10forty

This Week on the 10forty Podcast: A Deep Dive into the World of Retail with Melissa Moore In this week’s episode, we sit down with Melissa Moore at D2 Podcast Studio to chat all things retail — from career journeys and industry insights to the power of podcasting. Melissa is the host of the award-winning Retail Tea Break Podcast, a retail consultant, and a lecturer in sales and retail apprenticeships. Her career began with a summer job at Laura Ashley, and took her from studying Theatre Arts Management to working behind the scenes in London’s West End. After landing a role with a theatre producer, life brought her back to Ireland, where she launched her retail journey with Dunnes Stores before joining IKEA for its Irish debut. We cover: Melissa’s unique career path and lessons learned Why your first job in retail matters The rewards and challenges of the industry Why Melissa believes retail is here to stay — and how it stays agile What the Sales & Retail Apprenticeship involves and who it’s for The role of a Retail Advisor and the importance of evolving with customer needs How podcasting has opened doors and expanded Melissa’s network 💼 Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mooremelissa1/?originalSubdomain=ie 🎧 Listen to The Retail Tea Break Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yp4nkYObK5ANBN9iC2WHx?si=eba3dbfad3664f17, YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theretailadvisor5698, and follow her on Instagram @theretailteabreakpodcast https://www.instagram.com/theretailteabreakpodcast/ Thanks to the guys in D2 Podcast Studio for putting the edit together. This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the 10forty Podcast

In this week’s episode, we sit down with the one and only Kerry Hanaphy, founder of one of Ireland’s best-known aesthetics clinics. A powerhouse in the industry and a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Kerry is a true inspiration. We dive into her incredible journey—from her humble beginnings, getting into school and moving to the UK to train as a nurse, where hands-on experience was part of the job from day one. We explore: • Her early career and the personal challenges she overcame • The global company that allowed her to work in multiple countries • The turning point: returning to do a training course that opened the door to a side hustle—starting with house calls and a chair in a hair salon in Tallaght, eventually building a network of over 50 salons • The pivotal decision to go full-time as an aesthetic practitioner—one that hinged entirely on securing finance for a new car (!) We also chat about everything from Botox and “Brotox” to cutting-edge procedures like Morpheus8, lip fillers, and anti-wrinkle injections. Plus, Kerry shares: • What she looks for when hiring new team members • The exciting expansion of her brand with a brand-new clinic opening in Cork Kerry is a legend in her space—authentic, driven, and deeply passionate about what she does. 👉 Learn more at kerryhanaphy.com Follow Kerry on Instagram (Link) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-hanaphy-26611023/ Thanks to the guys in D2 Podcast Studio for putting the edit together. This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com.

This Week on the 10forty Podcast: Keith & Stephen from Insights – The Stripped Back Podcast In this week's episode, we sit down with Keith and Stephen — electricians by day and podcasters by night — and the creators of Insights: The Stripped Back Podcast. With over nine seasons recorded and several sponsors already backing them, the lads are making waves in the world of trades-based content. We dive into their journeys into the electrical trade, how their experiences in school shaped them, and what led them to launch their podcast. Keith and Stephen have very different learning styles and professional paths: Keith could cram and pass exams quickly, while Stephen had to take more time for things to click — both proving there's no one-size-fits-all path to success. Keith also shares what inspired him to start his own business, Energise Electrical Contractors Ltd, while Stephen explains why he prefers life as an employee, now working as a Facilities Technician for Mitie. Together, they shed light on the importance of gaining broad site experience across domestic and commercial work, and the sometimes harsh culture that still exists on building sites — particularly for apprentices starting out. We talk about what they look for when hiring, advice for apprentices to keep their heads down and learn as much as they can, and why training your own team to your standards is crucial for business owners. =If you’re in need of a trusted electrical partner for your home, business, or renewable project — reach out to Keith at Energise Electrical Contractors Ltd: 🌐 tradehq.com/EnergiseElectricalContractors 📧 info@energiseelectrical.ie Listen to insights the stripback podcast where ever you get your podcast Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2SyP17XraZTXHVdjcXKtFa?si=TgLZlndFRd-WeCME2R717w Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@InsightTheStrippedBackPodcast Apple For larger commercial facilities work, Stephen and the team at Mitie are a solid choice. This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists. Special thanks to the Guys at D2 Studio for the edit and putting the podcast together. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com.

This week on the 10forty podcast we’re joined by Joey Boland, former Dublin senior hurler and CEO of Sports Physio Ireland, for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation. Joey shares his journey through second-level education, including the decision to resit his Leaving Certificate after breaking his leg — a major setback that ultimately shaped his resilience and drive. He talks about the early days of his sporting life, from being dropped off at trial games alone to travelling the country with his team, often staying in teammates’ houses, playing matches, and going out for dinner together afterward. These experiences not only built character but also laid the foundation for strong, lasting relationships off the pitch — something Joey believes is crucial for success in both sport and life. We dive into: • What it really takes to become a county player – the commitment, gym work, and video analysis behind the scenes • His transition from athlete to physiotherapist – and ultimately to entrepreneur, stepping off the tools to focus on scaling his business • What Joey looks for when hiring new team members – what they’ll be doing from day one, and the emphasis he places on building a strong, positive company culture • Why health and wellbeing are more than just buzzwords – and why Joey regularly speaks on this at events across the country Finally, we touch on Joey’s passion for health and wellbeing, and how he now speaks at events to share his knowledge and promote the importance of looking after both body and mind. 👉 Connect with Joey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-boland/ 👉 Learn more about Sports Physio Ireland: sportsphysioireland.com This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com.

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we're joined by Fran Massey, better known as Fran the Jeweller from The Cut Price Jewellers. In this episode, Fran takes us on a journey through his life and career—from collecting scrap metal as a kid, to studying subjects he wasn’t too fond of in school, to getting his first break in the jewellery trade. We hear about his early days selling antiques in the Iveagh Markets, the tight-knit Liberties community, and how those formative years shaped the businessman he is today. Fran opens up about the critical role his family has played in the success of his business. While many shy away from employing family, Fran believes it’s the "secret sauce" behind The Cut Price Jewellers’ enduring success. We talk about his decision to go out on his own, the backing he got from his parents, and the mentors who’ve guided him along the way—both in jewellery and other ventures. We also dive into practical advice for anyone thinking about buying an engagement ring, the realities of the luxury watch trade, and the growing conversation around lab-grown versus natural diamonds. It’s an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation with one of Dublin’s most recognisable names in jewellery. Find out more here https://thecutpricejewellers.com/ Follow Fran - https://www.instagram.com/fran.thejeweller?igsh=MWI1dTd3anZtYW8wbg== The Cut Price Jewellers - https://www.instagram.com/thecutpricejewellers?igsh=emdqa2JkdzloM2Z6 This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Leonard Hanna — or as many know him, Coach Lenny — the co-founder of Fitlinks Fitness. We trace Lenny’s journey from his early days working the markets in Fairyhouse, through his academic path, his time as an apprentice tiler and how his passion for fitness led him to become a qualified PTI (Physical Training Instructor). Lenny shares how he got his first job in a gym, the value of working as a group instructor, teaching aqua aerobics classes, and his progression into 1-on-1 personal training. We also dive into how he and his business partner Darren launched Fitlinks Fitness — a gym focused on semi-private, strength and conditioning training. There are no mirrors, no waiting for machines, and each member trains in their own bay on a tailored programme. Sessions are typically one hour of focused, uninterrupted training designed to get you in, get the work done and get you on your way to your fitness goals.. We also talk about: What makes Fitlinks different How a PT is typically employed The approach Lenny would take when hiring a new PTI When a trainer should consider offering 1-on-1 sessions The importance of ongoing development in a fitness career 💡 Conor’s Takeaway If you're unsure of what career path to follow, my personal opinion: two of the best, most accessible qualifications to kickstart your journey are: 1. Getting your full driving license 2. Completing a PTI course These open doors quickly, help build confidence and can act as launchpads into a wide range of fields — including fitness, wellness, youth work, emergency services, content creation, and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re just getting started or considering a new direction, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Fitlinks Website https://fitlinksfitness.com/ Insta https://www.instagram.com/fitlinksfitness/ This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Kevin and Jota from Dublin Ink at D2 Studios to hear all about their journey into the world of tattooing. Both artists took very different paths into the industry — Kevin studied art in college, while Jota jumped straight into hands-on experience. We explore their unique routes, what they look for in a tattoo apprentice, the importance of building a strong portfolio, and how they developed their own signature styles. We also chat about the various types of tattoos they specialise in and their thoughts on the evolving tattoo scene in Ireland. If you're interested in checking out their work, you can find them on Instagram: 👉 Kevin’s: https://www.instagram.com/pucatatu?igsh=MW01dHowaXd4Z3pkaw== 👉 Jota’s: https://www.instagram.com/casas.tattoo?igsh=MXRsemR5OWhpNzZlYg== This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we head to D2 Studios to sit down with Gary Fox, host of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast, to dive into the fascinating story behind one of Ireland’s most prolific interviewers of founders. Gary shares his journey from studying in college to working his first job in a phone shop, transitioning into the corporate world, and even spending time as a freelance photojournalist. We discuss the challenges of carving out a career in journalism, landing in software sales, and launching Host Butlers a venture that came to a sudden halt during Covid. We talk candidly about the highs and lows of startup life: business failures, securing funding, and how Gary now approaches business through bootstrapping. Gary also shares his big vision for The Entrepreneur Experiment and how he plans to take the podcast global. With over 400 founder interviews under his belt, Gary’s insights into entrepreneurship are second to none. If you haven’t heard of Gary Fox yet and you’re interested in startups, business, or just great storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 👉 For more on Gary, check out his website: www.mrgaryfox.com/podcast This episode was brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the supply chain & procurement recruitment specialists. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner with the show? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we sit down with Susie Kilcoyne to explore her journey through business, beauty, and bold career moves. We chat through her early academic life, how she thrived in Transition Year with a business project that sparked her entrepreneurial spirit, and how she figured out her next steps after leaving school. From her first job in the shoe department at Brown Thomas to becoming an EA at Accenture, Susie’s career path has been anything but linear. We dive into the story behind her first company — launching her own makeup brand, pitching on Dragons' Den, and becoming one of the first Irish entrepreneurs to spot and act on a growing beauty trend. Susie shares candidly why she didn’t leave her full-time job sooner, what held her back, and what eventually pushed her forward. Now, she’s onto her next chapter with Myntly, an exciting new venture she’s building — and she gives us a sneak peek into what’s ahead. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, taking risks, and building brands from scratch, this one’s for you. 🔗 Connect with Susie: Susie Kilcoyne on LinkedIn HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we'll get the coffees in! ☕

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we sit down with Keith Grant from Keith Grant Master Butchers for a no-nonsense, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a modern-day butcher. Keith shares his journey from growing up around sheep and knowing college wasn’t for him, to choosing between becoming a butcher, a baker, or an undertaker. He talks us through his first job in his brother’s shop, learning the ropes of customer service, and how enjoying the work—not watching the clock—led him to his calling. We dive into how he landed his first role as a butcher, the power of following up, and the steps he took to turn an opportunity into a fully fledged business—complete with a business plan and bank funding. Keith also sheds light on the current Butcher Apprenticeship: how long it takes, what it involves, and what a typical day looks like inside his shop. Whether you're considering a trade career or just curious, this is a rare insight into a hands-on, fast-paced industry. We also explore the impact of social media on his business and why he started sharing behind-the-scenes videos online. Note: This episode contains discussion around animal slaughter and the realities of meat production. If butchery sounds like a career you’d like to explore, you’re in luck — Keith is currently on the lookout for his next apprentice. Let’s get into it. 👉 Follow Keith on TikTok to see more of what goes on behind the scenes: @keithgrantmasterbutchers 🛒 You can also place an order online at: www.grantsmasterbutchers.com 🎙️ This episode was brought to you by Top Drawer Talent – the Supply Chain & Procurement recruitment specialists. 👣 Interested in sharing your career journey on the 10Forty Podcast? Whether you want to talk about your own path, promote a particular career route, or shine a light on a job that deserves attention — we’d love to hear from you. 📧 Drop us a line at info@10forty.com – we’ll get the coffees in!

🎙️ 10Forty Podcast – Episode with Denise McQuaid In this week’s episode of the 10Forty Podcast, we sit down with Denise McQuaid, co-founder of Awaken Angels, to talk about her incredible and varied career journey. From pulling pints in a pub to watching The Devil Wears Prada one too many times, Denise shares how her early experiences shaped her ambitions. She walks us through her move into publishing, heading to Boston on a J1 visa, and landing her first professional role that kept her in the U.S. for six years. We discuss her rapid career progression—taking on a Managing Director role at just 30, and later stepping into a CEO role at a tech company in China, where she led a team of 100. Denise opens up about the challenges of leading across cultures, overcoming language barriers, and adapting to new technologies and methodologies. After returning to London, Denise shifted gears into the investment world and co-founded Awaken Angels, a mission-driven platform focused on empowering female founders and investors. We talk about: • What Awaken Angels does and why it exists • Who can become an angel investor • What kind of businesses should seek investment • The difference between angel investing vs. venture capital • How they're equipping women to invest through a 9-module educational program We also touch on what Denise looks for when hiring, her thoughts on remote work, and the unique challenges it presents in today’s world. An episode packed with insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of inclusive investment. HERE WE GO! Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we'll get the coffees in! ☕

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Claire and Siobhan from The Grafton Barber for a two-part episode exploring the world of barbering and education In Part 1, Claire walks us through her journey—from working Saturdays in a local salon to becoming a successful barber turned entrepreneur with over 17 years of industry experience. She shares what she looks for when hiring barbers today, the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and her deep passion for the craft and the business. In Part 2, we head to The Grafton Academy to chat with Siobhan about their intensive barbering course. She breaks down everything from how to enroll and what the course involves, to the hands-on and theory-based training provided. We discuss cutting models’ hair, understanding skin and hair types, mastering the tools, and the importance of continuous assessment and final exams. Siobhan also talks us through the guaranteed 6-week work placement after the course, and how her teaching qualifications help her support all learning styles. Whether you're thinking about becoming a barber or just curious about the training and mindset behind the chair, this episode offers a fascinating look into the skill, dedication, and community that define The Grafton Barber. 💈 Thinking of becoming a barber? Start your journey with The Grafton Barber’s School of Excellence: 👉 https://graftonbarbers.com/school-of-excellence/

In this episode of the 10Forty Podcast, we sit down with Joe Doyle – entrepreneur, property investor, business mentor, and a man on a mission to make €100 million. We dive into Joe’s career journey, the pivots he’s made along the way, and his experience stepping into the spotlight on Dragon’s Den. Joe opens up about what that process was really like and what he looks for when hiring, both for his businesses and his mentorship programme. We explore the ideal time someone should reach out to Joe about joining his mentorship, and how he got started on social media with his popular "Two-Minute Business Tips." Joe also shares his daily routine, interview process, what he’s currently looking for in new hires, and breaks down his personal motto: "Mind, Body, Wallet", all driven by his core philosophy: "Do More. Get Better." Big thanks to Joe for hosting us at his office, and to his cameraman Peirce McDonagh from The Personal Brand Agency for the slick setup and production on the day. 🔗 Website: joedoyle.ie 📲 Instagram: @joedoyleentrepreneur

🎧 EPISODE DROP! This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by the one and only Cal McIlwaine — events guy turned FIFO influencer who’s helped hundreds land jobs in the Australian mines. 🌏⛏️ You’ve probably seen Cal on TikTok, where his behind-the-scenes FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) content exploded after he started posting videos to show his family what life was like working remotely in the mines. Spoiler alert: things took off fast. 🚀 In this episode, we chat about: • His college days and background in events • Being the go-to guy for tickets and gigs • Working in Lidl and doing Amazon deliveries on weekends • The decision to move to Australia — visas, saving money, and planning the trip • What to expect when you arrive, from certifications to job hunting • How he landed a FIFO job as a serviceman — fuelling machinery and maintaining hydraulic arms • Writing and launching his ultimate FIFO job guide for people on working holiday visas • And loads more… 🛠️ Want to get into FIFO? Cal’s guide breaks it all down: 👉 The Ultimate Guide to Getting a FIFO Job on a WHV 🎥 Follow Cal for more FIFO tips, behind-the-scenes content, and inspiration: Instagram: @calmcilwaine_fifo TikTok: @calmcilwaine___fifo YouTube: Cal McIlwaine Hit play and let’s get into it! 🎙️ Here we go #Visa #Flights #FIFO #career #movingtoAustralia

If you're someone who is currently struggling with your mental health, please know that help is available. If you’ve been affected by anything discussed in today’s episode, we encourage you to reach out. Support is just a call or click away: • PTSD Foundation of America | Camp Hope 🌐 ptsdusa.org 📞 +1 832-912-4429 • Samaritans Ireland 🌐 samaritans.org/samaritans-ireland 📞 116 123 (Free to call, 24/7) • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 🌐 nami.org 📞 Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 🕐 Available Monday–Friday, 10 AM – 10 PM ET 📱 Or text “HELPLINE” to 62640 for support via SMS In this powerful episode, we sit down with Colin Whittington, a former U.S. Deputy Sheriff turned recruitment entrepreneur and bestselling author. Colin walks us through his remarkable journey—from the intense application and training process to become a Deputy Sheriff, to the realities of life on patrol, getting pepper sprayed and tasered during academy training, and the emotional toll law enforcement can take on a person. We dive deep into the mental health challenges in the police force, PTSD, and the tragic fact that over 200 officers die by suicide each year in the U.S. Colin shares personal stories from the field, including the day he was promoted to Sergeant and named Deputy of the Year for the state of Virginia after saving both a baby and an elderly man. He talks about the shift from patrol to recruitment, navigating the unique challenges of hiring during COVID, and the surprising power of LinkedIn in law enforcement recruitment. We discuss: • The difference between police departments, sheriffs, and federal agencies • The 10-month training pipeline and what happens when you're suddenly on your own • Proactive vs reactive recruiting strategies • The contrast between recruiting Millennials vs Gen Z candidates • Why retention isn't just the recruiter's responsibility Colin also opens up about his transition out of law enforcement—being approached by a recruiter, entering corporate recruitment, and eventually launching his own business helping first responders transition into civilian careers. He’s the author of two incredible books: 📘 Beyond the Thin Blue Line – A guide to help first responders navigate career transitions 📕 The Thinning Blue Line – Addressing the law enforcement talent crisis and what agencies can learn from the private sector Whether you're in law enforcement, recruiting, or just love a story about resilience, purpose, and reinvention—this episode has something for you 💬 Want to connect with Colin directly? Reach out to him on LinkedIn: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAApRykoBYxOz9Q8k_p5uU38lxKtd9e2VbG8

In this week’s episode, we catch up with David O’Donoghue over a Teams call to explore his unique career journey. From studying Business Information Systems and gaining work experience in the US, to working in corporate Ireland, David made the bold decision to leave the office life behind and pursue a completely different path—joining An Garda Síochána. We dive into: His early aspirations and university experience Working in the US and Ireland’s corporate world Why he left it all to become a Garda The recruitment and training process His decision to move to Australia and the steps involved in joining the Western Australia Police Force David also shares the ups and downs of changing careers and relocating across the world, offering a raw and honest account of scratching the itch —even when it’s not the "safe" choice. On top of all that, David is also an online Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, helping people get in shape and prep for fitness tests. 💪 Need help with your own fitness journey? Check out his website: www.davidodcoaching.com Follow him on TikTok: @davidodcoaching Follow him: https://www.instagram.com/davidodcoaching?igsh=bGdwZGhtZ3o3cnJ0

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent, the Supply Chain & Procurement Recruitment Specialist. 🚀 500% Salary Growth in a 9-5 : The Intrapreneurial Mindset In this episode, we sit down with Richie Corcoran—a software sales professional, intrapreneur, and pro bono career coach. Richie shares his career journey, from marketing to entrepreneurship to tech sales, and how he achieved a 500% salary increase in just five years. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✔ What intrapreneurship is and how it can accelerate your career ✔ The pathway into sales and navigating the pressures of a target-driven role ✔ Insights into the interview process for breaking into and thriving in sales ✔ How to maximize your potential beyond the traditional 9-5 📺 Watch Richie’s Career Coaching Course on YouTube: Click Here 🔗 Learn his 5-step salary growth strategy: Click Here 👉 Are you making the most of your potential? Tune in to find out! #10fortyPodcast #CareerGrowth #SalesSuccess #Intrapreneurship #CareerCoaching #techsales

10Forty Podcast: Season 4, Episode 7 Science, Drama, and the Universe: Niamh Shaw’s Remarkable Story In this captivating episode, we’re joined by Niamh Shaw—a woman on a mission to reach the stars. With an extraordinary career spanning engineering, academia, acting, and storytelling, Niamh shares her unique journey and her relentless pursuit of a lifelong dream: getting to space. We dive into:  Career twists and turns: From coding in the 1980s to agricultural engineering, acting on Fair City, and working in a screw factory in Australia, Niamh’s path is anything but ordinary.  Life lessons: Growing up curious, reflecting on the purpose of life as a teenager, and discovering the power of aligning your work with your values.  Creative fusion: How she merged science and drama to create compelling theater scripts and even auditioned for The Big Bang Theory.  Dreaming big: Writing her book Dream Big and her vision to report from space to inspire and connect people with the universe. Niamh offers advice to listeners on finding a career aligned with their values, embracing continuous learning, and recognizing the importance of positive reinforcement for young minds. This episode, brought to you by Top Drawer Talent, the supply chain and procurement recruitment specialists, will leave you inspired to pursue your passions and dream big. Tune in now to hear Niamh’s incredible journey and her advice on turning your ambitions into reality! #DreamBig #NiamhShaw #SpaceExploration #STEMInspiration #PodcastLife #WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #DreamsToReality #ActingAndScience #Innovation #CuriosityDriven #SpaceDreams #CareerAdvice #InspiringWomen #KeepLearning #LifePurpose #BigDreams #10FortyPodcast #Storytelling #SpaceReporter

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent, the Supply Chain & Procurement Recruitment Specialist. Here we go! In this week’s episode, we sit down with John Ferris, Accelerator Community Manager at Ulster Bank NI, for an engaging and inspiring conversation. John takes us through his, journey—from growing up on the Falls Road in Belfast and teaching himself to code, to selling hospital stock management software. We explore his decision to take a job in the USA, only to realise after six months that it wasn’t the right fit. A surprising twist came when a "white lie" on his CV led to a graphic design role at a Belfast newspaper. Unexpectedly, John found himself reporting on politicians, falling into journalism and building relationships that amplified the voices of Northern Ireland. He quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the youngest head editors in Ireland and even pioneered podcasting and food blogging before it was popular, reviewing some of Northern Ireland’s top restaurants (and stirring a bit of controversy with his honesty!). Alongside this, he launched smaller independent newspapers across Ireland before moving on to new ventures. John’s entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to start a Wi-Fi software company that collected user data in airports, football stadiums, and caravan parks. After losing his passion for the business, he pivoted to a role with a social enterprise as a business community manager—now Ulster Bank’s Accelerator Program. There, he has helped over 1,000 businesses and facilitated raising over £70 million in funding for diverse startups. In this episode, we also dive deep into accelerator programs: what they are, who they’re for, and why founders should consider joining. John shares insights on preparing businesses for investment, determining whether an entrepreneur is "investment-ready," and the crucial questions founders should ask potential investors. He offers a powerful analogy, likening taking investment to a marriage—with the ultimate goal being divorce. We touch on key topics like crafting exit strategies, knowing when and how to sell a business, and the vital steps founders need to take before selling. John’s passion for storytelling shines throughout our conversation, which lasted over three hours—though we only recorded just over an hour This episode is packed with invaluable insights, compelling stories, and a wealth of advice for entrepreneurs and founders. John also opens up about his recent diagnosis of ADHD and autism, sharing how these experiences have shaped his perspective. He writes passionately about these topics on his blog, The Moment, offering a personal and authentic lens into his journey. The Moment: https://www.themoment.blog/author/john/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrisjohn/ #TechInnovation #StartupJourney #Entrepreneurship #AcceleratorPrograms #JohnFerris #JournalismToTech #Neurodiversity #ADHDandAutism #FoundersFocus #UlsterBankAccelerator #BusinessInsights #StorytellingInBusiness #TechStartups #CareerPivot #FromFallsRoadToFounders #PodcastLife #InnovationLeadership #InvestmentReady #EntrepreneurAdvice #10FortyPodcast

In this episode of the 10Forty Podcast, we sit down with Mary McKenna MBE, a renowned entrepreneur and angel investor dedicated to helping more women launch successful businesses. Mary shares her inspiring journey, from studying fine arts at university, to temping in London, working at an oil company’s customer service desk, and eventually co-founding Learning Pool, a hugely successful bootstrapped business. Mary opens up about the challenges she faced early on, including using her home as collateral to fund Learning Pool and navigating the process of selling the business to her co-founder. We explore her passion for working with schools, encouraging young entrepreneurs, and the evolving skills the next generation must acquire to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. We also dive into Mary’s approach to investing, what she looks for in founders, how she won Angel Investor of the Year, and the impactful work she’s doing with AwakenHub, the social enterprise she co-founded to support women-led businesses. Finally, Mary gives us a glimpse into what the future holds for her and her ongoing mission to create more opportunities for women in business. Tune in for a fascinating conversation packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike. #Entrepreneurship #FemaleFounders #WomenInBusiness #AngelInvesting #StartupSuccess #LearningPool #MaryMcKenna #AwakenHub #BusinessJourney #InspiringWomen #TechInnovation #YoungEntrepreneurs #InvestingInWomen #BusinessPodcast #10FortyPodcast #careerguidance