The Digg Podcast: Recent Episodes
CAROLINE O'NEILL
The Digg Podcast is about making a difference in life and in business. In my opinion, there is no way the two can be separated. Throughout the podcast, I will speak to people who are doing inspiring things in the business world but also those who have a personal story to tell. I hope when people listen they learn and become inspired by what they hear and realise that we can all make a difference no matter what path we take in life.
Loretta Dignam is the founder of The Menopause Hub, Ireland’s first dedicated, multidisciplinary menopause clinic, and a global advocate for women’s health. Named in the Forbes 50 Over 50 Global List 2025 and winner of the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award for Health, Loretta has made it her life’s mission to smash the stigma, make menopause mainstream, and give women the support they deserve.
Loretta shares her personal journey through 26 different menopause symptoms, the frustration that drove her to create The Menopause Hub, and the breakthroughs that are changing how women experience this stage of life.
She explains what menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause really mean, how to spot the early signs in your 40s, and why so many myths about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) need to be challenged. Loretta also opens up about the impact of brain fog, anxiety and low confidence in the workplace, why men must be part of the menopause conversation, and how relationships and intimacy can shift during this time.
Loretta shows why life after menopause can be the most liberating, energising chapter yet. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms yourself, supporting a partner, or leading in the workplace, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest storytelling and hope for the future.
Links from Episode
Loretta Dignam
LinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/lorettadignam
The Menopause Hub - https://www.themenopausehub.ie/
Brought to you in Partnership with:
Linwoods Health Foods.
For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)
https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r
Centre Of Learning
Use code Digg20 for 20% Off any course up until 31st March 2026. Must be booked before 4th December 2025.
https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/centre-of-learning
Location Partner
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026
Gerry Hussey is a renowned performance psychologist, co-founder of 'Soul Space', multiple best-selling author and one of the leading minds when it comes to integrative health and wellness in neuroscience. His episode is one of our most listened to.
In this clip Gerry shares how to reprogram your mind for success and open yourself to opportunity. He explains how your thoughts and self-talk shape your reality through the brain’s Reticular Activating System, and how changing the story you tell yourself can change everything.
Gerry reveals the mindset tools he used to visualise his bestselling book, build a thriving business, and turn uncertainty into achievement. His approach combines neuroscience, belief, and disciplined action, showing how confidence, clarity, and focus can transform both your personal and professional life.
Listen to full episode here - E102: Overcoming Negative Self-Talk to be better in Our Working Lives, with Gerry Hussey
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mUTKV8bQC8Xk5RdhC0vyp?si=fiKdeogKT8u9ovBBApCPIA
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/digg-podcast/id1550452496?i=1000646836881
Nathan Anthony is a TV chef, Sunday Times and New York Times best-selling author, and the creator behind Bored of Lunch. He has built a community of over five million followers with his affordable, family-friendly recipes that have been viewed more than a billion times online. Famous for his air fryer recipes and slow cooker recipes, Nathan has turned simple home cooking into a global brand. From starting during lockdown to becoming a household name, he has gone on to publish six cookbooks, appear regularly on This Morning, and is launching his very own spice range.
Nathan shares his journey from university cooking experiments to social media success. He opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence alongside professional chefs, and balancing hard work with passion. With stories about family, food, and finding purpose, plus plenty of laughs, including a mac and cheese disaster this conversation captures the mix of ambition, honesty, and good craic.
If you’re searching for easy air fryer recipes, healthy slow cooker meals, or the motivation to grow your own platform, this episode with Nathan Anthony is packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration from one of the UK and Ireland’s most loved food influencers.
Links from Episode
Nathan Anthony
Bored of Lunch Website - https://boredoflunch.com/
Charity link
Little Heroes - https://littleheroesni.org/
First appearance on Digg Podcast
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/61WABmYfiFYXGJxbJnWBjy?si=dKlodDVcRNCJdnfi_XzmcQ
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/digg-podcast/id1550452496?i=1000567882423
Brought to you in Partnership with:
Linwoods Health Foods.
For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)
https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r
Centre Of Learning
Use code Digg20 for 20% Off any course up until 31st March 2026. Must be booked before 4th December 2025.
https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/centre-of-learning
Location Partner
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026
Pete Boyle is CEO of Argento, Let’s Go Hydro and Let's Go Padel. He went from guerrilla street stalls to 60 stores by breaking the right rules, pivoting before the trend, and paying everyone on time. In this highlight: how to spot a constraint, move to where customers already are, and why reputation is your real credit line.
Listen to full episode here -
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C02vuQ0kh4WNHvi37LIMm?si=jzeAoRNHTWWA6GY6GwAM2A
Carl Frampton MBE is one of Ireland’s greatest boxers; a two-weight world champion and the first man from Northern Ireland to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight.
Carl talks about growing up in Tiger’s Bay, becoming a world champion, the highs of MGM Las Vegas, and the pain of losing to Leo Santa Cruz. He speaks openly about the breakdown with Barry McGuigan, life after retirement, and building his Stablemate whiskey brand.
Beyond boxing, Carl shares raw and inspirational lessons on resilience, family, keeping his daughter off social media, and why he’s an ambassador for integrated education in Northern Ireland. He even talks honestly about the long-term risks of boxing.
If you’re a fan of boxing, Irish sport, or just love real stories of grit, discipline, and community, this episode will inspire you.
Don’t forget to hit that follow button to hear from more inspiring guests.
This episode was recorded before Ricky Hatton passed away
Links from Episode
Carl Frampton
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/theframpton/
Twitter - https://x.com/RealCFrampton?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Aesthetics Skin Clinic - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/aestheticsskinclinic/?hl=en
Brought to you in Partnership with:
Linwoods Health Foods.
For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)
https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r
Centre Of Learning
Use code Digg20 for 20% Off any course up until 31st March 2026. Must be booked before 4th December 2025.
https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/centre-of-learning
Location Partner
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026
Marie Gleeson is a former Irish Naval Officer, leadership consultant, and keynote speaker who helps leaders build confidence, adapt to change, and inspire high-performance teams.
Marie shares powerful leadership lessons from her military career, from commanding ships in unpredictable seas to making critical decisions under pressure.
She reveals how to develop leadership skills that earn trust, stay composed in fast-changing situations, and lead teams with clarity and purpose. Marie discusses the mindset shifts, communication strategies, and decision-making tools every business leader needs to thrive in uncertain times.
For practical insights on confident leadership, team management, and navigating change in business, this conversation with Marie Gleeson offers strategies you can apply immediately.
Links from Episode
Marie Gleeson
LinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/mariegleesonnavmarleadership
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/diggGet 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
At 15, Shelley Cowan was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that left her confined to bed for 12 years and using a wheelchair for another decade. Today, she walks with assistance, but her real strength lies in her incredible spirit and unwavering determination.
In this episode Shelley takes us back to the beginning: the moment her life changed, the darkest days spent in isolation, and the powerful, emotional moment she stood up again for the first time. She talks about internal battles, physical pain, the pressure to appear strong, and the courage it takes to keep showing up.
Shelley also shares her work as co-founder of JustUs, an inclusive social group for adults with disabilities, and her mission through Access Avenue, helping businesses become truly accessible. And in one of her most powerful achievements to date, Shelley climbed the Stairway to Heaven in 2024 - 3.72 miles of grit and heart, all to raise funds for a cause close to her.
This is a conversation about hope, inclusion, and finding joy in every possible moment, no matter the obstacles.
Links from Episode
Shelley Cowan
https://www.instagram.com/shelleycowan_/
Access Avenue Website
https://accessavenue.co.uk/about-me-inspirational-speaker/
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Ryan Crown is the founder of Crown Creative, a Belfast-born, globally operating creative agency working with some of the biggest names in hospitality, including The Dead Rabbit, Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, Marriott and Hilton. In this episode, Ryan shares the bold moves that took him from freelancing as a student to designing award-winning brands and interiors for world-class hotels, restaurants, and bars.
From landing his first role in New York through sheer self-belief, to building long-term creative partnerships with global clients, Ryan opens up about risk-taking, strategy, building the right team, and the power of good work attracting more good work. He also tells the inspiring story of co-founding Belfast’s Neighbourhood Café and how applying the same brand-building principles locally has created a space that’s thriving.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or business leader, this conversation is packed with insights on brand strategy, scaling internationally, and why passion and people are at the heart of lasting success.
Links from Episode
Crown Creative
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/crowncreative/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/crowncreative
Website - https://crowncreative.com/
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/diggGet 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
This episode was recorded in Crown Creative Studio in Cathedral Quarter, Belfast.
James Martin MBE is an Oscar and BAFTA-winning actor, Mencap ambassador, and an inspiring advocate for people with learning disabilities.
Karen Gilgunn is a senior representative of Mencap Northern Ireland, working to promote inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.
James Martin is the first person with Down Syndrome to win an Oscar. In this episode, they discuss:
James’s journey from working in Scalini’s and Starbucks to winning an Oscar.
How he overcame early predictions that he would never speak.
The vital work Mencap is doing to support families amid growing challenges.
The Do You See Me campaign and their record-breaking marathon relay team.
James’s love for cooking, especially his famous cheesy garlic bread and how he started his acting career with Belvoir’s Babosh drama group.
Advice for families and individuals navigating learning disability diagnoses.
Why identity and inclusion matter, and how we can all play a role.
Links from Episode
Mencap Northern Ireland:
https://northernireland.mencap.org.uk/
Do You See Me Campaign – advocating for visibility and inclusion
https://www.mencap.org.uk/what-we-do/campaigns-and-activism/do-you-see-me
Follow James Martin on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamesmartin3488/?hl=en
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmartin848
Are you an employer looking to build a more inclusive workplace? Then get in touch with MENCAP.
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Judith Gillespie CBE is the former Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the first woman to hold that rank in Northern Ireland’s policing history.
Judith shares her extraordinary leadership journey through the Troubles, the transition from the RUC to PSNI, and the deeply personal experiences that shaped her career, including the darkest days of policing and the heavy cost of terrorism.
She opens up about leading under fire, championing inclusion in a male-dominated profession, and the balance between motherhood and public duty.
This is a deeply human conversation packed with insights on resilience, integrity, institutional transformation, and building public trust.
A must-listen for business leaders, entrepreneurs and decision-makers seeking inspiration and clarity in the face of challenge.
Links from Episode
Judith Gillespie
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/judith-gillespie-6a9245275
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/diggGet 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Elizabeth Oakes is the founder of Pure Reflections, Ireland’s first and only resomarium, which provides water cremation - also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation.
She shares how she introduced water cremation to the Irish funeral industry, offering families a more sustainable, flame-free alternative to traditional cremation and burial.
Elizabeth explains how water cremation works, why it’s growing in popularity across the world, and how it can reduce the environmental impact of funerals. She also opens up about working in an unregulated industry, the importance of funeral planning, and why more people in Ireland are now exploring eco-friendly end-of-life options.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about new funeral choices, green burial alternatives, or how to take control of your final wishes.
Links from Episode
Pure Reflections
https://www.purereflections.ie/
https://www.instagram.com/purereflectionsire/
https://www.facebook.com/purereflectionsire
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Laura Kearney is the founder of Walk In Wardrobe and the creator of Love Laura, a fast-growing fashion brand with a 14,000 sq. ft. HQ, a flagship store in Banbridge, and a loyal social media following of over 345,000.
Laura shares how she turned 10 years of retail experience into a thriving e-commerce and fashion business, built on intuition, obsession, and customer trust.
This conversation is packed with actionable business advice for entrepreneurs, brand builders, and anyone looking to scale a product-based business.
Laura opens up about the behind-the-scenes challenges, from supplier negotiations and factory visits to managing mass production issues, content creation, and live selling. She also shares what makes her brand stand out: deep customer insight, a hands-on approach to design and sizing, and a laser-sharp focus on quality.
Whether you're launching your first product or scaling an established business, this episode offers practical, honest insights from someone who’s building a standout brand in a competitive space.
Links from Episode
Previous episode with Laura (Podcast Live)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JyjKBNUZmnDYPyO1C8pSX?si=JbFCoxerQYWhO7xb-gsTtg
The Walk In Wardrobe
https://walkinwardrobeonline.com/
Laura Kearney - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/laura.walkinwardrobe/?hl=en
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/diggGet 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Barbara Scully is an Irish writer, broadcaster, and unapologetic truth-teller who shares why your 50s, 60s, and beyond might just be your most powerful years yet.
Barbara opens up about life after menopause, letting go of shame, and redefining purpose and confidence as we age. She talks about facing the collision of ageism and sexism, the freedom that comes with giving fewer f***s, and why older women are still so often underestimated.
From raising children to writing bestselling books to touring a one-woman comedy show, Barbara’s journey proves that life doesn’t slow down; it gets bolder.
This conversation is funny and full of truth. Barbara reminds us that growing older isn’t something to fear; it’s something to celebrate.
If you're navigating midlife, craving honest conversations, and ready to take your power back, this episode is for you.
Links from Episode
Barbara Scully
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/barbarascully111/?hl=en
Book
Wise Up: Power Wisdom and the Older Woman
Standup Dates for Barbara
SEPTEMBER 2025
12th - DUBLIN - at Stillgarden Distillery, Inchicore, Dublin 8 (gin and guffaws) at 8pm.
26th - ENNIS, CO CLARE - at Glor Theatre at 8:30pm
OCTOBER 2025
23rd - KILKENNY - at Kilkenny Comedy Club at 8pm
NOVEMBER 2025
6th - DUNDALK, CO LOUTH - at The Tain Arts Centre
8th - GALWAY - at The Town Hall Theatre
Links for all tickets will be on her website https://barbarascully.com/shows/
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Rory King is the founder of Rory’s Travel Club, one of Ireland’s fastest-growing and most innovative subscription-based businesses. Since launch, he’s built a travel brand that now reaches 200,000+ email subscribers, includes a highly engaged Facebook community of 60,000 members, and runs a WhatsApp channel with over 10,500 active followers - all while growing a personal social media audience of more than half a million.
In this episode, Rory discusses the business engine behind Rory’s Travel Club. He breaks down why he chose a subscription-based model, how he negotiated exclusive travel deals, and what it really takes to build long-term trust with both partners and customers in a competitive industry.
Rory shares the tools, platforms, and processes that have helped him scale fast while staying true to his brand values.
Whether you’re thinking of launching a membership-based business, growing an online community, or finding smarter ways to connect with your audience, Rory’s insights offer a clear blueprint. He’s open about the challenges, the mindset required to push through doubt, and the lessons that turned early mistakes into valuable turning points.
Links from Episode
Rory’s Travel Club
https://rorystravelclub.com/
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/diggGet 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Michael Dorman is a retired pharmacist and undertaker whose steady presence has touched generations in the Coalisland community. For over four decades, Michael stood behind the pharmacy counter offering more than medicine; he offered time, trust, and compassion.
From quietly calling to people’s homes in times of illness to standing beside grieving families as an undertaker, Michael reflects on a career built on kindness, intuition, and a deep-rooted love for his hometown.
With wisdom earned from years of serving others, he shares powerful advice on ageing well, the value of staying active, and how small acts of consideration can make a big impact. As he faces his own unexpected health challenge, Michael speaks with honesty and optimism about life, legacy, and the importance of showing up for others and for yourself.
Links from Episode
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Joanne Sweeney is a leading voice in digital transformation - an Irish entrepreneur, digital strategist, and author with a passion for helping the public sector embrace the power of online communication. As the founder of the Digital Training Institute and the Public Sector Marketing Institute, Joanne has worked with government agencies, public bodies, and businesses to reshape how they connect with their audiences in the digital age.
In this episode, we explore what’s really happening in the public sector when it comes to digital marketing - how the mindset is shifting, where organisations are still struggling, and why clear, confident communication matters more than ever.
Joanne explains the most common mistakes made online during a crisis, what digital transformation actually looks like in real-world settings, and why some platforms are still underused by those who need them most.
She also shares valuable advice for business owners, from how to create a digital strategy on a tight budget to the key metrics every entrepreneur should be tracking. For those managing it all themselves, Joanne offers a realistic weekly routine and the tools she recommends to make digital feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
In our quick-fire round, Joanne reveals her favourite digital tool, her take on strategy vs. consistency, and the book she believes every business owner should read.
Whether you’re leading in the public sector or building your own brand, this episode is packed with practical insight and no-nonsense guidance.
Links from Episode
Joanne Sweeney:
Website - https://publicsectormarketingpros.com/
Podcast - Public Sector Marketing Show on wherever you get your podcasts
LinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/jstalksdigital
Books
Joanne’s - Public Sector Marketing Pro
James Clear - Atomic Habits
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/diggGet 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location partner for series 12 & 13 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September.
Michael and Colette McNicholl founded McNicholl Caravans, a family-run business with over 45 years of success. With seven caravan parks across Ireland and Scotland, and a legacy of providing caravans for all kinds of needs, whether it's for their own parks, or another site, McNicholl Caravans has become a trusted name.
They share the journey of how they built their business from the ground up, including the unforgettable moment they sold their cattle to buy their first caravans. Michael’s determination to grow the business, even when funds were tight, and Collette’s support, show the strength and resilience that have made them a powerhouse partnership.
Their three daughters, Shauneen, Aisling, and Leanne, share their own insights, from the excitement of McNicholl’s growth to what makes caravan life so special for their customers.
As a family they reflect on the legacy of their two children, Natasha and Darren, whose memory lives on in the business, especially in the new ND phase at Atlantic View,in Ballycastle, a touching tribute that keeps their spirit alive.
An episode not to be missed because behind every successful business is a family, a dream, and a whole lot of heart.
We are delighted to be partnering with this amazing family for Series 12 of the Digg Podcast. Visit their website below and they can answer any questions you might have.
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Michéal Campbell is the Marketing Manager at Voduz, the powerhouse haircare brand behind one of TikTok Shop’s biggest live selling successes, generating over £400kin just 12 hours.
Michéal shares a behind-the-scenes look at how to grow your business using TikTok Shop, with proven TikTok live selling strategies that drive serious revenue and build brand loyalty.
Topics covered:
How Voduz built a repeatable system for viral sales.
Why consistency and community matter more than studio setups.
How TikTok’s affiliate and subsidy programs work for small businesses.
What makes a successful TikTok live host?
How to leverage organic content, flash sales, and giveaways to boost conversions.
Why TikTok Shop is outperforming traditional ecommerce platforms for DTC brands.
This episode is your ultimate guide to selling successfully on TikTok Shop.
Links from Episode
Michéal Campbell
LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mich%C3%A9al-campbell-3b83a6129
Voduz:
https://www.voduzhair.com/
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/digg Get 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location partner for series 12 & 13 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September.
Peter Canavan is one of the most iconic figures in GAA history, a man who led with heart, vision, and unbelievable skill on the pitch.
A two-time All-Ireland Senior Football Championship winner, six-time All-Star, and the man who captained County Tyrone to their historic first Sam Maguire in 2003. Peter’s influence goes far beyond his playing days. He’s been a captain, a coach, a pundit, and a mentor, but more than that, he’s a symbol of leadership, perseverance, and pride.
Peter Canavan opens up about his early love for GAA, the drive to prove himself after being left off the team, and battling asthma while pushing to the top. He reflects on the emotional toll of losing teammates Paul McGirr and Cormac McAnallen, and the pain he pushed through in the 2003 final to lift Sam and carry a county’s hopes.
Peter shares what leadership really means, how he stayed grounded, and what life looked like after football. He also talks about fatherhood, watching his sons follow his path, moving into media, and his newest chapter, launching Canavans, a hospitality venture close to his heart.
This is an honest, heartfelt conversation with a man who has given so much to GAA and who continues to lead, inspire, and evolve. Peter’s story offers real advice on overcoming adversity, building confidence, and staying the course when life doesn’t go to plan.
Links from Episode
Peter Canavan LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/peter-canavan-03228316b
Holy Trinity fundraiser foundation:
https://holytrinitycollegefoundation.org/
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Ciaran Connolly is the founder of ProfileTree, a digital agency helping businesses grow through smart strategy, SEO, and content. Known for making the digital world feel simple and actionable.
In this eye-opening episode, Ciaran breaks down practical, real-world ways professionals and businesses can use ChatGPT to work smarter, not harder.
From voice-activated chats during your commute to creating automated sponsor reports and content strategies in minutes, this conversation is packed with actionable examples that could transform how you operate day-to-day.
Ciaran walks us through live demos of ChatGPT’s latest tools, including:
How to use ChatGPT’s voice function.
Building reusable GPTs (custom assistants) for content creation, Instagram, HR support, and more.
Analysing your website, SEO, and social data with AI in seconds.
Understanding AI agents and how they’ll soon automate multi-step business tasks.
Why your business must show up in AI search results, and how to check if you do.
How to organise projects, give ChatGPT clear instructions, and set up brand tone rules.
How to get ChatGPT to write the perfect prompt for you.
How AI is already driving real web traffic and referrals, and what your business can do to keep up.
Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, HR manager, freelancer, or just trying to keep up with AI trends, this episode will show you how to use ChatGPT in your day-to-day working life.
Links from Episode
Ciaran LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ciaranconnolly
Website:
Profiletree.com
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/diggGet 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location partner for series 12 & 13 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September.
Is your child really safe online? Wayne Denner is a renowned online safety speaker, author, and digital wellbeing expert from Northern Ireland, with over 26 years of experience in helping families, schools, and communities protect children online.
Wayne breaks down what every parent, teacher, and caregiver needs to know in 2025, from parental controls and privacy settings to managing screen time and tackling AI, catfishing, and digital reputation.
Whether your child is already using a phone or tablet or you're preparing for that next step this episode is packed with practical online safety tips you can put in place right now.
Topics Covered:
What children and teens are really seeing online
The difference between parental controls vs. privacy and safety settings
Why content filters on your home Wi-Fi are essential
The ABCs of digital parenting: Access, Boundaries, Conversations
The dangers of smartphones in bedrooms and how to build family-wide tech habits
How to talk to kids about AI, catfishing, and their digital footprint
This is not about fear. It’s about awareness, education, and empowerment, so families can navigate the online world with confidence. If you’re a parent, teacher or carer in 2025, this episode is a must-listen.
Links from Episode
Wayne Denner -
Website:
https://www.youtube.com/user/waynedenner
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/waynedenner
Chat GPT Guide for Parents: What every tech-savvy parent needs to knowhttps://youtu.be/qXB0eq-BbxY
Clean Browsing: A simple parental filter for children
https://www.waynedenner.com/cleanbrowsing-parental-filter-tool/
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
John and Paddy McParland are the humble powerhouse duo behind the Carrickdale and Canal Court Hotels. With over 40 years of experience building and running successful hotels in Ireland, John and Paddy share how they built Carrickdale Hotel and later expanded into Canal Court Hotel in Newry, creating a hospitality legacy that is admired nationwide.
They talk about building a business through challenging times from starting in 1983 to managing expansion, floods, and rapid change in hospitality.
But what stands out most is their belief in community, work ethic, and respect. You’ll hear how they’ve created businesses that are not only profitable but also rooted in purpose, legacy, and local impact.
Managing teams, embracing modernisation, navigating criticism, and creating a culture where people matter are all discussed.
Whether you are in hospitality, retail or any form of leadership, this episode is full of insights on longevity in business, legacy-building and the power of genuine human connection in leadership.
Links from Episode
Carrickdale Hotel & Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/
Location partner for series 12 & 13 - Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September.
Canal Court Hotel
https://www.canalcourthotel.com/
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/digg
Get 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Rodney McAree, manager of Dungannon Swifts, led his team to a historic Irish Cup victory. But this isn’t just a conversation about football. It’s about leadership under pressure, mental resilience, breaking community barriers, and the role of sport in shaping young lives.
From penalty shootout composure to growing up with a footballing father - Joe McAree - Rodney opens up in a way we rarely see from sports figures. He shares emotional insights into his journey, his regrets, his wins, and how sport is uniting communities across backgrounds and generations in Northern Ireland.
Topics covered:
How Rodney McAree kept calm during the Irish Cup penalty shootout.
Lessons from 2007 that shaped his winning 2024/25 campaign.
The role of parents and mentors in a young athlete’s journey.
The dangers of phones, social media, and peer pressure for teens.
Why community inclusion in sport is more important than ever.
Navigating tough decisions as a coach: sentiment vs success.
Life advice from Rodney’s late teens to today - what he wishes he knew.
- Breaking down sectarian and social barriers through football. Rodney speaks about discipline, decision-making, and the importance of staying grounded, even when the crowd is roaring and the stakes are high. His voice matters, especially to the next generation.
A powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and the true impact of sport.
Links from Episode
Rodney McAree
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rodmac08/?hl=en
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September
Susan Hayes Culleton - The Positive Economist - is back! As the new host of Newstalk’s Taking Stock, she’s helping us understand what’s really happening in the UK and Irish economies right now, and how it impacts small businesses.
In this episode, Susan shares the biggest financial mistakes smart business owners make, how to manage cash flow when costs are rising, and why mindset matters more than ever. She talks pricing, planning, and the key numbers every entrepreneur should know.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, Susan’s no-nonsense advice will help you feel more confident, more in control, and ready to make smarter money moves.
Links from Episode
Susan Hayes Culleton
LinkedIn:
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/thepositiveeconomist
Website:
https://www.thepositiveeconomist.com/
Suggested Five Books:
Focus - by Valerie Pierce
The Psychology of Money - by Morgan Housel
The Decision Maker - by Dennis Bakke
Thinking in Bets - by Annie Duke
The Decision Book - 50 Models for Strategic Thinking - by Mikael Krogerus & Roman Tschäppeler
Previous Episode:
E113: Managing Your Finances: The Positive Economist, Susan Hayes Culleton
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XjcWRCsUl7s4FtGyc8EKS?si=O77EGJ20SiO37HBO6f3QBw
Brought to you in partnership with ScoreApp
http://scoreapp.com/digg - Get 50% Off the first month using the discount code digg
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ Use Digg20 to receive 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by the end of September.
Gerry Lavz is known for lighting up our screens with his quick wit, bold honesty, and contagious laugh. As a radio presenter on Q Radio, host of the Pop My Cherry podcast, and a powerful voice on social media, Gerry brings both entertainment and education to the table.
In this episode, Gerry talks about growth and using your voice to create change. He shares his journey as a gay man, from coming out to his family and the role his father played in shaping his confidence, to the challenges he’s faced, and the powerful messages he now shares with others navigating similar paths.
People are sometimes too afraid to ask about: What does LGBTQI+ really mean? What’s the difference between gender and sexuality? What does it mean to be, non-binary, asexual, or queer? Gerry helps us unpack it all with compassion, clarity, and that signature Gerry charm.
We also chat about what needs to change in society for everyone to feel seen, safe, and supported and how we can all do our bit to be more inclusive and informed. Plus, we touch on mental health, handling public opinion, and yes… we talk about CHINESE FOOD (mouth-watering reviews included!).
And don’t miss the quick-fire round where Gerry reveals his go-to takeaway, his proudest moment, and the dream guest he’d love to have on his own podcast.
This episode is for anyone who loves a laugh, values open-minded conversations, and wants to understand life from someone else’s perspective. Gerry Lavz is the kind of guest who makes you think, makes you smile and I know you’re going to love this one.
Links from Episode
Gerry Lavz
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gerrylavz_/?hl=en
Pop My Cherry Podcast - available on Apple, Spotify and Youtube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2IeKAqUfkgOHbS9TeFiA6GJbScr8WBoz&feature=shared
Counselling Directory
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/?_gl=11gxs0g0_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxdXBBhDEARIsAAUkP6iOS_xQllk-dDRz882mQMNKTFQMi0pmJR2YVM9vzPiTRXh4tp6DHKEaAuf7EALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAD6u42TDqu0BalT4bKOjT9soHrjW5
Brought to you in Partnership with McNicholl Caravans Ltd
https://mcnichollcaravans.com/
Location Partner for Series 12 - Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
https://www.carrickdale.com/ - Use Digg20 for 20% off all stays booked for 2025, once booked by end of September.
Dr. Mary Ryan recently joined Caroline on stage at The Big Day Out, an event that brings over 500 women from the Digg community together to celebrate, support and empower each other.
A very special episode, so if you know anyone who would benefit from listening to this conversation, please share this episode with them.
Dr Mary Ryan is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, a bestselling author, and a leading voice in hormone health education. Through her events, books, and online platforms, she has dedicated her career to empowering people with knowledge about the endocrine system, specialising in diagnosing and treating disorders related to hormones, which play a crucial role in everything from energy levels to emotional well-being.
Previous episode -
E135: The Truth About Hormones: Dr Mary Ryan on Balance, Energy & Wellbeing
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5PqYAGjjaXpEo6c7zQdTyz?si=wOd9hrIdQyOFJMi5TBAKyQ
Claire Bowes is founder and director of Omagh Music Academy, home to over 200 students, and proud mum to three amazing kids. Claire's life is one marked by resilience, passion, and purpose.
On August 15th, 1998, Claire's world changed forever. At just 15 years old, she was caught in the devastating Omagh bomb attack - a moment that left her blind and reshaped the course of her life. But Claire is not defined by tragedy. She is a survivor, a businesswoman, a mother, and a voice of hope for so many.
In our conversation, Claire opens up about that fateful day, the sliding doors moments that followed, and the strength it took to rebuild her life. She talks about therapy, trauma, and the bravery of her parents. She shares her journey through university, meeting her husband Ryan, and raising three children who have only ever known her as she is now.
Claire also gives an honest look at life without sight - from navigating technology to running a thriving music academy. Her insights for others going through traumatic change or facing sight loss are raw, real, and incredibly inspiring.
This is an episode about finding purpose through pain, about hope, and about what's truly possible when you choose to move forward - even when the path ahead is unclear.
Links from Episode
Claire Bowes
Website:
https://omaghmusicacademy.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/omaghmusicacade
myl
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG
Property Group -
To arrange a no-obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podc
ast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partner for Series 11 - Grafter house
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
Location Partner for Series 11 - Grafter house
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
This Episode was recorded in BNL Studios
https://www.bnlproductions.co.uk/
Each year, more than 700,000 people across the world die by suicide. In the UK alone, over 7,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2023.
Catherine McBennett is a mother who faced the unthinkable when her 15-year-old daughter, Niamh, died by suicide. In the wake of unimaginable grief, Catherine made a powerful choice: to honour Niamh’s memory by helping others. She founded the Niamh Louise Foundation in 2005, a charity offering vital support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts and to families affected by suicide.
Catherine shares Niamh’s story - who she was, the days leading up to her death, and the complicated emotions that followed, including the judgement and stigma she faced from others. We explore what signs to look out for, what you can do if someone you love is struggling, and what real interventions can make a difference. This is not just a story of loss, it’s one of hope, action, and healing.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone.
Warning: This episode discusses suicide and may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening.
Links from Episode
Niamh Louise Foundation
Website:
https://www.niamhlouisefoundation.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/niamhlouisefoundation/?hl=en-gb
The Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/ni/samaritans-ireland/
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group -
To arrange a no-obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partner for Series 11 - Grafter house
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
This Episode was recorded in Waterman House
https://www.waterman.house/
Dr Mary Ryan is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, a bestselling author, and a leading voice in hormone health education. Through her events, books, and online platforms, she has dedicated her career to empowering people with knowledge about the endocrine system - specialising in diagnosing and treating disorders related to hormones, which play a crucial role in everything from energy levels to emotional well-being.
In this episode, Dr Ryan shares her personal journey, including how she navigated profound loss and why she is so passionate about educating people on their hormone health. We chat about the science of hormones, discussing common issues affecting both men and women, including perimenopause, menopause, and the often-overlooked hormonal challenges men face.
Dr Ryan also breaks down simple, everyday habits that can help balance hormones and improve overall health. Plus, she shares the best piece of advice she has ever received, one that might just change your perspective on life and well-being.
Whether you’re struggling with hormone-related issues or simply want to optimise your health, Dr Ryan’s expertise will leave you feeling informed and empowered.
Now's the time to take control of your hormone health!
Books:
Dr Mary Ryan: It’s Probably Your Hormones
Tony Humphreys: ‘Self-esteem - The Key to your child’s future
Links from Episode
Dr Mary Ryan
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drmaryryan/?hl=en
Website - https://drmaryryan.com/
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group -
To arrange a no-obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partner - Grafter House
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
This episode was recorded in Creative Fireflies Art Studio
https://www.instagram.com/creativefireflies/
Emma Kennedy is the CEO and founder of Grafter House, a luxury flexible workspace with stunning locations in Dublin and London. Sitting in Smyth House, one of Grafter’s exquisite properties, we get a firsthand experience of the elegance and innovation behind this premium network.
In this episode, Emma opens up about something deeply personal, her fertility journey. In a candid and emotional conversation, she talks about the moment she realised she would need IVF, the challenges of multiple failed attempts, and the heartbreaking decision to travel to London for a termination. She also reflects on the importance of open conversations in the workplace and how employers can create a more supportive environment for those facing similar struggles.
Emma’s journey is one of resilience, honesty, and strength. She has now chosen to take a physical break from her fertility journey and focus on growing Grafter.
This episode is for anyone navigating fertility challenges, seeking support, or looking to foster a more understanding workplace culture.
An insightful and moving conversation.
Links from Episode
Emma Kennedy
LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/emma-kennedy-23250324
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.k.kennedy/
Grafter House
Website: https://www.grafterhouse.com/smyth-house
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grafterhouse/?hl=en
Fertility Resources:
Northern Ireland
HSC
https://belfasttrust.hscni.net/services/rfc/care-and-support/useful-links/
Fertility Counselling Service
https://belfasttrust.hscni.net/services/rfc/care-and-support/fertility-counselling-service/
Republic of Ireland
(Public care) Citizens Information on HSE Assisted Human Reproduction Services: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health-services/reproductive_health/hse-assisted-human-reproduction-ahr-services/
The Merrion Fertility Clinic: https://merrionfertility.ie/
National Women’s Council of Ireland Every Woman Report: https://www.nwci.ie/images/uploads/15880_NWC_Every_Woman_Report_FINAL.pdf
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group
To arrange a no-obligation call, use link below -
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partner - Grafter House
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
Jonny Murphy is a former professional rugby union player who played as a hooker for Ulster, Rotherham Titans, and Connacht. Many now know him as The Hungry Hooker on social media, where he shares his love of cooking and speaks openly about mental health.
In this episode, Jonny takes us from his early years as an anxious teenager to the highs and lows of professional rugby, and the challenges of retirement. He opens up about how he has navigated his mental health over the years and why he believes both current and retired athletes need better support.
Jonny says he doesn’t have all the answers - but he’s sharing his experiences in the hope of helping others. Whether you’re an athlete, going through a major life transition, or simply trying to take care of your own mental well-being, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Links from Episode
Jonny Murphy - The Hungry Hooker
https://www.instagram.com/the_hungryhooker/?hl=en
Book - Bakes and Wee Treats - Out Now - see below
https://lnk.to/BakesAndWeeTreats?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYZRn8OD28m0bmlS_iyv3lSlRj_6hF8RM67LK7sMxFyKACDsCcul7-_KME_aem_D0k-uct1gBXxCZONq5-jZw
Mental Health Supports - various options within links below
Northern Ireland:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/mental-health-support
Ireland:
https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group -
To arrange a no-obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partner - Grafter House
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
This episode was recorded in BNL Production’s Studio -
https://www.bnlproductions.co.uk/
The Women in Business Awards 2025 was a night of inspiration, recognition, and celebration as outstanding female entrepreneurs and professionals were honoured for their remarkable achievements. As media partners for the event, the Digg Podcast was proud to shine a spotlight on the winners and their incredible contributions across various industries.
The event, held in Crowne Plaza Belfast, showcased the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women driving innovation and success in the business world. From advancing diversity to excelling in professional services, IT, and sustainability, these women are shaping the future.We spoke to a selection of the winners.
Advancing Diversity in the Workplace
Sponsored by QUB Business School
Winner: Cara Marks - Hays Recruitment
Best Customer Service – Corporate
Sponsored by Fibrus
Winner: Kathy McCune - AIB
Best Customer Service – Small Business
Sponsored by Fibrus
Winner: Shauneen McNicholl - McNicholl Caravans Ltd
Best Marketing Campaign
Sponsored by STATSports
Winner: Jackie Kirk - Frozzys Ltd
Best Small Business
Sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt
Winner: Mabel Higgins - MH Fire Safety Ltd
Outstanding Management / Leadership
Sponsored by IQ&Co
Winner: Edwina Flynn - Wood Innovations Ltd
Young Businesswoman of the Year
Sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland
Winner: Martha Garbe - Basalt Distillery
Businesswoman of the Year 2025
Sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business
Winner: Jayne Taggart - Enterprise Causeway
Brought to you in Partnership with Women in Business. To become a member of Women in Business, join this amazing network below
https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/home
Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. An unimaginable pain that forever changes life as you know it. Sinead McIvor knows this heartbreak all too well.
In this episode, Sinead shares the story of her beautiful baby boy, Frankie James, who was born in 2016, and diagnosed with Nemaline Myopathy.
She takes us back to those early days of grief, the overwhelming sorrow, and the fear that she would never smile again. But she also speaks about the incredible support she received, including Perinatal Psychology Services at the Royal Victoria Hospital, and the steps she took to slowly rebuild her life.
Now, Sinead is using her experience to support others navigating the devastating reality of child loss. She shares heartfelt advice on what truly helps in those darkest moments, how she has learned to take care of herself, and the ways she has found light again.
This episode is a conversation about grief, resilience, and, most importantly, love. If you or someone you know has experienced loss, Sinead’s words may offer comfort and hope.
Links from Episode
Sinead McIvor
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-mcivor-4b25391a1
Nemaline Myopathy
https://www.mda.org/disease/congenital-myopathies/types/nemaline-myopathy
Baby Loss Support NI
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/loss-your-baby
The White Butterfly Foundation
https://thewhitebutterflyfoundation.co.uk/
Sands
https://www.sands.org.uk/
The Little Forget Me Nots Trust
https://littleforgetmenotstrust.com
Baby Loss Support Ireland
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/birth-family-relationships/miscarriage-and-stillbirth/bereavement-and-childbirth/
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group
To arrange a no obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partners -
Waterman House - This episode was filmed here.
https://www.waterman.house/
Grafter House
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
Tanya McGeehan is the Managing Director of MCG Property Group, a leading company specialising in construction project management, renovations, and extensions. But behind her success is a deeply personal story - one of resilience, family strength, and navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one with Early Onset Dementia.
In this episode, Tanya shares how her father’s passion for property shaped her career. She also opens up about her family’s journey after her father was diagnosed at just 53 years old with early onset dementia, offering invaluable advice for others facing similar challenges. From finding support networks to maintaining family life and making the most of every moment, Tanya’s insights are both moving and inspiring.
We also explore the world of home renovations and extensions, breaking down the process and explaining why professional project management can save you time, money, and stress. If you’re considering renovating your home, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you get started the right way.
Whether you’re looking for guidance on home renovations or seeking comfort and support through a difficult time, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone.
Links from Episode
We are proud to be partnering with MCG Property for Series 11. See below how you can arrange a call with Tanya and the team at MCG Property Group:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group
Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Tanya McGeehan
LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tanya-mcgeehan-84238a15
Dementia Support
Demenia NI:
https://www.dementiani.org/
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland:
https://alzheimer.ie/
Alzheimer's Society:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Alzheimer’s Disease International:
https://www.alzint.org/
Location Partner - Grafter House
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
Lou Robbie went from working an office job to becoming the face behind Little Lou Cooks, a social media sensation with over a million followers. But just a few years ago, she wasn’t even using social media at all. So how did she turn her love of food into a full-time business, helping families create healthier meals, especially those tricky lunchbox snacks?
In this episode, Lou shares her whirlwind journey, from her early career path to the moment she realised food was her passion. She talks about the fears and risks of career changes, the power of social media as a launchpad for dreamers, and her best advice for anyone looking to follow their passion.
Plus, Lou reveals her top tips for packing nutritious, stress-free lunchboxes and the best advice she’s ever received.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that wasn’t right for you or wondered how to turn a passion into a thriving business, this episode is for you.
Links from Episode
Lou Robbie - Little Lou Cooks
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/littleloucooks/?hl=en
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/littleloucooks/?locale=en_GB
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group. To arrange a no obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partner - Grafter House
https://www.grafterhouse.com/smyth-house
Jude Morrow is a best-selling author, philanthropist, highly sought-after keynote speaker and founder of Neurodiversity Training International - the world’s premier autistic-led training and consultancy firm.
Diagnosed as autistic at 11 years old, Jude has dedicated his life to advocating for a world where autistic and ADHD individuals are embraced, supported, and empowered. He wants to break down the misconceptions about autism and highlight the incredible potential within the neurodivergent community.
What does it really mean to be autistic? How can parents, teachers, and professionals better support autistic individuals?
From his personal experiences growing up with autism to his journey as a father and social worker, Jude shares invaluable insights on early signs of autism, communication challenges, and how families can stay strong and united while raising an autistic child.
Jude also opens up about his work helping schools, workplaces, and professionals create more inclusive environments, proving that autistic individuals can lead fulfilling and successful lives.
This episode is packed with wisdom, real-life stories, and practical advice for parents, educators, and anyone eager to foster a more inclusive world. It's an eye-opening conversation that challenges stereotypes and celebrates neurodiversity.
Links from Episode
Jude Morrow
https://www.instagram.com/judemorrow/?hl=en
Website
https://www.neurodiversity-training.net/
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group. To arrange a no obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partners
Waterman House
https://www.waterman.house/ - This episode was filmed here.
Grafter - Luxury Members’ House
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
Some stories are too important to stay in the shadows. Hannah Saunders bravely shares her experience of childhood sexual abuse, the years she spent carrying that burden alone, and the moment she found the courage to speak out.
For many, finding the words to talk about trauma can feel impossible. But as Hannah explains, language matters. Support matters. And having the right conversations, both at home and in schools can make all the difference. She also shares the challenges of navigating the legal system, the power of community, and why getting help now is so important.
Hannah’s story isn’t just about pain; it’s about resilience, change, and hope. She’s determined to make an impact and ensure others don’t feel as alone as she once did.
Whether you’ve experienced trauma yourself, want to support someone who has, or simply believe in the power of honest conversations, this episode is one you can’t afford to miss.
Links from Episode
Hannah Saunders
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/hannahcjsaunders/?hl=en
NSPCC
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/non-recent-abuse/
PSNI
https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/sexual-violence-and-abuse
Garda
https://www.garda.ie/en/victim-services/reporting-a-crime-faqs/how-does-the-child-sexual-abuse-reporting-phone-line-work-.html
One In Four
https://www.oneinfour.ie/
Advocacy VSV
https://www.advocacyvsv.com/
Brought to you in Partnership with MCG Property Group. To arrange a no obligation call, use link below:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/mcg-digg-podcast/
MCG Property Group Website:
https://mcgpropertygroup.co.uk/
Location Partner
https://www.grafterhouse.com/
Lorraine Acheson is the Managing Director of Women in Business and Deputy CEO of the WIB Group. With over 10,000 members, Lorraine plays a pivotal role in supporting women to grow their businesses and thrive in their careers. From working with policymakers and government agencies to spending countless hours connecting and championing women, Lorraine is a true leader who lifts others up and creates opportunities they never thought possible.
In this episode, Lorraine shares her inspiring journey, from dreaming of being part of Women in Business to becoming one of its key leaders. We explore the incredible power of connections and how intentional networking can transform your life and career.
Lorraine talks about the role of connections in shaping her career and personal life and shares actionable tips for building meaningful ones.
With Friday 24th January being the deadline for WIB Awards, Lorraine shares expert advice on creating a standout award entry.
This episode is a powerful reminder that dreaming big is only the first step, taking action and building relationships is what makes those dreams a reality.
Lorraine’s insights will inspire you to step into 2025 with purpose and possibility.
Don’t miss this one as it might just spark your next big connection.
Links from Episode
This episode was brought to you in Partnership with Women in Business.
Website
https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/home
How to enter Women in Business Awards
https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/events/women-in-business-awards-3eee18d06ec1a57b992cb8dc8b16cb66
In September 2022, Sarah de Lagarde’s life changed forever when she was tragically run over by two London Tube trains, resulting in the loss of an arm and a leg. Her story is one of extraordinary survival, resilience, and determination—a story you will never forget.
In this episode, Sarah shares her journey of adapting to a new normal and how she found strength amidst unimaginable challenges. She also shares the strategies she uses to cope, how her family has navigated these changes, and her inspiring mission to advocate for safer travel for all.
Sarah’s wisdom and courage shine through as she offers powerful advice to anyone facing life struggles. Her story is a testament to human resilience and a reminder of the power of hope and determination.
Hear Sarah’s inspiring words and learn how she continues to impact the world. An unforgettable episode!Links from EpisodeSarah de Lagrade - Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sjdelagarde/?hl=en
Brought to you in partnership with Linwoods Health Foodshttps://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Partnerhttps://www.lougherneresort.com/
Patrick Woods is the third-generation Managing Director of Linwoods Health Foods, a company shaped by 60 years of visionary leadership under his father, John Woods.
What does it take to step into the shoes of a family business while carving out your own path?
In this episode Patrick reflects on the lessons learned from his father, the importance of fostering a collaborative team, and his vision for the next chapter of Linwoods Health foods.
Patrick opens up about losing his mother, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and navigating personal hurdles, including his son’s heart operation and his own journey with alopecia.
This episode is packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and inspiration. A must listen.
Links from Episode
Patrick Woods
LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/patrick-woods-792616a2
Linwoods Health Foods:
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Partner
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
In this deeply moving episode, we speak with Geraldine Mullan, a woman who has turned unimaginable tragedy into a beacon of hope. On the night of August 20, 2020, Geraldine’s life was forever changed when her car plunged into Lough Foyle in County Donegal, taking the lives of her husband John, her son Tomás, and her daughter Amelia. Geraldine was the sole survivor.
Since that heartbreaking night, Geraldine has devoted herself to honouring her family’s memory through the Mullan Hope Centre in Moville, a place where families can come and have happy times together.
In this episode, Geraldine reflects on the life she shared with her beloved family, recounting treasured memories and sharing how she found the courage to continue in the face of overwhelming grief.
This conversation is a testament to Geraldine’s strength and the incredible support of those around her. She shares how the Mullan Hope Centre has become a source of healing not only for herself but for countless others, offering guidance and solace to those facing loss and trauma.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, remembrance, and the transformative power of hope. This episode is dedicated to anyone who has faced unimaginable loss, reminding us all that even in our darkest moments, we can find a way forward.
Links from Episode
The Mullan Hope Centre:
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themullanhope/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/themullanhope/
Anam Cara - Supporting Parents after Bereavement https://anamcara.ie/
Cruse - Bereavement Supporthttps://www.cruse.org.uk/
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foodshttps://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Partnerhttps://www.lougherneresort.com/
Mark Fennell is an esteemed life coach, bestselling author, and mentor to top executives, athletes, and high performers. With over 20 years of experience and frequent appearances on media outlets like the BBC and Virgin Media, Mark is recognised as an expert in psychology, resilience, and peak performance.
In this episode, Mark shares the intimate journey of navigating fertility challenges with his partner, offering a rare glimpse into his resilience and growth. We dive deep into strategies for overcoming anxiety, embracing core values, and building the mental toughness needed to silence negativity and “outside noise.”
Whether you’re facing personal struggles or striving for professional fulfilment, this conversation with Mark Fennell is a must-listen.
Get ready for transformative insights that empower you to overcome obstacles and thrive.
Links from Episode
Mark Fennell:
Event: Soar | November 17th
https://markfennell.ie/events/soar-event-with-mark-fennell/
Website:
https://markfennell.ie/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/markfennell.ie/?hl=en
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Partner
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
Geraldine Leyden went from living in complete darkness, fear and anxiety through alcoholism to sharing her experiences with the world through sobriety.
On social media, she is known to many as Serenity Ten. Her name is inspired by the Serenity Prayer. She was born on the 10th of the 10th, lives in house number 10, and marks her sobriety anniversary on the 10th of April 2014.
As the founder of The Monday Club, she has created a community for women to support each other through life’s struggles—whether they’re young mothers, individuals living alone, or those simply feeling a bit lost.
She also recently published Capture Your Monday, a collection of 52 motivational reflections to help readers kick off each week on a positive note.
In this episode, Geraldine opens up about the early days of recognising her drinking as a problem, the pivotal moment when she knew something had to change, and the organisations that played a huge part in her journey to sobriety.
She reflects on how sobriety has changed her as a person, how she’s worked to repair relationships impacted by her journey, and the advice she offers to others struggling with addiction.
Whether you are on a similar path or looking for inspiration, Geraldine’s story is a powerful reminder that change is always possible.
Links from Episode
Geraldine Leyden
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/serenitytenx/
Alcoholics Anonymous:
https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Partner
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
County Down native, Caroline McKenna’s journey from heartbreak and isolation in Australia to building a thriving online community of nearly half a million followers is nothing short of inspiring.
Caroline, a secondary school teacher, moved to Australia just before the pandemic, broke up with her boyfriend, and felt so isolated from family and friends half the world away that she decided to use her social media platforms to document her journey of healing and all that came with it.
In this episode, Caroline opens up about her life in Australia, building 'A County Down Under' global community, her decision to return to Ireland, her personal growth after ending a relationship, and the transformative power of sobriety.
We delve into how she navigates the often harsh world of social media trolling and offers her advice on overcoming negativity online and in real life.
Caroline’s story is one of resilience, healing, and finding purpose amidst life’s biggest challenges.
An honest and empowering conversation that touches on mental health, wellness, and the importance of self-care.
Links from Episode
PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland:
https://pipscharity.com/
Book:
The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown
Caroline McKenna (A County Down Under)
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/acountydownunder/?hl=en
Nurturing Minds - Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nurturingmindseducation/?hl=en
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Partner
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
Jay Millar is a Belfast barber who openly shares his journey online about grief, addiction and a traumatic childhood.
He is now using his online presence as a way to help others both virtually and in person. He volunteers at a Belfast homeless shelter and hopes that his actions and guidance can help change the lives of others.
In this episode we talk about his traumatic childhood, foster homes and how he dealt with the tragic loss of his only sibling at such a young age. We cover the topics of drug addiction and the tools which he uses to help keep him in a positive mindset.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode
Jay Millar
Website:
https://jaysbarberclub.co.uk/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jaysbarberclub/?hl=en
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Sponsor
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
Anna Mathur is a mum of three, psychotherapist, bestselling author, and speaker, whose warm, insightful approach to mental well-being has captured the hearts of over 220k followers. Anna’s mission is to take therapy beyond the therapy room, creating lightbulb moments for people across the world through her books, podcast, and social media presence.
In this episode, Anna shares her personal journey, uncovering how her life experiences, one of which was losing a sibling, have shaped her unique perspective on mental health, motherhood, and self-worth.
We tackle one of the most requested topics on Digg Mama’s social media platforms: intrusive thoughts. What are they, and how do we manage them? Anna shares practical advice for recognising when it’s time to seek help and offers compassionate guidance for those struggling in silence.
We also explore two standout chapters from Anna’s latest book, The Uncomfortable Truth. In Chapter 1, “Some People Don’t Like Me,” and Chapter 5, “Life Isn’t Fair,” Anna provides candid insights that resonate with anyone seeking to navigate life’s challenges with more grace and resilience.
If you’re ready for an episode filled with real talk, honest revelations, and actionable advice, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Discover how you can find more freedom and enjoyment in life, starting with your thoughts.
Don’t forget to follow Anna for more life-changing content and resources.
Links from Episode
Anna Mathur
Website -
https://www.annamathur.com/
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/annamathur/?hl=en
Books -
Mind Over Mother
Know Your Worth
New Mum Feelings
Raising a Happier Child stroke Mother
The Uncomfortable Truth
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort -Podcast Location Sponsor
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
Nathan Carter is an incredibly talented country music star born in Liverpool to Irish parents from County Down. He has carved out an international career since moving to Ireland at eighteen. With over a dozen solo albums, including six Number One hits in Ireland, Nathan’s music, particularly his cover of Bob Dylan’s “Wagon Wheel,” has gained him widespread recognition.
In this episode we dive into Nathan’s journey from his early days in Liverpool to stepping onto the stage as a professional musician, discussing what life was like growing up in a vibrant city, the courage it took to move away from home at such a young age, and the challenges of life on the road.
Nathan shares insight into the pressures of performing, balancing a hectic schedule, the importance of staying connected with his fans and what motivates him to give back.
Nathan talks about his exciting new fashion venture with his clothing brand. We explore why he decided to take this leap and how he’s navigating the challenges of starting something so different from his music career.
Finally, as the brand ambassador for the stunning Lough Erne Resort, Nathan shares what drew him to this role and how he looks after himself personally and professionally.
An inspiring conversation about perseverance, passion, and the journey of an artist who continues to shine both on and off the stage.
Links from Episode
Nathan Carter
Website -
https://www.nathancartermusic.com/
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/iamnathancarter/?hl=en
Carter Clothing
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/carter_clothing.ie/
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/people/Carter-Clothing/61564083726660/
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
Lough Erne Resort -Podcast Location Sponsor
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
Fiona Morgan Coleman is a dedicated Garda, online influencer, businesswoman, wife, and mother of two boys. Growing up as one of ten children in County Tipperary, Fiona pursued her passion for anatomy in Galway before setting off on her travels.
Life was good until it took an unexpected turn in 2019 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Through resilience and a positive mindset, Fiona faced her illness head-on, learning to cherish every moment.
She shares her journey to date and the belief that life’s true purpose is happiness. Hear how Fiona’s outlook on life has shaped her journey and continues to inspire those around her.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode
Fiona Morgan Coleman Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fionamorgancoleman/?hl=en
Cancer Support Links:
https://www.mayocancersupport.ie/
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/cancercentre/
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/
Brought to you in Partnership with Linwoods Health Foods
https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/
`Lough Erne Resort - Podcast Location Sponsor
https://www.lougherneresort.com/
Trish Hegarty is a former BBC and Irish Times journalist, who now leads Inis Communications, a thriving PR agency celebrating twenty successful years in business. With a client portfolio that includes Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and many other notable organisations and SMEs, Trish and her team are true leaders in the PR industry.
In this episode we explore what PR is and why it’s crucial for your business, the different types of PR and how to choose the right one, how to budget for PR, and some insider tips on free PR opportunities you might be overlooking. Trish also shares expert advice on launching or rebranding your product or service, discusses emerging trends in PR, and offers valuable career tips for women looking to return to work or pivot their careers.
Trish’s insights are invaluable, especially as Inis Communications is the first Donegal agency to be shortlisted for a national PR award.
Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or just curious about the world of public relations, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge you need to elevate your brand and reach your target audience.
Links from Episode
Inis Communications:
https://iniscommunications.com/
Trish Hegarty
LinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/trishhegarty?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Brought to you in Partnership with Timely Careers
https://timelycareers.com/
Lisa McFarland is the UK and Ireland’s leading relationship coach, esteemed TEDx Speaker, and renowned keynote speaker. With over 30 years of personal experience and a passion for understanding love and human dynamics, Lisa offers unique insights into what makes relationships thrive.
Five years ago, Lisa and her husband, who have been together for three decades, sought the help of a relationship coach to navigate their own challenges. This transformative experience inspired Lisa to combine her personal journey with her life coaching diploma to empower others. Today, she helps individuals and couples across the UK and Ireland foster more positive and fulfilling relationships.
In this episode, Lisa shares her expertise on nurturing and enhancing the relationships that matter most.
Learn practical strategies to prioritise and nurture your relationships amid work and daily life pressures. Gain valuable insights on preventing arguments from escalating and maintaining a harmonious connection with your partner. Explore ways to foster a more positive relationship with your children, especially during busy evenings with homework and other activities.
Understand the importance of self-care in becoming a better partner and the key practices you can implement in your daily routine.
Whether you’re navigating the complexities of a long-term relationship, striving to improve communication, or simply seeking to strengthen your connections with loved ones, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help you succeed.
Links from Episode
Lisa McFarland:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/relationship.coaching.ni/?hl=en
Website - https://relationshipcoachni.com/
Brought to you in Partnership with Timely Careers
https://timelycareers.com/
Susan Hayes Culleton is a Chartered Financial Analyst and is Managing Director of Hayes Culleton Group. She is a six times author, powerful keynote speaker and MC with international credentials and deep financial expertise. Susan acquired the name, "The Positive Economist" many years ago and we will find out why.
Susan is an expert in helping businesses understand and optimise their financial health. From practical tips on improving cash flow and understanding profit margins to actionable advice on increasing your conversion rates and making the most of your tech stack, this episode is packed with insights that you can implement right away.
So, if you’re looking to grow your sales, optimise your business metrics, or simply gain a fresh perspective on your financial strategy, this episode is for you.
Links from Episode
Susan Hayes Culleton:
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/thepositiveeconomist
Website
https://www.thepositiveeconomist.com/
Brought to you in Partnership with Timely Careers
https://timelycareers.com/
Shani Taylor is an internationally acclaimed business coach who has shared the stage with A-listers like Elizabeth Hurley and Tommy Hilfiger. Ranked in the top 4% of coaches globally, Shani recently won the prestigious Coach of the Year award at the Women Changing the World Awards, presented by the Duchess of York.We had the pleasure of meeting Shani at the awards, and her story left us absolutely speechless. Shani’s journey is not only powerful and emotional but also incredibly inspiring. She embodies the mantra "Action changes the world," and her success is a testament to that belief.In this episode, Shani shares her incredible story and offers five transformative tips for success in business and life. Her advice is practical and profound, from taking radical responsibility to continually investing in personal growth. Hear Shani live from Australia and discover how you can apply her wisdom to your own business and life. You won’t want to miss this powerful conversation.Links from EpisodeShani TaylorFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/ShaniTaylorOfficial Website:https://www.shanitaylor.com/ Brought to you in Partnership with Timely Careers https://timelycareers.com/
The Muff Liquor Company is inspired by the past and driven by the future. Laura Bonner, CEO and founder of Muff Liquor, continues her grandfather's tradition of making a product born of the land and crafted by hand. Her ambition is to make sure The Muff Liquor Company is a testament to the hardworking values of Philip McClenaghan whose image now rightfully adorns the label of the Muff bottle.
Laura and her celebrity investors: Russell Crowe, Ed Sheerhan, Ronan Keating, Jimmy Carr, and Ryan Tubridy have just opened a home for their brand in Muff County Donegal which is an anchor for the brand and a place to tell the true story of Muff Liquor and all that it stands for. It’s about heritage, community and the future.
In this episode, we hear Laura Bonner and her father Michael Bonner talk about their pride in the brand and what it means to them as a family.
We also hear from Tony Carroll, Global Chief Commercial Officer, on their global expansion plans and strategy for keeping the brand values and heritage at the forefront.
Ryan Tubridy shares how he believes it is Laura Bonner’s grit, determination and passion which has been a huge part of the brand's success and how excited he is for what's to come.
Russell Crowe and Ronan Keating speak about their long-time desire to invest in a drinks company but nothing ever grabbed their attention until Muff Liquor came along. The story of history and hard work made them grab the opportunity to be investors in this now global brand.
Get ready to be inspired and encouraged to follow your dreams no matter what. Everything that happens along the way is “For The Better.”
Links from episode:
Laura Bonners original episode on The Digg Podcast
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slK31lI-yvo
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xP1HEXayJLFcJBSd0Rqjq?si=cS1xPEt7SjOT9f_wUmm23A&nd=1&dlsi=6eeb8a5d65bc450d
Muff Liquor Website
https://www.themuffliquorcompany.com/
Muff Liquor Socials
https://www.instagram.com/muffliquorco/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/MuffLiquorCo
Laura Bonner
https://www.instagram.com/laura.m.bonner/
Australian sisters, Peace Mitchelle and Katy Garner, founded the Women Changing the World Awards. They believe that when women come together with a collective intention magic happens.
‘The Women Changing The World Awards are a global awards program recognising the work of incredible women making a positive difference in the world across a range of industries and areas including business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, product development, innovation and technology.’ (The Women Changing the World Awards Website)
The awards took place in London this year. We were honoured to be able to partner with them and attend the summit and awards ceremonies.
Two of the amazing hosts for the evening were Sarah, Duchess of York and Dr Tererai Trent.
Dr. Tererai Trent is a renowned scholar, educator, humanitarian, motivational speaker, author and founder of Tererai International. Oprah Winfrey hailed her as an all-time favourite guest on her show.
Sarah, Duchess of York is known for her global humanitarian work, business acumen, best-selling children’s books, production endeavours and wellness advocacy.
In this episode we hear from some of the incredible keynote speakers, award winners, attendees and one of the co-founders.
Get ready to be inspired to drive change in your business, life and community!
Links from Episode
Peace Mitchelle & Katy Garner - Women Changing the World
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenchangingtheworld/
LinkedIn:
https://au.linkedin.com/company/women-changing-the-world-press?trk=public_post_follow-view-profile
Website:
https://wcwawards.com/
Dr Tererai Trent
Website:
https://tererai.org/
Sarah, Duchess of York
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahferguson15/?hl=en
Shani Taylor
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/msshanitaylor
Website:
https://www.shanitaylor.com/
Kate Fisher
https://milkshakesformarleigh.org/
Book: Milkshakes for Marleigh
Mariam Elhouli
https://mariamelhouli.com/
Elle Likopoulos
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/elle_likopoulos/
Book: I want to be Me
Sue Kohn-Taylor
LinkedIn:
https://nz.linkedin.com/in/sue-kohn-taylor
Website:
https://www.thementalfitnesscompany.com/
Carol Hanlon
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-hanlon-47b520b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Emma Weaver
https://www.mentalwealthinternational.com/
Raquel Manning
https://bluediamondgroup.com.au/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-manning-4a70ba1aa?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Helena Hasani
https://www.bolandparwaz.com/
Helen
https://www.newspace2060.com/
Coco
https://www.consego.com.au/
Brought to you in Partnership with The Women Changing the World Awards
https://wcwawards.com/
AwakenHub is a social enterprise that was born out of COVID-19. Their mission is to level up opportunity, access and connectivity for women founders throughout the Island of Ireland by removing barriers to investment, scale and success.
With a community of over three thousand, it is the first and only community of women founders across the Island of Ireland.
‘SheVentures is the logical next step bringing together 250+ women founders, investors and their male allies for two days of talks, masterclasses, shared intelligence, inspiration, connection and empowerment with an impressive line-up of keynote speakers including global game changers committed to AwakenHub’s mission.’ (SheVentures Programme)
The Digg Podcast was extremely lucky to Partner with AwakenHub and attend the first day of SheVentures, 8am - 4pm at the beautiful Lusty Beg Island Resort.
In this episode, you hear from some of the keynote speakers, sponsors, attendees and the CEO of AwakenHub and AwakenAngels. There is invaluable advice and guidance on growing your business so don’t miss out!
Links from Episode:
Clare McGee - CEO of AwakenHub & AwakenAngels
LinkedIn -
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claremcgee?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Malachy O’Neill - Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster UniversityLinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/malachy-%C3%B3-n%C3%A9ill-74947646
Dr Karen Mooney - The Science RoomLinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/karenmooneytsr?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Kelly Hoey - Author, Coach, Speaker, Networking ExpertLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyhoey?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Amanda - Go Succeedhttps://go-succeed.com/
Susan Hayes Culleton - The Positive EconomistLinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/thepositiveeconomist?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Ethna McNamee - Invest NIhttps://www.investni.com/
Monica Parker - Author, Speaker, FounderLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaparker
Louise - Fermanagh Lakeland Tourismhttps://www.fermanaghlakelands.com/
Trish Hegarty - Director of Inish CommunicationsLinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/trishhegarty?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Inish Communications - https://iniscommunications.com/
Paddy Carr - Big Red Cloudhttps://bigredcloud.com/
Jemma and Amy - Turley Legalhttps://www.turley.legal/
Clare Kelly - Director of GlandoreLinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/clarekellykavanagh?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Aisling Bremner - Founder of Wild and FreeLinkedIn -https://uk.linkedin.com/in/aisling-bremner?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Aisling Flanagan - Founder of Velvet Cloudhttps://velvetcloud.ie/
Jenny Wallace - Beyond Skin ClinicLinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/bruisedfruitjen
Tanya McGeehan - Director of MCG Property GroupLinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tanya-mcgeehan-84238a15
Nora Irwin - Co-Founder of JN Femme LTDLinkedIn -https://ie.linkedin.com/in/nora-irwin-95775546?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Aedín O’Neill - MD of Grow WebLinkedIn -https://uk.linkedin.com/in/aed%C3%ADn-o-neill-bb53a355
Aoife Matthews - Co-Founder / Co-CEO of SisterlyLinkedIn -https://ie.linkedin.com/in/aoifematthews?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Caroline McKenna - Lead Self Coaching and Development LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/leadselfcoaching
Emma Weaver - Founder of Mental Wealth International LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mentalwealthinternational?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Lyn Mutch - Founder of Noodle Horse MediaInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/noodlehorse_media/
Brought to you in Partnership with:Awaken Angelshttps://www.awakenangelshq.com/ AwakenHubhttps://www.awakenhub.com/
First Minister Michelle O'Neill, is a champion for inclusivity and progress. From her humble beginnings as a councillor to her historic appointment as First Minister, Michelle's journey is both inspiring and enlightening.
Michelle first entered elected politics back in 2005 when she was elected as a councillor. In 2007, she was also elected as an MLA and in 2010 became the first female mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone.
In Stormont, Michelle has served as a Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Minister of Health and Deputy First Minister.
Since 2017, Michelle has been Vice-President of Sinn Féin and in February 2024 she became First Minister of the Executive, having waited nearly two years to take up office.
Reflecting on her recent appointment as First Minister, Michelle opens up about the personal significance of this milestone, both for herself and her family. She reaffirms her dedication to representing and advocating for all communities, underscoring the pivotal role inclusivity plays in her leadership.
Addressing pressing issues facing Northern Ireland, Michelle outlines her priorities for the Executive, from supporting businesses and addressing childcare challenges to delivering vital infrastructure projects like the A5. She emphasises the imperative of staying connected with constituents and the business community, fostering dialogue and collaboration to drive progress.
Michelle shares invaluable insights on building confidence, particularly in public speaking and offers practical advice on overcoming online abuse and negativity.
Social media emerges as a powerful tool as it enables her to connect with constituents and share her vision for a brighter future. She offers guidance to those grappling with finding their voice in the digital sphere, emphasising the importance of authenticity and perseverance.
Looking ahead, Michelle shares her vision for the future for both the business community and the country.
She ends the conversation by giving insights into her wellness practices, emphasising the importance of self-care amidst the demands of a high-profile leader.
An episode not to be missed!
Links from Episode
Michelle O’Neill
https://www.instagram.com/michelle.oneill.sf/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/michelle.oneill.sf/
Mark Wright is an award-winning influential entrepreneur and digital marketing specialist who is widely known for his success in winning BBC’s The Apprentice. After winning Mark went on to find and develop one of the UK’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies, Climb Online, in partnership with Lord Sugar.
Climb Online is the most successful business founded by an Apprentice winner to date. It is renowned for its disruptive approach to digital marketing, working with household brands to scale growth and generate profit.
His success with Climb Online has led him to source and invest in businesses within the property investment, web development, public relations, hair and beauty and aviation sectors. He has also achieved huge success in these areas.
At the age of thirty-four, his journey has inspired Entrepreneurs globally, who regularly attend his public speaking engagements and motivational talks both across the UK and overseas.
In January 2017, Mark secured a prime spot on the Forbes 30 under 30 list, for his continuous impact on and dedication to the business sector and has since won many business awards
In June 2019 Mark launched his very own business conference, CLIMBCON, which welcomed hundreds of Business Owners and aspiring Entrepreneurs to learn from proven business leaders.
In November 2022, he sold Climb Online for a high seven-figure sum to the global digital group, xDNA. Making him the first Apprentice winner to complete a 3rd party exit.
In November 2023, Mark & his family relocated back to Australia where he now is based out of the Gold Coast, QLD. He is currently managing his worldwide business portfolio and expanding his investments in Australia.
In this episode, Mark shares what life looked like before The Apprentice, during it and what the experience with Lord Sugar has ultimately taught him.
He shares advice about goal setting and how powerful it can be, tips on saving money and why success has nothing to do with money.
Social Media, the positive and negative sides to it were discussed, building a profile and advice on daily time management.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode
Mark Wright
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/mwright_10/
LinkedIn -
https://au.linkedin.com/in/mark-wright-1658925a?trk=people-guest_people_search-card
Brought to you in Partnership with Meagher’s Pharmacy
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Liz O’Hagan is a Community Pharmacist within the esteemed Meaghers Pharmacy Group. With a background in Integrative and Lifestyle Health, Liz plays a pivotal role in the implementation of Pharmacy 360, the latest initiative by Meagher’s Pharmacy Group.
Prior to her current role, Liz pursued her passion for being a ski instructor in Austria. However, her calling to the world of healthcare and making a difference brought her back to Ireland.
We hear how Liz was not coping well with having lots of ideas and ambition for doing things differently but felt like her job was not allowing her to reach her full potential. Do we stay in a role that doesn’t fulfil us or do we take the leap, take a chance, face the unknown and risk our “good job”? Liz bravely chose the latter and she shares with us the journey of taking risks, stepping outside conventional boundaries, and seizing life-altering opportunities
Liz explains what integrative health is and what its impending launch at Meagher’s Pharmacy will look like. She provides insights into what customers can expect from this groundbreaking approach.
Furthermore, Liz offers invaluable advice for individuals who harbour ambitions but are hesitant to pursue them due to fear of risk.
Discover how Liz navigated through uncertainties, embraced change and carved her path towards professional fulfilment, offering guidance for those seeking to do the same.
Links from Episode
Liz O’Hagan LinkedIn:
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-o-hagan-725ba5257
Meagher’s Pharmacy: https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Brought to you in Partnership with Meagher’s Pharmacy
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Georgie Crawford is the Creator of The Good Glow, one of Ireland’s leading health and wellness brands. Through her podcast, book, courses, talks and events, she helps people globally, create the life they have always dreamed of.
Georgie started her working life as a Radio Presenter which led her to meet her husband Jamie. They now have two beautiful little girls.
Revolving for years in her job that meant so much to her, is how Georgie describes it, but ultimately she was consumed by what people thought of her. She didn't know who she was until the worst thing imaginable happened, her cancer diagnosis.
Georgie discusses the pivotal moment of her cancer diagnosis that led her to reevaluate her priorities, shares valuable insights from her book and also how she found the courage to step away from her dream job to start her own business.
She talks about the importance of setting boundaries in business, combating negative self-talk, and prioritising self-care. Georgie also provides valuable tips for starting a podcast, emphasising its significance for businesses and offers practical advice on equipment and growth strategies.
A journey from being consumed by work to creating a life filled with purpose and fulfilment.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode
The Good Glow:
Website
https://www.thegoodglow.ie/
https://www.instagram.com/thegoodglow.ie/
Georgie Crawford:
https://www.instagram.com/georgie.crawford/
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/georgie-crawford-868aa946?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Brought to you in Partnership with Meagher’s Pharmacy
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Orann Coyle is a financial advisor who provides Wealth Management and Financial Planning Advisory services UK-wide for highly complex, high-net-worth clients including intricate investment, pension, trusts and estate planning.
In this episode he talks about money mindset, what it is, what to consider, and how to make changes to your money mindset. How our finances should be set up remembering not everyone’s version of financial freedom is the same and not everyone comes from the same starting line was discussed.
Orann shares insights into Financial Markets, how that ties into a money mindset and the link between risk and growth.
Tax efficiency, what is being tax efficient and misconceptions around tax avoidance, Tax efficient allowances and Tax efficient products were all discussed.
The big question is, should we be investing in markets or property? Find out what Orann thinks.
Retirement planning was also talked about. Different types of pensions and the misconception between public and private pensions, how they work and why should we have a pension. When we retire, how do we manage our pension and taxes and what happens to our pension after we die?
It's crucial to note that the content shared by Orann is guidance, not advice. For personalised advice, you are encouraged to reach out to him directly.
Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights into shaping a positive money mindset and making informed financial decisions.
Links from Episode:
Orann Coyle
LinkedIn -
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oranncoyle
https://www.specialist-group.co.uk/
Brought to you in Partnership with Meagher’s Pharmacy -
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
John Bosco OHagan is the Founder and Group Chairman of the award-winning, bespoke joinery and fit-out business, Specialist Group based in Maghera, Co Derry. They are a family business dedicated to manufacturing, project planning and installation excellence.
Specialist Joinery’s first major export was a pub fit-out in Denmark. They were employed as a sub-contractor to the Irish Pub Company to manufacture and fit out a bar in Copenhagen. Learnings from jobs for the Irish Pub Company led to them becoming the preferred supplier of pub & hotel fit-out for Murphy Heineken worldwide.
Over the past thirty-five years, they have served customers and delivered major projects in many countries including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, USA, Japan and even to diverse places such as Almaty in Kazakhstan.
Their largest project to date was £15 million with Citigroup.
John Bosco started Specialist Group thirty six years ago in 1988 at the mature age of 41. He made the bold decision to give up his employment of 15 years and start his own business. Having worked his way up with his former employer as a shop floor operative and progressing through the business to the level of General Manager, there was nothing more left for John Bosco to achieve. So, he wanted to serve the industry in a better way and start up a business of his own.
In this episode, John Bosco imparts a wealth of advice and wisdom drawn from his extensive experience in building a business from the ground up. In his own words, "My life is full of hard stories in business.”
Discover the significance of cultivating robust networks, fostering relationships, building formidable teams, and ultimately, how to carve a distinctive niche in a bustling marketplace.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Specialist Group - https://www.specialist-group.co.uk/
Brought to you in Partnership with Meagher’s Pharmacy -
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Gerry Hussey is a renowned performance psychologist, co-founder of ‘Soul Space’, multiple best-selling author and one of the leading minds when it comes to integrative health and wellness in neuroscience.
He has worked with many elite Irish athletes, prepared boxing teams for success at the Olympic Games and Munster rugby players for Heineken Cups. He has also worked with Tipperary GAA and Galway GAA.
Gerry’s first book, Awaken Your Power Within went straight to number one on the Irish bestseller list and stayed in the top 10 for more than sixteen weeks.
Gerry has said that people have begun to ask what is it all about. What is my life about?
In this episode, Gerry talks about his journey to where he is now, starting when he was a teenager suffering from depression with two suicide attempts before he was fourteen.
He shares advice on how to overcome negative self-talk and how to make the shift from a restrictive mindset to a growth mindset. He talks about opening your mind to opportunity, how to do it and the benefits of doing it.
Overcoming fear, knockbacks, and rejection are all part of business and life, Gerry shares advice on how to deal with them all.
He also talks about leadership, what makes a good leader and how to become that good leader. The importance of looking after ourselves holistically to perform at our best and how the workplace can support their employees with this was also discussed.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Gerry Hussey
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/gerry_hussey/?hl=en
LinkedIn -
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/gerrysoulspace
Soul Space Website -
https://soulspace.ie/
Brought to you in Partnership with Meagher’s Pharmacy -
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Michelle Blake is director of Sales and Marketing at the renowned Dylan Hotel. She knows exactly what it takes to stand out and give that 5-star experience. Michelle has committed to training her team and travelling the world promoting Dublin’s only 5-star boutique hotel.
In this episode, Michelle shares what makes the Dylan Hotel so unique and why it was important to support Irish within the renovation and the running of the hotel, giving examples of how other businesses could embrace similar ways.
Providing a personalised experience is so important for the Dylan Hotel. Michelle explains how they do this and shares tips on how to step outside the box when it comes to experiences, including small affordable ideas.
Each touch point is so important for a guest to feel an overall sense of a 5-star experience therefore Michelle explains how they achieve this and what other people in the industry could be doing to make sure they too are looking at it holistically.
Community relations are fundamental to the Dylan Hotel. Michelle shares examples of how they grow these relationships and how others could incorporate similar in their business.
She also gives insights into how technology has changed things within the hotel and how they have embraced the overall use of technology.
This conversation will enable you to implement practical solutions in your business and leave your guests and customers wanting to return again soon.
Find out more about Dylan
https://www.dylan.ie/dylan-hotel-dublin-for-uk-visitors.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtaOtBhCwARIsAN_x-3IJrXos1pIzRqu8BKnkpmD8GVpWd-8NP5Y3jDaoKsE6RcDgy6wrFXYaAlhmEALw_wcB
Brought to you in partnership with Meaghers Pharmacy
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Discount Code - DIGG15
Daniel Davey is a performance nutritionist and performance director working in professional sports and business. He is the Author of the best-selling books; ‘Eat Up, Raise Your Game and Eat Up, The Next Level. Daniel is also the co-creator of a collagen supplement with Kinetica Sport.
Daniel founded the platform daveynutrition in 2014, an online business which is based on education, webinars, consultations, events and commercial partners in the food and supplement space. The aim of the business is to be recognised as a worldwide leader in the space of performance, health and nutrition. Daveynutrition has over 178,000 followers across four social media platforms but most notably has 140,000 Instagram followers.
Over the past decade, Daniel has worked with the Dublin Senior football team and Leinster Rugby team. He was a part of the Dublin backroom team that won a record six All-Ireland titles in a row and the Leinster Rugby backroom team that won four straight PRO fourteen titles and the Champions Cup in 2018.
In 2022 Daniel decided to commit to his own business full time and moved on from professional sport. However, he still works as a consultant to athletes in various sports.
His purpose is simple, helping people find the winning moments in sport and life.
In this episode, Daniel shares insights into the early days, the grind, the hustle and working with top sports teams, Dublin GAA and Leinster Rugby.
He discusses his business endeavours, notably, how that journey evolved, his subsequent learnings and how he navigated the external noise.
With a social media following of nearly 180,000, Daniel shares tips for business owners on how to grow organically and strategies on how to move past a lack of confidence online.
As the theme of Series 8 is, ”Thriving in Business and Life," Daniel shares the basic things we need to be doing when it comes to nutrition, to make sure we can cope with daily tasks and ultimately perform at our best.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode
Davey Nutrition:
Website - https://www.daveynutrition.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/daveynutrition/?hl=en
Daniel Davey:
LinkedIn - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/daniel-davey-8326a839
Brought to you in Partnership with Meaghers Pharmacy
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Discount Code - DIGG15
Sinéad Brady is a mother, partner, sister, daughter, friend, professional, author, lifelong learner and a deep thinker. Mum to four children and proud wife to Alan, together they live in County Cavan in Ireland.
She works globally as a speaker, a workplace consultant and an advocate of workplace equality. In 2023 she became a Best Selling author with her book, Total Reset.
Sinéad admits that she isn’t always successful in managing the ‘and’s’ in her life, but she always does her best. Practising what she preaches, her weekly ritual includes Tactical Thursday, which she discusses in this episode, and checking in with her Support Circle.
Sinéad is driven to make work a happier & kinder place. A place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, flourish and progress through human connection.
As a returning guest on the podcast, Sinéad, in this episode, focuses on career change. Many people in workplaces today want to change, don’t like their job, and want to take a step away but don’t for many reasons.
With so many job families available today there is such a diverse range of options and opportunities. Therefore Sinéad talks through the steps to take when making the change, what to consider, how to cope with negative comments, identifying transferable skills and much more.
If you are thinking of changing your career but don’t know what to and how, then this episode is for you.
Links from Episode
Sinéad Brady:
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/sineadthecareerpsychologist
https://www.instagram.com/thecareerpsychologist/
Website - A Career to Love
https://www.acareertolove.com/
Discount Code for upcoming course - Digg10 for 10% off
Previous episode with Sinéad - E82: Switching Off is Vital for Success
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LJjM7WJyHwPjsxUUxOyXe?si=jtm4g477QYiT4Ksa1QoCRQ
Brought to you in Partnership with Meaghers Pharmacy https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Kingsley Aikins is the former chairman of the multi-million euro lending platform Linked Finance and past president of the Worldwide Ireland Funds. Throughout his extensive career, he has come to appreciate the power of Networking and sees it as the ‘glue’ that makes everything happen.
Having written extensively on topics such as Diaspora, Philanthropy and Networking, he has developed a range of online training programmes to impart valuable skills in these domains and is currently the CEO of The Networking Institute.
Notably, Kingsley has trained individuals in public speaking, gracing prestigious platforms like TEDx and the Pendulum Summit. He was awarded a CBE for his work on British-Irish relations.
In this episode Kingsley delves into the intricacies of networking - unravelling its meaning, exploring its importance and offering practical advice on building a supportive network.
Discover strategies to effectively communicate your message and gain insights on initiating connections, especially for those facing challenges in opening doors.
Thriving in business and life is the theme for this series therefore Kingsley ends his conversation by sharing what he does to help him lead a happy fulfilled life.
An episode that promises to equip you with valuable insights into effective networking.
Links from Episode
Kingsley Aikins LinkedIn:
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/kingsleyaikins
The Networking Institute:
https://thenetworkinginstitute.com/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with Meaghers Pharmacy
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
Fintru are the core partner of The Talent Hub University of Ulster.
Fintru believe in nurturing talent and embracing future leaders to join their business and help them move through different positions to gain as much experience as possible.
They support The Talent Hub in helping give students experience in pitching, networking and so much more.
This conversation with Greg gives a little insight into the importance which Fintru puts on looking after their staff, their brand values and how to stand out in an interview setting.
Find out more about Fintru
https://www.fintru.com/
Find out more about The Talent Hub and The Department of Global Business and Enterprise based in Derry/LDerry
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses?query=&f.Campus|campus=Derry~Londonderry&f.School|school=Department%20of%20Global%20Business%20and%20Enterprise
Belfast native, Jack McGarry, is Managing Partner of The Dead Rabbit, Manhattan, New York. It is one of the world’s most awarded and globally recognised pubs, winning eight Tales of the Cocktail awards and five World’s 50 Best Bars awards, including World’s Best Bar twice.
Opening in 2013 with a bold vision to be the world’s best, Jack reflects on his journey, his struggle with alcohol and what his recovery taught him.
He emphasises the pivotal role of self-belief in achieving “one of the best bars” globally and shares unique insights into the recruitment process with a no-nonsense approach.
With plans of expansion to New Orleans, Texas and beyond, Jack discusses the importance of breaking Irish cultural misconceptions, therefore bringing the representation of what Irish culture is today.
Exploring the concept of the ‘Irish Exit’ and the launch of ‘That’s Deadly,’ Jack sheds light on his brand’s deep dive. He talks about the importance of collaborations, navigating business partnerships and how to scale.
Jack ends the episode discussing the role of AI in the future of hospitality.
An episode not to miss!
Links from Episode
The Dead Rabbit: https://thedeadrabbit.com/
LinkedIn Job Description:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jack-mcgarry-961494227_the-dead-rabbit-austin-hiring-general-manager-activity-7113195871860596736-sRmS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
Books Mentioned:
‘Grit’ by Angela Duckworth
‘Mindset’ by Dr Carol
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with Nightowl https://www.nightowlni.com/
Check out our other guests:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Chupi Sweetman, CEO of Chupi, an Irish luxury jewellery brand with a global reach, leads a team of fifty and boasts a community of over two hundred and fifty thousand worldwide. Recognised by the Irish Times as one of Ireland’s most loved brands, Chupi has recently unveiled its impressive four and a half thousand square foot flagship store in Dublin.
With less than 2% of venture capital going to female founders, she shares valuable insights on pitching a brand to investors and successfully securing a 3.75 million investment for expansion.
From her early days as a designer at Topshop to the pivotal moment when she followed her passion for jewellery, Chupi reflects on the journey. The episode delves into the startup challenges she encountered and how she navigated them, emphasising the significance of ‘why’ over ‘what’, and the role of vision and values.
Chupi advocates for change, asserting that sticking to the status quo yields predictable results. She candidly shares how she found the courage to pivot and transform her business model into the world of luxury jewellery.
An episode not to miss!
Find out more about Chupi
https://www.chupi.com/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with Nightowl https://www.nightowlni.com/
Check out our other guests:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Caroline O’Neill, host of the Digg Podcast, takes us on her transformative journey from Occupational Therapist to the visionary creator behind the renowned Digg brand, encompassing Digg for Success, The Digg Podcast, Digg Mama, and Digg Deep for Kids.
Throughout her remarkable eighteen-year journey, Caroline’s resilience and reinvention have been pivotal.
In this episode, she imparts invaluable insights on recognising the need for change in your business, embracing authenticity in the realm of social media, effectively handling online negativity, upholding the significance of brand values, harnessing the power of AI for business growth, and offering a glimpse into the promising future of the ever-expanding Digg brand.
An episode not to miss.
To find out more about Caroline check out:
Caroline O’Neill LinkedIn -
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/carolineoneilldigg
Digg Mama Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/diggmama/
Digg for Success Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/diggforsuccess/
Digg for Success Website -
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Grainne Kelly, a celebrated entrepreneur with multiple awards to her name, serves as the CEO and mastermind behind Bubblebum UK Ltd, the pioneering creator of the world’s first inflatable car booster seat. Established in December 2009, Bubblebum has successfully extended its reach to twenty seven countries, securing placement with major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Halfords, John Lewis, and Target.
Grainne, a mother of two, embarked on the journey of inventing Bubblebum to address her personal dilemma. Frequent travel between Ireland and England exposed her to the inconvenience of lugging around traditional, bulky booster seats on aeroplanes due to car rental companies’ inability to provide them for her children. Remarkably, she transformed her concept into a market-ready product in just nine short months.
In the early days of her business, Grainne, along with her husband and two sons, relocated from their home in Northern Ireland to the United States. She openly shares her experiences of navigating the challenges of those early days, particularly the delicate balance of family life and entrepreneurship.
This episode delves into the rollercoaster ride of Bubblebum’s rapid growth, exploring the highs and lows. Grainne reflects on the courage it takes to make pivotal decisions and to pull things back when your gut tells you to.
An episode not to miss!
Find out more about Bubblebum
https://bubblebum.co/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with Nightowl Studio-https://www.nightowlni.com/
Check out our other guests:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Laura Bonner, the CEO and Founder of The Muff Liquor Company, has a remarkable journey in the business world. Her achievements include winning the Business All Star in 2018, being recognised as the Ulster Business Woman of the Year in 2019 and making it to the Industry Era’s list of the top 10 most inspiring CEOs in 2021. In 2023, she was honoured as the Handcrafted Spirits Business Leader.
While these accolades speak volumes, Laura’s story is one of humble beginnings that ignites a spark of inspiration for anyone striving for success through hard work and determination.
Laura shares her journey, detailing her unwavering passion and determination to introduce her product to those who would embrace the brand, some of whom would become investors in Muff Liquor.
What sets her apart is her ability to secure investments from notable personalities such as Russell Crowe, Ronan Keating, Ed Sheeran, and Jimmy Carr.
This episode delves into her strategies for achieving this feat and explores why settling for second place is never an option in her world.
An episode not to miss!
Find out more about Muff liquor
https://www.themuffliquorcompany.com/
Brought to you in Partnership with Nightowl Studio
https://www.nightowlni.com/
Digg20 for 20% off your next project
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Check out our other guests:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
In 2019, Caroline O’Neill and Niamh Taylor established the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards. The recent third ceremony, held a few weeks ago, enjoyed remarkable success, sparking significant curiosity about the intricacies of organising such an event.
The following seven guests, from seven different businesses, who contributed to the successful awards ceremony this year, share their top tips for event planning.
Jamie McMinnis - Mad Colour
Jamie is Managing Director at Mad Colour, a company that brings your ideas to life when it comes to design, print, manufacture & installation.
NISMA worked with Mad Colour on their photo backdrops, dressing the entrance area of the room with signage and props, table menus, branding on the stage and their specially commissioned finalist certificates with a difference.
Website: https://www.madcolour.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coloursofmad/
Oisin O’Brien - Visual Specdrum Studio
Oisin and his team worked with NISMA and in collaboration with BNL productions on the lighting element for the awards. If you were there you would know how amazing the visuals were!
Visual Spectrum Studio is in a league of their own. If you visit their website you will see the vast range of work that they do. There are videos on there that will blow your mind. They mostly do large sale Tourist Projection Mapping.
Website: https://www.visualspectrum.studio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualspectrumstudio/
Nick Hutchinson - BNL Productions
Nick is Managing Director of BNL Productions which specialises in film, live streaming and events.
NISMA have worked with BNL productions since 2019 and Caroline has also worked with them on this very podcast and on her Digg Mama events.
Neither NIMSA nor Caroline has ever had a request or an idea that hasn’t been explored and executed in some format. They are simply incredible at what they do.
Website: https://www.bnlproductions.co.uk/
Nick mentioned the following links -
https://www.read.ai/
https://www.magicplan.app/
https://amzn.eu/d/3fa4cpT
Chris Rooney - Champagne Memories
Chris is the Managing Director of Champagne Memories. He and his team worked with NISMA on the styling element of their event and they blew them away with their ideas first and foremost and then, the finished look was more than they could ever have hoped for.
Website: https://champagnememories.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champagne_memories_events/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Bradley Henderson - Bradley Shoots
Bradley is the Director of Bradley Shoots and as photography for NISMA is vital it was important that they hired an excellent photographer who would produce the content they needed.
When you run an event you need great images to be able to market your event after and also be able to use those images for promotion for your next event.
Website: https://www.bradleyshoots.com/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradleyshoots_/
Martin Booth - Corner Bakery
Martin is Managing Director at Corner Bakery which is based in Mid Ulster and supplies products to over one hundred stores throughout NI.
NISMA couldn’t run an event without partners and they certainly couldn't do it without a title partner. For the past two years, they have been very lucky and privileged to have Corner Bakery as their title partner.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornerbakeryni/?hl=en
@cornerbakeryni on all social media platforms
Steve Simpson - YEOODJ
YEOODJ are fast becoming Ireland's most sought after DJ crew with Live Sax, Percussion and the love of good music.
Steve has been part of NISMA for the past two years and they literally love every single thing about how he works the event. He gets them and their vibe, which is so important.
Website: https://yeoodj.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeoo.dj/?hl=en
Brought to you in Partnership with https://nisocialmediaawards.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nisocialmedia/
Brian McEniff is a name synonymous with excellence in the hospitality industry. His legacy continues to shine brightly through the McEniff Group Hotels which consists of six hotels across Ireland: Skylon Hotel (Dublin), Sligo Southern Hotel, Great Northern Hotel (Bundoran), Yeats Hotel, (Rosses Point), Westport Woods Hotel, Holyrood Hotel (Bundoran).
With a career spanning decades, Brian has established himself as a visionary leader, a passionate hotelier and a committed community advocate.
Born with a passion for providing exceptional service, Brian's journey in the world of hospitality began at a very young age.
He shares insights into his training in Canada back in the 1960s and all the skills he learned along the way but how his heart was always in Donegal.
We hear about the struggles of the hospitality industry through the years but how he wasn’t afraid to take risks and work hard to make his vision a reality.
Brian discusses the recession and Covid and how his family means everything to him.
An episode not to miss!
To find out more about The McEniff Group of Hotels check out: https://www.brianmceniffhotels.com/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with Wild and Free:
https://wildandfreeoutdoors.com/
Discount Code DIGG15 FOR 15% OFF
Follow @wildandfreeoutdoor on social media
Check out all our other guests at:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Oonagh O’Hagan is the Owner and Managing Director at Meagher’s Pharmacy Group which has nine stores across various neighbourhoods in Dublin and an online store that ships to over seventy countries worldwide. They have been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies, by Deloitte, for the ninth consecutive year and have reached the platinum standard for the third year in a row.
Outside of Meagher’s Pharmacy Group, Oonagh is Managing Director of Symprove Ireland and a board member of Retail Excellence Ireland. She mentors women in the world of work through the Going for Growth Programme and is continuously championing people in business by giving them a platform, always being supportive with such actionable advice.
In this episode, Oonagh shares her growth journey from where it all started to how she established nine stores and a thriving online store with a clear vision and purpose in mind.
She shares tips on implementing social media strategies, collaborations, customer service, staff management and team building.
With growth comes added stress and worries. Oonagh discusses what she does to maintain a healthy balance.
An episode not to miss.
Links from Episode:
Oonagh O’Hagan Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/oonaghohag/
Meagher’s Pharmacy -
https://www.meagherspharmacy.ie/
The Digg Podcast Episode on AI - E85: AI for Efficiency: Meghan Semple, Performance Marketing Director, Digital24
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with BNL Productions -
https://www.bnlproductions.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Niall McKenna is the Chef Proprietor at Waterman House, Belfast, which is the latest addition to the James Street restaurant group he founded in 2003.
Niall has been in the kitchen since he was fourteen years old. He worked in London for 12 years, training with the best in the industry. He has opened multiple restaurants in Belfast and has been recognised for food and service excellence by the Michelin Guide, the Waitrose Food Guide, Food & Wine Magazine and the prestigious Georgina Campbell Awards.
Since 2019 Niall has embarked on his biggest project to date, Waterman House, consisting of a Cookery School, event spaces, tasting rooms and a restaurant.
In 2014 Niall launched his own Chef Apprenticeship scheme, dedicating time, energy and passion to passing on his knowledge and skills to a new generation of future cooks. This Apprenticeship is for 16-24-year-olds and is in collaboration with Belfast Met.
Niall has featured in many local Television programmes from Great British Menu, winning the opportunity to cook for Prince Charles and Camilla, alongside a weekly recipe column in The Irish News.
First and foremost Niall is about the people. The people who come into his restaurant, the people who work in his restaurant and the people of Belfast.
In this episode he shares his learnings from his time in London and how he has incorporated them into his businesses. Mentors have helped him immensely over the years therefore he shares who they are and gives tips on how to seek mentors out.
Niall isn’t afraid of change or moving from something that isn't working so he shares tips on how not to be a busy fool. With his apprenticeship running for nearly ten years, Niall talks about why he started it, what’s involved and its benefits.He ends the conversation with what he thinks the future of hospitality looks like.
An episode all about evolving to survive. One not to miss!
To find out more about Niall and what he does, you can visit the following links:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-mckenna-b497356b/?originalSubdomain=uk Waterman House - https://www.waterman.house/ James St & Co - https://www.jamesst.co.uk/ Apprenticeship Programme - https://www.waterman.house/pages/apprenticeship-programme
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in partnership with:https://timelycareers.com/
Check out all our other guests at:https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Inspiring, Connecting and Enabling Ambitious Leaders of SMEs to Scale with Purpose is a recurring headline for Brendan McGurgan online.
Brendan was group managing director and finance director at CDE Global for seventeen years, which had 700 staff and a revenue of one hundred million pounds.
He is now the co-founder and director of Simple Scaling, co-author of the Amazon bestseller- Simple Scaling, regular keynote speaker and host of the acclaimed ScaleX Insider Podcast.
He has coached businesses all over Ireland and the UK and beyond to scale their business and reach heights they could only have dreamed of. Brendan says his clients have the ambition to scale but are stuck, have fallen out of love with their business, lack the belief in themselves and the know-how to scale.
In this episode, Brendan explains the difference between growing and scaling and what scaling should look like in a business, sharing tips on scaling and the importance of purpose and vision.
With his ScaleX Summit fast approaching, he explains its purpose and shares how he managed to secure the world famous businessman, investor and podcaster Steven Bartlett, Diary of a CEO as a guest speaker.
If you need advice on scaling your business to new heights, this episode is for you!
To find out more about Brendan check out Simple Scaling Website:
https://simplescaling.com/
Simple Scaling Book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Scaling-Proven-Principles-Business/dp/1544525893/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2N93GHNIQWGAL&keywords=simple+scaling&qid=1695656432&sprefix=simple+scaling%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1
ScaleX Summit 10% Discount for The Digg Podcast listeners: Use the Code SCALEXDIGG
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with
https://timelycareers.com/
Check out all our other guests at:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Brendan McDowell owns the global beauty brand BPerfect which is stocked in over two thousand stores all over the UK and Ireland. His business has increased by 71% since last year with six flagship stores and plans for ten more, launching in Dubai before October and a new range coming in Primark and Pennys.
One of his products is the best selling product on the Aer lingus airlines.
He is also the Co-Founder of award winning hair care brand, Voduz.
Brendan never stands still in business but he doesn’t claim to know it all. In this episode, he talks about where he got inspiration and drive to start a business, how influencer marketing and embracing Tiktok shop has dramatically changed his business and dealing with the challenges of managing a fast growing team.
One not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Brendan - https://www.tiktok.com/@bperfectbrendan
BPerfect - https://www.bperfectcosmetics.com/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with
https://timelycareers.com/
Check out all our other guests at: https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Meghan Semple is the Performance Marketing Director at the award winning, Belfast based digital marketing agency, Digital 24.
She leads a team of specialists, driving comprehensive performance marketing strategies across many different industries around the world.
Meghan is a leader in the digital field.
In this episode, Meghan deeply dives into the various AI tools she has tried and tested. Some of these have radically changed the way she works.
Links from episode:
OpenAI/ChatGPT - https://openai.com/
Bard - https://bard.google.com/
CopyAI - https://www.copy.ai/
ReadAI - https://www.read.ai/
Headlime - https://headlime.com/
To find out more about Meghan, visit Digital24 website:
https://www.digitaltwentyfour.com/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with
https://timelycareers.com/
Check out all our other guests at:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Sarah Travers, the former BBC news journalist and TV presenter, is now the co-founder and director of Bespoke Communications, a leading training and professional development company serving the UK and Ireland.
Over her seventeen years in the newsroom, she covered high profile stories throughout the Northern Ireland peace process, key events like the London 2012 Paralympics and BBC Children in Need.
Sarah currently hosts events nationwide including two podcasts, The Public Eye Podcast and The Lens Podcast for Business In The Community.
She is passionate about communication and helping leaders communicate effectively to their relevant target audiences no matter what the subject area may be.
In this episode Sarah talks about how she managed family life and a busy high profile career. She shares why she made the move to UTV, life as a freelancer, transferring skills, how her current business came to be and advice on how to have confidence in work and in life. Sarah ends the episode talking about the future of communication and what she thinks it might look like.
To find out more about Sarah, visit her website: https://bespokecomms.net/
Book Sarah Referenced - Susan Jeffers ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with https://timelycareers.com/
Check out all our other guests at: https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Today on The Digg Podcast I am speaking to you about how I have used the business clinic series over the past few weeks to help me become more efficient in my business and happier in my life. I still have a lot of work to do but I have made small changes to help all because of the expert guests over the past few weeks.
Here is a link to the episodes which have helped me
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-digg-podcast/episodes/E77-How-to-be-more-efficient-in-your-business-Amy-Smith--Vamos-Admin-e25jgfs
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-digg-podcast/episodes/E78-5-Basics-for-Account-Keeping-for-all-Business-Owners-with-The-Lady-Accountant-e25nk67
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-digg-podcast/episodes/E79-Basic-Canva-Tips-to-help-you-create-better-graphics-for-your-business-with-Mairead-McKibben-Crossbox-Marketing-e267a2a
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-digg-podcast/episodes/E80-Funding-and-Mentoring-Available-for-Businesses-Brigid-Duggan--Owner--Founder-of-BD-Consultancy-e26bnps
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-digg-podcast/episodes/E82-Switching-Off-is-Vital-for-Success-Sinad-Brady--The-Career-Psychologist-e26ppek
Thank you for continuing to support The Digg Podcast. Please press Follow on Apple and Spotify or hit subscribe and YouTube and it will help the Podcast grow.
Sinéad Brady is a mother, partner, sister, daughter, friend, professional, author, lifelong learner and a deep thinker. Mum to four children and proud wife to Alan, together they live in County Cavan in Ireland.
Sinéad works globally as a speaker, a workplace consultant, and an advocate of workplace equality. She isn’t always successful in managing the ‘and’s’ in her life, but she always does her best. Practising what she preaches her weekly ritual includes Tactical Thursday and checking in with her Support Circle.
Sinéad is driven to make work a happier & kinder place. A place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, flourish and progress through human connection.
In this episode, Sinéad talks about the culture we all live in that encourages us to live to work as this is how we have been trained since entering the school system at four years of age.
Sinéad shares great tips on switching off from work and creating habits that help train our mind on how to recognise “time off.” If you struggle with switching off from work, this episode is for you.
She referenced two videos to help with the world of work - linked below:
Harvard Office Space - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdOfIz-Rtb8
Tactical Thursday - https://www.acareertolove.com/blog/tactical-thursday-%20key%20to%20career%20success
To find out more about Sinead visit her website on https://www.acareertolove.com/
Or follow on social media @thecareerpsychologist
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with: https://wildandfreeoutdoors.com/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
In this episode of The Digg Podcast we discuss the entrepreneurial journey and the challenges that go along with that. We also discuss the rewards and benefits of being self employed.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with GoFor It so there will be lots of advice and inspiration for others who may be listening who have an idea about starting a business.
Go For It Entrepreneurs:
Melanie Harrison, Founder of The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Melanie Harrison is a Belfast Entrepreneur who opened The Harrison Chambers of Distinction back in 2021 thanks to the help of the Go For It programme. Melanie credits her love of travel for the decision to open her own hotel as it was when she returned home from travelling that she realised what a great place Belfast is and therefore wanted to tell the stories of the city and its people. The Harrison Chambers of Distinction are restored, landmark Victorian merchants’ residences dating from 1879 and have been designed to serve the culturally curious traveller.
https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
John McCourt, Founder of Big Phat Beard
John McCourt is an entrepreneur from Newtownabbey who launched his business Big Phat Beard back in 2020. Having been made redundant from the local automotive industry, John decided to turn his hobby of creating his own beard oils and balms into his own range of premium quality beard care products for passionate beardsmen across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Big Phat Beard offers a selection of premium beard oils and beard balms in a variety of scents all made with natural ingredients and no artificial additives, as well as a range of branded merchandise including t-shirts,beanie-hats and trucker caps
https://www.bigphatbeard.com/
Ryan Tracey, Founder of Duff Land
Ryan Tracey is a former children’s entertainer and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist who launched his successful soft play area business, Duff Land in 2022 thanks to help from the Go For It programme.
Duff Land is an acronym for Dream Up Fantastic Fun and was developed after years of Ryan working as a children’s entertainer. The decision to start Duff Land was based on a choice; to follow his passion and become a business owner or continue his path in employment.
https://www.dufflandni.co.uk/
Maia White, Founder of The Ticket Bakehouse
Maia White is a young baker and entrepreneur from Cullybackey who turned her passion for cakes and coffee into a thriving local café called The Ticket Bakehouse thanks to the help from the Go For It programme. Opened in 2022, Maia has always had passion for food, and knew she wanted to work within the culinary space. At only 22, Maia has created a popular local café located at Cullybackey train station which offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, freshly ground coffee, and delicious baked goods.
@theticketbakehouse on social media
Go For It Business Advisor - Caolan Campbell
Caolan Campbell is an experienced Business Advisor who manages the Go For It Programme for Enterprise North West and has a passion for new business start-up and business growth. Caolan provides an insight into how the Go For It programme can help would-be entrepreneurs learn the strategies, tactics and tips to help turn a business dream into a reality.
https://www.goforitni.com/
To find out more about The Digg Podcast follow on social media @diggforsuccess
Brigid Duggan is a multiple award winner and a woman that strives for perfection every time. She is a powerhouse in the business world with a wealth of experience, a 100% success rate and a down to earth approach that puts business owners at ease.
Brigid and her team help with business planning, grant funding, sales, market research, human resources, finance and payroll.
Many businesses today aren’t aware of the help available. They haven’t got the skills in all the areas needed to succeed in business so they must access help and expertise. But where do they start?
Brigid outlines all the key places a business owner can go for help and support. They need to be accessing these resources as they can really help the growth of their business.
Council Areas Enterprise Ireland Intertrade Ireland Innovate Us & Skills Focus Rural Business Development
Click the link below to access in-depth notes on each key area of support:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QgX7kIf_B7gqvQKOQUK8XNAgGFcbJnz4/view?usp=sharing
Follow BD Consultancy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bdconsultancy_/?hl=en
Website: https://www.bdconsultancy.co/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with:
https://wildandfreeoutdoors.com/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Mairead McKibbin Founder of Crossbox Marketing and Northern Ireland’s Social Media Marketer of the Year 2022.
Crossbox Marketing is a Digital Marketing Agency based in Newcastle County Down that specialises in Social media management and Content creation.
Crossbox has created content for social media platforms that has reached over 20 million views in the last year and has skyrocketed the growth of local businesses.
Content creation is not ‘one size fits all’ but Canva is most definitely a design platform that ticks all the boxes. Join Mairead as she chats to us about how to make Canva work for your business, raise your awareness, build your community”
On the Podcast today we will cover
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Setting up your Brand Kit on Canva, keeping your brand logos, colours and fonts in the same place and why it’s important to have cohesive branding for your business on socials. You can also use this to generate your very own branded presentation template for meetings/workshops etc
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Saving time by using the Bulk create tool. I’ve an example of teachers printing certificates for kids but you can also use it for wedding invites, vouchers etc
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Background remover is a massive one for me especially for logos, or even stock images
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Canva Doc’s - using Magic write to help with your copy writing or help generate some ideas for your content planning
-
Simple ways to make video content for social media platforms using Canva
To find out more about Mairead's Course then visit her website
https://www.crossboxmarketing.co.uk/
And follow her on social media @crossboxmarketing for lots of free advice and education
Lisa McCloskey is a Chartered Accountant with over ten years experience working in the Uk, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
With the wealth of knowledge she gained across many industries she decided to launch The Lady Accountant in 2021. Lisa wanted to offer a more personalised modern approach to Accountancy and empower the Business Owner to take control.
In this episode Lisa covers each of the following topics in detail, giving actionable advice for business owners.
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Bank Accounts
-
Profit Margin
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How to calculate an hourly cost rate.
-
Importance of hiring an Accountant.
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Goal Setting
Lisa also discusses the three biggest hurdles a Business Owner has to overcome financially:
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Paying yourself a salary
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Hiring employees
-
Becoming VAT registered
If you are starting out in business or have a business and the financial part of it all feels overwhelming, this is an episode for you.
To find out more and follow all the advice from Lisa and her team, follow on social media
@theladyaccountant
Website https://www.theladyaccountant.com/
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with https://wildandfreeoutdoors.com/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Amy Smith is a virtual assistant and is usually called upon when a Small Business realises they aren’t quite so small anymore! And the realisation has hit them that their time could be better spent elsewhere, there must be a better way, right?!
In the Digg Podcast Amy gives five ways to help become more efficient in business.
1.Map out Processes
Can anything be removed or combined?
Can anything be automated? - easiest places to automate are CONTRACTS, INVOICES, BOOKINGS, PROJECT/TASK MANAGEMENT
Can anything be delegated? Task aligns with another team member's skillset etc. Weigh up a system cost with your hourly rate and decide whether it’s cheaper to spend the money or spend the time.
Use programs like Hello Sign, Docu Sign and Ever Sign to make your contracts easier for clients to sign and get back to you in a timely fashion.
- Diary Management
Diary is there to be managed not filled. White space is not evil. Flexibility is key. Batch where possible, are you multitasking or just jumping from one task to another and thinking it’s productive.
Colour code - look ahead and see how your week/month is shaping up.
- Inbox Management
Your inbox should work for you, not cause you work.
Archive older than 12 months - tip search unsubscribe to bring up newsletters Create subfolders. Not too many!
Follow the 4D rule - DO, DEFER, DELEGATE, DELETE.
Reduce your check-ins
Use your email providers features, for Gmail for example use Templates for emails you send on repeat or Rules to send certain emails into designated folders.
- To-Do Lists
Out of your head and onto paper/digital.
Prioritise - colour code. Bad day? Look and see what has to be done and ditch the rest.
Give timings. Be realistic!
- Outsource
Take away and trim back, get as much out of what you have as possible before adding anyone in. Few mins here and there might be the difference between having the budget to hire/contract someone or not.
Outsource before you need it. Easier to get organised whilst it’s not crazy busy and they’re dropped in at the deep end.
Get recommendations from others in your line of work, check the Society of Virtual Assistants for ‘Approved’ UK VAs.
Communicate honestly, set boundaries around response times, methods of updating etc.
Review how things are going!
If you would like to connect with Amy then send an email to
Amy@vamosadmin.co.uk
Or follow on Instagram @vamosadmin
The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with https://wildandfreeoutdoors.com/
Colin McClean is founder of Bob and Berts, which started off as a small coffee shop in 2013 in Portstewart, Co. Antrim turning over two hundred and sixty pounds on its first day. Ten years on, Bob and Berts, the high street coffee and food chain, has twenty seven sites and has reached a turnover of twenty three million pounds.
This has been one hell of a journey and one, which was at times, wasn’t strategically planned. However as expansion crept in Colin began to put systems and measures in place to protect the brand and expand beyond his wildest dreams.
In this episode Colin shares the journey of his early career and work, talking about the difficulty of trying to work as an employee whilst growing a business at the same time. He shares how growth happened, franchising and how he managed it?
Retail, customer experience, growing a brand, growing a team and ultimately allowing yourself to dream big were all discussed.
Colin also talked about challenging issues including the struggle with work/home balance.
He shares some examples of small measures he has put in place to help reduce costs which have had a huge financial impact on the business.
Colin ends the episode with great advice for business owners who are trying to make it happen and ultimately be successful. One not to miss!
Links from episode:
Website -
https://bobandberts.co.uk/
LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bob-&-berts-artisan-coffee/?trk=public_profile_experience-item_profile-section-card_image-click&originalSubdomain=ie
The Digg Podcast Series 6 is brought to you
In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland
https://www.investni.com/
Delivering nibusinessinfo.co.uk
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Tina McKenzie is one of the best-known business figures in Northern Ireland.
She has been appointed as UK Chair of Policy and Advocacy for the Federation of Small Businesses, the UK’s biggest business organisation representing the interests of self-employed people and smaller businesses. As a result, she will serve in one of the most senior positions on the organisation’s Board of Directors. This new appointment means NI will have a strong business advocate right at the heart of FSB, who in turn can take messages directly into Parliament in Westminster.
Tina is CEO of Staffline, the largest recruitment agency in Northern Ireland and the second largest across the island of Ireland. It employs over two hundred people and has up to eight thousand contractors.
Throughout her life, Tina has had so many achievements in the world of work. She is also a wife and mum of three. Navigating the challenges of balancing work life and home life is something she is very open and honest about.
In this episode Tina talks about how she was treated as a woman trying to grow a career and how she navigated it. She shares examples of going with her gut when it comes to making big decisions.
As public speaking is one of her many strengths she offers advice to business owners who struggle with this but know they need to be more vocal about their business and connect with their audience.
Does Tina have any regrets when she looks back over her career? Listen to the episode and find out
A refreshing and honest conversation about business and home life. An episode not to miss.
Links from episode:
LinkedIn -
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tina-mckenzie-6883877
Staffline -
https://www.staffline.ie/?source=google.com
The Digg Podcast Series 6 is brought to you
In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland
https://www.investni.com/
Delivering nibusinessinfo.co.uk
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
In this episode you will hear all the questions which were put to the guest speakers at the live event. It is most probable that these will be questions you too have wanted to ask over the past few weeks as you have listened to all the inspirational guests.
Guest Speakers:
Laura Kearney - The Walk In Wardrobe (Episode 70)
https://walkinwardrobeonline.com/
Benny O’Hanlon - Todds Leap (Episode 68)
https://toddsleap.com/
Catherine Casey - The Marketing Club (Episode 66)
https://www.instagram.com/_themarketingclub/?hl=en
Pete Boyle - Argento/Let’s Go Hydro (Episode 64)
https://www.argento.com/
https://letsgohydro.com/
Alix Mulholland - Field Day Ireland (Episode 65)
https://fielddayireland.co.uk/
Anthony Kieran - Used Cars NI (Episode 73)
https://www.usedcarsni.com/
The Digg Podcast Series 6 is brought to you
In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland
https://www.investni.com/
Delivering nibusinessinfo.co.uk
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Anthony Kieran is Co-Founder of Used Cars NI, which trades one billion pounds worth of cars annually. He is also the MD at Aurient LTD and Proprietor of The Regency, five star luxury residence in Belfast.
Hailing from Crossmaglen, County Armagh, experiencing the effects of the Troubles first hand as well as a traumatic school life at St Colman’s Secondary School, gave him the drive to want to make something of his life.
There aren’t too many people who can say they have worked at NASA but Anthony made the best of his time in America earning great money and playing Gaelic Football. He travelled the world and then returned home to a situation where he had no job.
In this episode Anthony talks of his traumatic start in life and how these experiences set him up as a determined young man wanting to make something of himself. He explains why he moved to America and what he learned from this experience.
As Co-Founder of Used Cars NI, he shares how he met his business partner and how they overcame all the negativity when they first started the business.
He talks about failed business adventures, how he felt and how he dealt with it at the time. He also talks about the importance of risk taking, evolving, trends and the importance of treating your staff well.
His father told him to ‘Live a good life’. Anthony explains what this means to him.
He ends with lots of tips and advice for people who are trying to ‘Make it Happen’.
Anthony is a force to be reckoned with. One not to miss.
Links from episode:
LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonykieran/?originalSubdomain=uk
Used Cars NI Website -
https://www.usedcarsni.com/
The Regency -
https://theregencybelfast.com/
Aurient Ltd -
https://www.aurientinvestments.com/
The Digg Podcast Series 6 is brought to you
In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland
https://www.investni.com/
Delivering nibusinessinfo.co.uk
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
The ethos of all of Series 6 is about businesses who are making it happen. In this episode you hear from a panel of businesses who have made huge strides in the last few years.
Making it happen can mean different things for different people.
Angeline Murphy, of Angeline Murphy Design, turned her side hustle into something that could potentially be her main job some day. So far she has collaborated with Joe Malone - how did she make that happen?
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/angelinemurphydesign/?hl=en
Mark O’Neill of Roof Window Specialist wanted to turn his long years of slogging and worrying about money into a positive working life for him and his family. He wanted work that didn’t negatively impact his mental health. In the last four years his business has gone from zero to seven figures. He describes himself as one man. How did he make that happen?
Website -
https://www.roofwindowspecialists.com/
Karen Daly who is the Growth Accelerator manager at Unislim and CEO OF 11:11 Bang on trend wanted to free herself up with more time to spend with her family and working on her businesses and not in them. That’s not an easy thing to do but she made it happen. How?
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/masterofweightloss/?hl=en
11:11 Bang on Trend -
https://1111bot.com/
You will also hear from our event partners:
Sian Keane from BTL Aesthetics
https://btlaesthetics.com/en
Brigid Duggan from BD Consultancy
https://www.bdconsultancy.co/
Julian Simpson from Hyperfast NI
https://hyperfastni.com/
Jill Annett from McKees Law Firm
https://www.mckees-law.com/
The Digg Podcast Series 6 is brought to you
In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland
https://www.investni.com/
Delivering nibusinessinfo.co.uk
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
International Women's Day is a celebration of all the great things women are achieving and a way to come together and unite to make a difference. This year I was asked to speak at a lot of events and this episode of The Digg Podcast was recorded at an event organised by Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council. It was an event for young women still at school to encourage and inspire them for the futures.
To follow all the behind the scenes of The Digg Podcast make sure to follow us on social @diggforsuccess across all the platforms.
Walk in Wardrobe is at the forefront of it's customers minds due to the online marketing strategy which has it showing up on social media somedays three times a day across multiple platforms.
Walk in Wardrobe dispatched over 100,000 online orders in 2022 and that’s not including the sales in her luxurious bricks and mortar store in Banbridge. Laura employs 24 people and is the leading female fashion retailer in Ireland and the UK and we want to find out the reasons why.
We hear about how Laura got started in retail and how she learnt the tricks of the trade.
We discuss in detail online growth and how Laura and her team thinks outside the box when it comes to creating content.
Launch strategy and analysing figures is a big part of Lauras success as well as a huge focus on email marketing.
This is an actionable podcast that you will want to listen to again and again.
Follow Walkinwardobe
https://walkinwardrobeonline.com/
Many people want to launch a podcast but don't know where to start. Ryan Loney from BNL Productions speaks openly on The Digg Podcast about the initial stages of starting a podcast.
He outlines simple steps you can take to getting started and how to maximise the impact of the podcast by ensuring you have a distribution strategy in place.
He speaks about the benefits of having a podcast for your business and how it can have huge impact when done right.
To find out more about BNL Productions
https://www.bnlproductions.co.uk/
To follow all the productions tips and tricks from Ryan
https://www.instagram.com/loneydude/?hl=en
The Digg Podcast is in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland
https://www.investni.com/
Benny O’Hanlon is Director of Todds Leap Activity Centre, a multi award winning company who deliver events catering from one thousand people at a time right down to experiences for small families. In its entirety, Todds leap employs over one hundred people and to date have welcomed over a million visitors through their doors. They continue to be leaders in their field when it comes to customer experience and creativity.
Benny is also Director of Todds Leap Shelving and Racking.
In this episode Benny explains why he believes he was set up for success from a very early age. He talks about how he spent his first thirty years of work working at various different jobs and explains why he believes the phrase ‘People who are wandering are not always lost.’
Benny’s life took a dramatic change in direction after reading ‘Awaken the Giant Within’ by Anthony Robbins. He shares exactly what this book ignited in him.
In regards to running businesses, he talks about why he feels lucky about the mistakes he has made in the past and why it’s important we acknowledge mistakes made.
He shares his early journey of opening the Activity Centre, from it starting as a weekend business back in 2001, to present day, as Ireland’s number one Corporate Entertainment Outdoor Activity Centre who offer over twenty activities and much much more.
Benny offers lots of advice to businesses who are trying to be ‘top of their game’ and also to people who are trying to ‘make it happen’.
Benny, Ben, Benedict, Bo, a man with multiple names. A straight talker with plenty of wisdom to share. One determined man that never stops moving. Definitely one not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Todds Leap
Website -
https://toddsleap.com/
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/toddsleap/?hl=en
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/toddsleap/
Todds Leap Racking & Shelving -
https://www.toddsleapracking.com/
The Digg Podcast Series 6 is brought to you
In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland
https://www.investni.com/
Delivering nibusinessinfo.co.uk
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
In this episode you will hear from our event partner Women In Business on how they can help you and support you on your business journey. You will also hear from a Women In Business member, Jacqueline Rooney. Jacqueline explains how Women In Business have helped her on her journey as well as telling a little bit about her story.
Check out all the information on https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/home
The Digg Podcast Series 6 is brought to you in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland https://www.investni.com/
Delivering nibusinessinfo.co.uk https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Catherine Casey is a Marketing Coach and founder of The Marketing Club, a place where small business owners can learn how to convert their Social Media Followers to sales with organic marketing and sales strategies.
In just over a year and a half, Catherine has rolled out many online marketing courses and has over 900 students to date signing up for her expertise.
She has over half a million followers on social media who tune in daily to hear her tips, tricks and strategies on how to market their business.
Catherine is very straight talking and easy to understand which is exactly what business owners need right now. A phrase she often relays to her over half a million followers is, “I will help you make sales in your sleep.”
In this episode, Catherine presents (Link to presentation below) to the audience at The Digg Podcast Live, a discussion on the best way to use social media in order to grow and make the all important sales.
She shares how to create content that converts to sales, tips on how to get people to see your content and a step by step guide to use in order to secure sales from content.
If your business is struggling to grow and sell on social media, this episode is for you.
Links form Episode:
Catherine’s Presentation -
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Vu5pkQty8KufOg2rSaAWAXljRQFMOTzt/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111137467350526166925&rtpof=true&sd=true
Social Media:
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/_themarketingclub/?hl=en
TikTok -
https://www.tiktok.com/@_themarketingclub?lang=en
Episode brought to you in partnership with NI Business Info
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Alix Mulholland is Director of Field Day Ireland, a multi award winning candle and scented home accessory brand that captures and bottles scents of the Irish countryside.
Over the past twenty years Alix has brought her business to amazing heights, supplying her products to World Leaders at the G8 Summit, being available to purchase in the Aer Lingus onboard magazine for a period of time and she is currently about to launch the brand into businesses in NewYork.
Arnotts and Avoca are both stockists of the brand here in Ireland along with over three hundred shops worldwide also stocking her beautiful products. Moreover, thousands of products are sold weekly through the brand’s website.
In this episode, Alix talks about her journey from where she got her retail bug and entrepreneurial spirit as a child to how going to study Retail Management in Scotland led to her business idea being born.
She shares stories on how she responded and dealt with negative feedback in regards to her business starting up, how Invest NI helped with funding, how her team started to grow and how she actually marketed the brand from the beginning.
Alix talks about how retail is changing, the importance of evolving, launching and rebranding. With the culture of imitation, Alix shares how she approaches the issue and explains how she uses customer service in order to make her brand stand out.
The world famous New York Irish Bar, The Dead Rabbit, uses her stunning scents. Alix chats about how this collaboration with Jack McGarry came to be.
She ends the episode by talking about the importance of relationship building and gives the all important advice to people who are trying to ‘Make it Happen.’
If ever there was a humble leader of such a success story, it’s Alix. One not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Field Day Ireland
Website -
https://fielddayireland.co.uk/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fielddayire/
Alix Mulholland - LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/field-day-ireland-alix/?originalSubdomain=uk
Episode brought to you in partnership with NI Business Info
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/
Pete Boyle CEO of Argento and Let’s Go hydro
Pete started on his entrepreneurial journey with no background in retail. His determination that his mum would never have to pay for him in life kicked off his colourful journey in the world of business. From hitch hiking to Dublin to buy jewellery, to countless appearances in court, to not taking no for an answer when it came to driving his business on.
His business went from 5 million to 60 million in 7years and with that came many challenges as well as huge rewards. Pete is open and honest and that’s why I know you are going to love his story and his advice.
Pete talks about the early days and how there was no experience or money to get him started, just a yearning for success.
There were many challenges along the way with Pete discussing pushing the boundaries, risk taking and how at times it got him in hot water with the law.
Opening a retail space in 1997 was a big step for Pete however this was to be the beginning of his real success.
Keeping abreast of key trends is a big topic during our conversation and how he had to act quickly when he knew that his competitors were doing something different.
Listen to the full episode to hear exactly how he navigated the wholesale world and his tips for success.
Entrepreneurship is not always positive and Pete discusses the challenges he has faced over the years.
Managing money was also a big topic during our conversation, something a lot of people struggle with, so I know it will bring a lot of value.
Pete ends with some great advice on “Making it Happen.”
To follow the journey of Pete’s businesses, check out:
Argento
https://www.argento.com/
Let’s Go Hydro
https://letsgohydro.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-boyle-5bb9961b/
Episode brought to you in partnership with NI Business Info
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/
What a year 2022 has been in the world of work. There have been so many challenges but we have made it through to face another year and it's going to be the best year yet. I just know it. We are going to make it happen.
If you would like to join us for The Digg Podcast Live in the Galgorm on the 19th of January 2023 then you need to get your ticket now. Check out our amazing lineup.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-digg-podcast-live-making-it-happen-tickets-491807869577
Melanie Breslin has quite a story to share and one which she has told me she has never shared in its entirety with everyone so I am very grateful she is deciding to do that today on the podcast.
Melanie helps individuals find and step into their true passion. It is her goal to help her clients become the highest version of themselves and to guide them to truly achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Melanie talks about reprogramming yourself to think a certain way.
People always want to learn to be more productive and Melanie has given some great advice to the listeners of The Digg Podcast.
-
how to prioritise
-
how to get more done in a day
-
open your mind to opportunity
-
set Goals
-
become laser focused
To find out more about Melanie visit https://www.melaniebreslin.com/
The Irish Football Association has recently won three Northern Ireland Social Media Awards for In-House Team of the Year, Most Innovative Use of Social Media, and Best Overall Use of Social Media. Their mission is to promote, foster and develop football for all in Northern Ireland and they know the digital content they create plays a key role in doing this, whilst creatively supporting all aspects of the organisation.
In this podcast, the communications team - Andy, John, and Ciaran give us so much information in relation to
-
Building Community
-
Innovative content which sets you apart and creates impact.
-
Growing on the Tik Tok platform
-
Creating impact without needing a huge budget.
-
User-generated content
-
Achieving millions of impressions using GIF'S
and so much more.
Links that were mentioned in the podcast
https://giphy.com/
To follow all the action at Irish FA
https://www.irishfa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIrishFA
https://www.instagram.com/northernireland/
https://www.tiktok.com/@northernireland
Shauna Corr is the founder of Tapping into Success. Shauna is a wife and a mother. She has 20+ years in the corporate world, leading and managing multi-national teams, with a big emphasis on their personal and professional growth and development. The other part of her is that she has been really interested in self-development and alternative health and wellness for 18 years, and 7 years ago she qualified as an EFT/Tapping practitioner. During her corporate career, she met so many people who had the desire to do something more - improve their performance at work, go forward for a promotion, step up for a project or speaking opportunity - but were hesitating to do so, and in the wellness community she has met SO many practitioners who are underselling their services or hesitate to charge their worth. Shauna came to the realisation that these people, from different walks of life, had one thing in common - they all had blocks/fears / limiting beliefs which were holding them back from stepping up or putting the best version of themselves out there. A few years ago, therefore, Shauna did a further certification on how to use EFT/ Tapping specifically to help people to break through these blocks or limiting beliefs, so that they can set big goals for themselves and confidently work towards them, without fear or hesitation.
This is where "Tapping Into Success" was born. In this episode Shauna explains the process of tapping and Caroline discusses the benefits it has had for her in navigating through challenges.
Links from Episode: Social Media Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tappingintosuccess Email: Shauna@tappingintosuccess.co.uk
Annette Kelly is a personal performance and development coach who founded the brand Little Penny Thoughts, an online community which started out as a simple positive wellness page, but has now grown into a major brand which is recognised world wide and has sold hundreds of thousands of products globally.
Annette has over half a million followers on social media and uses her platform for good.
She is also the founder of Wellness from Within, which takes the format of events both online and in person, focussing on the three pillars of wellness; mindset, nutrition and fitness.
Annette touches people with her warmth, her down to earth ways and her genuine compassion. Someone who is always wanting to help others and an expert in the field of wellness.
In this episode Annette shares how her own personal journey resulted in the Little Penny Thoughts brand being born. She explains the process of turning the brand into a business and how it grew at such an incredible rate.
Annette shares key points on promoting a brand on social media. She talks about successful collaborations that they were involved with and how this in turn helped with the growth of their brand.
She explains how Wellness from Within originated and shares lots of practical tips on how to tackle negativity in the form of lack of confidence, fear of judgement, inner critic, negative comments online, all of which can stop business owners from progressing.
Annette ends the episode with the future plans for Little Penny Thoughts and Wellness from Within.
An emotional but extremely practical episode on dealing with negativity when growing a business. One not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Website -
https://www.littlepennythoughts.com/
Social Media
Little Penny Thoughts
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/little_penny_thoughts/?hl=en
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/Littlepennythoughts/
Wellness from Within -
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessfromwithin.ie/?hl=en
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Martin Booth is the owner of The Corner Bakery based in Cookstown. The Corner bakery supplies to over 100 stores all over the country and has a strong workforce of over 50 staff. He makes over one million sausage rolls a year. I am going to let martin tell you all about his journey but the one thing I have noticed about him through our recent work together is that he is hardworking, passionate, and determined but mostly respectful toward everyone he works with.
To me, this is a trait that can’t be learned and something which I hold him in very high regard for. I can’t wait for you to meet him and I know you are going to want a sausage roll after this conversation as well as looking at your business in a whole new light.
Martin tells us about his background and what his biggest challenges have been. He doesn't hold back when it comes to sharing the highs and lows. Martin channels all that he has been through into his passion and determination for business.
We hear about his background in digital marketing has helped catapult Corner bakery into this new digital world.
To find out more about Corner Bakery follow on social media
https://www.facebook.com/cornerbakeryni/
https://www.instagram.com/cornerbakeryni/
Sponsor
https://nisocialmediaawards.com/
Recently I was asked to deliver a keynote speech to the graduates of Southern Regional College 2022. I was nervous and excited and felt truely humbled to be asked.
My speech covered my journey since my own graduation and the twists and turns that I was faced with. I give some advice to the audience and my spin on how to be successful. All that really matters is your friends and family.
Gemma Murphy is a Partner in Jack Murphy Jewellers, the multi-award-winning family business based in the centre of Newry City. As one of Ireland's leading jewellers, they have recently celebrated fifty years in business, with Gemma’s father Jack establishing it back in 1972 with the mantra, ‘You can buy advertisement but you earn reputation.’
Gemma is a leader and a visionary, always seeking opportunity and pushing the boundaries. Jack is now semi-retired and has said,
“I’m proud to witness the next generation take on the reins of the business and see their enthusiasm and vision come to life, taking the business my wife, Pat and I started, over 50 years ago, to new levels. It’s an exciting time for Jack Murphy Jewellers and I look forward to seeing what the future holds!”
In this episode, Gemma shares why she joined the business and how things have changed over the years. As a leader, she discusses the importance of growing a good team, and how she goes about doing this. Customer experience is definitely what makes Jack Murphy Jewellers stand out, therefore, Gemma explains how they have achieved this and offers advice to businesses seeking to take theirs to the next level.
On her entrepreneurial journey, Gemma speaks openly about her personal challenges, dyslexia, dyspraxia and how her strongest talent, emotional intelligence, has helped her to get to where she is today.
She ends the episode by offering advice to small business owners who perhaps are struggling to stand out in their field.
An emotional, thought provoking episode with an emphasis on the importance of team building for business growth. One not to miss.
Links from Episode:
Website -
https://jackmurphyjewellers.com/
Social Media
TikTok -
https://www.tiktok.com/@jackmurphyjewellers
Instagram -
https://instagram.com/jackmurphyjewellers?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/jackmurphy.jewellersnewry/
Sponsor
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Sinead O’Donnell from PH20 Luxury Tanning, Nick Irvine from Cafe Ironic/Roco Cosmetics and Bronagh Quail from Moocha Kombucha, take to the stage at ‘The Digg Podcast Live’.
The three panellists each introduce their business and share a challenge they are experiencing as a business owner.
Mental health, Influencer Marketing, Mum guilt and mindset are the issues at hand.
Three experienced members of the audience offer advice to the business panel. Terri McCanny of TMC Health and Fitness discusses mental and physical health, Niamh Taylor of Digital 24 talks all things Influencer Marketing and Melanie Breslin an elite Mindset Mentor discusses ways to overcome the dreaded mum guilt.
A discussion you don’t want to miss.
Links from Episode:
Business Panel:
Sinead O’Donnell -
https://ph20luxurytanning.com/
Nick Irvine -
https://instagram.com/cafeironic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
https://rococosmetics.com/
Bronagh Quail -
https://moochadrink.com/
Experienced Advisors:
Terri McCanny -
https://www.tmchealthandfitness.com/
Niamh Taylor:
https://www.digitaltwentyfour.com/
Melanie Breslin:
https://www.melaniebreslin.com/
Sponsor
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Throughout The Digg Podcast Live, lots of business owners in the room had questions for the speakers. We were lucky enough to be able to capture some of them for this episode.
I guarantee some of these questions will be things you have been wanting to ask when listening to the speakers.
The speakers who will be answering the questions are:
Cara Jackson - Digital Twenty Four -
https://www.digitaltwentyfour.com/
Laura Cassidy - Bumble and Bee -
https://www.bumbleandbee.shop/
Nathan Grimley - Bored of Lunch -
https://www.instagram.com/boredoflunch/?hl=en
Matt Swain - Social Media Marketer -
https://www.mattswain.com/
Sponsor
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Glyn Roberts is Chief Executive of RetailNI, Northern Ireland’s only locally based retail and wholesale business organisation which provides professional advice and gives a voice to the independent sector at the NI Assembly and Westminster. Glyn is very passionate about helping retailers and keeping the high street very much alive.
Retail NI Advice Line provides help on rates, planning, employment, law and many other issues that impact upon businesses. They have a dedicated Business Liaison Support and hold networking events with leading political leaders and policy makers. They ensure voices are heard at Local Councils, Stormont, Westminster and European Parliament. RetailNI supports local suppliers in developing new routes to market.
In this episode Glyn talks about the challenges facing retailers today and offers advice on what needs to be done in order to help at the present time. He talks about what the twenty first high street looks like, what RetailNI are working on and what advice they are giving to support businesses.
Also in this episode, we hear from Derek Wright, Director of Streetlife and Menswear Retailer, Developer at The Precinct with over 20 New Startup Businesses and President of Newtownards Chamber of Trade. Derek talks about the challenges in business and a huge challenge that nearly finished his retail career. However, by working collaboratively he has been able to "rise from the ashes" and bring the high street to life in Newtownards.
Links from Episode:
RetailNI - https://retailni.com/
StreetLife
https://livestreetlife.com/
Social Media
Glyn Roberts - https://twitter.com/glynrobertsni?lang=en
RetailNI - https://www.instagram.com/retailni/?hl=en
RetailNI https://twitter.com/retail_ni?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Street Life - https://www.facebook.com/theprecinctnewtownards
https://www.instagram.com/wearestreetlife/
Sponsor:
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
This is a very different episode. One where you are going to hear from a lot of businesses who can hopefully be of help to your business. I would urge you to listen to each one for two reasons.
Firstly, you never know when you or someone you know might need their services. If that time arises, in the future, you will have their names referenced here on The Digg Podcast so you can easily connect with them.
Secondly, I urge you to listen to how they pitch their business to the audience. Pitching your business is not easy but these businesses have perfected it for The Digg Podcast and you too might be able to pick up some tips.
Links from Episode:
Businesses:
LJK Designs -
https://ljkdesigns.uk/
Aoibh Johnson Copywriting -
https://aoibhjohnson.com/
CavanaghKelly -
https://www.cavanaghkelly.com/
Ted and Stitch -
https://tedandstitch.co.uk/
Aisling Bremner Marketing -
https://aislingbremnermarketing.com/
Rural Business Finance -
https://instagram.com/rural_business_finance?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Nightowl Studio -
https://www.nightowlni.com/
Hr Made Easy -
https://johannascullion.com/
Stellar Impact -
https://www.stellarimpact.co.uk/
Sponsor
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Cara Jackson is Social and Content Lead at the multi award winning digital marketing agency, Digital 24. With a passion for all things digital, coupled with her analytical skills, Cara creates powerful digital marketing strategies for their clients.
One of her areas of expertise is TikTok, the fastest growing social media platform in the world, which has over one billion active monthly users.
In this episode, Cara presents (Link to presentation below), to the audience at The Digg Podcast Live, a discussion on TikTok and what it means for businesses and content creators.
She explains what TikTok actually is, reasons to use it and who is on it. Cara answers the question a lot of businesses ask, ‘Is it right for my business?’ She discusses professional services that are using it and also how business owners can use it. Influencer marketing, advertising for brands and TikTok Shop were also discussed.
She ends the presentation with tips for getting started.
If you are on the fence about starting to use TikTok for your business or you genuinely just don’t know where to start, this episode is for you.
Links from Episode:
Cara’s Presentation -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DzYYgtNODK84D0qBmgqD4Y96mb-DaBmA/view?usp=sharing
Website -
https://www.digitaltwentyfour.com/
Social Media
Digital24:
TikTok -
https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltwentyfour
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/wearedigital24/
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/digitaltwentyfour/
LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-twenty-four
Cara Jackson:
TikTok -
https://www.tiktok.com/@carajacksonn
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/carajacksonn/?hl=en
Sponsor
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Debbie Sleeman is Founder and Head of Product Development for Polished London, a multi award winning non-peroxide, cruelty free, vegan friendly teeth whitening and oral care brand, of which products include teeth whitening strips, toothpaste, mouthwash and LED whitening kits. Their products are sold world wide.
Debbie worked as a Beauty therapist on a cruise ship. Her love of travel led to an encounter on a plane that would penultimately lead her to be where she is today.
In 2013, Debbie became a Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Specialist. She wanted to provide her customers with an affordable and safe product that they could use at home to prolong the longevity of their freshly whitened teeth.
After two years of intense researching and development, trialling a variety of different products while working closely with a Harley Street Dentist, in 2015, she created Polished London.
Debbie flies around the world speaking to salon owners, pharmacies and individual cosmetic product distributors, sharing her story, her products and creating collaborative working relationships to grow her business.
She is also a mummy and a partner trying to juggle it all.
In this episode, Debbie shares the story of that encounter on the plane that literally changed her life. She talks about the challenges of getting a product to market and shares advice to business owners who are thinking of developing their own product.
Debbie talks all things Marketing with emphasis on Influencer Marketing; how to begin, how to develop it, what to be aware of, challenges it may bring and the Influencer Marketing Strategy she now uses.
The episode ends with Debbie sharing advice to business owners who are perhaps at a crossroads or struggling to see growth within their business.
An honest conversation around an entrepreneurial journey. One not to miss.
Links from Episode:
Website:
https://polishedlondon.com/
Social Media
Instagram - https://instagram.com/debpolishedlondon?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/debbiesleeman
Sponsor
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Laura Cassidy is the owner of ‘Bumble and Bee’ Kid’s Boutique and Partner in ‘Buzz Off at Bumble and Bee’ Travel Agents, both located in the North of Ireland. Her boutique opened in 2018 and shortly after she Partnered in the travel agents.
This episode is Laura’s presentation (Linked below) to the audience at ‘The Digg Podcast Live’. She shares how she has used social media to grow both her businesses and how it didn’t happen without a lot of strategy planning and risks.
Laura talks through how she recently ran an influencer marketing campaign and giveaway which resulted in a twenty thousand follower increase over a seventy two hour period.
As business owners know, these figures mean nothing unless it turns into some kind of revenue. In Laura’s case, her campaign was extremely successful and she did accumulate lots of business. However, with the success came challenges of which Laura explains.
If you are looking for inspiration and guidance in regards to Influencer Marketing Campaigns, this episode for you.
Links from Episode:
Laura’s Presentation -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jmqKKgEw5Aao2qBff8v74l3FOwkZJPRZ/view?usp=sharing
Website -
https://www.bumbleandbee.shop/
Social Media
Buzz off at Bumble and Bee:
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/buzzoffatbumbleandbee/?hl=en
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/buzzoffatbumbleandbee
Bumble and Bee Kid’s Boutique:
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/bumbleandbeekidsboutique/?hl=en
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/bumbleandbeeballymoney/
Sponsor
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Nathan Grimley, in little over two years, has amassed more than seven hundred thousand social media followers and is in the process of writing two cookbooks. With a strong desire to help people with their home cooking at the start of the global pandemic, March 2020, ‘Bored of Lunch Belfast’ was born. He has since rebranded as ‘Bored of Lunch’.
Nathan comes from a corporate background which gives a lot of business owners confidence in knowing that they don’t have to be a social media marketer or digital marketer to achieve online success.
In this episode, Nathan shares what triggered him to open an Instagram account and start sharing calorie focused meals using either a slow cooker or air fryer. He talks about how quickly he saw the growth of his account and why he thinks this was. Nathan offers tips on making reels, writing captions, talks about the importance of hashtags and why he rarely puts his face in posts.
Seeing rapid growth on Instagram led him to setting up both a TikTok and Facebook account. Nathan shares tips on how to grow on these two platforms.
He ends the conversation by sharing his most popular recipe to date.
An episode, to inspire everyone to focus on what they are good at and what they are known for and followers and ultimately sales and leads will come. One not to miss.
Links from Episode:
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mosseri/?hl=en
Social Media
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boredoflunch/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/boredoflunch
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@boredoflunch?lang=en
Sponsor:
Evolve - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Matt Swain has worked alongside Steven Bartlett, the British Entrepreneur who started his social media marketing agency when he was just twenty two and in May 2021 it was valued at over £300 million. Steven is the founder of The Diary of a CEO Podcast which has five million downloads.
Matt worked on Steven’s social platforms, content creation, his No.1 UK podcast Diary of a CEO and his personal brand. He manages over one million Instagram followers across accounts.
Matt founded and runs The Social Club - an exclusive WhatsApp community for the very best in socials (Over One Hundred Million reach). He has grown his LinkedIn from five hundred followers to over ten thousand in just six months - with thirteen million plus views on his content.
He is growing a social media advisory agency working alongside the coolest brands and his book, Breaking Free, is being published this September (2022).
In this episode, Matt shares how and why he went from a corporate job in finance to working on social content. He explains how he got noticed online by Steven Bartlett, his role within Steven’s team and what he subsequently learned from him.
He offers advice to business owners who feel like social media is not paying off for their business and shares tips on the type of content they need to be creating in order to get noticed.
If you want a unique take on your socials and help in developing attention-grabbing valuable content, then this is the episode for you.
Links from Episode:
Website:
https://www.mattswain.com/
Gymshark Post:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matt-swain1_gymshark-i-want-to-make-a-deal-with-you-activity-6911955836072271872-FMNj?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
Social Media
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mattswain__/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-swain1/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MattSwain_
Sponsor - Evolve
Website - https://evolvewomen.org/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
To bring the podcast to a live audience in The Galgorm was a dream come true. I am so grateful for the whole digg community and how much passion and energy they have.
Also truly grateful for our wonderful partner for Series 5 -Evolve.
https://evolvewomen.org/academy-programme/
When we are faced with challenges and the ever-changing business landscape we can often feel deflated, defeated, and like we want to give up. This is not an option. We can't give up. We have to fight hard for our businesses and our families therefore growing resilience and learning ways to keep coping is key.
In the podcast, I give some quick tips and advice on how I have grown resilient with every challenge I face. It's not easy, I have to work hard at it but it's my only option because I'm not giving up.
Stay in touch with me on social on:
https://www.instagram.com/diggmama/
https://www.instagram.com/diggforsuccess/
https://www.facebook.com/diggmama
https://www.facebook.com/DIGG-For-Success-640030949696686
If you would like to attend The Digg Podcast Live in the Galgorm on the 9th of June then click this link to find out more
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/this-is-our-time-the-digg-podcast-live-tickets-339926317767
Often in life and business, we have so many excuses as to why things didn't work out, or why progress isn't happening. More often than not it's because we are finding reasons not to take the steps that are needed. In order to reach your goals you have to take action therefore in this podcast today I encourage you the listener to "Just do it."
I describe times I took the steps and the huge benefits it had for me personally and in business. I hope after listening you are inspired to take some steps towards achieving your goals.
Stay in touch on social media and let me know if you have started to do the things that scare you.
https://www.instagram.com/diggmama/
https://www.instagram.com/diggforsuccess/
https://www.facebook.com/diggmama
https://www.facebook.com/DIGG-For-Success-640030949696686
If you would like to attend The Digg Podcast Live in the Galgorm on the 9th June then click this link to find out more
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/this-is-our-time-the-digg-podcast-live-tickets-339926317767
Time is something we all have the same amount of. 24hrs in a day. It's how we manage that time that is most important and it can have such a huge impact on both business and family life. In this episode, I put my heart and my sleeve and tell you all about not having time to get groceries for my family. This is crazy and I hope to never let that statement come out of my mouth again. I outline three things that I plan to implement to help me change this mindset. I mention "The One Thing" https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-bestselling/dp/1848549253 and I promised I would link it here so there you go. Although the basic ethos of it is outlined in the podcast. I really hope this episode helps make things a little clearer in relation to managing our time better. I know I am going to try much harder to manage my time better. Stay in touch on social media and let me know how you are managing your time better. https://www.instagram.com/diggmama/ https://www.instagram.com/diggforsuccess/ https://www.facebook.com/diggmama https://www.facebook.com/DIGG-For-Success-640030949696686
Being in business in today's world in most cases requires a presence on social media. In my business, it requires constant attention and hard work to achieve growth and rewards. This I was prepared for however I wasn't prepared for the negative impact it would have on my family. In today's episode on The Digg Podcast I talk about how to address the topic of negativity surrounding social media and how to turn it into a positive within the home.
Social media takes consistency, determination and a never give up attitude and that is exactly what is needed from the business owner and realisation of this from your family.
Follow my journey on social media
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/diggmama
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/diggmama/
https://www.instagram.com/diggforsuccess/
Many of us feel that we aren’t good enough in certain situations, or that we don’t deserve to be in a certain position.
This type of negative mindset only stands to halter our progress in life and in business.
In this podcast I discuss ways in which you can combat those intrusive thoughts and move forward to grab opportunity and be the best version of ourselves.
Tonya Kidd-Beggs is founder and CEO of Stories Parfums, a gender inclusive luxury fragrance and bodycare brand that transports the mind and transforms emotions. It’s a multi award winning global brand that is stocked in designer department stores such as Harvey Nichols, Fenwick and Brown Thomas.
After a trip to France, Tonya realised the power of fragrance, how it could heal, release locked memories, transcend personal tragedy and inspire happiness. Thus, Stories Perfumes was born.
‘Stories make up who we are, and we think that life is richer the more you have to tell.
Our fragrances were created by one woman in homage to her stories, but they are just the beginning; as with all good stories, they need a middle and an end. We like to think of it as though we picked up the pen, now it’s up to you to write the rest. What will your story be?’ - Stories Parfum Website
In this episode, Tonya shares just how that trip to France ignited an idea. She gives an insight into how she took her idea, brought it to market and what exactly it takes to prepare and deliver a pitch to designer department stores.
With a business in its infancy at the start of a global pandemic, Tonya talks about collaborations, thinking outside the box and about how they promoted and continued to grow their brand during this difficult time.
She talks about sustainability, the work they are doing around this topic and why it’s important for every business to consider.
Community building is an integral part of the brand. She shares how they as a brand are doing this and in turn offers advice to other business owners.
Tonya ends the episode sharing what her biggest challenge has been since starting the business.
A true inspiration. One not to miss.
Links From Episode:
Website
https://storiesparfums.com/pages/about
Social Media
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonya-kidd-beggs-8a7930141
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tonya_stories_parfums/?hl=en
Sponsor - Agri Barn
Website - https://agribarn.co.uk/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agri_barn/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Richie Crawford is the Creative Manager at the well known McElhinneys Department Store, Ballybofey, Co Donegal. They are renowned throughout the UK and Ireland for having the best window displays.
Over the years, they have won many awards. As McElhinneys celebrated their 50th year in business they won the Drapers Independent Christmas Window Award for 2021. Richie expressed, “Winning the award as a family run business is so appreciated & winning with the ‘For The Dreamers’ concept that gives a nod to our founder and owner John McElhinney, means even more…”
Richie has the ability to translate ideas into reality with visual merchandising. He creates exciting, cost effective visual displays, which not only attract customer attention but also result in increased levels of sales. Richie always stays on top of emerging trends and prides himself on attention to detail.
In this episode Richie starts with sharing his background of how he got to where he is today. He explains what visual merchandising means, why it is important and shares tips on how to plan for it. He offers advice on how to follow a theme throughout a store and how to carry it over into online content.
Richie talks about the key things to think about when doing a window display, the maintenance of it and how often they should be changed. He offers tips to small businesses on how to have a big impact even with a limited budget.
Lots of online recommendations for getting inspiration and ways of keeping up with emerging trends are also shared. Richie explains why visual merchandising is relevant for all businesses, not just retail.
Talking about all things creativity and how we must use all resources we have to make an impact with our customers both online and in store. One not to miss.
Links from Episode:
McElhinneys - https://www.mcelhinneys.com/
Social Media
LinkedIn -
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/richard-crawford-02132647
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/mcelhinneys_richie/
Recommendations:
https://www.pinterest.ie/
The Business of Fashion
https://www.businessoffashion.com/
Patone
https://www.pantone.com/eu/en/
WGSN
https://www.wgsn.com/en
Visual Merchandising News - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/visualmerchandisingnews/?hl=en
Author: Tony Morgan
Visual Merchandising -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Visual-Merchandising-Third-store-displays/dp/1780676875/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3U98MZGVR418C&keywords=tony+morgan&qid=1648678831&sprefix=tony+morgan%2Caps%2C61&sr=8-1
Sponsor
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Kerry Nevins is Founder of Babocush, the Ergonomic Bouncer and Comfort Cushion for babies, which in its first year of business turned over 1.3 million.
When Kerry’s son was born he was only settled and content when resting against her chest. As a busy Mother and Childminder, this proved to be extremely challenging. With no item on the market to replicate this position, her quest for designing the ultimate swaddling cushion with soothing sounds and motion began.
Even though it took fourteen challenging years to bring her product to market, during which she was told by someone that her product was dangerous and that she should not go forward with it, Kerry launched the successful Babocush. Her first Facebook video of an unsettled baby settling on the Babocush went viral with over twenty million views within twenty four hours. Huffpost, CNBC, Ashton Kutcher, Yahoo Parenting, Essential Baby and New York Magazine were some of the over one hundred thousand shares on Facebook.
In this episode Kerry talks about how she took the all important leap of faith from childminding. She shares her challenging journey of bringing her product to market, the logistics, manufacturing, health and safety, shipping the product in, warehousing and the best form of marketing for her business now. She also shares the sacrifices she had to make along the way. As Touker Suleyman of Dragon’s Den is an investor, Kerry explains how this came to be.
She ends the episode by sharing her new consultancy business. A place whereby she can share her wealth of knowledge by helping people launch their product.
If you have an idea for a product and want to be inspired, this episode is for you.
Links from Episode:
Website
https://www.babocush.com/
https://www.babocush.com/pages/launch-your-product
Social Media
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/babocush/
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/babocush
Twitter - https://twitter.com/babocush
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/babocush/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjb46XAcUUpVHtq8FeMI1mg/featured
Sponsor
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Aisling Bremner is a Brand and Marketing Strategist whose career has spanned over two decades working with leading global organisations, household consumers brands, B-to-B and SMEs.
Her ethos is simply ensuring that strong foundations are built, that there is a clear why and that businesses and brands consistently connect with their customers at all touchpoints.
Aisling has worked with brands such as Heinz, Magners, Dale Farm, Coors Light, Queen's University and so many more.
In this episode Aisling breaks down, into three simple points, what a brand is. She shares practical advice on what to think about and steps to take when creating a brand name and then how to actually build a brand through developing brand DNA, brand identity and brand marketing.
Aisling talks about positioning and differentiation, ultimately how to stand out and be known. She also talks about rebranding and how it is never too late. She ends the episode giving brand building advice to the smaller business owner with a limited budget.
If you are starting off or rejuvenating a brand this extremely informative episode is for you. A Brand and Marketing Strategist with an absolute passion for what she does. One not to miss.
Links from Episode:
Website - https://aislingbremnermarketing.com/
Social Media
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/aislingbremnermarketing/
Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisling-bremner/
Book
Blue Ocean Strategy -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Expanded-Uncontested/dp/1625274491/ref=asc_df_1625274491/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310843183616&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7502088366563751616&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007870&hvtargid=pla-318700082110&psc=1&th=1&psc=1
Sponsor
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Louise Conn is CEO of Benone Getaways, a four star luxury glamping village and two beautiful self catering apartments, situated within walking distance of a seven mile blue flag beach, one of Northern Ireland's most popular along the North Coast. They are one of the main sponsors of series four of The Digg Podcast.
The glamping village houses six pods, four of which have their own hot tubes. All pods have access to a private outdoor fire pit, their own picnic table and a BBQ Hut ‘The Chill and Grill’ that can be used by guests to cook a meal or enjoy a glass of bubbly around the fire.
In this episode, Louise shares her background story of how on returning from her world travels, led to proposing an idea, back home on the farm to her father, which in turn has led to the successful business that is Benone Getaways.
She talks about the type of research she did in order to make sure that she was providing accommodation that people actually wanted to stay in. She shares the steps she took to make it happen, what they do to stand out amongst competitors and collaborations that they have embarked on to make their offerings stronger.
As a new business, Louise shares what their most effective marketing techniques are to date and also how they are working to overcome areas they struggle with within the business. She ends the episode by giving a sneak peek into their big plans for the rest of the year.
A young entrepreneur who saw a gap in the market and is now doing something that she loves. One not to miss!
Links from Episode:
https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Social Media
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/benonegetaways/?hl=en
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/BenoneGetaways/
Sponsor
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Sarah Thompson co-founded Ted and Stitch, along with her husband Paul, back in 2019. The company specialise in embroidered branded workwear, promotional clothing, slogan clothing, fashion t-shirts and fashion sweaters.
In November 2021 they turned over in one month their projected turnover for the entire year.
Sarah is just not an inspiration to that person who has an idea but is afraid to take the leap but also to that person who takes the leap but is afraid to push forward. Her story is nothing short of inspirational.
In this episode Sarah shares how Ted and Stitch came to be. She gives an insight into how her business grew in such a short space of time, the role collaborations and social media had to play within that growth. Sarah shares tips on how a business could approach a collaboration with do’s and don’ts, how to stand out amongst competitors and also shares advice to businesses who are maybe afraid to push forward with new ideas.
As Sarah is a working Mum, she ends the episode with one clear message to fellow working Mums.
For all things collaborations, growth and mindset, this is one not to miss.
Links from Episode:https://tedandstitch.co.uk/
Social MediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/tedandstitch/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tedandstitch/
Sponsor
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Sean Cavanagh has worked in accountancy for eighteen years. He is the Director of SCC, which for the past two years, is the fastest growing practice across the UK and Ireland.
They currently have five physical offices and employ over fifty professionals who all strive to complement their client’s businesses in the best possible way to ensure their clients are maximising their business potential.
Outside of the world of accounting, Sean has achieved three All Ireland Medals at Gaelic Football Senior Level. With this wealth of experience, he is currently partaking in media work with the well known Irish Network, RTE.
No matter what size of business, managing money plays a fundamental role. In this episode Sean talks about all things cash flow, sharing advice on how to take control of it, software he would recommend and the role VAT plays in it. He discusses sole trader versus limited company, what expenses to record and why it is important, grants, cross border trading, business development and much more.
With a company who focuses on understanding what the business owner wants to achieve and then creating a structure and environment that will allow them to achieve it as easily as possible, you will most definitely not want to miss this episode.
Links from Episode:https://seancavanaghandco.com/
Software
Sage:
https://www.sage.com/en-ie/
Quickbooks:
https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ie/
Xero:
https://www.xero.com/uk/
Sponsor
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Sharon Keegan is the CEO and Founder of the Irish support wear brand, Peachylean who appeared on BBC TV, Dragon’s Den. With her heart felt pitch, asking for £100,000 investment in return for 11% of her business, she was able to secure three investors on the night, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Tej Lalvani.
Peter Jones of Dragon’s Den said, “ Never have I been more pleased that someone has walked out of the Den with an investment.”
Peachylean is set to hit one million in sales this year.
In this episode Sharon speaks openly about her struggle with postnatal depression, sharing the story of how this time in her life led to the idea for her support wear brand. A brand whose aim is to help women feel comfortable and supported in their own skin.
Sharon talks all things Dragon’s Den. The story behind why and how she got the chance. She shares how she prepared her pitch, importance of brand identity and how the three investors have helped since they became part of the business.
Community building is a huge part of the Peachylean brand. Sharon explains how and why she is growing it, how she stays connected with them and the all important role social media plays within it.
The episode ends with Sharon sharing advice to businesses who are trying to bring their brand to the next level but are struggling to get noticed online.
This is definitely one not to miss!
Links from Episode:
www.peachylean.com
Social Media
Peachylean Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/peachyleanofficial/
Peachylean Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/peachyleanofficial/
Sponsor
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Suzie Lee Arbuthnot is a celebrity Home Cook, Charter Accountant and a Brand Ambassador for the well known Irish Supermarket, Supervalu. With an absolute passion for cooking, she is currently in the process of signing off her new cookbook which will be released on 18th August 2022.
In 2019 she was selected from thousands of applicants to compete in the 2020 series of BBC One’s ‘Best Home Cook’. After eight weeks of gruelling competition and endless ‘rustle ups’ she was crowned BBC Best Home Cook by Mary Berry, Angela Hartnett and Chris Bavin. A series that is now streaming on Netflix.
Suzie Lee: Home Cooked Hero is another of her accomplishments, a series that is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
She has also won Outstanding Contribution to Food and Hospitality at the British Chinese Awards and was recently nominated for an award in the Asian Women Awards for Arts and Culture.
In this episode Suzie shares her challenging journey to date, when she knew food was her passion and how she juggles two jobs and motherhood. She talks openly about her experience of being on a well known TV program. With five meals that she created now being sold in Supervalu, she shares how this all came to be. Suzie ends the episode offering advice on managing accounts.
Get ready to be inspired by Susie Lee Arbuthnot. A powerhouse with a passion to share her love of cooking with the world. One not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Website:
https://www.suzieleecooks.com/
Social Media Accounts:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suziecookingthebooks/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/suzieleecooks
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcG_8kdzNVmkRXzytZZDA4w
Suzie Lee - Home Cook Hero:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000vwyq/suzie-lee-home-cook-hero-shorts-sticky-toffee-pudding
Sponsor:
Benone Getaways - https://benonegetaways.co.uk/
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Anna Corry is a lifestyle blogger, founder of AC Connects Consultancy and has a background in Communications and Public Relations.
Through her amazing Blossoming Birds Instagram account, which has a dedicated following of over 95k, Anna has worked with some well known brands such as Mama and Papas, Joules, The White Company, Center Parcs Paris to name just a few.
She understands the struggles faced by small businesses on creating content for social media. Her passion for working with brands as well as wanting businesses to succeed led her to launch AC Connects in 2019. This is where she helps with content creation, developing skills for social media management and influencer marketing strategies.
In this episode Anna talks about her journey to date and how she used transferable skills to get to where she is today. For Influencers and Businesses alike she gives advice regarding collaborations, proposals, pricing, lots of practical tips on creating eye catching content and much more.
As a successful business woman, wife and mother to three young girls, Anna ends the episode sharing how she manages to maintain a work life balance.
For all things Influencer Marketing it’s most definitely one not to miss!
Links from Episode:
Apps
Lightroom - https://lightroom.adobe.com/
VSCO - https://vsco.co/
Blossoming Birds - https://www.instagram.com/blossomingbirds/
AC Connects - https://www.instagram.com/acconnects/?hl=en
Websites
https://www.blossomingbirds.co.uk/
https://www.acconnects.co.uk/about
Sponsor
NI Business Info - https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/my-new-business?utm_source=DiggMama&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=nibimynewbusinesstool2021&utm_id=nibimynewbusinesstool2021&utm_content=diggmamapodcastsharedcontenturl
Check out all our other guests on:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/blog
Jennifer Rock is founder and CEO of The Skin Nerd, Nerd Network, Cleanse Off Mitt makeup removal tool and Skingredients. She is a multi-award winning Dermal Facialist, Skin Tutor and author of bestseller, The Skin Nerd: Your Straight-Talking Guide to Feeding, Protecting and Respecting Your Skin.
She features regularly in the Irish Examiner, Image Magazine, Irish Country Magazine, the Sunday Business Post, Stellar and Irish Tatler. Jennifer is resident skin and beauty expert on IrelandAM and also across several Irish radio stations.
As a skin care tutor, trainer and facialist by profession, Jennifer shares how her passion for skincare grew into The Nerd Network, her online skin consultation service, which currently has fifty thousand clients. She talks about the challenges of bringing a product to market, learning from mistakes and the importance of networking and using mentors along the way.
With her business first igniting on the early days of Snapchat, she talks about the importance of community and shares tips on using social media to grow a business. Jennifer also talks about staffing and why it is important to have a team of likeminded people around you.
She believes that in life there is always a way. It’s not about dreaming, it’s about empowering yourself to make it a reality.
The powerhouse that is Jennifer Rock. One not to miss.
Check out the show notes on the link below:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/post/from-passion-to-profit-while-always-putting-your-customer-first
Mairead Mackle is a multi award winning entrepreneur. She owns and operates a wide range of businesses across several industries including care, support, housing solutions, renewables and construction. All of which are under the umbrella of Tarasis Enterprises.
Mairead is continually being recognised for her innovation in Business. She is the current NatWest Everywoman of the Year & the Irish Tatler Entrepreneur of the Year.
She was also named as a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of The Year®
and in 2018 she received a National Special Recognition Award in London for her commitment to family business and impact on the local community. She has also received several other prestigious awards over the years which are listed in the shownotes below.
Despite the demands of running a huge business and being a Mum to seven children, Mairead has made it her priority to give back to her community through her voluntary work and in the charities and mentoring she is involved with.
In this episode she talks about her journey to date, recruiting and managing staff and why their core purpose is using their business to create a better world. She shares challenges and offers advice on growing a business while also having a family, charity work she is involved with and her passion for empowering female leaders and much more.
Mairead is a strong supporter of equality, diversity & women in business. An episode not to miss.
Check out the shownotes on the link below:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/post/making-a-difference-with-your-business-is-what-s-most-important
Jackie Reid is Chief Strategy Officer and one half of husband and wife duo who own Deli Lites, an award winning gourmet sandwich and food-to-go company, based in Northern Ireland. They employ over three hundred staff and have their own twenty five thousand square foot manufacturing facility. Not only do they supply every county in Ireland, every day of the week, they also export to nine countries in Europe and have just secured a deal in Dubai.
They always stay true to their original values and purpose which is to make their fresh products have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of those who consume them and on the growth and bottom line for those who sell them. Over the years they have secured deals with Debenhams Cafes, Costa Coffee, Apple Green to name just a few.
Jackie, who is a self taught business woman, shares where their idea came from. Why and how they started supplying their product all over Ireland.
She talks about growth, team building, pushing boundaries, taking risks, keeping goals in sight and the importance of believing in what you are doing. She also shares advice around ‘Fear’.
As a mum of three, Jackie talks about the challenges of combining business life and family life and much more.
A woman who oozes passion for her brand, which is now going global, is most definitely one not to miss.
Check out the shownotes on the link below:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/post/taking-your-business-to-the-next-level
Linzi Rooney is the founder of Born and Bred, a bricks and mortar store in Belfast and a fast growing store online. It’s a company that helps artists thrive. Furthermore, Linzi is also selling her product to the four main Stena Line ships and is regularly fulfilling huge orders for Tourism Northern Ireland and Guinness.
A silversmith by trade, Linzi speaks of how her idea, to support fellow artists, started as a charity. She explains why this had to then change and how Born and Bred was launched.
Linzi talks about where her business was pre COVID19 and how the impact of it helped her business for the better. As a working mum of two girls, she shares how she manages both the bricks and mortar and the extremely busy online store. When it comes to staffing, Linzi gives advice on how to have a tight team that works.
She shares her thoughts on social media, talks about Alt Text, Google Ad spend and fundamentally how Google led to her supplying large corporations with a product.
With breast cancer in her family, Linzi speaks of the difficult choices she had to make for herself and her two children. She explains how their new lifestyle change ignited a business idea which she is now launching next year, Beyond the Herd.
Get ready to be inspired by Linzi Rooney. A true Entrepreneur with an incredible business story.
Check out the shownotes on the link below:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/post/growing-an-online-business-alongside-a-bricks-and-mortar-store
Olivia’s Haven is a luxury home fragrance business, founded by the amazing Olivia Burns, who is a leading marketing and branding expert. She has taken the business from just an idea little over a year ago to a widely recognised brand throughout the Uk and Ireland.
A brand that combines design and storytelling. It has recently been featured in Forbes, Ok Magazine, Independent, Gloss Magazine, Daily Express and many more.
Olivia shares with us how she has grown something from just an idea, little over a year ago, to now opening new premises and hiring her eighth member of staff.
With a strong brand identity that is carried across her website and all her social media platforms, Olivia shares tips and tricks on how to achieve this. She also talks about being consistent on social and how she uses it to her advantage.
Olivia explains why Shopify is so easy to use. Furthermore, not only does she express how important email marketing is to her growing business, but also offers tips and advice in this area.
If you have a business idea and are maybe afraid of starting, Olivia shares some very valuable advice. A truly inspirational story with lots of tips and tricks.
Check out the show notes on the link below:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/post/olivia-s-haven
Julie Hastings is the Marketing Director of Hastings Hotels and a visiting Professor at the Ulster University. She is a powerhouse in the world of business and hospitality.
Julie shares with us how the hugely successful family business grew over the years to what we know as the Hastings Group of today, seven beautiful, well known hotels across Northern Ireland.
The global pandemic brought extremely challenging times to the hospitality industry. Julie, a creative at heart, speaks of how Hastings Hotels rose to this challenge by launching new and innovative digital campaigns where collaborations were key.
As the hospitality industry is trying to return to the ‘New Norm’, Julie speaks of the challenges and gives advice to both the staff on the ground and management.
A true lady with a wealth of knowledge. One not to miss.
Check out the shownotes on the link below:
https://www.diggforsuccess.com/post/leveraging-digital-for-the-hospitality-industry
Emma Gribben is a global digital marketer with over 9 years of experience gained throughout the Uk, Ireland, and Dubai.
Emma provides so many services for her clients, such as digital strategy, website analysis, and design, social media consultancy, content marketing, email marketing, digital marketing training, and mentoring.
So many small business owners manage their own digital marketing while others have a team working with them. Emma speaks about the practicalities for business owners implementing a digital strategy and the benefits of this.
We explore the topic of customer personas and how to develop this within the strategy.
There is great advice on how to embrace all that is involved in a digital strategy and how this can have a major impact on your business.
Check out the show notes on:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/news/customer-personas-and-reaching-your-online-audience
Meghan Semple is an award-winning Belfast-based Digital Marketer, specialising in online advertising on platforms including Facebook ads and Google ads for businesses all across Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond. She’s the Global Performance Marketing Lead at the Google and Facebook partnered agency, Digital 24.
Meghan works towards building profitable strategies for businesses of all sizes and she’s what you may call a ‘data-driven’ marketer, always focused on that bottom line!
In the podcast Meghan outlines some of the key things businesses should consider when advertising online for the first time.
Mistakes which businesses make frequently is also discussed and how to rectify this.
Meghan covers what Key metrics you should look at when running facebook ads and the suggested budget which should be allocated to your ad campaigns.
Google Ads is a topic which is also discussed and how to bring costs down within the google ads platform.
Google shopping is something which Meghan feels can be very beneficial if orchestrated correctly and this is covered in the podcast also.
Get your notebooks at the ready and remember to check out our shownotes on:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/tips-for-creating-facebook-ads-that-work
Diarmuid McSweeney is the Co-founder of Gym+Coffee and he has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to growing a brand which is recognised world wide.
Diarmuid talks about how he built his business based on his own passions and trends he could see developing in the “ath-leisure” space. With little to know experience in the retail world they started small and they now have nine stores and a growing ecommerce presence globally.
Influencer marketing has played a massive part in their growth and Diarmuid shares with us how alot of that has happened organically because of the amazing community they have built.
Gaining investment and social support from Niall Horan and One Direction has been amazing for the brand and we get the low down on just how that happened.
This podcast will be an eye opener for those people who are nervous about growth and who aren’t sure about how to make that happen. Honestly this is a podcast you won’t want to miss.
Check out the show notes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/building-a-community-focused-brandaudio
Grainne McCoy is a multi-talented make-up artist. Her career has taken her across the UK and Europe working on film sets with international brands such as Laura Mercier and collaborating with Global Makeup brand Trish McEvoy.
Grainne has worked at Google and YouTube Headquarters and is well known for her part in the Apprentice in 2016.
Grainne talks about her early journey in business and how as a young mum she struggled to make money. She knocked on many doors and eventually they started to open.
Hard work, grit and determination are qualities Grainne talks about a lot and her motto is “When someone tells you No, you don’t listen.’
A very inspirational and motivating conversation that is sure to leave you with fire in your belly.
Check out the shownotes on the link below:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/determination-and-resilience-is-needed-in-business
In the podcast we will be discussing the foundations small business owners need to put in place to a) honour their legal compliance duties as an employer and b) give them peace of mind that they have proper HR practices in place.
Top tips for small business owners to put solid HR foundations in place:
- Understand your starting point – you already have a “contract of employment” in place even if you don’t think you do.
- Take control and put a “written agreement / contract” in place asap – ALL EMPLOYEES MUST have a “principal statement of main terms and conditions of employment” in place from day of employment if you plan to employ them for longer than a month. I can discuss the “Key clauses” you must include.
- Put a “non-contractual” employee handbook in place that contains the “rules & standards” of your business. This can grow and expand with your business.
- The key HR policies all small businesses should have in place – including my number 1 MUST HAVE policy for all small business owners.
- The best HR is Informal HR – i.e. how to have challenging conversations with staff, when they are under-performing or not reaching your standards (nip it in the bud quickly). Ask me about “the sandwich”.
I can't wait for you all to listen and make changes in your business which will protect you and your employees straight away.
Check out the shownotes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/top-tips-for-putting-solid-hr-foundations-in-place-in-your-business
Cara from Digital Twenty Four talks us through all things video content and how to get through the overwhelm of creating video content for your business.
We discuss the dos and don’ts of video content and why it is so important.
Planning for your video content is so important in order for it to be successful so we get some great tips on this.
Filming and Editing especially can really put people off ever embracing this type of content however Cara gives us some great ideas for equipment and apps that will help you create videos with ease.
All too often people create videos and put no thought into how it appears on the different social platforms. We discuss this in detail giving straight-talking advice about how to best distribute your content.
Measuring the success of a video is also very important in helping you plan for the next video therefore analysing data is also discussed.
To find out all the info from the podcast check out the show notes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/creating-video-content-for-your-business-using-your-smartphone
Speaking at a Women In Business conference recently I covered the topic - Building your personal brand.
I talked about defining your brand values and your audience. This is so important.
Also being able to pitch yourself no more what circumstances you are in.
Building your brand is something that will take time and hard work.
I discuss utilising opportunities face to face, social media and networking, and events.
This is a fast-paced episode with lots of goodness.
Check out the shownotes on:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/building-your-personal-brand
In todays Podcast Ruth and Barbara-Anne give us the background to their amazing business Ooh and Aah Cookies.
From the early days of attending Balmoral Show and stalls in Victoria Square to present day where they are sending out hundreds of boxes a week and taking the internet by storm. The struggle of being a business owner and a mum is also addressed but they have now managed to create a good system where everyone is looked after.
They speak about the pandemic and how it has allowed them to put a strategic marketing plan in place which has resulted in their business reaching new heights. The topics of social media, email marketing and content creation are covered and the dynamic duo admits that they have learned a lot of their skills on the job.
Collaborations have been a massive part of their success only because they know how to utilise that type of content in the best way possible.
The future is bright for Ooh and Aah Cookies and I can't wait for you all to hear their business journey.
Check out all the shownotes on:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/learning-as-you-go-is-part-of-the-journey
Rachel Molloy owns Cafe No 47 based in Donaghmore and is preparing to open her second Restaurant/Cafe in Cookstown.
Rachel discusses her journey through life and employment and how she is now embracing her entrepreneurial journey.
The support from her family and friends has been amazing however it is Rachel's fearless attitude and determination which has brought her to where she is today.
The challenges of the pandemic is discussed in detail and how Rachel has navigated through that by adapting her business model for the times we are in.
The power of social media is discussed and how her 4000 followers on Instagram mean so much to her and rightly so.
Check out the show notes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/feel-the-fear-and-do-it-anyway
Ellen Kavanagh Jones is the Co-Founder of Waxperts Wax, Waxperts and Heire.
In the podcast, Ellen discusses her journey on social media and how she has used social media to grow her business.
Community is so important to Ellen and the waxperts team. She speaks about when Covid hit and how they put their community and their team before the needs of the business.
Ellen talks about building community and how important it is in their overall business model.
How to launch a new product is discussed and the challenges that brought during a pandemic.
Tips for social media are discussed and how you can best utilise the platforms to grow your brand and business.
This is a very straight-talking podcast that will inspire you to build your tribe and always put them first.
Check out the show notes
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/the-power-of-brand-values
Jill McDowell is founder of Home At Rose Cottage and Rose Cottage on the Road.
She is an Influencer and Instagram Expert who specialises in creating engaging content and educating businesses how to d the same.
In the podcast we discuss all things Instagram.
How to have your Instagram account visually appealing to encourage new followers:
-Logo
-Bio
-Highlights
-Grid
We also discuss the different types of content that resonate with your audience and how to embrace all of the features.
Particular emphasis is placed on reels and how to use these effectively to grow
following.
This is a jam-packed episode and I know you will learn so much.
Check out the show notes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/news/using-instagram-effectively-in-business
Sponsored by: Michelle Smith Sugaring
Emma Miller and Joanne Chambers are the dynamic duo known as Dollybird Interiors.
With over 20 years experience between them and numerous awards they are experts in their field and are pushing their business to new heights especially since Covid.
In the podcast Emma speaks about taking risks and how sometimes finance can be the only thing that holds you back.
She discusses the use of the bounce back loan and how they used that to launch and rebrand Dollybird Interiors - opening a huge new premises and employing more staff.
Emma also discusses social media and how she believes it has helped grow brand awareness and in turn increase their turnover.
This is such a straight talking podcast with a business owner who isnt afraid to say exactly how it is. That's what we all need in business, someone to be open and honest.
Check out the shownotes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/a-pandemic-wont-stop-us-growing-our-business
Aimee Oliver CEO of Bodyfit Mums talks to us about how she founded her face-to-face fitness business which supports mums on their journey with exercise and motherhood.
We discuss how important that face to face contact has been for not only the fitness of her members but also their mental health. When covid hit Aimee was determined she would support her mums no matter what the cost.
Aimee talks us through how she transitioned to the online space and has grown her business phenomenally over the past 18mths where she now has over 500 members joining her online courses from all over the world.
This future is growing at such a fast rate and that is mainly down to the strong Bodyfit Mum community. We discuss how to grow a tribe like this and how to make them the centre of all that you do in business.
This is such a fast-paced, informative, inspiring episode that I know you are all gonna love.
Check out the show notes on:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/news/support-your-community-and-your-business-will-grow
In today’s podcast, I speak to you from a place of reflection. Reflecting on the amazing guests we have just listened to over the last few months and excitement for the guests to come.
I am excited for the businesses that will be pitching to you over the next few months as sponsors of the podcast. Each episode will have a 1-2min pitch from a different business that is sponsoring the podcast. They will speak direct to you, the Digg audience telling you all about why they are the best in their game and how you can reach out to them and find them on social.
I also include my top 3 tips for businesses as they ease out of lockdown. You are going to want to listen to these. I know they will help you so much.
Check out the show notes for all the details.
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/3-steps-to-help-you-ease-your-business-out-of-lockdown
PR is a buzz word that we all as business owners are familiar with, but what does it really mean? How can it benefit you and your business?
Fiona Brown Communications strips it right back to the basics. We discuss what PR really means on a basic level and how that can be, and should be incorporated into your marketing strategy.
Is there such a thing as bad press? I love Fiona's view on this.
The benefits of having PR as part of your marketing strategy are huge. We discuss on detail exactly how this can help grow brand awareness and ultimately increase revenue in your business.
A huge factor in businesses embracing any kind of PR activity is budget therefore we thrash out ways a business can gain exposure doing simple things before employing a PR consultant to take it to the next level.
This episode is jammed pack with amazing tips for businesses to get started with.
Check out the show notes for all the details:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/why-is-pr-so-important-for-your-business
Shopify is one of the leading ecommerce platforms in the world. In this podcast Mark Kelso (Shopify Expert) takes us through, step by step, how to get the best return from your shopify store.
We discuss everything from listing a product or service, search engine optimisation and Shopify marketing.
The topic is vast however the points covered in the podcast will help many retailers get some clarity on exactly what is needed to get traffic to your Shopify website.
Check out the Show notes:https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/getting-the-best-results-from-your-shopify-store
The Galgorm Collection consists of the Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, The Rabbit Hotel, Fratelli Restaurant, and Cafe Parisian.
On the podcast, Catherine McKernan, Victoria Brown, and Leigh Heggarty speak about the extensive marketing activity of the team and how it takes all the wheels spinning to make the Collection the huge success it is today.
Catherine outlines how the marketing strategy has changed over the past year and the changes that The Galgorm has made in preparation for their customer returning.
Victoria discusses influencer marketing, the strategy which the hotel implements, and the benefits that has had for the business.
She also gives us the inside information on "The Rabbit" Hotel which opened in 2020 and how challenging that has been during the pandemic.
Leigh gives us some insight into how the golfing market has helped grow the business and how she envisages international travel in the future.
This is a podcast which instils hope and excitement for the future especially in the world of hospitality.
Check out the shownotes
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/the-face-of-hospitality-post-covid
Tara Grimes Fitness invited me onto her Facebook platform to discuss social media with her business community.
The key points we covered were:
How important is social media for business?
Basic principles for getting started.
How to embrace the platforms and how to deal with negativity?
Creating content that engages with your audience and ultimately results in sales and leads.
Although this wasn't recorded with the Digg Podcast in mind I asked Tara if it would be okay to share the content with my listeners due to there being lots of valuable information discussed. Tara is a great advocate for sharing knowledge and helping other businesses and she agreed.
Listen to the full episode and check out the show notes where all the key points have been recorded for you.
https://diggmama.com/blogs/news/the-basics-for-promoting-business-on-social-media
If ever there was a woman in business determined to make her mark in the community and make a difference in the lives of others it's Oonagh O'Hagan.
In this podcast, Oonagh describes her dream of owning Meaghers Pharmacy and how that dream became a reality in 2001. It has grown into nine pharmacies across Dublin and is now a leading online provider for pharmacy services and products.
The challenges of Covid 19 are discussed and how the team at Meaghers has used this to create a new and better way of staying in touch with their customer.
Virtual pharmacist, online blogs, and influencer marketing are just some of the tools discussed which are used to provide an outstanding service.
This podcast is one of inspiration as Oonagh uses all her knowledge in business to help other aspiring entrepreneurs. She is my kind of woman.
Check out the shownotes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/news/oonaghohagan-meagherspharmacy
Life-Changing decisions have been made by so many people over the last year and this has definitely been the case for me.
I have talked briefly on social about the reasons for closing Digg Childrenswear but never exactly got into the finer details that made me close my store.
I believe sharing experiences like this can help others on their journey and it has been a steep learning curve for me in the world of business.
In this episode, I take you through my journey from an inexperienced 24yr old to a present-day 38-year-old with three kids and 12 years of business experience under my belt.
It's been a tough year but as I talk through it on the podcast it helps me process what has happened and I hope it gives others the courage to either keep working hard at their business or give them the strength that's needed to make changes.
Check out all of the show notes on
https://diggmama.com/blogs/news/life-changing-decisions-during-a-pandemic
When your tan goes terribly wrong on your wedding day and you turn that into a million-pound business there has to be someone strong and passionate behind it. That person is Linda Stinson CEO of award-winning tanning brand Bellamianta.
Her background in cosmetics gave her a great starting point when entering the beauty industry but Linda talks in the podcast about the sacrifices she made to launch the business and the hurdles she met along the way.
Bellamianta was one of the first businesses in Ireland to embrace Influencer Marketing to the full. Linda speaks about a tiered approach when working with influencers and how that has taken her business to new heights.
The need to stay current and be at the forefront of the customer's mind is the driving force behind all of the amazing product launches that Bellamianta is so well known for. Linda describes what it takes to pull something like that off time and time again.
Check out all the shownotes on
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/bellamianta-launching-strong-with-new-products-in-2021
Running a multi-award-winning Digital Agency is no mean feat however Niamh Taylor does it with professionalism, passion, and a no-nonsense attitude.
In this Podcast, Niamh discusses just how she got to be the CEO of a digital Agency. We get insight into the types of clients she works with and what type of work she does for them.
It hasn't always been plain sailing and Niamh chats about major life events such as losing her mum and how that impacted on her new business at the time.
Niamh believes straight talking is the most beneficial way to speak to businesses, especially during these challenging times.
She gives some top tips on what businesses should be focusing on right now in order to keep themselves in front of their target audience.
Niamh talks about her love of social media and the vision behind the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards.
Niamh is a wealth of knowledge and I'm so glad everyone is getting a chance to hear just what it takes to be at the top of your game.
Check out all the show notes:
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/it-takes-hard-work-and-resilience-to-survive-in-business
When you are an honest, kind, and humble leader you cultivate a workforce that becomes like your family.
Working at McElhinneys Ballybofey has taught Sales and Business Manager Sandra Devenney so much when it comes to growing a business that is part of the community and also sustainable in the long term.
In this Podcast, Sandra gives us the background as to why McElhinneys is considered a destination store in Ireland and how their online sales have preceded all expectations since Covid 19 hit in March 2020.
We also get an insight into how significantly the Bridal Industry has changed over the last few years and how they as a team, have adapted to that.
Sandra delves deep into Influencer marketing and how they consider their Influencers as part of the team and have so much respect for the light they shine on their business.
Managing a staff of two hundred does not come without its challenges but Sandra opens up on how she manages this in the most effective way which brings out the best in the team.
An insightful and inspirational podcast especially for those in the world of retail.
Check out all the show notes on
https://diggmama.com/blogs/the-digg-podcast/embracing-the-changes-in-retail-in-2021
When you turn your skill of being an amazing content creator into a business exciting opportunities come your way. This is definitely the case for Award-Winning Beauty and Fashion Influencer Ashlee Coburn from Oh So Femme / OSF Designs.
I can't wait to let you all in on Ashlee's top tips for navigating the influencer space and staying true to who you are. She also has amazing advice for business owners wanting to create hard hitting content for their social platforms.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and remember to check out the show notes for all of Ashlee's golden nuggets for top Content Creation.
www.diggmama.com/pages/the-digg-podcast