In this episode, host Gary Fox sits down with Eamon Leonard, the visionary behind Broadstone Baseline and This Next Thing for an inspiring deep dive into the world of impactful event curation, startup investing, and the intricacies of the entrepreneurial journey. Discover how Eamon, alongside Paul Campbell and Abby Phoenix, masterfully orchestrates transformative events in Switzerland, turning venues like the stunning Grand Hotel Kronenhof into hubs of innovation and connection. Learn the art of crafting memorable experiences where professional networking meets family-friendly atmospheres, offering insights into creating environments that foster genuine, lasting relationships. Eamon also pulls back the curtain on his approach to early-stage startup investing—sharing how he evaluates founders, their motivations, and their ability to solve problems. Gain a fresh perspective on navigating the crowded AI landscape and spotting real opportunities beyond the hype. The conversation shifts to the Irish startup ecosystem, where Eamon and Gary explore the role of exited founders, government policies, and what it takes to fuel entrepreneurial ambition locally. They also dive into the pivotal moments of Eamon’s journey from consulting to product development, offering valuable lessons in leadership, conviction, and navigating early-stage ventures. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure   Episode Chapter Timestamps (00:00) Building Connections (13:21) Creating Memorable Shared Experiences (17:35) Networking at Family-Friendly Tech Event (23:02) Early Stage Investment Strategies and Relationships (32:33) Navigating Startup Ecosystems and Trends (39:25) Irish Startup Ecosystem Challenges and Solutions (49:46) Entrepreneurial Journey and Startup Success (54:48) Founder Reflections on Failure and Resilience (01:00:32) Startup Projects and Global Expansion (01:04:27) Founder Insights on Business Direction (01:15:56) Founder Challenges and Community Support (01:20:55) Navigating Trust and Gray Areas (01:24:26) Exploring Broadstone, Baseline, and Next Thing