We have another season special for you and this time Stephen sat down with producer Elaine who is usually behind the scenes to look back at season two and reflect on some of the amazing stories we heard from our guests, from their career highs, to career lows, from overcoming obstacles and the valuable advice gained from their experiences. Once again we would like to take the time to thank our guests for gracing the studios and to the listeners for always tuning in. That's not all from the 24...

To finish season 2, we've brought a special episode to highlight some off the essential skills our guests think are necessary in their industries to succeed. There were some reoccurring themes throughout the season, so we've round up some of the ones that hit the nail on the head. There's certainly great learning from our guest. Thanks again to this season's sponsor Skillsbase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We finish the second series series of the podcast with music promoter Joe Kelly from The Good Room. Stephen talks to Joe about his extensive career in the music scene in Cork which began in the early 90s at the iconic Sir Henry's, to today hosting the much loved Live at St.Luke's. Joe is a self-professed 'blow-in' from Galway who came to Cork in the late 80s to study at UCC, and he has never left. He started his career as a DJ at venues across Cork that led to him organising his own...

President of Cork Business Association & co-owner of Herlihy Centra Group Kevin Herlihy is this weeks guest who looks back on the family business when his mother & father opened one of the first Centra's in Ireland to now owning 7 stores across Cork. The Herlihy Centra brand was started in 1980 by Kevin's parents who opened their first store in Bishopstown which is still in the heart of the community today. Kevin's career started in hospitality industry having studied it in college,...

It's not everyday you can say you've created an artwork for a world renowned musician - but our guest Dr. E. Alana James can who was the creator behind the Zappa quilt! An artist & academic at heart, Alana has built a career combining both much to her success. Alana grew up in Colorado in the US in an academic household. However, it was an art teacher in high school who ignited her creativity & inspired Alana to pursue art, from there she continued into college to study fine art. She...

With music comes great power are the wise words of Cork Opera House CEO Eibhlín Gleeson who gives a behind the scenes insight to the intricate, creative world of entertainment programming. The Cork Opera House is an iconic landmark Leeside with over 160 years in operation, Eileen & the creative crew are planning a bigger & better programme to celebrate another milestone. Eileen comes from a very creative background, coming from a family of musicians & being a musician herself,...

We get a behind the scenes glimpse into the wedding industry with all it's whistles & bells from the with founder of Wedding Dates Ciara Crossan who for over 15 years, has helped fulfil thousands of people's dream wedding days. From an early age Ciara knew the corporate world wasn't for her & the ultimate goal was to become her own boss, well that's exactly what she did! After completing a BIS degree in UCC, an Erasmus in Boston & a number jobs in global corporations, Ciara knew...

Franchising & building reputable retail brands the the focus of this week with Paul Gallagher, managing partner for Skechers Ireland retail. Since its introduction to the Irish market in 2010, Paul & his partners have been the driving force behind the brand here. Paul has an extensive background in retail, kick-starting his career with Drummy's Shoes before becoming sales manager for Lee Cooper Jeans for the West of Ireland & later taking over Lee Jeans for Ireland. Having worked...

Tourism branding is the talk of the table today with former CEO of Spike Island John Crotty who today, works with Cork City Council focusing on the economic development of the city alongside the 'We Are Cork' brand that focuses on business in the city with it's ethos to encourage people to live, work, invest, study & visit Cork. Prior to his role in tourism John worked lived in the UK where he worked in retail under Sainsbury's as Customer Service manager overseeing 14 stores across...

The proud new owner of Cork City Football Club joins one of their fans Stephen to talk about taking over the club, as City gear up for kick off in their first game of the season. Dermot Usher, an avid League of Ireland fan, bought the club this year fulfilling his goal to get involved in football. Dermot's career however started with a number of jobs from a bank to telesales before he stepped into the family business Sonas Bathrooms which he took eventually over with his brother at the age of...

We're rolling out the red carpet for this week's guest who you'll definitely recognise from your TV screens as actor, writer & podcaster Hilary Rose joins Stephen to give an insight to entertainment industry, the necessities to pursue an acting career & life behind the big screens. Hilary's career in the entertainment industry kick started at 17 which saw her DJ'ing in Cork's infamous Sir Henry's, touring across the country & securing slots on radio. This helped fund her acting...

The rental market & an insight to the intricacies of insurance are the talking points with HomeHak founder Pat Drinan who founded the business in 2018. HomeHak is an innovative platform designed to connect Letting agents, DIY landlords and homeowners through online profiles when applying for a rental property. However Pat's career began in the financial services which spanned for over 26 years & gained him the titles as Ireland's first financial lines under writer. During his career...

We look into the world of non-profit organisations in this episode with Sanctuary Runners founder Graham Clifford who is also kept busy with Translate Ireland & One Town One Voice where the vision of integration of communities is at its core. His passion for integration, diversity & inclusion stems from his lengthy career in journalism where he spent time working abroad reporting on different cultures & communities. Graham's career in journalism started unintentionally when he...

This week is a deep dive into the world of marketing & it’s safe to say Stephen is in his element as he’s joined by Seamus Leahy of Invite Resorts, who has an extensive career in marketing & the hospitality industry. Seamus's colourful career saw him working for an array big companies throughout. We get an insight to the operations & marketing strategies he’s executed for companies like Dairygold, golf retailer Cutter & Buck Europe as well as Scottish & Newcastle where he...

Brand design & strategy are on the drawing board of this weeks episode as Stephen is joined by Deirdre Corcoran, founder of Chapter. They dive deep into the important role creativity plays in the corporate world & how it intertwines with marketing, branding & creating a clear vision in conveying the ethos, vision & mission of brands. While art & creativity is often undervalued, Stephen & Deirdre discuss its necessity & vitality in business & the need for...

Get a behind the scenes look into life on & behind the screen with videographer, presenter & founder of the Vidacademy Judie Russell who has worked in the industry in over 10 countries & how businesses can benefit from creating simple yet effective video content. While on a worldwide trip, it was a move to Hollywood to work with a friend in video production which kick-started her pursuit in videography - which took her back to her hobby as a young girl, shooting on her cam-corder....

Growing up in a family with a renowned business in Cork meant one thing for Andrew Whitaker - it was inevitable he would join the family business of Johnson & Perrott. The family business has been in operation for over 230 years in multiple industries from hatchery, iron works & the motor industry & passed down through generations. Andrew started in the motor side of the business working in sales & spent time in the sister company of Avis which saw him move to Australia to...

We've a magical episode up our sleeve with magician & mentalist Liam Sheehan who is renowned in Ireland & across the globe for his tricks in the trade. It's not everyday you can say you've entertained Michael Jackson, but Liam can. He is famed for entertaining the king of pop during his stay in Cork which is what propelled his career in the industry of magic where today he performs in Ireland & around the world doing corporate & private events. But his career in magic didn't...

Cork sustainable leisurewear OceanR is making waves across the globe creating sustainable products & clothing from ocean waste. The brand founded by Tom Cotter, formerly known as Rashr has been been in the making for 5 years but has grown exponentially on a global basis. From what started off initially as active wear, OceanR has become a sustainable clothing brand ambassador for luxury leisure resorts around the world, most notably for Necker Island, owned by businessman Richard Branson....

This week on the podcast, Stephen is joined by popular Cork based content creator Shauna Doyle. Shauna joins us to give an insightful look into the world of online content creation.  Shauna originally got into content creation while working as a makeup artist at MAC Cosmetics at Brown Thomas where she began uploading make-up tutorials. Through this she began to gain a following online and it wasn't long before she took the leap of faith to pursue online content creation full-time.  But...

A lifelong love of perfume, blended with passion & perseverance paved the way for Nora Irwin to create ARONA in 2017 after following in the footsteps of her cousin who worked in the fragrance industry in the US. This passion for perfume began over 40 years when her cousin would send home bottles of perfume from the US. Amazed by the bottle designs & endless scents, these fragrances had a long lasting impact on Nora who says she developed the skill to name almost any perfume by the...

Minister for Reform & Public Expenditure Michael McGrath joins us this week to look at his early life growing up in Cork & what eventually led him to take a seat at Dáil Éireann. Micheal grew up in Passage West & shares fond memories with his family, reminiscing on his working days as a caddy on the golf course alongside his brothers & father. His interest in finance prompted him to study Commerce in UCC, where he qualified as a chartered accountant. He spoke of his early...

For over 50 years, Tony O'Connell has been capturing people across Cork & beyond through the lens of his camera from creating memories at weddings, to up close & personal portraits of Lord Mayor's & Taoiseach's & even the Royal Family on their visit to Cork in 2011. He set up his photography shop on Kyle street in 1972 with his wife, the very same month they married. Prior to this, he served in the brotherhood with the Franciscans whom he credits for his values in business...

If Cork people are known for anything, it's the instant desire to declare 'I'm from Cork' on first meeting someone & secondly to state you how great Cork is. Our guest is no stranger to this, as Stephen is joined by the Head of Visit Cork Seamus Heaney who has over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry. He oversees both leisure & business tourism for Visit Cork, where he has been promoting the city & county in all its glory since 2016. He first began training in...