AIBF Business Talk

From Startup to 38 Countries — How Dylan Walsh Took Celtic Dynamics Global

What would you do if you had one week to change everything?

When COVID hit, Dylan Walsh had a choice.
Stay in his job and play it safe.
Or take a chance - and build something of his own.

He chose to back himself.
And just like that, Celtic Dynamics was born.

Today, Dylan leads an energy consultancy helping over 200 clients in 38 countries find smarter, greener ways to power their businesses.

In this episode of AIBF Business Talk, Dylan shares:
⚡ The moment he took the leap and started Celtic Dynamics
💡 How AI and automation gave his business a real edge
🌱 Why energy audits and carbon reduction matter now more than ever
🛠️ Real projects with big names like Boston Scientific and Malam Healthcare
🎨 And how art, basketball, and even sword fighting help him stay balanced

Dylan’s story is proof that with the right mindset, one bold step can lead to something incredible. 

This podcast is for anyone ready to think big - and act on it.

From Firefighting to Future-Focused: Let’s Make the Shift

Feeling Stuck in Your Business? John Douglas Has a Message for You👉

John Douglas knows what burnout feels like.

Always busy. 

Always behind.
No time for family. 

No energy for life.

That was his reality until he made one powerful decision to change everything.

Now, he helps others do the same.

In this episode of AIBF Business Talk, John shares:

✅ How to recognise when your business is running your life
✅ Why so many leaders have a toxic relationship with work
✅ How self-worth shapes your time, energy, and leadership
✅ His “3 Bucket Rule” to reclaim control and focus
✅ Real client stories of freedom, growth, and lasting change

🎙️ Recently named Business All-Star Thought Leader of the Year, John brings powerful insights you won’t want to miss.

If you're ready to transition from merely managing your business to leading it with purpose, this episode is for you.

About the John Douglas Coaching

John Douglas Coaching supports business leaders in creating sustainable growth, clarity, and freedom. By combining mindset and strategy, John helps clients lead with purpose, without burning out. To know more, visit - https://www.johndouglascoaching.com/

Good governance isn’t a checkbox - it’s a mindset. Michael Dillon on Protecting Irish Business with Integrity

⚖️ Guiding, Not Just Enforcing — Michael Dillon on Protecting Irish Business with Integrity

Michael Dillon has practiced law across continents — from Irish courts to Caribbean parliaments to legal towers in Dubai.
But what brought him home wasn’t a job. It was purpose.

Today, as Director of Legal at the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA), he’s helping Irish businesses stay compliant — not through fear, but through fairness.

In this episode of AIBF Business Talk, Michael shares:

📬 Why most enforcement starts with a letter, not a lawsuit
🧭 How emotional intelligence plays a key role in legal leadership
📚 What every business owner and director needs to understand
🛠️ How the CEA applies a “graduated response” — firm, but fair
🌍 His legal journey across three continents
👟 And why running five miles before work keeps his thinking clear

His message is simple: “Know your duties. Stay compliant. And don’t wait for the letter.”

A must-listen for company directors, founders, and anyone who signs the dotted line.

About the Corporate Enforcement Authority

​The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) promotes high standards of corporate behavior by enforcing company law in Ireland. Established in July 2022, the CEA comprises a team of accountants, lawyers, and detectives dedicated to ensuring compliance and accountability among company directors and officers. Learn more at cea.gov.ie.

From Lifeguard to CEO: The Woman Powering Ireland’s Busiest Leisure Centre

"I’d rather be the oldest person in the gym than the youngest in the nursing home."
That’s Lorna Brady’s motto — and she lives by it.

She started out as a lifeguard. Now she’s the CEO of Sportsco, a Dublin fitness centre with:

✔️ 5,500 members
✔️ 27,000 visits a month
✔️ A full wellness offering — from babies to 90-year-olds

In this episode of AIBF Business Talk, Lorna shares:

🛠️ How she led a €13M upgrade without closing a single day
🧠 Why emotional intelligence is her #1 leadership tool
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Her dream: a space where families can be well — together
🚀 And why “getting things done” is her superpower

Lorna has just been named AIBF Health & Fitness Executive of the Year 2025 — and once you hear her story, you’ll understand why.

💚 Real leadership. Real vision. Real Lorna.

Episode 177:🎙️ 5 Big Questions Every Leader Must Answer – with Shay Lynch

If you’re a business owner or CEO, these questions aren’t optional — they’re essential.

In this episode of AIBF Business Talk, we’re joined by Shay Lynch, founder of Future State, to dig into the tough stuff — the kind of leadership questions that separate good managers from great leaders.

Shay doesn’t sugar-coat. He breaks down why leadership always starts with self, how to stop “just managing,” and what to do when the pressure hits.

We also introduce Leadership Lab – a brand new 4-week accelerator from AIBF Entrepreneurs University, in association with Future State. It's practical. It's powerful. And it's designed to help business owners lead with purpose.

🎧 Listen now

Episode 176: 🦆 Rubberduck’s Ted Endo on the Future of Video Marketing

📢 This week on AIBF Business Talk, we feature Ted Endo of Rubberduck, a leading video production company crafting engaging brand content 🎥✨. Over the past 20 years, corporate video production in Ireland has evolved from occasional TV adverts to regular digital content for social media and websites 📱💻.

Rubberduck works with both large corporations and SMEs, with their diverse team; spanning baby boomers to Gen Z; blending experience with fresh creativity 🚀. Notable campaigns include a Transport for Ireland advert and promotional videos for Eurospar 🏪.

Ted highlights how the rise of digital marketing has made video more accessible and affordable, allowing businesses to connect with their audiences across multiple platforms 📢. He advises companies to embrace a tailored approach, focusing on smaller, frequent productions rather than large, one-off projects 🎯

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recognised as Best in Class Video Production company five years in a row by the AIBF, Ted compares this honour to winning multiple BAFTAs 🏅. He invites businesses to reach out for bespoke, impactful video solutions.

📩 Want to elevate your brand storytelling? Tune in to hear more on how Rubberduck is here to help! 🦆✨

Episode 175 - Siobhán Ní Chofaigh on Business, Gaeilge & Breaking Barriers with Mint-Tek 🌟

This week, we celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge with a special Irish-language episode featuring Siobhán Ní Chofaigh, CEO of Mint-Tek! 🌍🔧

Mint-Tek specialises in hardware prototyping, helping turn innovative ideas into reality. With strong national and international connections, many built during Siobhán’s engineering career, the company is a leader in its field. ✨

2024 marked Mint-Tek’s 10th anniversary, and to celebrate, they ran an exciting competition for TY students in Galway. The winning project is now in production — a fantastic opportunity for young innovators! 🚀💡

Siobhán emphasises the importance of supporting the next generation, encouraging creativity and innovation. Based in the Galway Gaeltacht, she proudly integrates the Irish language into daily business, proving that Gaeilge is much more than just music and poetry—it’s a powerful tool in business networking too! 💼🗣️

As a past recipient of the AIBF’s "Fiontraí le Gaeilge na Bliana" aaccreditation, Siobhán takes great pride in promoting both entrepreneurship and the Irish language.🏅

🎧 Tune in now for insights, inspiration, and a celebration of business through Gaeilge! 🎉

An tseachtain seo, táimid ag ceiliúradh Seachtain na Gaeilge le clár speisialta as Gaeilge ina mbeidh Siobhán Ní Chofaigh, Príomhfheidhmeannach Mint-Tek faoi agallamh againn! 🌍🔧

Déanann Mint-Tek sainfheidhmiú ar fhréamhshamhail crua-earraí, rud a chabhraíonn le smaointe nuálacha a fhíorú. Le naisc láidre náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta, go leor acu a tógadh le linn ghairmréim innealtóireachta Siobhán, tá an chuideachta chun tosaigh ina réimse. ✨

Ba í 2024 comóradh 10 mbliana Mint-Tek, agus chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh, reáchtáil siad comórtas spreagúil do mhic léinn na hIdirbhliana i nGaillimh. Tá an tionscadal buaiteach á léiriú anois – deis iontach do nuálaithe óga! 🚀💡

Leagann Siobhán béim ar a thábhachtaí atá sé tacú leis an gcéad ghlúin eile, cruthaitheacht agus nuálaíocht a spreagadh. Lonnaithe i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe, comhtháthaíonn sí an Ghaeilge go bródúil sa ghnó laethúil, rud a chruthaíonn go bhfuil i bhfad níos mó i gceist leis an nGaeilge ná ceol agus filíocht amháin – is uirlis chumhachtach í sa líonrú gnó freisin! 💼🗣️

Mar iar-fhaighteoir creidiúnaithe “Fiontraí le Gaeilge na Bliana” AIBF, tá Siobhán an-bhródúil as an bhfiontraíocht agus an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn.🏅

🎧 Bígí linn anois le haghaidh léargais, inspioráid agus ceiliúradh ar ghnó trí Ghaeilge! 🎉

Episode 174 - Cathy Jones: Building Excellence at emeis Ireland

This week on AIBF Business Talk 🎙, we shine a light on Cathy Jones, Chief Human Resources Officer at emeis Ireland 🏥.

With an outstanding 95.4% satisfaction rate and 95.5% trust score from families ❤, emeis Ireland is committed to delivering exceptional care while investing in its people. Cathy’s passion for coaching drives leadership development, helping to ensure agility and innovation across the organisation 🚀.

Overseeing a team of more than 2,700 across 24 nursing homes and a growing home care service, Cathy is dedicated to creating a supportive, people-focused culture. With over 51 nationalities represented, she leads the way in diversity, inclusion, and ongoing development through their in-house training academy 🎓.

Employee wellbeing is a top priority, with initiatives such as the Mental Health First Aid responder programme 🧠, which has trained 41 team members to provide vital support for colleagues dealing with stress, anxiety and other challenges. Alongside this, an employee assistance programme offers counselling, life coaching and financial advice 💬.

Looking ahead, emeis Ireland is expanding with two new state-of-the-art nursing homes opening in Kilkenny and Portmarnock 🏡, alongside continued growth of the Manor Home Care service. 

Recognised as Business All-Star Residential Provider of the Year ⭐ ⭐ for two consecutive years, the team remains focused on excellence in care and workplace culture.

Tune in now for some wonderful insights!

Episode 173: 🎉 Event Success Secrets with Karen Thorpe of Kick-Off Event Management!

On AIBF Business Talk this week we feature Karen Thorpe, founder of Kick-Off Event Management, a company that brings event visions to life! From corporate functions to sporting spectacles, her team delivers seamless experiences with access to top-tier speakers and performers. 🏆🎤

Karen shares her journey from a decade in sports events to launching her business during COVID-19. She highlights how an MBA enhanced her expertise and why innovation is vital in the evolving events industry. 💡📈

Her company manages a diverse mix of sports, charity, and corporate events, stressing the importance of delegation and financial planning for success. 💰✅ She also discusses her successful partnership with Thrive Marketing and their Singles Mingle events; and offers insights into the power of networking. 🤝💼

For expert event management, contact Karen and make your event unforgettable! 🎊✨

🎧 Tune in now! 🔗🔥

Episode 172: The Power of Organisational Design – Insights from Allagi’s Ann Greene

This week, Ann Greene of Allagi joins AIBF Business Talk to discuss organisational design and its role in business transformation. Allagi, a multi-award-winning consultancy, helps companies align their strategy, structure, people, and technology for optimal performance.

Ann explains that organisational design is essential when companies experience strategy shifts, major events (like COVID-19), or inefficiencies in their current setup. Whether it's expanding into new markets or addressing internal silos, a well-structured operating model is key to success. 🏗️

With experience spanning industries such as financial services, biomedical, and technology, Allagi ensures businesses are structured for long-term efficiency and growth. Ann stresses the importance of thorough preparation before implementing changes to avoid costly missteps. 🔄

She also shares her passion for transformation, noting that “Allagi” means change in Greek. While organisational design is sometimes misunderstood, its impact is undeniable in driving efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. 💡

Transformation starts with the right design! 🚀

🎧 Tune in now! 🔗