Episodes
In this episode of Finding Your Direction, Emma speaks with Andrew Clohessy, who shares his extensive and transformative career journey. Andrew recounts his humble beginnings in Limerick, his rapid rise in the electronics manufacturing industry, and his subsequent shift to people-focused roles. He details the challenges and lessons learned from global project management, including the impact of extensive travel on family life, his bout with burnout, and eventual transition to...
Published 08/13/24
Published 08/13/24
In this episode of Finding Your Direction, Emma welcomes Dr. Áine O'Dea, who shares her dynamic career journey from being an occupational therapist in the UK and Ireland, focusing on mental and children's health, to facing a life-changing car accident. Áine discusses the impact of her injury, her struggle with chronic pain and fatigue, and how she pivoted to a new role. She recounts her decision to pursue a master's and PhD, the challenges during COVID-19, her venture into academia, and...
Published 08/06/24
In this episode, host Emma interviews Jennifer McConnell, who shares her diverse and extensive career journey. Originating from HR and secretarial roles. Jennifer's career spans various industries, including film, PR, and business network management. Her roles took her across the globe, managing HR in sectors as diverse as telecoms in the Caribbean and nonprofit community work in Papua New Guinea. Jennifer discusses the importance of career transitions, succession planning, and the...
Published 07/30/24
In this episode of Finding Your Direction, we welcome Barry Loftus as he shares his inspiring career journey. Barry begins by sharing his early role in pharmaceutical sales which he found himself struggling in this type of environment during the economic downturn in 2007-2008. He discusses his struggles with job satisfaction, anxiety, and how the anxiety led to a loss of confidence and the resulting impact when he tried to change organisations on his performance in job interviews....
Published 07/23/24
In this episode, Liam O'Flaherty shares his inspiring journey from pursuing an electrical apprenticeship to diving into the world of AI and starting his own company, Prellis. Liam discusses his initial lack of interest in college, the influence of his father, the moment he decided to pivot his career, and the challenges and triumphs of his entrepreneurial path. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and asking for help, providing valuable advice for anyone...
Published 07/16/24
In this episode, Emma introduces Muireann O'Connell, a 24-year-old mixed animal vet and online fitness coach and personal trainer based in Cork. Muireann shares her fascinating career journey and how she has balanced her veterinary career with her passion for fitness. Through her story, Muireann highlights the importance of managing stress through physical activity, the challenges of juggling two careers, and the fulfillment she derives from both. She discusses the motivations and...
Published 07/09/24
In this episode of "Finding Your Direction," Emma discusses career transitions with Claudia Geratz, a former tech professional turned positive psychologist and career coach, and Dr. Clara O'Byrne, a coaching psychologist and educator. They explore the gradual nature of their career changes, influenced by pivotal moments like the pandemic and personal values.  Key takeaways: Claudia unfolds her remarkable journey from a two-decade-long tech career to embracing positive psychology....
Published 02/13/24
In this episode of "Finding Your Direction," Emma is joined by Rob Grace, who shares his fascinating career journey, beginning with his childhood dream of becoming a press photographer. However, life took unexpected turns, leading him to study fine art photography and later delve into politics and sociology during his academic pursuits. Passionate about human rights and working with youth, Rob's path evolved as he volunteered with the IPCC in Dublin and other youth advocacy groups. In this...
Published 02/06/24
In today's episode, I'm joined by Terri Sue Cosgrove, the founder and Managing Director of The HR Head. Terri Sue shares her inspiring career transition story from climbing the corporate ladder to overcoming burnout and establishing a business that aligns with her passion. We delve into her journey, challenges, and the pivotal moments that led her to where she is today. In this episode, Emma and Terri Sue talk about the following: Terri Sue Cosgrove shares her career transition story,...
Published 01/30/24
Welcome to another episode of "Finding Your Direction," the podcast that encourages you to embark on a fulfilling career journey. In this episode, your host, Emma Lynch, sits down with John Loftus, Founder of Midwest Mentoring, for an insightful conversation spanning over six decades of diverse career experiences. In this episode, Emma and John talk about the following: John reflects on a career that traversed roles at Aer Lingus, the music industry, Life Insurance, and contributions...
Published 01/23/24
In this episode of "Finding Your Direction," Emma interviews Ultan Sheils, a personal trainer and fitness instructor who made a career transition from financial services to the fitness industry. Ultan shares his journey and highlights the bravery involved in leaving behind a well-established career to pursue a passion for fitness. In this episode, Emma and Ultan talk about the following: Ultan's initial career choice in financial services was influenced by the economic climate. The...
Published 01/16/24
Season 3 of "Finding Your Direction," kicks off with special guest, Anne Healy, the creative mind behind Biddys Good Luck Horseshoes, and her transition from a secure corporate job to the adventurous world of entrepreneurship. Anne’s story will inspire you to think about your own "what ifs" and maybe even take a leap of your own. In this episode, Emma and Anne talk about the following: Anne’s journey from a 37-year career in insurance to establishing her own business. Anne discusses...
Published 01/09/24
Join Emma in this captivating episode of Finding Your Direction, as she delves into the inspiring career transformation story of Laura McAuliffe, a former corporate professional turned Reiki master, Indian head massage practitioner, and successful freelance visual merchandise expert. Get ready to explore the pivotal moments and challenges that led Laura to embark on her transformative journey, embracing her true passion and finding fulfillment in the world of alternative healing...
Published 08/01/23
Welcome to another episode filled with inspiration and personal growth on "Finding Your Direction!" In this episode, host Emma is joined by Barbara Lynch, who transformed her 13-year career in business banking into owning a thriving online gift business and a shop in her local village. Join us as we delve into Barbara's remarkable journey, brimming with insights, inspiration, and practical advice to help you discover your own path to success. In this episode, Emma and Barbara talk about the...
Published 07/25/23
Welcome to another captivating episode of Finding Your Direction! In this thought-provoking episode, host Emma is joined by a special guest, Hannah O'Connell, a renowned acupuncturist. Together, they dive into the inspiring story of Hannah's remarkable career transformation and the incredible support she received along the way. In this episode, Emma and Hannah talk about the following: Hannah shares her extraordinary journey from working as a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant to...
Published 07/18/23
In this captivating episode, Emma  sits down with special guest Susan Heaton-Wright, and  dive deep into Susan's incredible journey from being a dedicated teacher in Kenya to becoming a renowned singer and the founder of Superstar Communicator. In this episode, Emma and Susan talk about the following: Susan's career background: A dedicated teacher in Kenya, Susan's life took an unexpected turn after a serious accident, in which she miraculously emerged as the sole survivor. The...
Published 07/11/23
In this episode, Emma sits down with special guest Anne McAuliffe, a Nurse Manager who is embarking on a career transition into reflexology and baby massage instruction. Join them as they discuss Anne's journey and the motivations and journey behind her decision to move away from shift work and weekend commitments in her mid-40s, to finding a way to holistically care for people into her retirement years. In this episode, Emma and Anne talk about the following: Anne shares her career...
Published 07/04/23
In this episode, Emma chats with special guest Amie Wiley, who is an inspiring 24 years old entrepreneur,  wellness coach and founder of Active with Amie. In this episode, Emma and Amie talk about the following: Amie shares her background and reflects on her path leading up to her current success and discusses her initial career plan as a primary school teacher and the unexpected turn that led her to the world of fitness entrepreneurship. Amie opens up about her experience with...
Published 06/27/23
In this episode, Emma chats with special guest Gary Collins, who has had a fascinating career journey. Gary began as an Irish dancer before transitioning to accounting, but he eventually found his true passion in photography. He is now a professional wedding and commercial photographer, and he also runs a business with his wife called SIAR photography, which focuses on Irish landscape print photography. In this episode, Emma and Gary about the following: Emma and Gary dive into his career...
Published 06/06/23
Joanne Burke, founder of Nordic Fitness Ireland, joins host Emma in this episode to share her remarkable story. Nordic Fitness Ireland was established five years ago after Joanne's retirement from nursing. Joanne's journey is one of inspiration and determination, as she turned her retirement from nursing into a thriving fitness business. In this episode, Emma and Joanne talk about the following: Joanne explains the inception of Nordic Fitness Ireland and how it came into being. She...
Published 05/30/23
In this episode, Emma chats with special guest Petrina O'Halloran, a qualified accountant who has transitioned from a career as a financial controller to becoming the founder of Mamas Boobie Box. Petrina shares her journey with us, including her career background and the mindset shift that led her to start her own business. In this episode, Emma and Petrina talk about the following: Petrina discusses her business, Mamas Boobie Box, which is a subscription service that provides...
Published 05/23/23
Welcome to today's episode where we have a special guest, Jonathon Hickey, the founder of JH Fitness. Jonathon helps men and women get in shape in a sustainable way both in person and online. Today we'll be discussing his career journey, his motivation for starting his own business, and his experience with making the transition. In this episode, Emma and Jonathon talk about the following: Jonathon shares a bit about himself and where he's from. His career background before starting...
Published 05/16/23
Welcome back to the Finding Your Direction Podcast! In this episode, we have a special guest, Jennifer O'Sullivan, who has an interesting story to share with us. Jennifer is a financial accountant turned Spiritual Celebrant. Emma, worked with Jennifer 14 years ago, and now Jennifer has started her own business as a spiritual celebrant, while still working as a financial accountant. In this episode, Emma and Jennifer talk about the following: Jennifer talks about her accountant career...
Published 05/09/23
Welcome back to the Finding Your Direction Podcast! In this episode, Emma interviews her sister-in-law, Ethel Grant, about her inspiring journey of changing careers and transitioning into primary school teaching at the age of 40 while raising five children. In this episode, Emma and Ethel talk about the following: Ethel shares her background, previous jobs and education, giving listeners an insight into her life before making the decision to change careers. The reasons that led Ethel...
Published 05/02/23