key role in growth
- Why community-driven businesses thrive
-
Lessons in Leadership & Growth
-
The mindset shifts needed to scale a business
- Why customer experience is the most valuable asset
- Future trends in coffee and hospitality
Resources Mentioned:
- 3fe Coffee Website
- Colin Harmon’s Book: What I Know About Running Coffee Shops
- Follow Colin on Instagram
With 400 episodes under my belt, I'm turning the mic on myself to share the origins of this passion project that started as a side experiment and grew into a full-fledged business.
This is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode where I answer all the questions you sent in over the last few weeks.
How does the pod make money? What do I look for in a guest?
Discover the pivot from property management to podcasting and the invaluable lessons learned along this unpredictable entrepreneurial path.
From the nuances of guest selection to cultivating a unique storytelling approach, I share my blueprint for creating compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Chapter Timestamps (00:01) - Gary Fox Celebrates 400 Episodes (10:25) - Podcast Sponsorship and Business Strategies (22:40) - Gary Fox's Guest Selection Process (28:00) - Podcasting, Investing, and Self-Reflection (35:41) - Podcast Preparation and Mindset Development (47:28) - Entrepreneurial Success and Life Lessons (56:40) - Family Business and Time Management --
Visit my partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE
Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
Join Gary as we sit down with Mary Sadlier, the powerhouse behind Coole Swan, the premium Irish cream brand taking the world by storm. From navigating challenges to owning 3% of the U.S. market, Mary shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and growth.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How Mary overcame setbacks to scale Coole Swan globally.
- The art of balancing quality and profitability in a competitive market.
- The entrepreneurial mindset that turns challenges into opportunities.
- Lessons in leadership and staying true to your brand ethos.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Mary’s insights will inspire and challenge you to think bigger.
--
Visit my partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE
Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
In this brain special of The Entrepreneur Experiment, we dive deep into the world of mental mastery with renowned brain hacker Keith Barry. Known for his groundbreaking work in hacking the human mind, Keith helps individuals and corporations achieve sustainable, meaningful change at a neurological level.
In this episode, Keith shares:
- The art and science of hacking your own brain to unlock peak mental performance.
- Strategies to overcome mental barriers and build resilience.
- The surprising ways the brain influences decision-making in business and life.
- Practical tips for cultivating a sharp, focused, and creative mind.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your mental edge or understand the secrets of the mind, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to think like a true founder.
--
Visit my partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE
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Welcome to the final podcast of 2024. In this special episode recorded live at the first-ever guests reunion in Dublin, I sit down with two of my most popular guests, Nadia Adan and Michael Corcoran.
We look back on the highs and lows of 2024 sharing the lessons, wins and learnings from the year.
With over 70 founders in the audience, we also delved into the trends and predictions that will shape the next 12 months.
Shot live with a studio audience at Baseline in Dublin City.
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
*Music by Andrew Applepie.
What does it take to create a unicorn startup? Jack Pierse, co-founder of Wayflyer, and now co-founder of HappyStack joins us to discuss the thrilling journey of building one of the most successful startups in recent years.
From securing millions in funding to scaling operations across the globe, Jack shares invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial highs and lows, including the pivotal moments that shaped Wayflyer’s meteoric rise.
Jack opens up about his life before and after Wayflyer, including his working for Liam Casey and how he’s now channelling his expertise into new ventures. Whether it’s advising other startups, investing, or exploring new industries, Jack’s approach to entrepreneurship continues to evolve.
His latest venture, Bold Golf has also just launched and counts Shane Lowry among the investors.
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Imagine selling your startup for $18 million in less than a year—only to watch it vanish into thin air when the dot-com bubble burst.
Sounds like a wild ride? That’s just the beginning of John Dennehy’s incredible journey.
John is one of Ireland’s most successful (and underrated) serial founders. He’s the only entrepreneur I know who’s managed to sell the same company twice. Yes, twice!
In this episode, John shares how his journey went from massive wins to gut-wrenching losses—and back again. In 2024 alone, he pulled off two major sales, including the recruitment platform HireHive.
But the real magic lies in how he bought back his old company, Zartis, reinvented it, and sold it again.
John’s story has more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster, and it’s packed with lessons for every entrepreneur.
This is the ultimate guide to resilience, reinvention, and embracing the unpredictable. Don’t miss it!
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Every great founder needs a mentor. That is why every single week, I bring you a new one.
In this Mentor Moment, James Whelton dives into the importance of finding joy in the process over just chasing outcomes.
He shares a key insight: if you're spending 90% of your time on the journey, it only makes sense to enjoy it. James reflects on his own experiences and how this mindset shaped his approach to work and success.
This is a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on aligning passion with purpose.
To listen to the full episode go back to episode 306.
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
What does it take to build the backbone of one of the biggest gaming franchises in history and revolutionize digital safety for kids? In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dylan Collins, the mastermind behind Demonware and SuperAwesome.
Dylan shares the story of creating Demonware, the tech infrastructure that powers the online experience for games like Call of Duty, before selling it to Activision Blizzard in a landmark deal. But his journey didn’t stop there. Dylan went on to found SuperAwesome, a company dedicated to making the internet safer for kids, which was later acquired by Epic Games, creators of Fortnite.
In this candid conversation, Dylan unpacks:
- The high-stakes decisions behind building and selling two global companies.
- How he predicted and shaped the future of gaming and children’s technology.
- Why digital safety is the next frontier in tech innovation.
- The mindset that keeps him asking, “What’s next?” after every success.
Get inspired by one of the sharpest entrepreneurial minds of our time and learn how to anticipate trends, scale businesses, and stay ahead in the fast-moving world of tech.
(00:00) Entrepreneur Experiment Podcast With Dylan Collins (10:51) Surviving and Thriving in Business (14:37) Future of AI and Market Growth (21:41) Future of Physical Service Layers (28:42) The Future of Technology and Society (34:07) Global Fertility Rates and Investment Trends (47:24) Founder Insights on Selling Companies (01:00:54) Gaming Industry Entrepreneurship Explored (01:04:41) Building Relationships for Successful Acquisitions (01:10:54) Retail Power and Financial Literacy (01:20:43) Learning From Experiments and History (01:28:23) Ancient Mysteries and Founder Chemistry (01:38:29) Effective Capital Allocation Strategies (01:53:24) Strategies for Business Growth and Investments (02:02:56) Extended Entrepreneurial Interview With Dylan Collins
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Today's mentor is serial founder & investor, Ray Nolan.
Ray built and sold Hostelworld for one of Ireland's biggest tech sales at the time for $500 million.
He gives us a brutally honest assessment of the entrepreneur ecosystem in Ireland and the faults in the political support or lack of it. If you want to listen to the full episode with Ray, go back to episode 304.
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
In this episode, I sit down with Phillip McGlade, the CEO of Therapie Clinics, to uncover the secrets behind building Europe’s largest aesthetics chain—a business turning over €100 million annually. With 77 clinics across the globe, Therapie has become a household name in beauty and wellness. But Phillip isn’t stopping there; he’s now expanding into fertility clinics, tackling deeply personal and impactful challenges.
We dive into the mindset that fueled 14 years of relentless growth, the sacrifices Phillip has made along the way, and how he balances family with building a business empire. You’ll hear about the big risks, bold moves, and lessons learned from scaling not just one, but two life-changing ventures.
Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to create a €100+ million business, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
In this episode, Gary sits down with Conor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Mad Egg & Nory, to dive into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant world and how he's shaking things up.
This is the second time Conor has been on the pod and we catch up on a whirlwind few years for Conor as he raised $25 million to build Nory, the operating system for restaurants.
Conor is building the ultimate operating system for restaurants to help them thrive, not just survive.
We chat about why so many restaurants struggle with profit, how digital tools can change the game, and what it takes to scale up from a local spot to a powerhouse brand. Whether you’re in hospitality or just hungry for business insights, Conor’s journey will inspire and entertain.
Tune in and get a taste of the future of dining!
Here is a sneak peek of some of the lessons in today's pod.
- Optimize for Efficiency: Profitability often hinges on operational efficiency rather than just increasing sales.
- Adapt Quickly: Embrace adaptability as a survival tool, especially in competitive or challenging markets.
- Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to streamline operations and stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry.
- Tell a Compelling Story: When fundraising, present a clear vision that solves real, pressing problems.
- Build a Strong Culture: Cultivating a positive work culture aligns your team with the mission and fuels growth.
Show Notes
Connect with Conor Sheridan:
- Mad Egg
- Nory
Connect with Gary Fox:
- Follow Gary on LinkedIn
- Join Gary's free weekly email newsletter community.
Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss out on future episodes where we uncover the founder’s formula for success. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Today, we have a world exclusive. Will O'Brien unveils his stealth startup to the world for the first time.
Will is my pick for the rising star of season 22 and this episode will clearly show why.
Not only is he backed by some of the hottest investors in the world, he is solving a problem that could potentially save the world.
Will shares the rationale behind keeping his company under wraps for so long, focusing on engineering challenges away from the public eye.
Our conversation then turns to the ambitious quest of seagrass restoration, an innovative solution for carbon removal. We explore the immense potential of scaling restoration efforts, fueled by global climate goals, and discuss the strategic fundraising journey that brought on board top-tier investors aligned with the venture's long-term vision.
Will is a fascinating guy and we explore some of his wilder adventures including going to live with Buddhist monks and writing letters to Denis O'Brien which landed him a dream job.
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Every great founder needs a mentor. That is why every single week, I bring you a new one.
Bad writing and communication is holding your business back. Learn how to unlock this marketing superpower in today's Mentor Moment.
Eamon Fitzgerald has used writing and in particular email newsletters to grow a business worth millions.
Eamon is the founder of WineSpark.
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Listen to the full Eamon episode: https://youtu.be/YKIHvFW6hEc?si=6KtBT1xCZktYWpQ7
Today, we sit down with Briain Curtin, the Irishman leading the marketing behind one of my favourite brands, Whoop. I've been using Whoop since 2019 to elevate my fitness, help recovery and guide me on my longevity journey.
As VP of Global Marketing, Briain is the brains behind campaigns with global superstars such as Rory McIlroy, Christiano Ronaldo and Michael Phelps.
Briain shares how Whoop has carved its unique path in the wellness industry through relentless innovation, a commitment to science-backed insights, and a user-centered design philosophy.
On top of all that, you'll get a marketing masterclass from one of the brightest minds in sports marketing.
From helping elite athletes optimize their performance to supporting everyday individuals on their wellness journey, Whoop is transforming the way we understand our bodies. Briain discusses the brand’s approach to creating wearable tech that isn’t just a gadget but an empowering tool for life-changing health decisions.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- The Whoop Philosophy: How Whoop approaches wellness from a health-first perspective, focusing on meaningful, real-time data.
- Innovation in Wearable Tech: What sets Whoop apart in the health tech industry, including its commitment to continuous improvement and cutting-edge features.
- The Power of Data: How Whoop’s technology provides actionable insights into recovery, sleep, and overall wellness.
- User-Centered Design: Why Whoop places its users at the heart of its innovation, constantly evolving to meet the needs of diverse groups, from athletes to professionals.
- Future of Health Tech: Briain’s insights into where the wellness industry is headed and Whoop’s role in shaping it.
Get a free Whoop & a month free: https://join.whoop.com/9736D656
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Show Notes
Links & Resources:
- Whoop Website
- Connect with Briain Curtin on LinkedIn
- Check out Whoop’s latest features and advancements on social media: Instagram, Twitter
Every top founder needs a great mentor. Each week, I bring you a brand new mentor who can help you on your journey.
This week is a great friend of mine, my real-life mentor and accountability buddy, James McCormack.
In this raw episode, he shares the moment when he knew his life must change and the dramatic steps he took to reshape his entire world in the last 5 years. To listen to the full episode, go to episode 302.
Thanks to my season partners
Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO
Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge
Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure
*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
In this episode, I sit down with David Jelly, founder of Property Bridges, to explore his fascinating transition from the fast-paced world of banking to becoming a trailblazer in PropTech.
David shares his journey of becoming disillusioned with the traditional financial system and his bold leap into entrepreneurship. He reveals the critical moments and insights that pushed him to start Property Bridges, a platform transforming how people invest in property.
Through candid reflections on risk, failure, and resilience, David provides a roadmap for anyone feeling trapped in a corporate world and ready to pursue something meaningful.
We discuss how technology can solve real-world problems and reshape industries, and David offers practical advice for founders looking to innovate. This is a story about breaking free from convention, building something impactful, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Thanks to my season partners
Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO
Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge
Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure
*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
Every succcessful founder I've met has a mentor. Each week I bring you a new mentor so you can access some of the world's best founders and have them for 10 minutes each week to guide you for the week ahead.
Your mentor this week is health and fitness entrepreneur Rob Lipsett. Rob is a regular guest on the pod as he represents a new breed of location-flexible, works off his own schedule, and has built a highly profitable business while doing it.
This week, we delve into why you just need to make tiny wins daily as opposed to trying to achieve superhuman feats.
Thanks to my season partners
Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO
Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge
Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure
*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
Paul Quigley, the founder of Newswhip, shares his extraordinary journey from the legal world to becoming a trailblazer in media analytics.
We analyse the early days of the Irish startup scene, where camaraderie and a post-economic crash environment gave rise to companies like Intercom and Boxever. Drawing parallels to today's world, Paul discusses the potential for groundbreaking startups emerging from global shifts like the COVID-19 pandemic and the advent of hybrid business models.
With an ever-evolving media landscape, Paul and I dive into the complexities of news consumption. Social media has become the dominant source for many, especially younger generations, but it brings its own set of challenges. We talk about the role of bias, the rise of news influencers, and how political figures like Donald Trump shape public discourse. Our conversation touches on the importance of curation and factual reporting, highlighting outlets that blend traditional journalism with modern platforms, while pondering the role of AI and influencers in redefining media norms.
Balancing innovation with maintaining success is a fine art, and Paul offers insights into his personal approach to mental and physical well-being. From sea swimming to silent retreats, he underlines the importance of managing the 'noise' in one's head. We reflect on the significance of curiosity and passion in business, underscoring the necessity of effective storytelling and marketing in building a successful brand. Financial security's impact on the entrepreneurial journey also features in our discussion, revealing the personal sacrifices and dedication required to thrive in the ever-changing media landscape.
Thanks to my season partners
Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO
Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge
Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure
*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
Will and Adrian, the innovative minds behind Sons, a trailblazing men's healthcare brand, share their journey of transforming male pattern hair loss treatment with honesty and accessibility.
Their personal experiences with subpar hair loss clinics drove them to create a brand that not only delivers evidence-based solutions but also shatters the stigma surrounding hair loss.
With backgrounds in business and science, they offer a fresh perspective on making hair loss treatments relatable and affordable, all while navigating the challenges of launching a healthcare brand during tumultuous times.
Throughout our conversation, Will and Adrian reveal the hurdles they overcame in launching Sons, from validating their business concepts to leveraging their networks for investment. The duo shares their strategic decisions in marketing, including the bold move to invest in TV advertising, which proved vital for building trust with their audience. As they recount their entrepreneurial journey, they touch on the impact of global events like Brexit and the pandemic, offering valuable insights into their adaptive strategies and the importance of creativity and risk-taking.
As we wrap up, Will and Adrian candidly discuss the balance between personal life and business growth, highlighting their transparency with both their team and investors. They delve into the challenges of fund-raising, the shift from revenue focus to profitability, and the joy and complexity of balancing family life amidst entrepreneurial ambitions. With an eye on the future, they share their plans for European expansion and the potential for Sons to lead in the men's healthcare market. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for anyone aspiring to make waves in the healthcare industry.
Thanks to my season partners
Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO
Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge
Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure
*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
In this week's Idea Lab, I share the progress from our finance experiment.
Every day for 12 months, I am investing €10 into Bitcoin and €10 into the stock market.
Today, I reveal the one-month update and share the progress so far. Have we made a profit or loss, and what has he learned so far.
I also share the three books that have shaped my philosophy for this experiment.
Thanks to my season partners
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Each week I bring you a brand new mentor to guide your founder journey.
This week, it's Charlie Butler, the CEO & co-founder of Bounce Insights.
Charlie's episode was one of the most popular from 2023. Today, he teaches us the art of having radically honest conversations and how this is the bedrock for building trust.
Check out the full podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsg_1O8x0l8&t=524s
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Meet my Rising Star pick for season 20, Luke Joyce, the founder of The Cleaning Company.
Each season, I pick one founder I believe is an exceptional talent and who I believe will go all the way to the top.
Luke ticks every box I look for in a founder: hard-working, self-aware, with unstoppable ambition.
His journey from creating a simple college job for himself to a thriving business offers a powerful testament to the impact of a positive outlook and innovative thinking.
Despite multiple setbacks, Luke has taken the next logical step at every crucial turn and is now on the verge of building an empire.
We also discuss the importance of mentorship, employee empowerment, and the transformative power of gratitude and goal-setting.
The Cleaning Company: https://rebrand.ly/b73a31
The Cleaning Company Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/defad6
Thanks to my season partners
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Each week I bring you a brand new mentor to guide your founder journey. This week, it's Kealan Lennon, the founder of Clevercards.
He teaches us his exact playbook for survival when it looks like your entire business will collapse. This week is about resilience and survival against the odds.
Watch full episode: https://rebrand.ly/mmkealan
Thanks to my season partners
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In this episode, host Gary Fox sits down with Eamon Leonard, the visionary behind Broadstone Baseline and This Next Thing for an inspiring deep dive into the world of impactful event curation, startup investing, and the intricacies of the entrepreneurial journey.
Discover how Eamon, alongside Paul Campbell and Abby Phoenix, masterfully orchestrates transformative events in Switzerland, turning venues like the stunning Grand Hotel Kronenhof into hubs of innovation and connection. Learn the art of crafting memorable experiences where professional networking meets family-friendly atmospheres, offering insights into creating environments that foster genuine, lasting relationships.
Eamon also pulls back the curtain on his approach to early-stage startup investing—sharing how he evaluates founders, their motivations, and their ability to solve problems. Gain a fresh perspective on navigating the crowded AI landscape and spotting real opportunities beyond the hype.
The conversation shifts to the Irish startup ecosystem, where Eamon and Gary explore the role of exited founders, government policies, and what it takes to fuel entrepreneurial ambition locally. They also dive into the pivotal moments of Eamon’s journey from consulting to product development, offering valuable lessons in leadership, conviction, and navigating early-stage ventures.
Thanks to my season partners
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*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
Episode Chapter Timestamps
(00:00) Building Connections (13:21) Creating Memorable Shared Experiences (17:35) Networking at Family-Friendly Tech Event (23:02) Early Stage Investment Strategies and Relationships (32:33) Navigating Startup Ecosystems and Trends (39:25) Irish Startup Ecosystem Challenges and Solutions (49:46) Entrepreneurial Journey and Startup Success (54:48) Founder Reflections on Failure and Resilience (01:00:32) Startup Projects and Global Expansion (01:04:27) Founder Insights on Business Direction (01:15:56) Founder Challenges and Community Support (01:20:55) Navigating Trust and Gray Areas (01:24:26) Exploring Broadstone, Baseline, and Next Thing
Each week, I bring you a new mentor.
This week, your mentor is Alice Carroll, co-founder of Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey.
Today, she teaches us how to dominate an industry, by turning your perceived weakness into a superpower.
Listen to full episode with Alice: https://rebrand.ly/mmalice
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, host Gary Fox sits down with Oonagh O'Hagan, the dynamic founder of Meaghers Pharmacy.
Oonagh shares her inspiring journey from running a single pharmacy to expanding to ten locations in a short span, while also building a thriving online presence.
She discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, fostering a fearless mindset within her team, and continuously learning along the way.
Packed with insights on scaling a business and adapting to change, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.
Thanks to my season partners
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Each week I bring you a new mentor.
This week, your mentor is former pro golfer Jeff Hopkins, founder of New Dimensions Active.
Jeff gives us an insight into the lessons he learned from the world of professional elite sports and how he applies them to win in the business world.
To listen to the full episode with Jeff, go back to episode 285.
Thanks to my season partners
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Enter Growing Further Awards Here: https://bit.ly/3Lia2tn Unlock the secrets of thriving in sustainable real estate with industry expert David O'Meara from the Greenman Group and the Growing Further Awards. From his humble beginnings on a farm to leading innovative supermarket-anchored property investments in Germany, David takes us through his remarkable journey and strategic insights. Learn how Greenman’s focus pivoted from apartments and auto service centers to supermarkets. Explore the dynamic landscape of retail strategies and energy solutions, including the concept of reverse charging and its potential impact on supermarkets. David sheds light on the cultural factors slowing the adoption of online grocery shopping in Germany and the resilience of food retail post-COVID-19. We also tackle the complexities of urban development, the hurdles in converting traditional office spaces, and the striking contrast between urban and rural areas in Ireland, illustrating the ongoing challenges young professionals face in the rental market. David's ventures go beyond real estate, as we delve into the Growing Further Awards, which champion innovation in sustainability and food supply chains. Additionally, we reflect on the importance of balancing business success with personal well-being, the transformative power of collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Greenman Group to continually innovate and grow. --- Thanks to my season partners
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The Founder Formula for success covers six areas.
Today, I give you the six books you must read to master each area.
Watch the video for my full reviews but if you can't wait, here is the full list.
Brain: Atomic Habits by James Clear https://amzn.to/4dUFdHP
Body: Outlive by Dr Peter Attia https://amzn.to/3XrVJbA
Business: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries https://amzn.to/3AX29YF
Finance: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel https://amzn.to/4gkHXjp
Family/Friends: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Green https://amzn.to/3zdSqwj
Fun: Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson https://amzn.to/3ZlICem
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Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your business sales by leveraging social media with insights from Nadia of Ashford Motors, a powerhouse in the luxury car market. We delve into why sex still sells, how she uses Instagram to sell and why buying an electric car is a terrible investment. Nadia left behind a promising finance career to start from scratch as a motor dealer. She soon realised the power of controlling her own marketing and became a social media star. She has 200k followers on TikTok and 114k on Instagram with a weekly audience of millions. Nadia opens up about handling online criticism, the value of transparency, and the mental health impacts of being in the public eye.
We learn about the importance of consistency and staying true to your brand, whether you’re creating content, dealing with customer service, or making bold business decisions.
Thanks to my season partners
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*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure.
Over the last 5 years, I've interviewed hundreds of founders to uncover the founder's formula for success.
I’ve taken the learnings from all my interviews and shaped a framework for success across six key areas.
Brain, Body, Business, Family/Friends, Finances and Fun.
This podcast is about creating experiments for ourselves so that we can devise our ultimate founder formula.
Today's podcast introduces you to The Founder Formula concept and our plan for season 20 of the podcast.
Thanks to my season partners
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Each week, I bring you a brand new mentor to help you build your own Founder Formula for success.
Today, your mentor is David Hartigan, the founder of Hemp Heros.
He teaches us when to commit everything to your business and give up your safety net.
Check out the Full Podcast Episode with David Hartigan, CEO of Hemp Heros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZeJRHBZPSM&t=1727s
Thanks to my Partners
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Unlock the secrets to smarter, more efficient public transport systems with our guest, Brian O'Rourke, CEO & co-founder of CitySwift.
From running buses to concerts in Croke Park & Slane, Brian and his co-founder Alan Farrelly, have see all sides of the bus transport infastructure. This led them to strike gold with their idea to unlock the millions of terrabytes of data created by buses each year.
Discover how CitySwift harnesses extensive data analytics to tackle the unique challenges of bus operations, from traffic unpredictability to varying schedules. Learn about the historical reluctance in the public transport sector to embrace innovation and how that mindset is changing, illustrated by a compelling story about a major UK bus company's initial resistance to adopting data-driven strategies.
Explore the balancing act of improving bus schedule accuracy and efficiency, especially in the constantly evolving post-COVID travel landscape. Brian explains the specific challenges private operators face in minimizing delays without causing overcrowding or underutilization of services. Using Transport for Wales as a prime example, we discuss how strategic infrastructure improvements like bus lanes and cutting-edge data analytics are revolutionizing congestion management and bus priority planning.
Get an insider's perspective on the entrepreneurial journey behind CitySwift, from the founders' initial vision of creating an "Uber for buses" to their pivot towards scalable solutions. Hear firsthand accounts of the early days, strategic connections, and crucial decisions that propelled CitySwift forward. Plus, gain insights into the future of sustainable urban transport and the transformative potential of anonymized people movement data in redefining city planning post-COVID. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, public transport, and sustainability.
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
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Nick Keegan, the CEO & co-founder of MailMetrics is your mentor this week.
He teaches us how to use venture debt and company acquisitions to supercharge your company growth.
Check out the full podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPRHfAvJGC0
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
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This episode will surprise you. I speak with one of the most open and honest founders I've had on this podcast. She is the perfect blend of ambition and authenticity.
Laura Bonner, founder of The Muff Liquor Company, shares how she landed celebrity investors like Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Carr, Ronan Keating and Ryan Tubridy.
Laura takes us behind the scenes of her unexpected A-list support, the emotional highs and lows of launching her brand, and the power of visualization in her success.
We dive into her unique business strategies, the grounding practices that keep her focused, and how she turned challenges—like the COVID-19 pandemic—into stepping stones. Laura's candid insights on authenticity, self-care, and turning failure into fuel make this a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their entrepreneurial game.
Tune in to discover how Laura's journey from idea to action can inspire your own path to success!
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
Growing Further: https://bit.ly/3Lia2tn
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Get ready to be inspired by the extraordinary DC Cahalane, a cornerstone of Ireland's startup landscape. In this episode, DC unpacks his fascinating transition from entrepreneur to venture capitalist. We'll delve into the secrets of the close-knit Irish entrepreneurial community and how DC's introverted nature blends perfectly with his professional persona.
We'll explore Ireland’s rapid entrepreneurial growth, emphasizing the significant role of Enterprise Ireland in fostering startups and scaling businesses. From the global success stories of Stripe and Intercom to the cultural shift away from traditional career paths, DC sheds light on the supportive infrastructure that’s propelling Irish startups to international acclaim. Additionally, we'll discuss the pandemic's impact on business practices and the trend of professionals leaving multinational companies to join burgeoning startups.
This episode also tackles the ever-evolving work-life balance for entrepreneurs, the importance of intellectual honesty and coachability, and the transformative understanding of mental health in entrepreneurship. We'll navigate through DC's personal experiences and insights on the venture capital landscape, providing practical advice on funding strategies and the importance of community and networking.
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I am joined by the distinguished Professor Stephen Kinsella, a leading economist with a deep understanding of the Irish economy.
Professor Kinsella brings Economics 101 to our founders, answering the pressing questions on how the economy operates, the intricacies of inflation, and the practical implications for businesses.
Whether you're an early-stage founder or an established entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on navigating economic cycles, understanding monetary policies, and optimising your business strategies in 2024 and beyond.
Tune in to learn how to keep your business thriving amidst changing economic conditions and leverage economic principles to your advantage.
Stephen is Professor of Economics and Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Limerick's Kemmy Business School, Co-Director of Immersive Software Engineering and Economic Advisor to An Taoiseach, Simon Harris.
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
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Your Mentor Moment this week is with Ian Browne.
Ian Browne is the MD at NRDC.
In this episode, we learn the key secrets to turning ideas to reality by truly understanding your customer problems.
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
Growing Further: https://bit.ly/3Lia2tn
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Special episode with Paul Grewal, the Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase.
I've been a user and fan of Coinbase since 2016 so to get the opportunity to sit down with Paul was incredible.
We talk about why Ireland is perfectly placed to become a global fintech & crypto hub. We also do a deep dive into the broader crypto world.
This was recorded at Dublin Tech Summit with a live audience.
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Today our mentor is Ciaran Crean the co-founder of MicksGarage.com and WaveOMS.
We discuss whether Ireland is simply the wrong place to start certain types of businesses.
To hear the full interview with Ciaran, go back to episode 243.
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
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Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success and personal growth with Andy Macken, the founder of the Macken Group.
In this engaging episode, Andy shares his incredible journey from a Navy officer global entrepreneur. Discover how calculated risks, a growth mindset, and celebrating small wins can transform your business trajectory, no matter where you start.
Listen to Andy as he takes us through the pivotal moments of founding and scaling his business. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning from a solo entrepreneur to managing a team, the importance of nurturing client relationships, and the unforeseen adventures of international expansion. Andy’s candid reflections on balancing personal health and business demands, leveraging external perspectives, and understanding the true value of tasks will provide invaluable insights for any business owner. Immerse yourself in the wisdom of personal development icons and the power of consistent daily routines. Andy discusses how works by Richard Branson, Darren Hardy, and Tony Robbins have influenced his journey, and shares his own practices for maintaining mental and physical well-being. As we wrap up, Andy teases exciting future projects, making this episode not just a treasure trove of knowledge, but also an anticipation-filled look at what’s to come. Tune in and get ready to be inspired! ---
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Your mentor today is Aidan O'Shea, the co-founder of Otonomee.
He is going to teach us how to build a fully remote company from the ground up. We cover everything from hiring to sales.
If you are struggling to adapt to hybrid working or want to improve your remote company, this is for you.
If you want to listen to the full episode, go to episode 253.
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
Growing Further: https://bit.ly/3Lia2tn
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Gary Lavin is the founder of VITHIT, Europe's leading health drink.
In this episode, Gary reveals how he grew the brand from going door to door in Ireland to now selling over 50 million bottles per year. He shares his founder philosophy, marketing secrets and why he believes VITHIT could not be started in 2024.
From a bootstrapped tiny business to a global leader taking on and beating massive corporations, Gary's story will inspire and motivate you to do great things!
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Today, our mentor is Dan Fox, the founder and CEO of Johnson Hanna.
He walked away from life as a barrister to disrupt the entire legal industry.
By applying a layer of tech & leverage, Johnson Hanna are forging an entirely new career path for legal professionals worldwide.
His lessons is around raising money and why he thinks you should always take the money if you can.
Johnson Hanna has raised €15 million and is backed by AIB.
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Growing Further: https://bit.ly/3Lia2tn
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Barry Napier joins Gary Fox for a deep dive interview on his founder formula for success.
Barry sold 51% of his company, Cubic Telecom, for €473 million in November 2023.
This valued the company at over €900 million or over $1 billion dollars.
He reveals how he secured deals with Audi and Tesla, which transformed Cubic's direction.
His story is not just about financial success but about the grit and determination required to achieve it.
We hear Barry's leadership philosophy and how he executes on a strict roadmap based on accountability and clarity.
This episode is the perfect mix of actionable advice and inspiring anecdotes for anyone on the entrepreneurial path.
Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast
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Colum Lyons, the co-founder of ID-Pal joins Gary on the podcast.
The idea is simple, Colum's software stops your identification and identify being use by fraudsters and criminals online.
His genius simple, is used by some of the world's biggest companies. Ever signed up for a bank account online and being asked to take photos of your face? Chances are that's ID-Pal that you used.
We chat about just how hard it is to combat criminals online and what tactics you can use to stop them.
Colum shares the spark of genius that started his journey and how he pieced together a world-class team through grit, determination and resilience.
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The ethos of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast is to help founders master their brain, body and business. In that order.
Today's pod is a brain & body special. I sit down with Pat Divilly, to explore the hidden drivers that motivate founders & also the shadow that follows us.
Pat is one of the most open & authentic people in Ireland when it comes to mastering the self.
Founders must learn to become an expert in psychology. First, understanding their own, and then understanding the people around them, from staff, to clients to stakeholders.
Today's pod will help you understand yourself a little better, and also those around you.
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Peter Coppinger, the brilliant mind behind Teamwork, joins us for a fascinating chat recorded live at the Republic of Work in Cork in partnership with the EIIS Innovation Fund.
Peter’s entrepreneurial journey from a passionate college student to a successful business mogul is nothing short of inspiring.
From his early days of web development and local business pitches to the spontaneous decision to acquire the domain teamwork.com for a whopping $500,000, Peter's story is filled with bold moves and valuable lessons.
Peter & Dan bootstrapped Teamwork for over 14 years before raising $70 million in 2021. We delve deep into the reasons behind this and their drastic change of strategy.
We cover everything from their transition from client services to product development, their first sale, and to why SAAS is the best business model in the world!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the intricacies of building a positive company culture and making fearless business decisions.
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The ethos of this podcast is to help founders master their brain, body and business. In that order.
Today, I bring you one of the world's leading experts on mastering your brain, your body and specifically your heart.
Dr Paddy Barrett is a cardiologist who specialises in longevity and preventative medicine.
This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to optimize their health span, lifespan, and soul span.
We discuss how founders can prevent health problems before they arise and, through clear, logical steps, live longer and healthier lives.
A lack of balance is a major issue I repeatedly see with many of the founders I speak with and I'm on a mission to show there can be a better way. You can win at business, and not sacrifice your health or your mental fitness along the way.
We delve into the critical components of preventative medicine and health optimization, shedding light on how traditional healthcare systems often react to diseases rather than prevent them.
Dr. Barrett explains how lifestyle changes and structured exercise can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, especially as we age.
We also discuss the mental fitness of entrepreneurs, exploring how stress impacts performance and offering practical approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation to manage it effectively.
Buy Paddy's new best-selling book here: https://amzn.to/45cAGgj
Follow Paddy on X here: https://bit.ly/4c2UANa
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Unlock the secrets to mastering nutrition and entrepreneurship in our latest episode with Darren O'Reilly, the founder of Wholesupp.
You'll gain insights into Darren's inspiring transition from athlete to entrepreneur, and how he's making clean nutrition accessible to everyone.
We discuss the significance of transparent product labeling, third-party testing, and how accurate food labeling can drive informed consumer choices.
Darren also shares how personal health data, like those from Whoop devices, is revolutionizing our approach to health and nutrition.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the entrepreneurial journey of Wholesupp. Darren opens up about the trials and triumphs of product development, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the critical role of funding in scaling a business.
From leveraging expert skills to the value of a dedicated team, Darren’s story is a testament to resilience and continuous learning.
Tune in to hear how transferable skills and ambitious goals are pushing Wholesup towards exciting new horizons.
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My rising star pick for season 18 is Aine Kennedy, founder of The Smooth Company.
The only thing more remarkable than her rise over the last 2 years is her ability to dream up genius marketing ideas.
From millions of views on TikTok with her viral sensation grandad to securing a unique partnership with Brown Thomas, Aine is a creative powerhouse.
This is a story grounded in pure entrepreneurial spirit and hard work.
We uncover the grit behind the glamour, from the bootstrap beginnings to the euphoria of seeing her creation gracing the aisles of high-end retailers.
Aine's story is an ode to the virtues of kindness, the underestimated power of a positive mindset, and the strength required to build a special business.
Join us for an episode that's as much about the entrepreneurial hustle as it is about the human connections that make it all worthwhile.
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Ronan Perceval, the founder of Phorest salon software, joins me on this week's pod.
Ronan's journey began when he built a text messaging service at Trinity College.
This was the start of a serial entrepreneur journey that would see him start Demonware before he had the idea for Phorest.
He has spent the last 20 years building Phorest into one of the world's largest salon software providers.
Ronan believed in the idea of Phorest so much that he spent a year working behind the front desk in a salon to learn the exact pain points of customers! That is the level dedication and commitment to success that elite founders have.
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Andrew Mullaney is developing an AI that can beat any financial market!
Formerly the co-founder of NewsWhip, Andrew is now the mastermind behind Premind AI.
The serial entrepreneur is developing a model that can consume information in real time, validate it, and make trades before humans can even finish reading it.
Stock movements often ride the waves of viral content, regardless of the truthfulness of the news itself, and we discuss how this phenomenon can mislead investors and sway market dynamics.
If his tests become reality, this product will change the way stocks and shares are traded and make Andrew a billionaire many times over!
Andrew's candid reflections on life after Newswhip, embracing simplicity, and the endurance required for entrepreneurial success leave us with a potent mix of inspiration and pragmatism.
.---
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This week, I chat with Adnan Shabab, the entrepreneurial force behind Umi Falafel and a host of other Dublin eateries,as he shares his remarkable journey from a Palestinian refugee camp to establishing a food empire in Ireland.
Adnan now operates an award winning hospitality chain across Ireland from Dublin to Belfast to Cork.
This remarkable journey across the Middle East to Europe reveals the true strength of character it takes to not only start a business, but to start a new life in a brand new country.
His tale is one of resilience, adaptability and the power of your word being your bond.
My Season Partners
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The line from Thurles to Silicon Valley is not a straight one, but Paul Hayes forged a path.
A born storyteller, he has spent over 20 years honing his craft to tell the stories of the world's biggest tech companies & brands.
We unpack the power of storytelling in effective PR strategies, and Paul shares how crafting a compelling narrative can transform startups into industry conversation leaders, fostering trust and loyalty among potential customers.
In a wide ranging conversation, we discuss the lessons learned at the intersection of life, business, and the uncharted paths we choose.
Paul Hayes is the founder of BeachHut PR.
My Season Partners
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Conall Laverty, founder of Wia joins Gary on this week's pod.
A natural experimenter & entrepreneur, Conall can spot an opportunity where others can't.
After his bike was stolen, he began building devices to make dumb objects smart.
Fast forward to today, and his company, WIA, has developed a revolutionary piece of tech that companies can fit into their factories & warehouses. It will not only monitor energy use but see where millions of euros are being wasted or even stolen!
My Season Partners
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Ciara Walsh and James Fahy, the founders of JustTip join Gary for this week's episode.
Ciara and James open up about the dizzying highs of viral success and the daunting lows of financial strain, shedding light on the critical decisions that have defined their path.
But it's not all smooth sailing in the world of startups, as our candid conversation reveals the raw realities of scaling a business.
Their story is a masterclass in resilience, offering valuable lessons for anyone with their sights set on entrepreneurial success.
Listen closely as they share the secrets to transforming challenge into opportunity and discuss the shifts in consumer behavior driving digital transactions into the norm.
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Welcome to the launch episode of season 18 of the pod.
John Beckett built the first Ryanair website when he was still in school.
He built it for £20k and later discovered the next closest quote was £3.5 million!
It began his founder journey, and he has built multiple companies, including ChannelSight.
In his spare time, he has the ambitious plan to reforest large parts of Ireland with Forest Partners, his non-for-profit to combat climate change.
My Season Partners
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Back by semi-popular demand is our full nerdy planning guide for Q2.
In this episode, I recap your 2024 Masterplan and help you review Q1 and set goals you can hit in Q2.
Goal setting and planning are often overcomplicated so I take you through a simple, clear and actionable plan that you can do in 30 minutes.
We look at goals, systems and review guides to help you break down the months into bite sized chunks to make hitting your goals easier than ever.
Join my free weekly email newsletter here: https://bit.ly/40TgDkq
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Your mentor today is Eoin Hinchy, the co-founder of Tines.
Tines has raised over $100 million since being founded in 2018. It has been valued at over $1 billion.
The lesson is not about finance or fundraising. Our lesson today is about the power of simplicity. Founders and aspiring founders overcomplicate the process which leads to delays and self-doubt.
Eoin gives us a simple plan to get started and build momentum.
To listen to the full interview with Eoin go back to episode 232.
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John is a professional poker player turned e-commerce genius.
After 10 years of pro poker, he flipped into the e-commerce world.
During a Covid lockdown, he spent €30,000 trying to make the perfect bar of soap for men! The Black Stuff Soap company was born.
In the 3 years since, he's turned that €30,000 into a business that will hit sales of €5 million this year.
We talk how he uses poker strategy to win at business and how he's dominating in the world of e-commerce.
Visit John's company, The Black Stuff: https://bit.ly/3TJlhjE
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This is a powerful episode with Dan Nugent, an ecommerce entrepreneur with a huge story to tell.
Alongside his wife Sacha, they built their eyewear company from the kitchen table to a €100k a month business.
Post-Covid this came crashing down as online shopping collapsed and shoppers returned to retail stores.
He paused to rebuild the business and has been relentlessly learning from the biggest e-commerce and DTC brands worldwide. Today he shares everything in this episode.
Their unique pivot has seen them rebound and move into performance and recovery eyewear with customers such as Leeds United star, Patrick Bamford.
Dan's tale is one of dogged determination and a willingness to take two steps back to then take 10 steps forward.
Visit their new brand, EverAmbr: https://bit.ly/4annbMr
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Today's guest is Sinead Crowther, the founder of Soothing Solutions.
This is a story of superhuman resilience and the power of logic.
Sinead is without question one of the most inspirational and resourceful entrepreneurs that I've ever had the pleasure of sharing a conversation with.
Her journey is a masterclass in innovation, revealing the meticulous steps from conception to execution of a product that fills a significant gap in the market.
Sinead's narrative is a testament to the unwavering spirit of female entrepreneurs who challenge industry norms and overcome scepticism. From securing substantial funding to retrofitting a historical brewery into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Sinead's tale is both a blueprint and an inspiration.
Her first product, Tonstix Honey Jelly Pops is gaining traction across Ireland & the UK and is now a top selling product on Amazon.
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I first met Luke Mackey back in September 2019 when he appeared on episode 29 of this podcast.
Fast forward 4.5 years and 300 episodes later, he's back to tell me about his latest venture Kota.
Prediction time - Luke & Kota will be one of the hottest startups in Europe in the next 12 months.
We break down the process of building a venture backed startup & the lessons he's bringing into his journey as a second-time founder.
In 2023, Wired magazine picked Kota as one of their hottest startups in Europe.
My Season Partners
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Feargal Brady is the co-founder of NoFrixion and joined us back on episode 230.
Today, he teaches us about the triple bottom line.
A serial entrepreneur, he sold his most recent venture, Blueface, to US giant Comcast for an undisclosed sum believed to be €20 million+ in 2020.
He is the definition of a modern, mobile entrepreneur. He divides his time between Ireland, Portugal, and Spain while working across multiple different projects including NoFrixion, and his private equity group, VentureWave Capital.
My Season Partners
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Today's guest is Eoin Bara, the founder of Tipple, the e-commerce infrastructure company for alcohol brands.
Eoin's entrepreneurial journey began by flying to South Africa to learn how to make gin to now building a company that could completely change how people buy and sell alcohol across the world.
He raised €400k in just 30 days back in 2022 to get his venture off the ground.
From the personal anecdotes of distilling in South Africa to the formidable obstacles of navigating international taxes and logistics, our discussion takes you behind the scenes of what it truly means to run a disruptive venture in a traditional industry.
This episode is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities.
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In this special solo episode, I share the 5 key learnings I've picked up over the 5 years of doing The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast.
From business failures to expensive experiments, I share never told before stories on how the podcast began and where it will be in 5 years time!
This episode is an intimate diary entry, chronicling the profound impact of pivoting when the world stands still, and the unexpected success that can follow.
The episode encapsulates the ethos of 'survive to thrive,' as we acknowledge the mental fitness required for the entrepreneur life
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Welcome Chris Kelly, the co-founder of Tracworx to the pod!
Join us to learn how Tracworx revolutionized asset tracking across industries, from healthcare patient management systems to the brewing sector's battle against asset loss.
We'll reveal how embracing customer feedback and transparent communication can forge unbreakable client relationships, and how strategic funding and angel investors like Liam Casey, and Barry Lunn are instrumental in steering companies toward success.
Through tales of setbacks and serendipity, Chris and I illustrate the resilience and creativity that are the lifeblood of entrepreneurship.
(00:00) Introduction (07:38) Asset Management in Supply Chains (14:42) From Dating App to Patient Management (23:48) Innovating Healthcare Technology and Contact Tracing (33:48) Business Pivot and Sustainable Solutions (41:24) Building Relationships Through Customer Communication (46:06) Entrepreneurial Success Through Strategic Funding (50:40) Supply Chain Automation and Efficiency (58:59) Entrepreneurial Networking and Growth (01:02:37) Automating Retail
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Ali Ryan, the founder of Goss Media, joins Gary Fox on today's episode.
After being told "This is just a hobby" by an investor, she began a mission to build a media empire.
Over the last 10 years, Ali has bootstrapped her way to the top of the online media world in Ireland. Each month Goss.ie gets over 1 million readers.
Navigating the relentless tides of the media industry requires more than just a good idea—it demands grit, strategy, and a hint of rebellion.
Ali shares her experiences of bootstrapping Goss Media without outside investment, braving the legal threats that come with disrupting the status quo, and weathering the financial storm brought on by a global pandemic.
Her journey underscores the importance of innovation, from pioneering virtual events to leveraging the virality of TikTok, revealing how adaptability can lead to remarkable business growth even in tumultuous times.
Ali's narrative is a powerful reminder that the path to success is often a personal odyssey, marked by a balance of relentless drive and mindful self-care strategies that keep one's vision clear and passions burning bright.
Join us for a deep dive into the heart of a media empire built on unwavering belief and the refusal to accept failure as an option.
Chapters (00:00) Building a Media Empire (08:48) Navigating Challenges in Showbiz Industry (18:35) Building a Media Business From Scratch (26:11) Challenges of Starting a Business (34:20) Building Brand Success Through Innovation (43:56) Navigating Entrepreneurial Growth and Challenges (48:15) Entrepreneurs and Determination in Disruption (54:09) Lobbying for Anti-Trolling Legislation (01:00:10) Women's Empowerment and Self-Care Journeys (01:11:23) Belief in Possibility and Self-Driven Success
My Season Partners
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This week's mentor is Marc McCabe, GP at Nomad Capital
Marc was one of the first employees and helped it scale to become a global brand.
Today, he answers the question every entrepreneur wants to know, "What do investors look for when they decide on making an investment or not?
To listen to the full episode, go back to episode 228
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Go wherever in the world you are treated best. This is the financial & life philosophy of my guest, Andrew Henderson, the founder of Nomad Capitalist.
In a world of remote work, low cost travel and freedom of choice, where should you live in 2024?
In this revealing chat, we explore the concept of being a global citizen. How can this save you money, cut your tax, improve your quality of life & open up a world of investment choices.
We peel back the layers of identity and home in a world where mobility and diverse opportunities are reshaping what it means to be a global citizen.
Lastly, we delve into the intricate world of geopolitics, multiple passports, and tax planning in an era where global living is no longer just for the wealthy elite.
This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a masterclass in harnessing the power of global perspectives to fuel business growth and personal fulfilment.
(00:02) - The Future of Digital Marketing (04:14) - Factors Influencing Nomadic Capitalist Lifestyle (11:43) - Global Nomad Capitalist Lifestyle Trends (23:48) - Geopolitical Changes and Multiple Passports (34:57) - Global Mobility in Tax Planning (42:43) - Navigating Politics, Wealth, and Power (48:05) - Complexities of Libertarianism and Crypto Adoption (52:51) - International Entrepreneurship and Business Growth (01:00:21) - Self-Awareness and Investment Philosophy (01:06:25) - Seeking Simplicity in Business Growth ---
My Season Partners
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Shana is the founder of Tailr, which is redefining production for the clothing industry.
This was one of the most open & frank chats on the pod in 2024.
Shana and I peel back the layers of startup advice, highlighting the importance of filtering through the noise to find what truly resonates with your own entrepreneurial spirit.
After two years, she faced an impossible decision, give up or start again.
We navigated the complex journey from concept to market, with Shauna opening up about the challenges faced when developing her AI-driven sizing solution, and the grit needed to persevere through failed pitches and critical feedback.
It's not just about bouncing back; it's about asking the right questions and having those transformative Eureka moments that steer your product to success. Sharing personal stories, we reflected on the crucial role of mentorship, learning from setbacks, and the validation that comes with launching a product that genuinely impacts people's lives.
My Season Partners
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Rob Horgan, the founder of Velo Coffee is your mentor this week. He is a master marketer, so naturally, I had to find out his secret. Here is Rob's marketing masterclass.
Rob's full episode with Gary is episode 221.
My Season Partners
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Bobby Healy, the mastermind behind Manna's skyrocketing drone delivery service, is not your average CEO; and this is not your average chat.
We take a closer look at Bobby's extraordinary narrative, where resilience isn't just a buzzword. He's not just outmanoeuvring giants like Amazon; he's sharing how Twitter has become an invaluable tool for shaping his personal brand and business growth. We're peeling back the layers of corporate marketing to reveal the compelling stories of the people powering these ventures and why an authentic founder's voice is more resonant than any polished PR pitch.
Venture into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship with a man who's turned the daunting task of founding and scaling businesses into an art form. Bobby recounts the serendipitous twists that catapulted him from cumbersome corporate chains to the helm of nimble, innovative ventures. He lays bare the triumphs and tribulations of his journey, from navigating the uncertainties of early-stage startups to mastering the strategic timing of acquisitions.
Bobby embraces life's randomness that define the entrepreneurial spirit.
As we zoom in on the nitty-gritty of drone delivery, Bobby doesn't shy away from the hurdles that come with revolutionizing transportation. He shares how Manna is crafting a future where drones seamlessly integrate into urban landscapes, all while maintaining a laser focus on customer experience and market creation.
For those looking to carve their own path in the tech world, Bobby's insights are gold dust. He offers up hard-earned wisdom for ambitious minds: cherish your network, embrace the irrelevance of failure, and always remember that the greatest successes often come from starting early and surrounding yourself with talent. Join us for a conversation that's as electrifying as it is insightful, packed with lessons for anyone daring to disrupt the status quo.
My Season Partners
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Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y
Vinny Breslin, the co-founder of Uplisting, recounts the gripping tale of how a bootstrapped idea soared to an annual recurring revenue of $3 Million and processed an astonishing $400 million for clients.
Vinny built UpListing before selling in late 2023 to Airdna for an undisclosed amount.
His success is a testament to innovation and grit, revealing the transformative power of remote collaboration. The founders didn't meet in person for 2 years!
This story isn't just about celebrating milestones; it's a deep-dive into the perseverance and tech-savvy required to refine an industry.
We hear how Vinny hunted in Facebook groups for his first customers and kept a ruthlessly simple metric to focus the company on growth.
Vinny's personal account of the transition from founder to post-sale life is rich with raw emotion and candid revelations about the entrepreneurial grind. We explore the evolving definition of success, appreciating the less-trodden paths that stray from VC funding and flashy headlines.
My Season Partners
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Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y
Embark on a journey through the heart of entrepreneurship with Oisin Hanrahan as he unveils Keychain, his latest venture poised to revolutionize manufacturing.
New York serves as a backdrop for our deep dive into the persistent spirit needed to thrive in the post-pandemic renaissance of businesses. Oisin's fresh insights into the transformation of office space demands, workforce dynamics, and the agile adaptability needed to steer a company like Angie and Handy through crises, provide a masterclass for any entrepreneur looking to weather the ever-shifting business landscape.
We explore the surprising undercurrents of the manufacturing world where capacity and business needs tell a complex story. Oisin's Keychain emerges as a beacon of innovation, aiming to transform consumer habits by easing the path for healthier food options in grocery stores. The conversation takes an analytical turn, dissecting the nuances of starting a new venture in a challenging market, and the critical steps in validating market needs that can make or break a business idea.
Wrapping up, we delve into the sacrifices of successful entrepreneurship, where personal investments often transcend financial stakes, shaping the life of an enterprise. Oisin shares a relatable narrative of transition, from selling a bustling start-up to grappling with the allure of new ventures and the resilience required to pursue them.
This episode is not just a conversation; it's a treasure trove of entrepreneurial wisdom, seasoned advice, and a glimpse into the future of industry innovation.
Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y
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Join the conversation with the indomitable Sonya Lennon, as she shares the riveting story of her entrepreneurial voyage, which weaves together fashion innovation and profound social impact.
Sonya is the founder of Lennon Courtney, co-founder of Lift Ireland and founder of WorkEqual.
Our discussion unravels the complexities of brand development, the agility necessary in the face of business challenges, and the insightful moments of adaptability that redefine an entrepreneur’s path.
Sonya's candid reflections on managing multiple businesses, including the tech venture Frockadvisor, serve as a masterclass in resilience.
Wrapping up our exploration, we reflect on the indispensable role diversity plays in leadership and business, examining the nuances of women in senior roles and the risks current political climates pose to gender progress.
This episode is not just a narrative of personal triumph and societal contribution; it's a rallying cry for leaders and changemakers to seize the mantle of responsibility and drive the change they wish to see in the world.
Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y
My Season Partners
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Going from zero to one is the single most difficult task for any founder.
On today's mentor moment, Dan & Ciaran explain how they did it with ProtexAI, their startup which has raised $18 million, has customers all over the globe and complete the YCombinator programme in San Francisco.
Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y
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Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF
Few companies in the world have shaped the world of travel like Ryanair. They took an entire industry and ripped up the playbook.
In today's episode, we get the full inside story from Dec Ryan, the co-founder of Ryanair.
From early days of offering cut prices flights to London to building a low cost model that has defined the world of air travel in the last 20 years.
Dec has repeated this model all across the world including Columbia and Mexico.
We also explore the future of flight with Dec's investment in electric aircraft.
Tune in to hear a deeply personal dialogue on mental health, resilience, and the pursuit of balance. The episode culminates with an encouraging message about taking that all-important first action, setting the stage for success whether in life or business. Join us for a flight through stories of transformation, innovation, and the unbreakable human spirit, and be sure to catch every insight by subscribing to our podcast for the full experience. Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y
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My gift to you for 2024 is my complete guide to reviewing your year and planning 2024.
This episode breaks down in detail how I plan my entire year and the systems I use for success.
Happy New Year and I hope this episode helps you plan your best year yet.
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a family business into a multi-million-pound empire? Jacqueline O'Donovan, a pioneer in waste disposal, did just that at 19, steering her company through decades of growth and innovation.
Jacqueline is the MD of O'Donovan Waste Disposal in the UK and her father, Joe, originally hails from Cork.
Jacqui built the business from £175,000 turnover to £18 million before selling in 2022.
She was awarded an OBE in December 2023 for her services to business in the UK.
Today's episode peels back the curtain on how she navigated the emotional landscape of selling her business, maintained excellence over 37 yeears, and what fuels her current and future ventures.
Venture into the world of entrepreneurship with Jacqueline, as she recounts the early days of stepping into leadership and the profound influence of her family's immigrant roots and work ethic. Her personal narrative intertwines with astute business insights, highlighting the significance of communication, consistency, and the challenges of scaling a business. As we delve into her meticulous design of an environmentally conscious facility, Jacqueline's experience shines a light on combating gender inequality with knowledge and confidence, proving that these are the ultimate tools for success in a male-dominated industry.
As we close, Jacqueline's transition from waste management to the realms of PR, marketing, and storytelling unfolds, revealing the breadth of her expertise. Her candid discussion on mentorship, the fallacy of needing to fail in entrepreneurship, and juggling personal life with professional commitments offers a treasure trove of wisdom.
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Join the culinary adventure with self-taught chef and entrepreneur Eoin Sheehan as he serves up a feast of stories from his journey from humble beginnings to fueling Ireland's elite athletes.
With over 100 live shows of TV under his belt, Eoin's star is rising as he balances life as a TV chef and ambitious entrepreneur with a rapidly expanding bespoke culinary business feeding athletes and sports teams across Ireland.
His refreshing take on how personal branding and a 'doing your reps' ethos can shape not just a business, but an entire lifestyle, is a recipe for inspiration.
Eoin reveals his insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of savoring life's moments and not letting work consume you. His story is a testament to the delicate balance between fostering a thriving business and cultivating a rich personal life – a balance many of us strive for.
Visit Eoin's Business: https://bit.ly/47e0CHQ
Follow Eoin on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3NB3aZL
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Your mentors today are John & Joe, two of the most impressive people I've had the pleasure to meet on this podcast adventure.
In April 2023, they sold their company to Zoom for an undisclosed figure, rumoured to be over $400 millon.
In this episode, they possibly share the most important lesson every aspiring founder should learn. How to launch your company, before you even have a product. This is a bite-sized episode, to listen to the full interview, go back to episode 218.
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In this dynamic and insightful discussion, we sit down with Fiona O'Carroll, an esteemed business leader and CEO advisor, to explore the crucial shift to a digital mindset in today's rapidly changing business landscape.
Fiona has been a leader in companies such as Riverdeep, Independent News & Media and Vivendi Games.
Fiona brings her extensive experience as an "intrapreneur" to the table and shares her wisdom on the challenges that companies face as they transition from the industrial era to the digital era. With her strong emphasis on mindset over technology, Fiona's insights provide a unique perspective on leadership in the digital era.
We also discuss overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, particularly for women in male-dominated industries, with Fiona sharing her personal experiences and how she learned to master her inner critic. The importance of self-awareness in overcoming self-doubt is emphasized, along with the idea that success does not eliminate these feelings but rather presents new opportunities for growth.
Join us as we share an inspiring story of a woman who discovered she was pregnant while being offered a high-level executive role and the power of overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations to embrace opportunities.
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Your mentor today is Norman Crowley, the founder of Cool Planet & Ava.
He was 2 hours away from selling his business for $1 billion. We talk about how that feels, the power of intention and how he completely shifted his life goals after retiring at 28.
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Unlock the secrets of securing investment, scaling a business, and overcoming the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in our insightful discussion with Chupi Sweetman, founder of Chupi Jewellery, and James Doody, a director with IBI Corporate Finance.
This was filmed with a live audience at my studio in the private cinema in the Greenway Building by Iconic Offices
Expect to be inspired by Chupi’s journey, raising a remarkable €3.75 million last year, and James's expert advice on fundraising that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take on the world of finance.
We don't just stop at raising capital, but pull back the curtain on the journey of starting a business from the ground up. Hear firsthand how Chupi took her business from a spare room to a successful brand, and get James's expert advice on building a solid financial plan and team. The power of networking, resilience, and turning rejections into opportunities also take center stage in our chat.
Rounding out our episode, we broach the subject of finding the right investors, decoding terms, and the hidden costs of opportunity.
James shares his personal experience with investment, stressing the importance of matchmakers in aligning entrepreneurs and investors. We highlight the need to understand your business valuations and set realistic expectations. Chupi and James leave us with powerful insights into the world of entrepreneurship, reminding us that gender should never define your journey, and the importance of forming genuine bonds in business.
Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, advice, and real-world experiences that every entrepreneur will find invaluable.
(06:11) - Starting and Scaling a Business (15:51) - Company Funding and Finance for Entrepreneurs (24:22) - Finding the Right Investors and Terms (28:21) - Raising Capital for Business Growth (35:02) - Business Climate's Financing Challenges (42:34) - Networking and Building Genuine Relationships (46:14) - Funding Process and Female Entrepreneurship (58:51) - Advice for Founders and Funding Strategies (01:11:04) - Challenges and Options for Female Founders (01:14:27) - Partnerships and Generational Progress ---
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Mark Abraham, the founder of Shackle, sits down with Gary Fox.
Shackle is the global travel app of the future. They have raised ove $20 million with the ultimate ambition of building a business bigger than Airbnb!
Originally from Tullamore, Mark now lives in Dubai after a career that has spanned the globe.
In this episode we discuss:
- His calculated decision to move to the Middle East
- How Shackle can be bigger than Airbnb
- Why Mark believes work life balance is a myth
- How he secured some of the world's biggest founders are investors
- His unique networking approach
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Speed of execution is what seperates entrepreneurs from wantrepreneurs.
Aonghus developed his very first product version using a cardboard box!
Your mentor today shares with us the power of executing fast and how momentum is everything when building your first product.
Aonghus Shortt is the CEO & founder of Food Marble.
You can go back and listen to the full episode at EE 125.
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Michael Corcoran walked away from one of the most coveted jobs in marketing after building one of the world's most respected social media brands.
Why? We hear the real story of the explosive split that caused Michael and most of his team to walk out on their jobs at Ryanair.
Michael also gives us a masterclass in the secrets that generated 2 billion organic impressions in just 18 months.
Ever wondered how to craft content that truly resonates with your audience? Michael spills the beans on how to effectively reach and engage audiences through understanding their needs, wants, and motivations. He also gives us a peek into the strategy behind Ryanair's "always on" content.
Michael's innovative approach focuses on timing, speed, and a pre-planned, coordinated strategy rather than purely reactive content. The final part of our chat revolves around Michael's transition to a consultancy role, his insights into the potential and challenges of various social media platforms, and the impact of social media on businesses and individuals.
From Treads to Instagram and TikTok, Michael discusses his experiences and perspectives on these platforms. His invaluable advice for entrepreneurs and business owners highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity. You can't afford to miss this enlightening episode, so tune in for a wealth of insights into the dynamic world of social media.
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In today's episode we go behind the scenes of last week's Wealth Summit and my time with Steven Bartlett.
I share the insights & lessons he revealed both on stage but also behind the scenes as we hung out backstage.
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Your mentor today is Rena Maycock, the founder of Cilter.
Rena shares with us how she quit a high-paying CEO job to earn her freedom by becoming her own boss.
We chat about the pros and cons of starting your own venture and how you know if you are ready to start.
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Join me in a compelling conversation with Sharon Keegan, the unstoppable force behind Peachy Lean. Our chat uncovers the raw truth of navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as a woman, highlighting Sharon's unyielding grit in the face of obstacles.
From the overwhelming surge of customer demand to the striking differences in the UK and Irish markets, Sharon's resilience is truly inspirational. Our conversation doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of entrepreneurship. Listen in as we delve into gender dynamics in raising capital, underscored by Sharon's personal journey in a male-dominated industry.
We also ponder the biases faced by women from different backgrounds and the pivotal role of female investors on boards. Sharon's experiences and advice are invaluable for aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. As we wrap up our thought-provoking dialogue, Sharon and I delve into the historical design bias in products and its impact on women.
We also discuss the importance of mental health and the potential of investing in psychedelics. Sharon's personal journey, her fight against societal biases, and her commitment to mental health make this episode a must-listen. Don't miss out on the chance to gain insights from one of the most successful female entrepreneurs of our time.
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Music by Andrew Applepie
Our mentor this week is Matthew Coffey, the co-founder of Squid Loyalty.
Matthew shows us how to tackle a massive problem and develop the niche of your business.
Squid Loyalty is going after a global problem so in this episode, we break down the logical plan Matthew and his co-founder Katie used to carve out their niche.
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James was just 17 when he hacked the Apple iPod Nano. This act of creativity catapulted him into the world's spotlight.
His next massive success was establishing CoderDojo to teach kids about technology & coding. What began as a small group in Cork soon spread all over the globe.
James gives us a compelling account of his exceptional journey. We also shed light on the emotional toll of his period, delving into the burnout he experienced, the self-reflection that followed, and the significance of self-care when charting such an ambitious path.
We explore the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the face of success, the pitfalls of seeking external validation, and the merits of finding joy in the journey itself instead of the end result.
After spending time in the Middle East as CTO of a major tech company, James now splits his time between Japan and Ireland while building Conjure, his latest project.
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Music by Andrew Applepie
Our mentor today is Sonia Deasy, the co-founder of Pestle and Mortar.
This is one of our earliest episodes in the podcast, way back in episode 21.
Sonia shares with us the level of work that goes into what can seem like an overnight success story of when she appeared on QVC in America.
This was a massive tipping point for the brand. They sold out all inventory and it launched the brand into the American market.
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Music: Andrew Applepie.
Get ready to be captivated as we sit down with Ray Nolan, a self-made and self-taught tech genius who has carved a niche for himself in the entrepreneurial world.
Ray built and sold Hostelworld for one of Ireland's biggest tech sales at the time for $500 million.
Nolan is now the powerhouse behind eDesk Software. Our conversation explores his remarkable journey from a teenage coder to his current achievements and the highs and lows that punctuated his path to success.
We discuss the importance of mentoring CEOs and management teams, facilitating successful company sales, and the indispensable role technology plays as an enabler. This episode is rich with insights, as Nolan deliberates on the challenges and prospects of entrepreneurship, the need for improvements in the startup ecosystem, and the potential pitfalls of setting the wrong objectives. The Irish government's role in entrepreneurship and strategic steps to expedite projects also merit our discussion.
As we wind up, we reflect on the journey and success of eDesk Software, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the difficulty of hiring a new CEO. Nolan emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused role in product development and understanding an entrepreneur's journey to success. This episode is a must-listen for budding entrepreneurs or anyone interested in the business world. Let's tune in and learn from one of Ireland's most successful entrepreneurs, Ray Nolan.
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In the Lab today, I answer one of the most common questions I get sent by listeners. When should I quit my job and how will I know its the right time to leave?
I share the lessons from over 300 episodes and the exact plan I used to boot strap my business from €500 to €500k.
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Embodying personal growth and self-belief, today's episode promises to be nothing short of inspirational. We sit down with James McCormack, an entrepreneur who's carved out a niche in the coffee sector, transforming lives via Dublin Barista Institute, and delighting taste buds with his performance coffee, Oyl. James' story of turning his life around, from grappling with obesity and alcoholism to becoming the healthier and more focused person he is today, is something we all can learn from.
Our conversation with James takes us on a journey exploring the importance of self-care, the role of technology and social media, and the generational shift towards health and self-improvement. James shares his insights into how he has harnessed the power of an entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in the unpredictable storm of the pandemic. His story offers motivation, inspiration, and the valuable lessons he's learned about self-belief and overcoming self-doubt.
Delving deeper, we unpack how James has developed good habits, the nuances of maintaining a balance between discipline and a normal life, and the value of having a strong support system. We explore the importance of attention to detail, dive into how James would invest 10 million euro and discuss his vision for the future. Ending with sound advice for entrepreneurs, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, insight, and tips for personal and professional growth. So join us on this transformative journey with James McCormack, and get ready to be inspired.
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Your mentor today is Rhona Togher, co-founder of the Lios Group.
How do you know when to go all in on your business? That is the question that haunts most first-time founders. Many never get past this stage.
Rhona tells us her story of quitting college and risking everything she had to make the business work.
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To celebrate a landmark episode, I invited back 4 of the best entrepreneurs I've had the pleasure of meeting over the last 300 episodes for a special live episode.
We go deep on how early-stage businesses access capital, what early strategies they used to grow during turbulent environments such as Covid and what innovative plans they have to expand even during uncertain financial markets.
If you are an early-stage entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen for practical insights and financial planning.
I am joined by:
-
Peigin Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing
-
Matthew Coffey, co-founder of Squid
-
John Ryan, founder of Gigable
-
Niall Harty, co-founder of All Real Nutrition
This episode was brought to you in association with The EIIS Innovation Fund & Quintas Capital.
I am proud to announce that I have joined the EIIS Innovation Fund as a special advisor. The fund, operated by Quintas Capital invests in innovative SMEs while investors benefit from 40% income tax relief.
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Today is a different episode. It is an honest story about the journey I've been on with mental health over the last 3 years.
Warning: I talk about difficult issues such as miscarriage and suicide so if either of those topics might upset you, please consider not listening to this one. You can revisit it at another time.
This is not expert advice or claiming to have the answers. This is simply me sharing my own journey in the hope it might help one other person.
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My most requested topic to cover is failure. However, it's not so easy. Rarely do people want to talk about it and when they do, their memories can be less than honest.
Connor Murphy was one of the few people to speak openly on failure and what it truly taught him.
Connor was the founder of Datahug which was sold for $13 million in 2016 and is now the founder of Bridge.
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Music by Andrew Applepie
Ever wondered how entrepreneurs adapt and thrive, even in the midst of a global pandemic?
Our favourite returning guest, Rob Lipsett, gives us his on the art of adapting to become location-flexible, financially independent, and most importantly, time-free.
As we catch up with him, Rob reveals how he orchestrated his escape from the 9 to 5 grind and ventured into the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship, all while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and nurturing real-world interactions.
Rob's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He unveils the strategies he employed to reach his individual goals, manage distractions, and optimize productivity, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. We delve into Rob's wellness routine, how he strikes a balance between remote work and real-world interaction, and get a sneak peek into his investment strategies. His experiences, from starting a business post-breakup to the challenges of selling a physical product, are bound to resonate with budding entrepreneurs.
This episode isn’t just about business and entrepreneurship, it's also about personal growth and building a lifestyle that aligns with your values. You'll be inspired by Rob's insights on overcoming failure, his persistence, and the importance of authenticity. We also discuss his tactics for monetizing social media through sponsorships, brand deals, and various income streams. As we wrap up, Rob even reveals how he would spend a million euros! Join us, for an episode teeming with motivation, education, and inspiration.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:00) - Entrepreneurship, Evolution, and Personal Milestones (0:10:42) - Escaping the Nine-to-Five Monotony (0:15:15) - Entrepreneurial Evolution and Deep Focus (0:26:38) - Balancing Remote Living and Real-World Interaction (0:32:31) - Evolution of Fitness and Wellness (0:42:26) - The Importance of Accountability in Fitness (0:52:38) - Starting a Business After Breakup (1:00:19) - Physical Product Challenges and Plans (1:08:05) - Importance of Authenticity and Overcoming Failure (1:14:17) - Persistence and Obsession (1:24:19) - Make Money on Social Media (1:27:52) - Personal Aesthetics, Online Presence, Opportunities (1:37:00) - Investments and Financial Advice (1:46:11) - Investing, Self-Care, and Fine Dining
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In the Lab today, I share the number 1 reason why people won't meet you for coffee and why your message goes unread.
I give you the full playbook on how to reach out to busy people and get their attention or time.
Most people approach networking in the completely wrong way. I share the experience of how I've connected with and built valuable connections with some of the world's best founders.
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Our mentor today is Jennifer Rock AKA The Skin Nerd.
Jennifer will teach us how to let go of perfectionism struggles and her key tips for managing a business, setting realistic goals, trusting decisions, and balancing pressures.
We also look at the power of listening to your gut and how to build systems that help you make the leap from an employee mindset to an owners mindset.
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Today is a special episode for me personally as I first met Charlie back in 2019 at my live podcast in Dublin city when he was in the very first days of his entrepreneurial journey.
To now see him build a world-leading company is a beautiful milestone in both Charlie's journey and the journey of this podcast.
This is a business chat but it's filled with honesty, warmth and deeper exploration of why we become founders.
We navigate his journey, from college days to launching a company that's reshaping the research industry. The conversation illuminates how Bounce Insights empowers brands with a consumer research platform that facilitates quick and effective decision-making. Charlie and I unpack the complexities of human sources of feedback and emphasize the significance of a complementary skill set in business.
This episode takes a close look at the business-building process, shedding light on the evolution of the research industry and Charlie's disruptive approach. Charlie shares the challenges faced in convincing consumers to participate in surveys and how the industry responded with more efficient, cost-effective solutions. We delve into the power of customer discovery and psychology in understanding consumer needs and behaviours.
We conclude our conversation discussing the 'Entrepreneur Dream', its influence on young entrepreneurs, and the pursuit of happiness. Charlie and I also reflect on his experience with a failed business deal, underlining the importance of pursuing potential rather than happiness. In the end, we learn that the joy of entrepreneurship lies in the relationships we build, the support from family and friends, and the feeling of accomplishment when we reach our goals. Tune in for a candid chat filled with invaluable insights and lessons from a modern entrepreneur's journey.
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In the Lab today, I delve into the new trend of going into Monk Mode and why is it getting so popular?
Next Sunday marks the start of the last quarter of the year. This gives you the perfect opportunity to try Monk Mode. But what is it and how can it help you become super productive?
Find out on today's episode.
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Your mentor today is Oisin Hanrahan and he's going to give us a rapid lesson on the power of focus.
As founders, we can get distracted by the next shiny thing. However, Oisin has strict rules he enforces on himself and his team to ensure maximum focus and productivity. Oisin started Handy which raised over $100 million before being aquired by Angi. Oisin become the CEO of Angi which at the time of recording had a valuation of $5 billion and over 5,000 staff.
You can go back to episode 136 to listen to the full conversation with Oisin.
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Richie Collins, the founder of The Wealth Summit and Walfrid Private joins me on the pod.
He has dedicated his career to managing the money of some of Ireland's best founders.
I sit down with Richie to ask him to tell me about the money habits and traits of the best founders. How do they make it and most importantly how do they invest it and spend it?
Important note: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. None of the content in today's episode is to be taken as investment advice. Always seek advice from a professional before making any investment decisions.
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Today in the Lab, I explore a single topic of immense power for your business. Leverage.
How can we apply the law of leverage to our business, our body and our brain?
Each Tuesday, I share my breakdown of a topic or theme that can help us improve as founders.
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Our mentor today is Niall Harty, the co-founder of All Real Nutrition.
Niall was my first-ever pick as rising star and he has lived up to my prediction.
He teaches us how to get scrappy. After their relaunch, he trained their entire staff to become sales people and they went across Ireland selling from store to store. This is secret of every successful young startup. They focus on the only thing that matters, early sales to customers.
To listen to the full episode with Niall, go back to EE 151.
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Join Gary as he sits down with Kealan Lennon, founder of Clever Cards, and discuss his revolutionary approach to online payments. Listen in as we unpack how this innovative system allows employers to gift their employees up to 1,000 euros tax-free in the form of a digital Mastercard.
We hear the rollercoaster journey of how a Facebook algorithm change forced him to completely transform his business model within a few months.
A chance visit to China was the lightbulb moment and Clever Cards 2.0 was born to become an industry leader in the online payments space.
But the transition to digital payments is not without its challenges. Together with Keelan, we navigate the pressing issues of security and compliance, exploring how Clever Cards leverages biometrics and KYC for added protection. Keelan also expands on the transformative power of frictionless payments, demonstrating how Clever Cards makes it incredibly easy for CFOs to control card limits and expiry dates.
In a wide-ranging interview, we get a glimpse into the masterplan Kealan has that will transform the online payments space and where this will lead him as a founder.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:01) - Clever Cards (0:08:53) - Digital Transformation in Payments and Finance (0:14:30) - Future of Payments (0:25:17) - Transitioning From Consumer to B2B Business (0:28:58) - Transitioning to a New Business (0:34:28) - Irish Entrepreneurship and Building Connections (0:44:10) - Building Infrastructure for Long-Term Success (0:54:52) - Building for Future Success With Goals (0:59:22) - Fitness and Work-Life Balance Importance
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Music by Andrew Applepie.
In the Lab today, I share what it's like to move from Ireland to Spain, how I discovered the niche industry that ships supercars all around Europe for wealthy owners and why fitness villages will be the next mega-trend in health.
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Meet Alice Carroll, the spirited founder of Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey, as she spills the secret to her success in the traditional whiskey industry. She has blended the old with the new to create a disruptive brand identity. Alice shares her journey right from her roots in Limerick to shaking up the Irish Whiskey landscape.
The conversation with Alice uncovers the hurdles she overcame and the innovative strategies that she employed to make whiskey appealing to a new generation of whiskey drinkers. Foxes Bow has rewritten the rulebook, making whiskey accessible and relatable to all. Alice's candid account of her decision to dedicate herself full-time to Foxes Bow, backed by the unwavering support of her family, makes for an inspiring listen.
We unravel how Alice and her team navigated the complexities of introducing Foxes Bow to the US market, highlighting the importance of agility, flexibility, and a strong set of core principles. The tale ends with Alice's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs - take risks and ask questions. This chat with Alice Carroll is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and creative disruption, and you won't want to miss it!
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As someone who's navigated the unpredictable waters of professional sports, Jeff Hopkins understands the importance of mental agility.
Whether it's being on trial with Europe's biggest football clubs or calculating the perfect golf swing, Jeff's journey to entrepreneurship has been flavoured with a unique mix of sports discipline and business acumen. In our chat, he sheds light on the lessons learned during his transition from professional sports to the world of business and entrepreneurship.
A debilitating back injury could have been Jeff's undoing, but his grit and resilience turned it into a stepping stone. He shares his struggles, treatments, and eventual acceptance of his condition, an experience that helped him co-found a successful fitness & active wear business. Listen to how he channeled his creativity and passion into a niche market and founded New Dimensions Active, one of Europe's fastest-growing active leisure brands.
Finally, Jeff speaks candidly about the importance of mental health and his personal efforts to inspire others through his work. He also reveals his unique methods of product testing, starting a beach group to promote an active lifestyle, and his thoughts on creating a balance between work and family life. From insightful parallels between sports and business to his mission of bridging the gap between athletes and the general public, Jeff's story is an inspiring ode to tenacity and innovation.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:01) - From Athlete to Founder
(0:09:29) - From Soccer to Golf
(0:21:04) - From Golf to Entrepreneurship
(0:27:32) - Living With a Debilitating Back Injury
(0:34:03) - Transitioning From Golf to Entrepreneurship
(0:44:42) - Mental Health and Fitness Importance
(0:54:52) - Connection in Business and Sports
(1:06:47) - Family, Investing, Reading, Future Plans
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It's the weekend, that means it's time for a new mentor.
This week, we have a special friend of mine to teach us about the unlimited power of mindset.
Andy Mackin served in the Irish Navy for 21 years before embarking on a second career as an entrepreneur. Mackin Talent is now a commercial powerhouse with offices all over the world and turning over millons each month.
His growth since then has been spectacular but why I really clicked with Andy was his outlook on life and the power of mindset.
Today he gives us a short lesson on improving mindset and he proves why there is no such thing as a typical entrepreneur.
To hear the full interview with Andy, go back and listen to episode 113.
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I speak from personal experience when I tell you property management is tough.
Today's guest is solving the complex problems faced by property owners & managers. Paul McCarthy, the founder of Snapfix, joins me in the studio.
His simple system based on the universal traffic light system aims to make managing your hotel, office or building as simple as using Whatsapp.
The award winning software has received funding from prominent US investors and is now poised to break into the lucrative global property market from right here in Dublin.
Paul's story starts in New York city & around the globe before returning to Ireland to ponder the question, how can we make property smarter.
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Today in the Lab, I give you your complete summer reading list.
I give you recommendations across all our key areas of business, brain and body.
12 books that will make perfect companions for your summer travels and preparing your mind for the second half of 2023.
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Each week, I give you a world class mentor to prepare you to win the week ahead.
Today, Lisa Creaven, co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care gives us a masterclass in customer psychology and product testing.
You must know everything about your product and how it will be used before you can hope to build a market leading product.
Lisa breaks down for us her product testing process and the strategies used.
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Eamon Fitzgerald has transformed his lifelong passion for wine into a booming business in under 2 years.
So how has it done it so fast?
He has applied over 10 years experience in the UK wine market & decades of passion poured into the last 24 months. This is no overnight success story. Instead, Eamon shares the hard fought lessons of WineSpark.
We hear about:
- His unusual funding model which traces back to Japan!
- How a public speaking nightmare transformed him as a leader & person
- The one growth hack that led to over 1,500 potential customers
- Avoiding letting your need for a profit ruin your passion project
- What truly makes a great wine - Spoiler: It's not the grapes.
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In the Lab today, I reveal the results of the experiments I did in July to improve my business, body and brain.
For my brain, I donated almost my entire wardrobe to charity and now only own 50 items.
To improve my body, I completed the ultimate fitness test, a VO2 Max Test and a Metabolic test.
Finally for my business, I built a content flywheel to supercharge our downloads and growth.
Listen to the full episode to hear the results and how I rate each experiment for you to try.
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Aspiring entrepreneurs always ask when is the right time. How will I know it's the right decision?
Today, Pat Divilly shares his insights into the toughest choice of all. Walk away from your current life for the opportunity to build your dream life.
Right or Wrong - You Must Make a Decision - That is today's theme and we'll help you work through your tough choices with today's mentor.
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He walked away from life as a barrister to disrupt the entire legal industry.
Dan Fox, founder & CEO of Johnson Hanna joins Gary Fox on the podcast.
The slow and expensive legal system is about to be transformed by today's guest. His firm is trimming the fat and speeding up the complex world of law.
By applying a layer of tech & leverage, Johnson Hanna are forging an entirely new career path for legal professionals all over the world.
Dan tells his story of leaving the life of disillusioned young legal professional to becoming a motivated entrepreneur with a mission to disrupt the entire industry.
Johnson Hanna are backed by industry leaders such as Dan Kiely, the founder of VoxPro and are also backed by AIB.
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Been a while since we did one of these so time for a rapid pod & life update.
We've had a record breaking month on the podcast & I share the lessons & secrets I've been using to grow our downloads.
On the learnings side, I've made some big decisions on the future of a few business ventures & why they all came from working on my mental fitness.
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Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. Norman Veale said it first and said it best. That is the theme of today's Mentor Moment.
Realistic people don't change the world. Irish people and Irish entrepreneurs in particular can often be guilty of being too humble and afraid to truly express their grand plan.
John Ryan is not one of those people. When we spoke back in 2019, he clearly outlined his plans for his business. Guess what? 4 years on, he is making those dreams happen.
Today's mentor teaches us how to set a grand vision and then how to begin to execute on it because goals without action are simply dreams.
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Today's guest has built a business on the back of sheer graft and passion.
David Hartigan, the founder & CEO of Hemp Heroes joins Gary on the pod.
While rising through the ranks at PWC, he pursued his passion of building a company in the health space that would help people & pets live longer & better.
Since 2018, he has been building Hemp Heroes, producing human food supplements, pet supplements and cosmetics.
David is one of Europe's leading experts on Hemp and CBD but his entrepreneur genes run deep and we hear how he started building his empire while still in school.
It is impossible to not be energised and motivated by David and his attitude.
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For almost 10 years, Nick Keegan has been working to uncover the billion euro opportunity hiding in your letterbox & email inbox.
He's now cracked that puzzle and powers the communications for the world's biggest companies.
As he prepares to go on a massive growth spree, I hear how Nick discovered his playbook of powering phenomenal success through acquiistions and clever product positioning.
Nick Keegan, the CEO & co-founder of MailMetrics joins Gary Fox on the pod this week.
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Our Mentor today is Fiona Parfrey, the co-founder of Riley.
Fiona gives us a masterclass on how to get your startup covered by the media and how to create a cohesion working relationship with your co-founders.
In under 3 years, Fiona & her co-founders have taken Riley from an idea over a glass of wine to becoming EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists. Their early growth & customer traction has been phenominal so sit back & learn from one of Ireland's most promising entrepreneurs.
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Cathal Friel joins Gary Fox on this week's podcast.
He tells the story of leaving school to save his family business & how this sliding doors moment sparked his life as an entrepreneur & business builder.
Cathal helped set up Merrion Stockbrokers before establishing his own highly specialised niche of building high-growth companies in-house before rapidly listing them on stock markets.
He has created companies worth multiple billions including Amryt Pharma plc which IPO’d on the London Stock Exchange in 2016 and was successfully sold to Chiesi Farmaceutici for $1.48bn in April 2023
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In the Lab today I share the master plan I am using to plan the next 10 years of my life.
This is your cheat code to achieve all your goals for the next 6 months.
We are halfway through the year so this is the review session you need to plan what you are going to achieve in the second half of the year.
I share how I review my year and how I plan my goals.
If you need a template to smash your goals in 2023, this episode is for you.
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Today's guest is going to change the course of human lifespan and healthspan. He is going to get you healthier, fitter and help you look younger while living to 120!
Pat is one of the most passionate and successful entrepreneurs in Ireland. He calls his shot and stands over his beliefs and predictions.
He sold Trustev, his tech startup back in 2015 for $44 million. This was not the end but merely the start for Pat. He has become one of the most prolific startup founders and funders in Ireland.
His latest company Sisu, has clinics in Ireland, and the UK and is rapidly expanding in the USA. He is also the chairman of Limbo, a revolutionary blood monitoring device which is backed by superstar investors such as US basketball legend, Shaq.
This episode is one of the most impactful conversations I have ever released. Enjoy.
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We are back for a brand new season of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast.
Between now and the end of 2023, I am going all in on making this podcast, the number 1 choice for people who want to improve their business, body and brain.
In this episode, I bring you up to speed on what's happened since June, the plans for the rest of the year and reveal my 3 experiments I am doing on my business, body and brain in July.
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Ann Hunt took her decade of experience on Wall Street to build a platform to improve the psychology of professional stock traders.
Now for the first time since selling her company, she tells the full story.
We learn the psychological traits that can make both a great entrepreneur and stock picker.
She reveals why she eventually sold her company in a successful exit and why she might just go again in a new venture!
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Michael Dwyer, the founder of Pigsback.com joins Gary Fox on the pod.
In 2019, Michael sold Pigsback for €25 million in cash.
For almost 20 years he survived dot-com crashes and economic turmoil making Pigsback a true Irish e-commerce story.
Michael's career has spanned the international food industry, dotcom entrepreneurship, a book, and now investment and advisory in start-ups, tech and blockchain and, in between, taking on the poker pros.
In this episode you will learn:
- The grit & tenacity it takes to survive in business
- How he battled & beat companies such as Groupon & Grab One
- Why adaptability is the critical skill for success in the online world
- Being early can be fatal if you can't ride out the storm until your time arrives
- How he ended up at the final table of the World Series of Poker!
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Our mentor today is serial entrepreneur and investor, Brian Caulfield.
Brian started his career with multiple exits in the tech space and is now one of Ireland's best-known venture capital investors.
Today, he teaches us what he looks for in an exceptional entrepreneur and how he spots world-changing startup ideas.
Brian's episode is number 202 if you want to go back and listen to the full conversation.
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Joining Gary Fox on the podcast this week is Ian Browne, the MD of the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) which invests in high-growth companies across Ireland as well as supporting entrepreneurs from the idea stage right up to Series A.
Originally, Ian founded My Surgery Website, a MedTech SAAS business which grew to almost 5000 customers and millions of users before being acquired by NASDAQ-listed Stericycle.
Post-acquisition he helped establish IgniteNI, focused on revitalising the Northern Irish startup ecosystem, strengthening ties with Europe and North America and propelling startups to raise over £100m in venture capital funding. He holds non-exec and chairman positions at venture-backed companies and is an angel investor.
In this episode we learn:
- How fear holds people back from their full potential
- What Ian looks for before investing in a founder
- How to spot a great market opportunity
- The power of storytelling as a founder
- How to take and give feedback at a high-level.
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In 2018, Ciaran Mulligan sold his company, Blue Insurance for a reported €70 million. The entrepreneur is now a serial investor & adventurer!
As our mentor today, he teaches us the value and power of following your gut and being true to your convictions.
Ciaran taught me so much about the power of being open to change & adapting rapidly in the ever-shifting landscape of business.
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Andy Noonan is festival director, curator and owner of Big Grill, Me Auld Flower and Baste (soon to be Scorchio).
He started out life in events as a DJ and nightclub promoter at the age of 16. Since then he has successfully organised Europe's Biggest BBQ & Food Festival, Big Grill, Baste a BBQ catering & events company
In this episode, we explore a huge variety of topics including:
- The complete guide to developing a festival
- The harsh reality of why most food businesses flop
- Is it possible to make a food business profitable in 2023?
- How Irish people's culinary tastes have changed
- Why Covid altered peoples festival going behaviour
- The cult of the BBQ & why he believes it's an emerging trend
- Why you must give people an Instagram-worthy experience now
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In the Lab today, I share my experience of speaking at The Wealth Summit last week and give you a breakdown of the talk I delivered.
I've studied and identified the 4 traits that all top-level entrepreneurs have and the dark passengers they carry as a result of having those traits.
Essential listening for founders who want to improve their self-awareness.
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Don't build a CV, build a portfolio.
Today's mentor is Barry Lunn, serial entrepreneur and founder of Provizio.
He teaches us today there is no single path to becoming an entrepreneur. Pursue your passions, work hard and just keep going.
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Aidan is a self-confessed accidental entrepreneur.
He led Voxpro, the highly successful outsourcing company founded by well-known entrepreneurial husband and wife duo, Dan & Linda Kiely, until their sale for $150 million in 2019.
Aidan was taking a well-deserved sabbatical when the world changed. Covid happened and inspiration struck. His former business model of filling offices with customer service agents could be reimaged for the remote world.
His company Otonomee, has never had an office and never will. Their entire business lives online and in the homes & hot desks of their customer service agents all across the world.
This is a story that defines business in 2023.
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In the Lab today, I reveal the results of my latest experiment.
In April, I took 23 entrepreneurs & set them a challenge. They must exercise for 30 minutes for the 30 days of April.
To hold each other accountable, they must update a Whatsapp group each day.
The winner who did it without fail, would win €500 and develop a new core habit.
So how many people completed the challenge and rebuilt their relationship with exercise? Find out on today's pod/
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Serial entrepreneur John Tuohy, gives us a masterclass today in finding & executing brilliant business ideas.
Ideas are worth nothing without execution and your mentor today gives you the blueprint on both finding new ideas & then putting a rapid plan in place to make them happen.
If you've been struggling to come up with your first idea or you have the idea but no plan on how to make it a reality, today's episode is for you.
John built Nightline & ParcelMotel before selling to UPS in 2017. His latest venture is called OOHPOD.
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Started in 1876, the Musgrave retail empire is one of Ireland's best examples of a family business that has become a dynasty.
The Musgrave group owns brands such as Centra, Supervalu, and Daybreak.
I am joined by author and former Musgraves Director, Philip Mackeown to talk about family business and why it's so hard for the next generation to succeed.
Philip has just published his book, The Successor's Voice, and we delve into the strategies and tactics of the best family businesses.
This is a must-listen for anyone working in a family business or who wants to build their own business that can transcend generations.
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Our mentor today is Jayne Ronayne, the co-founder of Talivest which was recently acquired by Go1.
Jayne teaches us how to act as early-stage founders & entrepreneurs and how often your early supporters and investors are backing you and not the product.
As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to shape the vision of how you are going to make things happen & Jayne tells us exactly how to do that.
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EY of the Year finalist, Tony Richardson floated two companies on the stock exchange before selling his business, Venn Life Sciences, and buying two football clubs.
In this fascinating episode, Tony gives us a no holds barred insight into the tough business of life sciences and what it takes to float not one but two companies.
We delve deep into the business of sport and why Tony believes buying a football club might be an incredibly savvy move. He shares his vision for the future of Irish football and how we can build sustainable clubs.
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In the Idea Lab today, I share the secrets of why our April Accountability challenge has been such a massive success & the tactics I used to design it.
I share with you my Q1 mini-review and the lessons learned.
You also get access to my Q2 Reading List with 3 recommendations to improve your business, your body, and your brain.
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In today's Mentor Moment, we are going all the way back to episode 67 with Brody Sweeney. Brody founded the famous O'Brien's Sandwich Bars before going on to found Camile Thai.
This week's mentor teaches us how to deal with failure and most importantly how to bounce back. In a brutally honest interview, Brody shared what it meant to lose a global empire at the height of his business fame and how he used that to fuel even bigger success the second time around with Camile Thai.
If you are trying to figure out how to bounce back from a loss or setback, this mentor has the answers you need.
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Success leaves clues & today's guests have an elite pedigree as innovators and entrepreneurs.
Dan & Ciaran are the co-founders of ProtexAI, a young Irish startup aiming to make the world of world a safer place.
In the last 18 months, they have secured an $18 million investment and completed the highly competitive Y Combinator accelerator program in San Francisco.
It is impossible not to be inspired & motivated when listening to these two entrepreneurs.
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Welcome to the season 12 wrap-up session where I share the 8 major business lessons I learned from our 8 incredible entrepreneurs this season.
I also give you a sneak peek at some of the guests who will join us for season 13.
The guests in season 12 included
- Feargal Brady, co-founder NoFrixion
- Eoin Hinchy, founder of Tines
- Dee Coakley, co-founder Boundless
- Ivan Eustace, co-founder TapiTag
- Niamh Tallon, co-founder HerSport
- Ciaran Crean, co-founder MicksGarage & WaveOMS
- Graham Boylan, president & CEO of Cage Warriors
- Dr Dale Whelehan, CEO of 4 Day Work Week
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Today's mentor is a serial entrepreneur, journalist, and former MD of Twitter.
My episode with Mark Little way back in February 2020 made a lasting impact on me and fundamentally changed how I speak to people for this podcast.
This was also one of the last interviews I did before the world went into lockdown!
Today, we learn the power of a single moment and how it can transform a conversation and your future.
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Could companies work less time but be more productive? That is the theory behind the 4-Day Week movement.
Dr Dale Whelehan joins Gary Fox on the pod to discuss the concept of reducing our work to 4 days.
Dale brings his background in human psychology & organizational behavior to a fascinating deep dive into the future of work.
We explore the impact Covid & Remote Work is having on the traditional concept of office work and the 9-5 mindset.
This pod will open your mind to new models & frameworks for tackling the work world post-Covid.
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Today's guest, Donnacha Neary has a simple ethos. The time for messing around is over.
He started from zero in 2013 and built Sonica to one of the biggest fit-out firms in Ireland before having to start again in 2022, this time with his new company, Icons.
This episode will inspire you to take action.
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On an airplane back from Las Vegas, Graham wrote down a vision for his future on a single sheet of paper. He would sell his successful plumbing & construction business & risk it all his pursuing his passion.
Fast forward a few years and he now runs one of the world's most successful MMA promotions and manages Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, the breakout star of the UFC.
So how did Graham go from plumber to president? In his most detailed and in-depth interview ever recorded, he reveals his story & never heard before secrets of the MMA world.
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Today in the Idea Lab, we break down and analyse the famous tweet storm by Naval Ravikant.
This tweet storm was Naval's breakout moment in 2018. He is an entrepreneur and investor based in the US.
It led to Naval gaining international notoriety as a modern-day philosopher guiding a new breed of entrepreneurs.
We look at what lessons to start applying to our own lives and what ones to avoid.
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Our mentor this week is Mark Cummins who sold both his startups, Plink and Pointy to Google. Pointy was sold for a rumored figure of $160 million.
Mark shares with us how he built and sold his first startup to Google in under 12 months while completing his Ph.D.
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Joining Gary on the pod today is Ciaran Crean, co-founder & CEO Mick's Garage & WaveOMS.
Mick's Garage was founded back in 2004 & was pioneering in the e-commerce space in Ireland.
This was led by brothers Ciaran and Mick Crean.
Now for the first time, we hear the in-depth story of how it started, how they lost control & had to buy the business back in 2021, and why a chance encounter with a bookshop during Covid has launched a brand new spin-off business, WaveOMS.
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We are launching a new series of experiments that will hold you accountable to gain mastery over your business, brain, and body.
Starting April 1st, we are running a community challenge to exercise every day for 30 days.
You can join my newsletter in the link below to get notified when the challenge is launched in 2 days' time, Thursday, April 16th.
This challenge marks the start of a 3-month accountability challenge aimed at helping our listeners build the magic power of compounding into their daily lives.
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Each weekend on the Mentor Moment you get 10 minutes of our most impactful content from our best episodes.
Today, we deep dive into the innovation strategies that have evolved the Louis Copeland brand into a modern Irish retailing giant.
Louis Copeland dominate the Irish luxury menswear scene and in this episode, you find out how it's done.
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Give the people what they want! And people want hyper-specific topics covered in great detail. That's the bet today's guest is making.
Niamh Tallon is the founder of Her Sport, a media business dedicated to covering & promoting female sports.
She started the business purely driven by passion and has had to learn the hard way how to generate revenue & scale a rapidly growing empire.
Niamh talks to Gary about the challenges faced, the massive growth in female sports, and her ambitious plan to make a major social impact.
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In today's Mentor Moment, you get a marketing masterclass on how to break into the American market.
Gary helped Glendalough scale globally using a combination of clever marketing strategies and tools that you can apply to your business.
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Ivan Eustace, the co-founder of Tapitag joins Gary Fox on the podcast today.
The serial entrepreneur has started and sold businesses to some of the world's biggest companies.
I was struck by Ivan's relentless energy & curiosity for life which has propelled him to multiple significant business exits and investments.
His latest venture, Tapitag has created a digital business card that bridges the gap from the digital to the physical world.
Among multiple other investments, Ivan works with Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee and Tom Barras on the revolutionary sportswear company, Spatz.
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In the Lab today, I reveal the books I'm rereading in 2023. The 6 books I share today are some of the best I've read.
If you want to level up your brain and discover some great new book recommendations, this episode is for you.
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In today's Mentor Moment, we go way back in the time machine to episode 4!
We revisit my chat with David Delahunty and he teaches us that creativity is a muscle that can be trained and improved.
All good businesses start with an idea and David is the most prolific idea machine I have ever met.
If you are struggling to come up with a new idea for your business, this episode will inspire you.
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The remote workforce is the greatest change in global business since the industrial age!
Today's guest lets you hire staff anywhere in the world.
Dee Coakley is the co-founder of Boundless, the platform that allows companies to easily manage international HR compliance, payroll & benefits.
The modern business can leverage staff expertise from anywhere in the world & let their people work from anywhere they like.
Dee breaks down her journey from the music industry to tech founder.
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In the Lab today, I look at the options for starting an 18-year investment fund for my new baby.
The compound effect is the 8th wonder of the world according to Einstein.
Prize Bonds? State Bonds? Cash? Where should her money go so that she turns 18 with a sizeable fund thanks to compounding?
We look at the options and I reveal which option is my current favourite.
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In today's Mentor Moment, we revisit episode 147 with Barry McNerney.
Barry is the man behind some of Dublin's most famous brands including Paulie's Pizza, Junior's Deli and Lotts & Co.
As our mentor today, Barry advises us on how to work with family & how to resolve conflict. He also gives us his insight into how to spot opportunities.
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Tines co-founder, Eoin Hinchy joins Gary Fox on the podcast this week.
Since being founded in 2018, Tines has raised $100 million valuing the company at north of $400-$500 million.
Tines is a platform that allows anyone automate their repetitive security workflows without writing a single line of code.
Eoin did none of the things people tell you to do when starting a business. He didn't waste time on false metrics and instead got busy building.
He raised millions without even building a pitch deck. He shipped his first product after just 8 weeks of starting the company.
This story will inspire you to reimagine what is possible.
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In the season launch episode of the Idea Lab, I layout our plan for the year.
I believe the modern entrepreneur must find a balance between the brain and the body to truly be able to master the world of business.
I lay out my vision for our community and how I believe we can achieve this together.
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Feargal is a builder. A maker. A creator of things. My favourite type of entrepreneur. He starts with the question, "Why does it have to be this way?"
Serial entrepreneur Feargal Brady, sold his most recent venture, Blueface, to US giant Comcast for an undisclosed sum believed to be €20 million+ in 2020.
He is the definition of a modern, mobile entrepreneur. He divides his time between Ireland, Portugal, and Spain while working across multiple different projects including his new business, NoFrixion, and his private equity group, VentureWave Capital.
In this episode you will learn:
- How to create a triple bottom line
- The 3 things Feargal would do to fix Ireland's problems in 1 year
- Why he splits his time between Ireland, Spain, and Portugal
- How his impact investment fund aims to make profit while improving the world
- What will kill banking as we know it today
- The feeling after selling your life's work for a life-changing amount of money
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Today marks the official launch of my partnership with Shane Cradock, Ireland's leading high-performance coach. In the episode, we reveal our new joint course, why it's so important right now and the impact working with Shane had on my own journey.
We have combined our years of experience to create a unique learning opportunity for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and high performers.
In early 2023, join us to unlock your true potential.
Link to Course: https://bit.ly/3Wm4pOS
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Marc McCabe, VC Investor & one of the first employees at Airbnb, joins Gary Fox on the podcast this week.
He gives us a masterclass on what it takes to spot incredible companies & build relationships as both an investor & founder. Marc has worked as a scout for Sequoia Capital, one of the world's most successful & well-known VC firms since 2010.
Marc joined Airbnb as one of the first employees. During his time at the company, it grew to over 6,000 people & scaled across the globe. He shares his journey in a rapidly scaling startup and all the lessons learned.
In 2021, he returned to Dublin where he started Nomad Capital to focus on investing in early-stage B2B software and marketplaces.
Marc's insights as both an investor & entrepreneur are unique & insightful.
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In the Lab today, I break down the 3 things every single high performer does.
Before you start planning 2023, listen to this episode.
I've been lucky to chat with hundreds of elite performers & entrepreneurs. There is no single method for success but there are common traits they all share. Today, you get the 3 step process to follow when planning 2023.
This is a follow on episode from last week's Lab so go back & listen to that before or after this one.
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Joining Gary Fox on the pod this week is Niall Woods, the sports agent, and ex-professional International rugby player.
He is now the man guiding Irish sports stars such as Gary Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Jamie Heaslip & Fiona Coghlan. His company, Navy Blue Sports Management is the secret hand guiding many of Ireland's elite performers.
In this episode, you learn what an agent does for these stars including the weird & wonderful requests. You hear the behind-the-scenes stories of how high-profile deals are negotiated and the reality of how much Irish sports stars really earn.
We also delve into the world of the business of sports & the dramatic effort social media has had on the game.
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In the Lab today, I give you the ultimate guide and questions for reviewing 2022.
Reflecting and reviewing your work is the most overlooked tool when it comes to productivity.
This guide will help you figure out what worked in 2022 and where you can improve for 2023.
By adopting a reflection and planning system, you are setting yourself up for success in 2023.
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In today's Mentor Moment with investor & entrepreneur, Jamie Heaslip, you are going to get an insight into a high-performance mindset.
Jamie knows the importance of surrounding yourself with an elite team from his rugby career. He has taken these insights & now surrounds himself with a network of advisors, mentors, and business role models.
In this episode, you'll learn how to find mentors, how to convince them to work with you, and see the immense power of building a mentor network.
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Criona Tully, the founder of Capella, joins Gary Fox for this week's The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast.
The world of hybrid work is a nightmare problem for many businesses but for Criona, it was the spark of opportunity.
Founded during the pandemic, Capella is solving the challenge of managing a hybrid workforce.
Criona reveals insider information about how the best companies are evolving in 2022.
This company has the potential to be a global superstar of the modern working world.
--
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In today's Mentor Moment, Gary Fox chats with one of Ireland's best stock market investors, Emmet Savage from MyWallStreet.
This episode will teach you two crucial lessons.
-
Why social proof & having strategic partners is a brilliant strategy.
-
Why Emmet almost gave away 20% of the company for a dollar & why he says you should too!
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Rob Horgan from Velo Coffee Roasters sits down with Gary Fox to share his journey from cafe owner to the coffee roasting king.
From humble beginnings, Velo is now one of the most recognisable and widely sold coffee brands in Ireland.
In this episode, Rob shares his entire journey from his cafe in Cork city to being stocked in major supermarkets and plans for global expansion.
--
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In the Lab today, I reveal the personal health journey I've been on since 2019.
A set of blood results delivered bad news that would change how I lived my life and how I viewed the future.
Find out how 1 afternoon in 2019 set me on a journey to live to 100.
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In this week's Mentor Moment, we revisit episode 117 with Cillian Barry, founder of SportCaller.
In February 2021, Cillian sold SportCaller to the US firm Ballys in a deal worth up to €40m.
I asked Cillian how he knew it was time to sell and what it feels like to achieve your life goal.
Enjoy this insight and many more on today's Mentor Moment.
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Joe Lennon & John Goulding, founders of Workvivo join Gary Fox to launch season 11 of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast.
In this revealing episode, you will hear how they had no business idea before they started their company and how they used frameworks & aggressive experiments to decide what they would build.
The co-founders bucked tradition to build from a blank template and create Workvivo. The formula worked and Workvivo now has over 100,000 customers across the globe including the world's leading companies such as Bupa, Dollar General, Everton FC, AIB, TELUS International and many more.
--
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In the Lab today, we celebrate the launch of season 11 of the podcast.
I look back at season 10, reveal the results of our experiments from last season, and look ahead to the content coming in this season.
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In this week's Mentor Moment, we revisit episode 55 with Alan Merriman, founder of Elkstone.
Alan has cemented a reputation as one of Ireland's best investors. The man with the Midas touch for picking startup investments after backing unicorn companies LetsGetChecked & Flipdish.
In this episode, you'll hear how he made the leap & became his own boss. He also tells me the exact traits he looks for in founders & entrepreneurs before he invests.
Enjoy this insight and many more on today's Mentor Moment.
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Squid, the loyalty app you've seen popping up in coffee shops all over Ireland is my rising star pick for Season 10.
I sit down with Matthew, co-founder & CEO to discover why no company has managed to crack the loyalty space.
Their concept is simple, tap your phone when you get a coffee instead of fiddling with paper cards and use an app to get rewarded.
Keep an eye on this company as they are one to watch closely.
--
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In this week's Mentor Moment, we revisit episode 33 with Conor Sheridan - Co-Founder Mag Egg & Founder Nory.
Each week, I pick impactful lessons to share with you from the most popular episodes of the podcast with Irish entrepreneurs.
The devil is in the detail when it comes to being a successful founder and Conor shares the extreme levels he goes to.
Did you know the beats per minute in a song on a specific day of the week in his restaurants is specifically chosen?
Enjoy this insight and many more on today's Mentor Moment.
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On the pod today, I sit down with Connor Murphy, founder of Bridge and former founder of Datahug which he sold for $13 million.
Connor is a super-connector and is spending his life obsessed with the single idea of connecting the world.
In this episode, we discuss
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Why you must avoid boring people
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The definition of failure
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Your ego - a gift and a curse
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His obsession with one single great idea.
-
The superpower of curiosity
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In the Lab today, I share a framework every entrepreneur should be using to help their business scale & identify where they are wasting time.
Adopt this 3 step process to work out what you are really worth per hour, what work you should stop doing and the work you need someone else to be doing for you.
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In this week's Mentor Moment, Rob Lipsett shares how he got his first break as an entrepreneur and his secrets to sustaining his insanely high motivation levels.
Each Saturday, I pick impactful lessons to share with you from the most popular episodes of the podcast.
In under 10 minutes, you get lessons & insights from the world's best entrepreneurs.
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Joining me this week is Cassie Delaney, the founder of Outcaster.io and Tall Tales Productions.
This was an eye-opening episode for me personally on so many levels from the state of the market in 2022 to the massive challenges female entrepreneurs face when raising money.
In this episode we discuss:
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The future of content
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How creators can make money doing what they love
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Sexism toward female founders in Ireland
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Cassie's €100 market experiments
-
The 4 seasons of a founder's journey
-
Why tough markets in 2022 will make better companies
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In the Lab today, I allow myself 60 minutes of celebration that we won an award and I reflect on why I actually devote days per week to producing this podcast.
If you are a new listener, this will give you an insight into what The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast is all about and who I am.
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How do you take the first step? That decision to say to yourself that today is day 1 of becoming your own boss.
In this week's Mentor Moment, Paul Galvin shares how he knew that his life's work needed to be pursued.
Each Saturday, I pick impactful lessons to share with you from the most popular episodes of the podcast.
In under 10 minutes, you get lessons & insights from the world's best entrepreneurs.
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Joining me on the pod today is Jamie Crummie, founder of Too Good To Go.
Too Good To Go is a fun app that helps you get food at a heavily discounted price while helping retailers combat food waste.
Each day, retailers put together surprise bags you can grab just before they close.
This episode was sparked by my becoming an ambassador for Champion Changemakers which takes place around Ireland from September 23rd -25th.
In this episode Jamie shares
- Why you should do things that don't scale at the start
-
His guide to scrappy startups & bootstrapping
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The way to do good while making profit & why that's scorned
-
How he paid a busker to compose a song for him
-
The golden rules of keeping it simple
-
What ultimate success looks like for him.
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In the Lab this week, I reveal the results of the first 2 weeks of my TikTok experiment of posting every day.
I also give you a business opportunity in the coffee industry, a chance to invest in the hot new Irish startup, By Borrow, and share how you can get to work with elite performance coach Shane Craddock.
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Today, we revisit my episode with Suzie O'Neill, the founder of Ayu Cosmetics.
At the start of your business journey, you need to go from 0 to 1 ASAP. You need to find your first product and your first customer.
Dig in, start working and start selling. The scale will come later. Don't suffer paralysis from analysis.
Each Saturday, I pick impactful lessons to share with you from the most popular episodes of the podcast.
In under 10 minutes, you get lessons & insights from the world's best entrepreneurs.
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From humble beginnings as a bootstrapped e-commerce company founder to raising $33.2 million for his latest venture &Open, Mark Legge's entrepreneur journey has been a wild adventure.
Started with his brother Jonathan and Ciara Flood, the company now counts Airbnb, Spotify & Peleton among their clients.
In this episode we discuss:
- The power of thinking global from day 1
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How you pivot from bootstrapped business to a huge fundraising machine
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Why the global gifting market was a massive hidden opportunity
-
The life-changing impact of a major health scare on Mark's journey
-
How therapy can be a superpower for entrepreneurs
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On our first ever Mentor Moment, we hear from the co-founder of Wayflyer, Aidan Corbett on why you should ALWAYS take the money.
Each Saturday, I pick impactful lessons to share with you from the most popular episodes of the podcast.
In under 10 minutes, you get lessons & insights from the world's best entrepreneurs.
Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox
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On our first ever Mentor Moment, we hear from the co-founder of Wayflyer, Aidan Corbett on why you should ALWAYS take the money.
Each Saturday, I pick impactful lessons to share with you from the most popular episodes of the podcast.
In under 10 minutes, you get lessons & insights from the world's best entrepreneurs.
Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox
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In this much-requested episode, I sit down with VC investor & serial entrepreneur Brian Caulfield.
This remarkable interview covers his career first as an entrepreneur and then as one of Ireland's best-known venture capital investors.
We hear about:
-
His investment strategy
-
Advice for entrepreneurs in 2022
-
What makes an entrepreneur investable
-
His honest thoughts on the Irish startup ecosystem
-
The number 1 mistake that kills any startup pitch
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In the Lab today, I reveal the hidden trends & opportunities that entrepreneurs have shared with me over the last 30 days.
A major change is coming & listen to this episode to find out what that means for you and your business.
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In the Lab today, I reveal the hidden trends & opportunities that entrepreneurs have shared with me over the last 30 days.
A major change is coming & listen to this episode to find out what that means for you and your business.
Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox
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On my landmark 200th episode, I am joined by Alan Meaney, co-founder of Fund Recs.
Alan risked it all to move to New York 3 years ago & he reveals the real reason he left Ireland.
In a wide-ranging chat, we discover
-
Why the future of marketing is product-led
-
How Adam Neumann secured $350 million funding
-
Why your ideas are worthless
-
The massive financial investment to crack New York
-
The culture of a fast "No"
Recorded on location at my new studio in The Victorians building from Iconic Offices.
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Mark started his first company, Plink, while completing his PHD. 18 months later it was sold to Google & he moved his life to the east coast of America.
After leaving Google, he sailed across the globe where he had the idea for Pointy, the company he would found & once again sell to Google. This time for a reported $160 million.
We go deep into what it's like to sell your company, not once but twice to one of the biggest tech companies in the world.
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In the Lab this week, I reveal 5 free tools you can use to find out the digital strategies of your competitors.
Discover how their site works, the secrets behind their social ads & what traffic they are getting each month!
In other news, I'm looking for our next Rising Star, if that's you, get in touch below.
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Niall Horgan is the co-founder of the Irish rocketship athleisure brand, Gym+Coffee.
As a self-confessed fanboy of the business, I make a bold prediction in this episode.
I first sat down with Niall back in 2019. Since then, Gym+Coffee has gone into hyper-growth mode from a €2 million turnover to over €20 million. I hear how they have managed to make this happen & their big plans for the next 12 months.
Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox
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In the Lab this week, I share why I think all entrepreneurs should do a triathlon at least once.
I'm looking for rising Irish entrepreneurial stars to feature on the podcast. If your business is under 3 years old & has customers, I want to hear from you.
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In a special launch episode for season 10, I sit down with US billionaire, Frank McCourt.
Frank is a serial entrepreneur & investor in real estate, technology, media, and sports.
We recorded this very special live chat at the Dublin Tech Summit.
Frank and I discuss his philosophy of business, his roots in Ireland and how Web3 is our chance to fix the mistakes of the past to build a better internet.
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In the final episode of season 9, I recap the entire season by sharing 1 major lesson from each guest.
Lessons include finding the board you can't afford, how to be 10x more direct, and deciding if you are involved or responsible.
I share the knowledge I got from Declan Kennedy, Dee Lyons, John Mitchell, Alan Holland, Chupi Sweetman, Ken Cahill, Zoe Desmond, Colm Lyons, David Jeffreys and Rena Maycock.
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In the Lab today, I reveal the one habit I've introduced to my daily routine that has been life-changing.
From fitness to my work, it has fundamentally changed how I live and approach my daily life.
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The modern entrepreneur must be a chameleon, able to shift roles and perspectives in a heartbeat.
Today's guest, Rena Maycock is the ultimate version of what it means to be an entrepreneur in 2022.
A founder of two businesses, a columnist with The Currency and sitting on the Commission for Taxation, Rena's breadth of knowledge is only rivalled by her hectic calendar!
In today's episode you will learn:
-
Why sales is a core skill for any entrepreneur
-
Why you must work with technology instead of fighting it
-
The patent process & why it's so critical for certain ideas
-
The art of juggling so many roles & responsibilities
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David Jeffreys could have been a pro gamer but instead built one of Ireland's leading tech companies.
In this episode, we explore his elite sports mentality and how Ironman training gives him the competitive edge in business.
In Jan 2022, he sold ActionPoint to Viatel & we get the full lowdown on how to build and sell a technology business
You will also learn:
- Why David blocks Friday for washing up
- How to develop an elite sports mentality
- The Get Lazy Mentality
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In the Lab this week, I share the 4 lessons I learned from the elite-level performers I spent time with at Dublin Tech Summit.
These 4 tips will reshape how you approach events and interact with people on a daily basis.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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Colm sold Realex in 2015 for €115 million & immediately launched a new venture.
He has designed Fire.com for businesses and other financial institutions to easily access a range of payment services.
In a wide-ranging chat, we discuss everything from the future of payments, why he didn't settle after selling Realex and the reason why the Fontaines D.C. have the world's greatest song.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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In the Lab today, I breakdown why you need to start doing cool things to help your business and your career prospects. It's time to stop being vanilla and hiding in the shadows.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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The greatest companies are built from the founder's desire to solve problems.
The truly great ones come from a deep desire to solve your own challenge.
Invisible barriers prevented Zoë from connecting with people she wanted in her life
Frolo is the answer to that problem.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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In July 2021, Ken Cahill sold his company, Silvercloud Health for a reported $250 million.
He joins me on the pod today to share his journey and the harsh lessons learned.
We discuss:-
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How progress comes inch by inch
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Why networking is a fallacy
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His decision to move his life to America to crack the market.
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How he felt waking up after selling his company
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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In the Lab today, I break down the 5 lessons entrepreneurs can learn from the current problems at Dublin Airport.
I give some context on why the problems might be happening and how entrepreneurs can use this as a lesson on what not to do in a disastrous situation.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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My guest today is Chupi Sweetman, the founder & CEO of the luxury jewellery brand, Chupi. In this episode we talk about the power of storytelling, how you need a dream & a plan, finding a mentor and how Chupi has completely reimagined the luxury jewellery business. Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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In the Lab today, I share an opportunity to become my new partner in a property & hospitality business. You can also win tickets to the Dublin Tech Summit worth €800
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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Cork-based Keelvar raised $24 million 2 days ago to help with its mission to fix the broken global supply chain. Founder Alan Holland left his job as a lecturer to pursue his dream of building a world-class company. Hear his story of starting with an idea in college to having 70 of the Fortune 500 as customers.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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In the Lab today, I reveal a huge giveaway worth €800 to be won this week & my new unicorn hunting challenge. I also breakdown how long each financial crash lasts & why you should ignore the self-proclaimed experts. Proudly Partnered with Sage. Get 4 Months Free Now https://bit.ly/sageEE
Today's pod is the digital playbook you need to take your business to the next level in 2022.
John Mitchell, the CEO of All human reveals his secrets in this week's episode.
We explore why big companies still struggle to win in the online world, the trends that will drive growth in the next 5 years and how entrepreneurs can leverage emerging platforms to win big.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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In the Lab today, I reveal the results of my Coffee to Crypto experiment. For 1 year, I swapped buying my morning coffee and invested the money in crypto.
Proudly Partnered with Sage.
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Dee Lyons, the founder of Examfly joins me on the pod this week. A former wealth manager, Dee is on a mission to reimagine the world of online education.
In an incredible episode, Dee reveals her journey from corporate deal maker to free-thinking entrepreneur.
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This week in the Lab, I reveal the location of a secret tax free island that is just 400km off the south of Ireland.
I chat about the pros and cons of the island and why things may not be what they seem.
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In a wide ranging episode, I chat with one of the best known faces in the Irish startup scene, Declan Kennedy. We talk social media, why loyalty is the new trend to watch and how to pick a niche to dominate.
Declan is the CEO & co-founder of StitcherAds.
StitcherAds was acquired in 2021 for €55 million.
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Coroflo co-founder, Rosanne Longmore joins me for the finale of season 8.
In this episode we discuss social proof, raising €1 million in 6 weeks, securing public funding, how to select co-founders & much, much more.
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In the Lab this week, I look back at the main lessons I've learned from all the guests on this season of the pod.
I break down 1 key lesson from each person and share them with you.
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Forced into action by Covid, 5-Star spa designer Peigin Crowley turned 25 years deep industry knowledge into a world class product range.
Ground Wellbeing was born in crisis but blossomed to become the product choice of leading hotels across the globe and is now becoming a best seller consumer brand.
In this episode, we find out how Peigin delivers 5-star products at speed without cutting corners. She also reveals how she secured Brown Thomas as her very first client & the new pandemic trends threatening the entire spa industry.
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In the Lab this week, I explore the world of longevity and preventative medicine. This is a passsion area for me after going on my own journey with my health over the last 2 years. My prediction is that this area will be one of the biggest growth sectors in the next 10 years. Find out why and who you should be watching on today's pod.
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Our rising star entrepreneur for season 8 revealed. Kevin Murphy, founder of 2GoCup is a man on a mission. He wants to remove the use of single use coffee cups from the world.
In this episode we find out out how Kevin spun his business out from a college project, how he is driven by a mission above everything and we explore the business of the circular economy.
Visit my partner Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
In the Lab today, I reveal 10 mind blowing trends and stats that you can use to start building a business.
Trend spotting is key trait in all great entrepreneurs and I help you get started with some fresh insights.
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John Tuohy started his first business with just £10k. He bootstrapped that business to a €65 million turnover before selling to UPS in 2017. Now he's back with his latest venture as he aims to disrupt the delivery business yet again.
In this episode we learn how to spot trends and adapt our businesses rapidly to seize new opportunities.
John built Nightline & Parcelmotel, two of Ireland's most recognisable brands during the 2000's and he shares exactly how he did it.
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In the Lab this week, I share the secrets of how high performing entrepreneurs hold themselves accountable and how you can too.
I also share the story of how an MMA fight taught me the value of community for accountability
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In 2021, Sharon Keegan endured the worst and best year of her life.
This is one of the most honest, open and revealing chats with an entrepreneur I've ever had to pleasure to share.
Sharon reveals her rise to fame with Peachylean and also the challenges, heartbreaks and realities she faced along the way.
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In the Lab this week, I reveal my plans to record live versions of the podcast but I need your help to pick a location. We also look at the "end of Covid" and what that means for us as business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Finally, I share a book that's having a huge impact on me this month.
Visit my partner Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
Lisa, alongside her sister Vanessa and fellow dentist Barry launched Spotlight Oral Care just 6 years ago. Now they are a global brand exporting across the world and on their way to reinventing the entire oral care sector.
In this episode, I discover what sparked the idea, what it's like to work with family and how Lisa juggled 2 jobs for 4 years in order to build Spotlight.
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In the Lab this week, I reveal why Airbnb is a sleeping giant about to wake up & how you can leverage the platform to make money.
I also share what Airbnb's Q4 earnings tells us about the future of work.
Visit my partner Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
Paul has gone from a single office room in Ranelagh to competing with the world's largest telecoms companies.
In a no holds barred chat, Paul breaks down the ruthless competitive streak and sales tactics that are the backbone of his success. This is a straight talking conversation that will teach you what it takes to succeed in one of the world's most competitive industries.
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In the Lab this week, we figure out what is the one thing you should be doing right now to give you the most leverage.
We cut through the noise and work out what is the single thing you should be focused on.
I also reveal 3 upcoming events for early stage, scaling and hyper scaling entrepreneurs.
Visit my partner Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
Mary McKenna is a maverick. She is a travel boss who has never sold a holiday. Learn her contrarian strategies in this week's masterclass with one of Ireland's best entrepreneurs. Find out how Mary guided her business, Tour America, through natural disaster, terrorist attacks & now a pandemic.
Mary shares the full story of how she has grown a company that spans continents and decades with incredible success.
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In the Lab today, I breakdown the basics of Storytelling 101.
Stop selling and start telling.
Can you tell me the story of your business in just one sentence?
Do you have a "huh" moment?
Find out why you need both on today's pod.
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In 2018, Ciaran Mulligan sold his company, Blue Insurance for a reported €70 million. The entrepreneur is now a serial investor & adventurer! On today's episode, we learn how he built Blue by not following convention and Ciaran reveals the strategies that disrupted an entire industry.
We discover the investments he's been making since and why a random conversation plunged him deep into the crypto world.
Visit my partner Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
In the Lab this week, I share my process for stripping away all the inefficient parts of my work & personal life to free up more time to enjoy the good stuff.
You'll learn my process for delegation, automation and removal of ineffecient activities.
I share the tools and tricks I've learned from guests and my own experience to get back more time to work on the things that matter most.
Visit my partner Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
Today, I'm joined by the man who sees 100s of startup pitches each year.
John Phelan is the head of HBAN (Halo Angel Business Network) in Ireland and also the co-founder of RecommenderX. We discuss what makes a great pitch, the characteristics of succesful entrepreneurs and how to get started as an angel investor. (Spoiler: It costs much less than you might imagine)
John has skin in the game on both sides of the table and is able to give unique insights as an entrepreneur and investor.
Visit my partner Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
Welcome back to a brand new season of the pod. In this episode, learn how you can win €1,500 and find out who our major new partner for 2022 is.
I also talk about the contradition of lockdown ending making me feel both happy and stressed. I share my template for dealing with uncertainty.
You can also find out how to attend our community meetings & live pods in 2022.
Visit Sage: https://bit.ly/sageEE
In this special episode of the pod, I share with you the formula for success in 2022.
I've learned habits, systems and routines from over 100 entrepreneurs and created my own productivity system.
This episode will help you set your goals for 2022 and make it your most successful year yet.
In this episode, I reveal the very best things I've spent my money on in 2021.
Ranging from tech to mentoring, I give you a full rundown of the best purchases I made this year to positively impact my life.
Perfect for last minute gift ideas or even to treat yourself.
12 months ago, Riley did not exist. Today it is a thriving female healthcare company, disrupting an industry worth billions.
Led by 3 female entrepreneurs, Fiona, Aine and Lauren, Riley just closed a funding round worth €400k & have secured contracts with major partners including Vodafone.
They are our 2nd and final rising star pick for 2021.
In today's episode, I chat about why I left Ireland & the impact it had on my mindset.
I also share how I bought my first NFT, how much it cost and how I 10x'd my investment.
Thanks to Bay Street Innovation, Chapter, Find A Venue.ie, for being my partners on Season 7.
In less than 12 months, Niall & his team have taken their nutrition company from idea stage to being stocked in over 800 stores nationwide & launching into America.
Niall is the first ever EE Rising Star. Each season, I will pick entrepreneurs who are doing incredible things & are poised to be breakout stars in the next 12 months.
Hear what secrets propelled their rapid growth, the bootstapper mentality they employed & his plan to dominate the American market.
Thanks to Bay Street Innovation Find A Venue.ie, and Chapter for being my partners on Season 7.
Hi everyone and welcome back to the pod.
In this episode, I talk about why there have been no pods recently and the reasons for that. I also look ahead to 2022, sharing some of my tricks for planning and I also try find a partner for my new business.
Thanks to Find A Venue.ie, Bay Street Innovation and Chapter for being my partners on Season 7.
His clients reach over 1 billion views each year & today he shares the secrets of YouTube success.
Paddy is recognised as a leading global expert in YouTube & audience building.
He reveals how he started over 50 channels before striking gold with his current one & becoming an online sensation.
Paddy breaks down the business of YouTube, how much money is at stake and why building an audience should be the single biggest goal of your business.
A podcast I didn't really want to do.
I talk about my mental health journey since The Worst Year of My Life episode.
What's been working for me and what hasn't.
Hope you get some insight and value.
Be kind to yourself.
Thanks to Find A Venue.ie, Bay Street Innovation and Chapter for being my partners on Season 7.
This week's guest is the exact definition of a serial entrepreneur.
To start one successful business is a massive success but to do it three times and start a fourth is almost superhuman.
Barry is the man behind some of Dublin's most famous brands including Paulie's Pizza, Junior's Deli and Lotts & Co.
His latest mission is huge. He has set his sights on transforming the way food & drink outlets order their supplies.
Sit back & prepare to be energised by this chat.
Visit my season partners Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation, & Find a Venue.
In the Lab this week, I share the story of how I hacked the housing market and found a solution of home ownership for under €60k.
We also look at two other ways you can find rental properties far below the market prices and a hidden tactic for securing homes that never go on the open market.
Thanks to Find A Venue.ie, Bay Street Innovation and Chapter for being my partners on Season 7.
Rhona and her co-founder Eimear are building a quieter world for us all.
On today's episode I'm joined by the incredible Rhona Togher as she shares the highs and lows of the last 12 years building the Lios Group.
With clients such as the European Space Agency, this Irish company built by 2 powerful female entrepreneurs makes for an incredible story.
Visit my season partners Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation, & Find a Venue.
In the Lab this week, I breakdown the process behind the win a home raffles that have popped up all across Ireland in the last few months.
I purchased a few tickets to understand the process and try to figure out if they are legit or a scam?
Find out what I discovered on today's episode.
Thanks to Bay Street Innovation, Chapter and Find A Venue.ie for being my partners on Season 7.
Best selling author, serial entrepreneur and YouTuber Rob Lipsett joins me to share his secrets.
We chat about how he maintains a relentless work ethic and his ability to run & grow multiple businesses while maintaining his nomadic lifestyle.
Living between Dublin, Marbella and London, Rob has just launched his latest venture, Fuel Cakes.
Rob documents his journey to 500k YouTube subscribers & 590k Instagram followers.
Thanks to Find a Venue, Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation, SE7 Partners.
I'm joined this week by Jayne Ronayne from Talivest. She shares her incredible journey that spanned the globe before finding success back in Ireland.
For me, this episode perfectly displays the sheer grit and consistency that it takes to be an entrepreneur. When you strip back the perceived glamour of owning your own business, Jayne explains the sacrifices and hard work it takes to make it.
A fascinating episode filled with real honesty & insight.
Thanks to Find a Venue, Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation for being my partners on Season 7.
Today on the pod I announce the first ever Entrepreneur Experiment Awards ceremony and how you can get involved.
We also discuss the makers mindset and I update you on my Wilde Cabins.
Thanks to Find a Venue, Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation for being my partners on Season 7.
Incredible brands are born from great stories. Today's guest shares the journey of an idea created between friends that blossomed into a global brand.
Gary brings us on the path from whiteboard sketches to breaking the US drinks market.
Thanks to Find a Venue, Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation for being my partners on Season 7.
Today in the Lab I talk about intensity versus consistency and offer you a challenge for the rest of 2021.
I reveal the business I've been secretly working on for 18 months and share the early part of the journey with you.
Thanks for Chapter, Find a Venue & Bay Street Innovation for being my partners on Season 7.
One of the world's hottest fintech companies is being built right here on Ireland's West Coast.
Joining me today for our deep dive chat is Fidelma McGuirk.
Her company, Payslip, recently raised €8.3 million and is currently hiring over 100 people in Westport.
In this chat we find out how Fidelma got started, her advice for growing a company outside the major cities and practical insights for starting from scratch.
Today, I'm joined in the Lab by Conor Kearney from Jetbooks to share this ideas and trends that are interesting him.
He shares a controversial opinion about why starting a business might be the wrong idea.
Tune in to find out what you should be doing instead.
Thanks for Chapter, Find a Venue & Bay Street Innovation for being my partners on Season 7.
Joining me on the first interview of the new season is Oisin Hanrahan, the CEO of Angi.
Angi has 5,000 staff across America and is valued at over $5 billion.
Prior to Angi, Oisin founded Handy which raised in excess of $100m before being acquired by Angi in 2018.
In a wide ranging chat, we discuss leadership during Covid, what it feels like to sell your company and how he remains productive as a CEO of a public company.
Season 7 of The Entrepreneur Experiment is back today.
After a short summer break, the new season is back with 20 new episodes over the next 10 weeks.
Today, I reveal what I've been up to over the summer break, plans for the new season and a giveaway competition for you.
Serial entrepreneur Aidan Corbett joins me on today's pod.
Aidan's latest venture has just raised $76 million in funding as it ramps up global expansion. All from their HQ here in Dublin.
In this wide ranging chat, we discover:
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The evolution of Aidan as an entrepreneur
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How you should ALWAYS take the money
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Why bootstrapping doesn't work
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Aidan's pick for the top 3 best opportunity areas in ecommerce
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Good Angels v Bad Angels
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The 5 books that have shaped his thinking.
In this week's Idea Lab, I share with you a personal story of finding out I had a potentially serious heart issue & the steps I took to get to the bottom of it.
In light of the events that unfolded over the weekend at the Euros, I felt it was an important message to share & break down for you the importance of getting yourself checked out.
The single most important cog in any small business is the founder or entrepreneur. If you aren't looking after yourself, you are building on quicksand.
Visit Keary's Carstore: bit.ly/EExCarStore
I can only describe today's guest as a pragmatist with a wild vision.
Barry has started and exited multiple companies but is back with his biggest mission yet, to prevent road deaths.
His latest company, Privizio recently secured €5 million in funding to make that mission a reality.
In this episode we learn:
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How to autonomous industry has failed
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The trouble with Tesla
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Barry blueprint for serial success
Visit Keary's Carstore: bit.ly/EExCarStore
This week's guest has been working with leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs for over 20 years, unlocking their full potential.
In a wide ranging chat, we explore what is high performance & how can you achieve it on a consistent basis?
You will learn about mental habits, understanding the inner voice, and mastering the outer versus inner game.
Visit Keary's Carstore: bit.ly/EExCarStore
How much do you invest each month in the single most important asset you will ever own?
The average Irish person spends €28 per week on booze and cigarettes and €0 on self investment.
In today's episode, I break down the 5 main areas I invest in to help me perform better & live longer.
From starting his company in school to partnering with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, it's been a wild journey for Adam Dalton.
Along with co-founder Evan, they have built a business spanning 100 countries serving over 100,000 students.
I hear how they coped with major early setbacks, the challenge of running a business while in full-time education and how they partnered with the Apple co-founder.
In the Lab today, it's a money special. I look at the Sunday Times Rich List & break out some interesting stats from it.
I also ask you if you have a money goal and what that number is?
We also break down some lessons I learned about finance & money from this week's guest on the pod, Emmet Savage, founder of MyWallSt.
My guest today is one of the world's most respected stock market experts. He founded MyWallSt which has raised over $8 million in funding and he has achieved a 24% average annual stock market return over the last decade.
In today's episode you are going to learn:
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How technology democratised stock investing.
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Why social proof & having strategic partners is a brilliant strategy.
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The day they almost gave away 20% of the company for $1.
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5 tips every aspiring investor should follow.
Refer the pod & get rewarded: https://refer.fm/experiment
In the Lab this week, I reveal my plans for reopening and the mindset tools I'm using to reimagine my business & way of life.
I also discuss the results of my experiment to reduce my phone screen time to less than 60 minutes from a high of 4 hours and 20 minutes! This was a tough one.
Refer A Friend: https://refer.fm/experiment
The co-founder of FoodMarble joins me on the pod today. The device has transformed the lives of thousands of people living with food intolerances & is one of the coolest products developed in Ireland in the last 10 years. I predict FoodMarble are set to explode in popularity in the next couple of years.
In this episode we discuss:
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How spending 6 months in China rapidly advanced the company.
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The important of speed & taking action - the first prototype of the device was in a cardboard box!
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Their latest funding round & big plans for US expansion.
Refer the pod: https://refer.fm/experiment
In the lab this week, we celebrate the reopening of businesses and I launch the new Entrepreneur Experiment Ambassador programme. You get free gifts when you refer the podcast to friends.
I also breakdown how I used the money I normally spend on my daily coffee and invested in it cryptocurrency instead. I reveal the results and profits!
Refer A Friend: https://refer.fm/experiment
This week on EE, Gary chats with Donnacha Neary, founder of Sonica.
The time for messing around is over. This episode will inspire you to take action. Donnacha shares his journey from starting at zero in 2013 to already booking revenue of €70 million for 2021.
Sonica are one of Ireland’s leading fit-out and construction specialists. When the biggest brands in the world want work done, they call Sonica. They have worked with Intercom, Hubspot, Diageo, and many others.
I guarantee you will be motivated and inspired after this episode.
In the Lab today, we are talking about the May Momentum challenge which the community are doing. We also dig into the explosive growth of YouTube and I reveal how I'm swapping my daily coffee for crypto.
If you aren't already subscribed, please hit the button as it really helps the pod to grow.
100 Million. That is how many meals our entrepreneur today has redistributed since starting her business back in 2012.
Iseult & her co-founder Aoibheann run FoodCloud. They connect businesses who have surplus food with charities and partners that need it.
A simple model that is incredibly powerful for both the environment and people at risk of otherwise going hungry.
I learned so much from today's guest and you will too.
What is the biggest challenge you have right now? I want to know and help you with it.
The EE Community is growing and I want to leverage that power to help you with your business or business ideas.
We also chat about Conor McGregor and how to surf the wave of trends.
Today's guest runs a famous family business that is 121 years old!
In this episode, I find out how Louis creates an environment of high performance within a family business that has sustained throughout generations.
Louis also reveals how they rapidly pivoted their offering from retail to ecommerce within weeks of the first lockdown. They are now one of the pioneers of innovative online shopping in Ireland with virtual wedding fairs & virtual personal shoppers.
The time for messing around is over. The world that we knew is never coming back. The time to process that is now and begin moving towards a new future.
We kick off this season of pod looking back at what has happened since season 5 ended and our plans for season 6.
Welcome to season 6 of The Entrepreneur Experiment.
This is going to be our biggest season yet & we are starting with an incredible entrepreneur, Cillian Barry, co -founder of SportCaller.
In January 2021, SportCaller was sold to US company Ballys for €40 million. We breakdown how they built the company and what is feels like to sell a company for that amount.
This is a refreshing and surprising story full of honesty and incredible insights.
This week on The Idea Lab, I talk about closing a major chapter in my life.
We look ahead to my new business and what this means for the podcast.
I also reveal that we are now looking for a sponsor for season 6 which launches on April 8th.
My guest this week, Suzie is a force of nature who has built an award winning cosmetics business from the ground up.
In a very honest and open chat, she reveals exactly how she did it. We delve into the moments in her life that transformed her outlook and the event that sparked her to give everything she had to build Ayu.
She also exclusively reveals her plans for her brand new business, Five Star Fulfilment.
Raw & honest. The two words I was sent most after last week's podcast. This week, I reveal how I really felt about releasing last week's podcast and the reaction/result of releasing such a revealing chat.
I talk about strategies I'm using to move forward and briefly discuss the start of a new chapter.
Today's guest has packed two careers into his life already. Andy served his country for 21 years in the Irish Navy before launching his second career as an entrepreneur.
He now runs the Mackin Group, a global company, turning over $16 million per year with 150 employed. He has done all this in just over 6 years.
Find out how he did it on today's episode.
The last 12 months have been the worst of my entire life, professionally and personally. This is the story of that but also how I am learning to live with that, and rebuild.
I’ve detailed my struggles, my experience with counselling and what I am doing to try come through it a better person and entrepreneur.
From sitting in a coffee shop in Los Angeles hatching the plan for The Fat Fox to selling their cars to make that dream a reality, Rob & Claire's story is truly unique.
This week's episode combines a gritty reality of business with two remarkable people who share their adventures with me in a captivating story.
A special story about a special business.
This week, I reveal the new direction for the podcast.
Are you someone that makes things happen or are you someone that things happen to?
I’m bringing back the essence of why I started the podcast. Do cool things, see what the results are and share them with other people who may find it useful or interesting.
Each week, I'll share the results of experiments I'm running to make myself a better entrepreneur and human.
Today, I sit down with Larry Doyle and Kate Kelly, the brains behind Larry Doyle Coaching.
They have pioneered an elite system of online coaching which has become the benchmark in Ireland.
Learn how they:
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Gained first mover advantage by moving online long before it became industry standard.
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Their unique approach to work/life balance of living and working tother.
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Kate's advice for any business seeking to transition into the online world.
Learn how one critical mistake almost cost me access to my bank accounts, email and online investments.
I also reveal how you can join my private community and also take part in our March Momentum Challenge.
Noreen & her husband John created Irish Biltong with nothing more than an idea and the will to make it happen.
Noreen shares her story of how grit, determination and being willing to go further than anyone else would be able to is the key to their explosive success.
She shares:
- Their early experiments in making Biltong
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How saying yes to every opportunity has transformed their business
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The story behind how they got their first big break after an unplanned pitch competition victory.
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How they rapidly shifted focus to online retail after Covid impacted their normal outlets.
In this week's Idea Lab we break down the Clubhouse app. What is it, how does it work and do you need to be on it?
Clubhouse is the most talked about app of 2021. Valued at over $1 billon, the voice only app is popular among celebrities & business moguls.
I give you the pros, cons and overall verdict.
Imagine being minutes away from receiving 1 billion dollars for your company only to see all vanish in a heartbeat.
This is a extraordinary story in anyones life but in Norman's, it's merely one in a long line of incredible adventures in business.
We talk multiple million euro exits, a complete change in lifestyle and how he's building a global company that is aiming to solve climate change.
Strap in for this story as it's a wild one.
Ryan & his co-founders built DropChef from a small local operation into a company delivering fresh meal ingredients all across Ireland.
Hear how they launched without even having a product before scaling their business using the best financing of all, customer sales!
If you are passionate about building a bootstrapped business or launching your own food brand, this episode is for you.
Today on the pod, we reveal how the launch of The Entrepreneur Experiment Community went and how you can get involved.
I also share 4 ways you can generate business ideas using visualization exercises such as your dream day plan and the lotto win scenario.
Trevor is fulfiling every child's dream of working in the professional sports arena. He manages and helps elite level athletes all across the globe.
Hear how Trevor made his dreams a reality when he became a sports agent to the world's most interesting athletes on this week's episode.
His company, Sport Endorse have also just launched a marketplace that allows athletes to find companies and brands to work with, on their terms.
Brands also get access to 1000's of elite athletes who otherwise, they would have no way of connecting with.
Today, I am going to share 6 businesses you can start working on & making money from immediately.
I shared my big trends for 2021 back in December, and today we look at very specific businesses you can start during Covid.
Sometimes I meet a business owner whose business seems to have been born for exactly the times we live in.
Jack Crotty set up NeighbourFood to bring local and farmers markets online & make the whole process digital.
Covid, Brexit and a move towards sustainability in all aspects of our lives mean this business is set to explore.
Hear how Jack is building the 2021 version of the farmers market.
I had planned to do the hottest ideas of 2021 but after speaking to so many people over the last few weeks who are struggling, I have switched things up.
Just like everyone else, I’ve been massively impacted by Covid and have found the start of 2021 tougher than expected. So in this week’s pod, I’ve shared the 5 things that have helped me move into a positive headspace and get my momentum back.
We're back for another season & kicking off season 5 with one of the biggest success stories in Ireland of 2020.
Rónán's company went from a 20% market share to 86% in less than 12 months. Thriftify helps charity stores get their products online and handles everything from advertising to distribution.
This episode will fire your brain with hundreds of ideas.
Starting off 2021 with an early candidate for episode of the year!
Our last big interview of the year and it's with 2 of the biggest breakthrough entrepreneurs of 2020.
Thomas & Jake are behind the social media sensation, The Go House, Ireland's first-ever content creation/TikTok House.
More people watch their content per day than watch a Premier League game on TV. These two lads are creating a media company that is taking over the Irish media scene.
We're ending the year on a massive high. Enjoy the episode and your Christmas.
Joining me on the pod today is Hannah Moore, founder of L.A. Pacific.
Hannah has moved with the speed of light since 2019, founding L.A. Pacific and securing distribution with some of the world's leading brands such as Amazon and Boots.
We talk about how a chronic illness diagnosis changed her entire life and how this led to her becoming an entrepreneur. Hannah also reveals how she's managed to move so fast and achieve so much in just over 18 months. Prepare to be inspired.
In the Lab this week, I reveal the 5 trends that I believe are set to explode in 2021 and break down the opportunities in each sector.
If you subscribe to my newsletter at www.mrgaryfox.com you get access to a 6th bonus trend.
Ahead of the Airbnb IPO today, I reveal all the secrets I've learned over the last 7 years about Airbnb.
I've hosted over 200,000 people on Airbnb, this is my insider view on what makes it a fantastic business and what makes it an awful business.
I also reveal if I believe the stock price is a good value and if I will be buying it.
In the Lab this week, we hear about the 17-year-old making £20k per week selling trainers.
We deep dive into the world of collectibles & souvenirs. I explore ways you can invest in whiskey, sports memorabilia, and toys.
I also look at the various businesses you can start to take advantage of the huge rise in memorabilia & collectibles.
On the pod today, I chat with the founder of Spark Crowdfunding, Chris Burge.
Chris is the man powering the crowdfunding efforts of so many Irish startups.
Chris breaks down the secrets behind a successful crowdfunding campaign, including how Moby raised €795,091 on the platform.
In the Lab this week, I reveal how you can become a property mogul for less than €25k.
There is also a chance to win tickets to the Web Summit and I chat about what the Momentum Challenge meant to me.
Imagine getting your dream job on the Caribbean island of Barbados. Now picture that dream quickly becoming a nightmare as recession sweeps the globe and your company goes out of business with no warning.
What do you do?
If you are David Campion, you set out on a journey to become one of the Caribbean's most successful entrepreneurs.
In just 7 years, David has built ARGO Development Studio into 5 offices in 5 different countries with world-famous clients such as Virgin, Mercedes, Suzuki, Marriott, Radisson, and Digicel.
This truly is a story of one man's mission not to accept defeat when faced with near-impossible odds. The perfect story for us to learn from in 2020.
In the Lab this week, I talk about entrepreneurs taking action and my momentum challenge ending.
I reveal the best books that you can read in 2021 to set yourself up for success as an entrepreneur.
As the head of PR at Paddy Power, Féilim has been behind some of the most talked-about marketing campaigns in Irish history.
He made his first viral sensation when marketing himself as Jobless Paddy, a campaign that landed him his dream job at Paddy Power.
He now runs his own agency, Splanc PR where he is the creative brains behind campaigns like the recent Now TV, Hurley versus Hurl debate.
As a bonus, Féilim unleashes his creative brilliance by giving us a masterclass in PR & marketing that you can apply to your own business.
In the Lab this week, I find out if you have a 10-year plan and reveal how I'm tackling my own planning.
I reveal my tip for the hottest company of 2021 and introduce you to the people becoming millionaires by teaching online.
Former Irish & Leinster captain, Jamie Heaslip lived an action-packed life even before his second career began as a business owner, investor & high-performance coach.
His investment portfolio includes companies such as Kitman Labs & Pointy along with his ownership stakes in bars such as The Bridge.
Now I reveal Jamie's life as an entrepreneur, owner and investor.
Hear how he selects his investments, why he plans in 10-year cycles, and just what a day in the life of Jamie Heaslip looks like.
This week in the Lab, we're revealing the launch of the EE community. Coming in Jan 2021, you can become part of a group of entrepreneurs coming together to build fantastic businesses.
We also discuss the value of documenting your journey, riches in niches and my new favourite YouTube channel.
Food trailers are one of my tips for the biggest opportunities in 2021. I'm joined this week by an entrepreneur who is a veteran of the food trailer game & now teaches people how to set up their own business.
Seany was inspired by his travels across the globe to bring the idea of street food back to Ireland & make it accessible to all.
We hear how he started selling tacos at country music festivals to becoming one of the biggest suppliers of food trailers in Ireland.
In a special edition of the Idea Lab, we are joined by Kymann Power, the new resident of Daly's Bar in Ennistymon, Co Clare.
Kymann has captured many people's imagination with his decision to leave Dublin and set up home in a pub in the West of Ireland.
We discover where the idea came from, his plans for the project, and what it's really like to live in a pub.
This week's guest left behind a lucrative career in technology with one of the world's most promising companies, to start her own brewery in Waterford.
With just an idea & a rough plan, Grainne set out on an adventure to brew her own beer.
She shares how it all started with a few kegs in a single Dublin pub to building her own craft brewery on the south coast of Ireland.
In this week's Lab, we discuss how one person got so sick of buying €9 meals to have a pint that he has moved into his own pub in County Clare.
This sparks a search for Ireland's most interesting properties that you can turn into a business opportunity. All for under €300k.
Former professional footballer Mark O'Reilly takes me on his journey from sports star to entrepreneur.
Mark's company, FitVision, is the go-to coaching resource for Ireland's leading CEO's, entrepreneurs, and elite performers.
We chat about developing a winning mindset, how he completely pivoted his business during Covid and his fitness routine during lockdown.
If you are seeking motivation, this is the episode you need to hear.
In the Lab this week, I find out how many companies have been started in Ireland in the last 30 days.
We also look at companies attending to solve the problem of attending live events and global travel restrictions in a Covid world.
Evelyn & Luke from Simply Fit Food are back this week to announce a major milestone & share a good news story.
One of my earliest guests in 2020, they return to tell their story of thriving despite the global pandemic and how they managed to sell their business, Simply Fit Food in the toughest market in history.
They share the tips and tricks that have helped them in the last 6 months and explain how to negotiate selling your business.
This week on the Idea Lab, we breakdown two new ideas in detail.
In the aviation world, Qantas launched their flight to nowhere which sold out in 10 minutes.
We do a deep dive into the business of vending machines. How much they make and how you can get started. (hint - 30-80% margin levels)
Special edition of the Idea Lab where I deep dive into pivot ideas that you can apply to your business.
I'm in the middle of pivoting my business so I share parts of my journey.
I share the ideas listeners to the podcast have shared with me and we discuss ideas for bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and targeting the home worker.
This week on the Idea Lab, we examine two very different but excellent marketing campaigns.
First, we look at Burger King's sponsorship of a tiny football team in England and how they leverage that for viral success via Fifa.
We also look at Love Island's Molly Mae and how she created one of the most viral giveaways in 2020 that delivered her nearly 1 million followers for £8k.
In under 6 years, Jo Davey has gone from making homemade healthy snacks for her friends at the gym to having a national brand stocked on shelves all across Ireland.
On this week's episode, hear Jo's story of being a first-time entrepreneur in the ultra-competitive food business.
In the lab today, I reveal the strategy you can use to reveal your true passions in life.
I also reveal a new customer acquisition strategy that is taking the financial sector by storm in America.
Before I started this podcast 18 months ago, I made a list of 10 dream guests.
Today, I am delighted to be able to host one of the 10 from that list, Pat Divilly.
Pat is an entrepreneur, speaker, best-selling author, and an all-around fascinating guy.
Coder. Pharmacist. Disruptor. Shane O'Sullivan is a man that defies labels and refuses to accept the status quo.
This is his story of how he quit pharmacy to become a computer coder only to discover a way to combine both passions.
In 2013, Shane founded Healthwave, a membership-based pharmacy that shattered the traditional model of pharmacies in Ireland. By utilizing technology and a customer-first model, Shane slashed the cost of healthcare in Ireland.
If you are taking part in the September Idea challenge you should now realize how ideas are relatively easy to generate.
The real trick is deciding which ones are worth pursuing.
In today's episode, I share my formula to stress test the ideas and see if they are worth pursuing in more detail.
For the deep dive interview this week, Gary Fox is joined by Pat Stephenson, founder of the Boys + Girls agency.
In this week's episode, you will hear Pat's incredible journey through the world of advertising and marketing. You will also learn 3 key lessons:
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Why creating great work is difficult.
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A step-by-step guide to starting your own business or agency.
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How they clinched the deal of a lifetime with Chelsea football club.
In this week's Lab, I share stories of people who are earning over €100k per year teaching niche courses online.
We explore the massive growth in online learning and how you can become an online expert to leverage your existing skills.
This week, I am joined by Brody Sweeney, founder of O'Briens Sandwich Bars and Camile Thai Kitchen.
In a brutally honest and revealing chat, Brody explains how he lost control of the global empire he built and the chaos it brought to his life.
His story was only beginning in 2009 and he bounced back rapidly to start Camile Thai. Brody reveals how he found the strength to start again and how he's plotting the global expansion of his latest venture.
Today, I am challenging you to come up with a business idea every day for the month of September.
30 Days, 30 Ideas. It can be an idea for a new business or a way to improve your current business.
I share with you my template for generating ideas & reveal the prize for the winner of the best idea.
Do you need to be in Silicon Valley or Dublin to build a major technology company?
Not according the Rory O'Connor and his team who are building Scurri into a global e-commerce player from their HQ in Wexford.
In this episode you learn:
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The proven playbook Rory used to raise over €8m
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Being based outside major cities gives you huge advantages
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How to pivot drastically when things are failing
In this week's Idea Lab, I am going to show you how to launch any business idea for less than €500.
This episode gives you everything you need to go from an idea to business launch in a few weeks and less than 20 hours of work.
Seamus Fahy is naturally curious. His curiosity propelled him into a career as an oil trader before a random conversation at a wedding changed his life.
In today's episode, you will learn how to start a business in an industry you have zero experience in. We'll uncover the secrets of building a huge waitlist of customers before launching and finally, Seamus reveals how being curious can be a business superpower.
In the Idea Lab today, we find out which sportswear brand only founded in 2012 hit a £1bn valuation.
We also look at which challenger bank lost €119m but gained 10 million new subscribers.
Finally, I set our listeners a challenge to reimagine the events industry after the news that we may see no live events until 2022.
Welcome to the first book club review with special guest Fabio Molle. In July, we read Bezonomics, a fantastic book looking at Amazon's unstoppable rise and where they are going next.
Fabio and I break down the book, analyse Amazon's business model and potential opportunities for entrepreneurs.
I’ve spent the last week traveling around our wonderful island. While it was great fun, parts of it were really stressful.
That stress was entirely down to the friction created by Covid. Wherever friction exists in a consumer journey, there are lots of opportunities for smart entrepreneurs.
I break down 5 areas you can get ideas from this week.
In this week's Idea Lab, I explore the idea of 15-minute cities and how that will offer opportunities for entrepreneurs.
We also go deep on the idea of second-order effects and the hundreds of business opportunities Covid has opened up for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this week's episode, we learn what company is making $13m from just 13 employees.
We also discover which GAA star is under fire for becoming an entrepreneur.
Each Monday I’ll be sharing a new episode of the Idea Lab podcast. It’s a rapid summary of the ideas I’m exploring and trends I’m spotting for new business ideas.
This week we breakdown how GymShark has £53m cash in the bank and how being a YouTube is now more lucrative than being a doctor.
A cliff jump in Jamaica set off a chain of events that sparked this week's guest on a journey to become one of Ireland's leading men's fashion entrepreneurs.
I'm joined this week by Paul Galvin for one of the most varied and inspiring chats I've ever had on the podcast.
Paul's natural curiosity and passion for exploration have carved out careers in sports, design, and fashion.
Kerry Athlete - Irish Entrepreneur - Global Creative
In this week's episode, we flip the focus and learn how the world of venture and investing works.
My guest this week is Alan Merriman from Elkstone. Alan is a highly successful investor & deal maker.
He shares his knowledge and experience of the traits and characteristics of a good entrepreneur.
Alan reveals exactly what he seeks in both an entrepreneur and an investment.
A special short episode launching The Entrepreneur Experiment Book Club.
Hear what the book club is, how you can join, and our book of the month for June.
The ability to adapt. It's never been more important to hone this skill. Alan Coleman used the power of adaption to successfully tweak his first company Brite:Bill to eventually reach over 200 million people.
After a successful sale, he's now tackling the Internet of Things (IOT) with his latest company, Sweepr.
A powerful chat about experimenting, adapting, and surviving.
We all want to know how to get rich. But how do you become rich enough to be included on The Sunday Times Rich List?
In this week's special episode, we look at how people get rich, stay rich, and become wealthy enough to be among the top 1000 richest people in Ireland and the UK.
Delighted to be joined this week by Conor McMahon. He is a business reporter with The Sunday Times.
In this episode, we discuss:
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Who compiles the Rich List?
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How do you qualify?
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Do people ever try to avoid being on the list?
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Who is at the top spot for 2020?
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How Covid-19 has impacted it?
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Is the Rich List a terrible idea?
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Famous Irish names on the list.
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The most common source of wealth.
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Old money versus new money.
In this week's episode, I breakdown the key learning of every single interview with every entrepreneur that has featured on the podcast so far.
I deliver the main learning I took from each person and how you can apply that to your business or idea.
I also reveal The Entrepreneur Experiment Book Club and new content to be revealed next week.
A very special guest for episode 50 of The Entrepreneur Experiment.
Claire McHugh founded Axonista in the depths of the last recession and her video empire now spans the globe.
In this episode we discuss:
- How Claire and her co-founder were able to spot an opportunity that hadn't even presented itself yet.
- Claire explains how they survived the early years
- Where they found their first clients
- Moving from a service business to becoming a product business
- Leading in a crisis
As the founder of Prowlster & Opsh, Jennie has been at the forefront of eCommerce innovation in Ireland since 2008.
The world ahead is uncertain and many people face tough decisions. It is more important than ever that we hear from people who’ve made hard choices and will honestly share the journey.
This week’s chat with Jennie couldn’t have come at a better time as she embodies the resilience required to be an entrepreneur.
In a wide-ranging chat, we discover:
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How her first venture started as a hobby
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Why family can be the perfect co-founders
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The funding trap in Ireland
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The major issues holding back retailers from being successful at eCommerce.
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Knowing when to pivot and when to stop.
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Where to find the resilience to start again
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The forthcoming boom in eCommerce post-Covid.
Delighted to be joined by Glen Hynes from Startup Accountant for a very practical & timely episode.
Glen breaks down the perfect playbook for surviving the Covid-19 crisis if already in business. We also outline a roadmap for why now might be the perfect time to start a business.
In this episode, we discuss:
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The Covid-19 Survival gameplan.
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A simple explanation of what Government financial supports are available for entrepreneurs.
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The 4 stages of starting any business
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3 essential steps for any first-time entrepreneur
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How to design your perfect day to maximise productivity but also give yourself more free time for family & friends.
In a very unique episode, I am joined by one of the founders of CurrencyFair, Brett Meyers and the current CEO, Paul Byrne.
In this episode, we discuss:
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How to start a business in a recession
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Raising your first €400k
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Building consumer trust as an unknown startup
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Leading without ego & recognizing your strengths
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Managing in a crisis
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Preparing your business for a post COVID world.
This is an episode like no other. Friend of the podcast, Devan Hughes, (founder of Buymie), is back to help entrepreneurs try make sense of the new world.
In this special episode, we discuss the Covid19 crisis, the impact it's having on businesses across Ireland and how Devan's working life has changed, possibly forever.
We also discuss:
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How to remotely manage a team.
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The extensive logistics chain behind groceries.
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His proposal to help the Government with vital supplies.
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How long this may last.
How do you build one of Europe's best fintech companies & then sell it to Stripe, all before you are 25 years of age?
In this episode, we find out from Shekinah Adewumi who founded Touchtech payments when he was just 18.
We discuss:
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The power of unshakeable belief
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The art of storytelling
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Straightline problem solving
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Finding the perfect co-founder
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How the Rich Dad Poor Dad poor shaped his entire life
In just a little over 5 years, Brian has gone from being a solo entrepreneur with a big idea to a global company with offices in Dublin, New York, and Dubai.
In this episode, we learn just how he did it.
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How to convince highly talented staff to join a company with zero track record.
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Just how an agency makes money & selects great clients.
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Learning how to crack the tough New York crowd.
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Why the future of work is flexibility & allowing employees to act like entrepreneurs.
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We discuss why now is the time to start doing business in Dubai.
How do you walk away from your dream job to risk everything to start your own company?
In this week's episode, we dig deep into how you do just that with former RTE star and startup founder, Mark Little.
Mark is one of the rare entrepreneurs in Ireland who has not only successfully started a business but managed to sell it to one of the world's largest media organisations.
In part 2 of my chat with Pamela, we discover how a photo taken underwater, thousands of miles away from Dublin almost had dire consequences for Moxi Loves.
Pamela Laird is on a mission to bring her beauty brand global.
Starting with a single product just a few years ago, Pamela is preparing to launch into the UK after a hugely successful appearance on The Apprentice UK.
Pamela Laird is on a mission to bring her beauty brand global.
Starting with a single product just a few years ago, Pamela is preparing to launch into the UK after a hugely successful appearance on The Apprentice UK.
In part 1 of our chat, we chat about her experience on the show, what really happens behind the scenes & how she started her beauty company, Moxi Loves.
You start life as a teenage coder before becoming a crusading journalist followed by a highly successful career as a music festival promoter, to now leading one of Ireland's most promising startups in the AI space. How is this possible?
Find out how Andreea has lived a life that has defied boundaries or career paths to forge her own destiny.
Often the best business ideas come from solving your own problem.
When Luke was recovering from a serious illness, Evelyn began preparing healthy, quick meals that he could eat anywhere. Simply Fit Food was born.
In this episode, we discover how to go from problem to solution in a matter of months and how early success can often stretch you to breaking point.
We chat about what Dragons Den is really like behind the scenes and how the couple manages to both live and work together.
For my final interview of the year, I sit down with Jamie Helly, founder of Dynamo & one of the founders of MIA chocolate.
The thing that captured my imagination about Jamie and his business was the fact that not only has he designed some of the most memorable Irish brands but he then went and did it with his own chocolate brand.
Jamie and his team are the very definition of becoming your own customer. It was a fascinating chat and we cover everything from branding to motorbike racing!
The first live version of our podcast features Devan Hughes, founder of Buymie & Garret Flower founder of Parkpnp.
Two of our most popular guests in 2019, we delve deeper into their stories and they answer your questions about entrepreneurship, founder mentality and what business ideas are exciting them for 2020.
The Entrepreneur Experiment presents, The Ideas Lab.
I sit down with Ireland's brightest minds and try to identify ideas and trends that they believe will become popular.
In this week's episode, I sit down with David Delahunty, entrepreneur and maker.
We explore Biohacking, No Code, the rise of remote work, niche groups and vegan versions of popular food.
A best-selling author, online community builder, speaker, brand builder, and skincare expert, Jennifer Rock, aka The Skin Nerd is simply unstoppable.
Since 2016, her brand and social media presence have exploded and The Skin Nerd is now a household name.
We chat about how she has captured the elusive lightning in a bottle moment of when sheer hard work meets creative brilliance.
In this week’s episode, I sit down down John Ryan, the founder of Gigable. Three years ago, John was a captain in the Irish Army and today he runs a tech company with staff working around the globe.
The 9-5 job is dying and Gigable aims to be the solution the paves the way for a whole new way to find and get paid to work when you want.
In this week's episode, I chat with Conor Sheridan, founder of Mad Egg restaurants.
In just over a year, Conor has taken an idea from his notebook to having 3 highly popular outlets in Dublin.
In this episode, we discover just why so many restaurants fail and how Mad Egg is smashing that trend.
We learn how Conor developed his concept despite having zero restaurant experience.
Most importantly, he reveals just how they make their chicken just so damn tasty!
After a short break, I'm back with big news and a new project is revealed.
In this episode, I share why I've been away, news of my live show and reveal a new project that is launching next week.
Everyone has an idea for a product or how they wish they could perfect their favourite one.
In this week's episode, I chat with Sean Toomey who spends his days imaging new ideas and reimagining old ones!
In his Tony Stark style workshop, alongside his co-founder Rob, they design, test and build brand new products, right here in Dublin.
Sean breaks down exactly what it took to start his own business and how he helps other entrepreneurs create their dreams every day.
Micheál Dyer and his co-founder Conor McCallion have built Ireland's largest meal prep company with zero outside funding from their HQ in Galway.
In this episode, Micheál breaks down the exact strategies they used to expand from just 23 customers in their first week, to now being Ireland's number 1 provider.
We chat about how to effectively leverage influencers, how digital strategies have changed since they started and explore the biggest challenge any entrepreneur faces in the food industry.
Luke's idea for his business is as simple as it is brilliant. He hated queuing for his morning coffee so he simply starting hacking the system.
That was his lightbulb moment and he set out to create an app that would let him skip queues whenever he wanted!
We chat about how Luke took his idea from simply an idea to a full-fledged app, the importance of finding a co-founder that shares your vision and how to attract clients and users in the crowded app space.
A true entrepreneur can take a concept that has been around for hundreds of years, completely reimagine it from the ground up and improve it 1000x.
This is what Chris Lauder is done with his school. This week's guest started a hugely successful grind school that he has transformed into full-time school.
Learn how Chris started in a local parish hall and has transformed that into a campus that now serves over 3,500 students per week.
Running one business is tough. So how do you run two simultaneously while continuing to have a balanced, happy life?
This week I chat with James Brogan who is managing to do it all through well-executed planning and a huge amount of self-awareness.
James is the founder of PepTalk and Legacy Communications and also played sport at the highest level, winning an All-Ireland with the Dublin footballers.
In just 7 years, Jack Teeling made Teeling Whiskey a global brand and built one of Dublin's best tourist attractions at his distillery in the Liberties.
In this episode, we uncover Jack's path from the trading desks of one of Ireland's biggest banks to building the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years & establishing Teeling Whiskey as a global brand.
After his rugby career was ended by a serious injury, Gary Lavin jumped straight into his entrepreneurial journey.
Fast forward to 2019, and his drinks brand VITHIT sells 25 million units across the globe.
In the middle, he faced every challenge imaginable and almost lost everything.
Gary is a no-nonsense entrepreneur who shares the real reasons why his brand become a global success.
Millions of people have consumed Garret's products but you would never know! This is because Garret started one of Ireland's largest commercial bakeries from very humble beginnings in his apartment kitchen.
He has since launched Krüst Bakery and is now embarking on his biggest adventure so far, moving to New York to launch his latest venture, Parkpnp in the US.
Dan Nugent symbolizes everything that The Entrepreneur Experiment stands for.
He started his business with his partner, Sacha, for less than €1000, bootstrapped it from day 1 and has scaled it globally in less than 2 years.
The duo started Ambr Eyewear in 2017 from their kitchen table. The company began with just 3 frames and two years later have over 35 styles.
Ambr started selling blue light glasses to help with problems caused by spending so much time staring at phone and laptop screens. It has since morphed into an eyewear brand that covers everything from blue light to prescription glasses.
In this episode we chat about:
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How there is never a perfect time to start a business
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Why limits and restraints can actually help an entrepreneur
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How to source and select manufacturers and partners
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The unsexy side of e-commerce success, SEO & content
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Why the influencer business is imploding
Shane Ryan is the brains behind one of Ireland's fastest-growing food brands, Fiid. In less than 12 months, Shane has gone from an idea in his head to seeing his product stocked in outlets right across Ireland.
That’s not the whole story however, as his rapid rise to success came at a great cost to him personally. He quit a highly promising international hospitality career to start delivering meals on his bike around Dublin city. That startup almost broke him, financially and emotionally as he strived to make it a success.
The chat with Shane has been one of the most honest and revealing conversations I’ve had with a fellow entrepreneur around the area of mental health.
Hope you enjoy the episode and please do get in touch with feedback and comments.
Sonia Deasy is the co-founder and CEO of skincare company, Pestle & Mortar. Founded in 2014, Sonia and her husband, Padraic, have grown it into a global brand in just 5 years.
Pestle & Mortar is now listed in stores such as Liberty London, Arnotts, Avoca, FaceGym, Harvey Nichols, and Bloomingdales.
Irish-owned and based in Naas, Sonia & Padraic have created a local company with global ambition.
In this episode we discuss:
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The lightbulb moment for creating the company
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Sonia secrets for PR success & how to tell your brand story
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How she managed to get her products listed in global stores
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What it takes to go live on QVC to over 100 million people
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Balancing a work/marriage partnership.
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Why you should have global ambition
James started his first company with just €500 which was borrowed from his wife after losing his job in the 2008 financial crash. This small investment launched a catering empire that spanned coffee shops, Mexican food outlets, and corporate catering. He then lost it all.
We hear how James bounced back by becoming the Barista Baron and how he is now on the way to creating a global coffee business.
James is now the owner of The Dublin Barista School, 9th Degree Coffee and soon to be launched, World Barista Institute.
Most people take home some terrible souvenirs from their holidays. When he was just 22 years old, traveling around Thailand, Caolan Cullen discovered the idea that would become his future business.
Caolan is the founder of Arctic Stone Ice Cream, who were the first people in Ireland to make hand-rolled ice cream that is completely customizable. Named as one of the best young entrepreneurs in Ireland in 2019, he is creating his own ice cream empire here in Ireland.
He is a modern-day Willy Wonka, capable of making ice cream to any flavour you can dream of.
In this episode we discover:
- How you can find business ideas in the most unlikely of places
- The steps to taking action once you discover your idea
- The secrets to making ice cream in every possible flavour
- How Caolan bootstrapped and crowdfunded his early venture.
- The brand deals that are driving a huge part of his business
- His effort to set a Guinness world record
Why do so many professional sports stars become entrepreneurs?
In today's episode, we chat with former Leinster, Munster and Ireland rugby player, Shane Monahan, who brings us on his journey from sports star to entrepreneur.
We discover the mindset required to become successful at both sports and business.
We chat about
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How goal setting shaped Shane's career
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Playing for Leinster, Munster, and Ireland
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How you are ever only one bad game away from a bad season
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Why so many rugby players become successful entrepreneurs
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How voice will shape so many industries in the next 5-10 years.
This week, I share with you my goal of becoming the number 1 business podcast in Ireland in 2019.
If your goals don't scare you, they aren't' ambitious enough! I break down the huge success we've had in June and the structure I'm building to help me achieve this.
It's a packed episode as I reveal how new Airbnb regulations mean a huge change for my other business and I also share exclusive discounts for the new podcast studio.
Launched in January 2017, on the week of blue Monday, GymPlusCoffee began life in the toughest way possible after missing out on lucrative Christmas sales.
Undeterred, the 3 founders have turned their business into one of Ireland’s leading names in the athleisure space in just 2 years!
Loved by sports stars such as Brian O’Driscoll and Joe Wicks, they have managed to launch their brand into the mainstream thanks to a loyal community and clever marketing.
How do you go from working in finance to living in Bali running a successful business from your laptop?
Siobhan O'Hagan is one of Ireland's best known online fitness coaches and in today’s episode breaks down how she quit her 9-5 job to become a personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur.
With over 115k followers on Instagram, Siobhan now travels the world, working from locations such as Bali, Thailand, and Australia while managing her online coaching business.
With a degree in maths, Siobhan is a highly systems and process driven entrepreneur. She takes us back to how her story began in fitness and how her own personal journey led to growing a thriving online community.
We chat about
How to transition from a 9-5 job to running your own business.
How to work out how much money you actually need?
Partnering up with someone who can help scale your business.
Turning down thousands of euro from potential sponsors.
Building a personal brand.
Selling while not selling out.
How to deal with online trolls.
Pressure of living your life on social media.
Having a business versus having a following.
In this episode, I reveal how I built a podcast studio in 24 hours and reveal what the first business idea for The Entrepreneur Experiment will be.
I also discover 1000 listeners that I never knew existed after doing a deep dive into how my podcast actually works!
If you are curious about starting your own podcast, this episode will give you some great insights.
As CEO and co-founder of Buymie, Devan runs a company that is hotly tipped to be one of Ireland's biggest success stories.
In just 3 years, he has assembled a heavy-hitting investor panel and a number of high profile board members.
Devan is without a doubt, the most methodical entrepreneur that I have met so far on this journey. His analysis and insights into the on-demand economy such as Deliveroo and Uber are incredibly revealing from someone so immersed in the industry.
In this episode, I reveal how I'm trying to increase my productivity and overcome self-doubt by adopting a new system of working.
Missed deadlines and juggling too many tasks lead me to redesign my entire way of working.
I am also hiring two new people to help me and I reveal the results from April of The Entrepreneur Experiment.
At just 23 years old, Karl O'Brien has built his social media company into a global brand employing 8 people.
Karl shares his views on selecting your clients, not letting your clients choose you.
As a young entrepreneur, Karl started his first venture in his bedroom before using his college years to rapidly grow his business.
We chat about habits that help him perform at the highest level and how he seeks mentors to avoid repeating their mistakes.
I've been neglecting myself and this week, I took action to change that.
I invested in attending a mindset seminar by Brian Keane, a fitness entrepreneur, and mindset specialist.
In this episode, I share all the lessons I've learned and reveal the changes I'm making to my daily life.
We cover a huge amount of content, so if you are looking to improve your goal setting and mindset, you'll benefit from this week's show.
Welcome to episode 9 of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast where I chat with James Murphy, founder of Zest Fitness and BeatBox Gym.
Founded 6 years ago in the height of the last economic recession, James has built a business that now earns over 6 figures per year. Despite this, he’s willing to risk it all and start again with his latest venture.
James is the epitome of a calculated risk-taking entrepreneur. When we spoke, James was in the middle of a complete renovation of his second gym to convert it into a boxing experience gym.
James doesn’t mince his words and speaks extremely openly on the successes he’s had but also the pressure faced by entrepreneurs to keep improving and beating the competition.
I hope you enjoy the episode and if you want to chance to win the book recommended by James, simply leave a review on iTunes or share this episode on social media and tag us!
Welcome to episode 9 of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast where I chat with James Murphy, founder of Zest Fitness and BeatBox Gym.
Founded 6 years ago in the height of the last economic recession, James has built a business that now earns over 6 figures per year. Despite this, he’s willing to risk it all and start again with his latest venture.
James is the epitome of a calculated risk-taking entrepreneur. When we spoke, James was in the middle of a complete renovation of his second gym to convert it into a boxing experience gym.
James doesn’t mince his words and speaks extremely openly on the successes he’s had but also the pressure faced by entrepreneurs to keep improving and beating the competition.
I hope you enjoy the episode and if you want to chance to win the book recommended by James, simply leave a review on iTunes or share this episode on social media and tag us!
Each month, I am going to share a very honest summary of how The Entrepreneur Experiment project is progressing. I will reveal all the exact stats behind all the content I am producing and also hopefully as the project progress, the businesses that I am working on.
This is a snapshot of how many people are consuming my content, the lesson’s I’ve learned and improvements that I’m making for next month, April 2019.
From humble origins as a one-page website with a Paypal button, Funky Christmas Jumpers is now 11 years old and one of Ireland’s most famous e-commerce stories.
Fabio is extremely open with his story and reveals how he turned his back on the lucrative world of software engineering to set up his own company.
We learn what it takes to start and grow one of Ireland’s most recognisable e-commerce brands. With his window to make sales only running for a few months, Fabio lets us in on the secrets he uses to scale up a business rapidly in a short space of time.
From physical threats to having cups of tea with Niall Horan, Fabio lets us in on the secrets to the ultra-competitive Christmas jumper world!
Prior to chatting with Fabio, I had no idea he appeared on the UK version of Dragons Den. He reveals the truth behind Dragons Den and what really goes on behind the scenes.
He also outlines the tools required to start and scale a successful e-commerce store.
In this week's diary episode, I reveal why I'm forcing myself to fail. To fail and keep failing so that it becomes nothing to fear.
Fear of failure is the number one reason why a fantastic idea never leaves the entrepreneurs brain or notebook.
This week I break down the fear of failure and share how I battle to overcome that fear on a daily basis.
The Entrepreneur Experiment is almost a month old, and I break down what's been working so far (LinkedIn is awesome) and what I want to achieve in the coming days. It's a packed episode so I hope you enjoy.
In this week's diary episode, I reveal how the workload from The Entrepreneur Experiment combined with my regular job is pushing me to the limit.
I explore new ways of working and plan how to completely overhaul how I approach my work after reading Cal Newport's book, Deep Work.
Quitting social media is the hot topic as high profile figures such as Casey Neistat are quitting or reducing their usage, I examine if I should quit altogether?
Ideas! Everyone has them but few make the leap to make them a reality.
In this week’s episode with maker/entrepreneur David Delahunty, we delve deep into the idea generation process.
In 2017, David set himself the challenge of coming up with 5 ideas every single day for a year! He shared his journey on social media and the project became a smash hit ebook, and landed on the top page of Product Hunt.
If you are seeking your million dollar business idea, you'll learn the secrets of idea generation at scale.
In this week's diary episode, I reveal how the official launch of The Entrepreneur Experiment went.
We learn how to start a podcast from scratch when you have no idea what you are doing. My official YouTube channel also launched this week and I give you a behind the scenes insight into how to shoot a YouTube video.
In my other business, we are subjected to threats and deal with a client who refuses to pay his bill.
It's a very real and honest episode and I hope you enjoy it.
Episode 2 is an in-depth interview with Tommy Courtney. Tommy is the CEO and founder of Prelo, a corporate relocation services platform. A B2B service, Tom’s company helps companies relocate employee’s to new cities around the globe.
Every single time that I meet Tommy, I learn something new and his no-nonsense approach is what more startup founders need to adopt.
In this episode, we discuss starting on your own versus finding a team, and advice, when to take it and when to ignore it! He reveals how he manages his mental health when juggling the demands of being a startup founder and discusses strategies he uses to stay healthy.
We also explore how to keep a perspective in business and Tommy shares a very personal story.
I'm starting a new business. This business has no name, no product and no business plan!
Over the next 12 months, I will generate ideas for 5 companies, test the ideas, and then launch the business or businesses that show the most promise.