AIBF Business Talk

Episode 186: 🎧Transforming the Way Farmers Do Business – How Darragh Scanlon and HerdFinder Are Driving Technological Change in the Agricultural Sector | Darragh Scanlon, HerdFinder

"Built by farmers for farmers"

Whether you’re from a farm, a startup, or just love a good founder story - this one proves that great ideas grow from familiar soil.

In this episode of AIBF Business Talk, we meet Darragh Scanlon, 27-year-old founder of HerdFinder - Ireland’s #1 dedicated cattle marketplace - and winner of the AIBF Young Innovator of the Year, proudly sponsored by Little Learners.

Named one of Ireland’s Top 30 Under 30 by the Sunday Independent, Darragh shares how he spotted a gap in the agri-market and turned it into a fast-growing platform helping thousands of Irish farmers buy and sell livestock - without the noise, distractions, or hassle.

We cover:

✅ Why farming needs digital tools that actually work on the ground
✅ The “lightbulb moment” that started it all
✅ Building a tech product from scratch - while working full-time in M&A
✅ The steep learning curves (and smart pivots)
✅ Why traction > perfection, and grit > glossy funding decks

It’s a real-deal startup story — built in boots, not brogues.

About the All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) is Ireland’s national body for recognising and supporting business excellence. We are the accrediting authority behind the Business All-Star marque — Ireland’s Symbol of Trust — awarded through a rigorous audit of reputation, performance and customer trust.

Since 2014, we’ve impacted over 5,000 businesses, with 750 currently accredited.

For more information please visit www.aibf.ie here.

 

Episode 185: Small Business, Big World - How Mauve Group Helps Irish SMEs Go Global - Joanna Hart

 “Going global doesn’t need to be overwhelming - not when you’ve got the right partner.”

In this inspiring episode of AIBF Business Talk, CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Joanna Hart, Director at the Mauve Group, a company empowering Irish SMEs to expand internationally without the usual red tape.

Joanna breaks down the real challenges facing Irish businesses - and shares practical, proven solutions that make international hiring, compliance, and scaling simpler than ever.

💬 “We’ve done it ourselves. We’ve walked the walk. That’s why we can help others do it smarter.”

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why small companies have more global potential than they realise
  

• How HR tech is transforming international expansion
  

• The power of Employer of Record (EOR) models to reduce stress and cost
  

• Real-life stories of businesses who scaled fast - and smart
  

• The role of partnerships, automation and support in long-term success
  

This episode is a masterclass in future-focused business strategy - with a speaker who’s not just advising companies but actively helping them grow.

👏 A big thank you to Mauve Group, the proud sponsor of AIBF’s Navigating Global Markets research, launching at the All-Ireland Entrepreneurs Summit in partnership with the University of Limerick.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how Irish businesses are stepping confidently onto the global stage.

Episode 184: Not Just a Gift Card - How One4All Became a Business Power Tool - Terry Spence

What if a gift card could do more than say “thanks”? What if it could drive loyalty, boost morale, and keep money flowing in the Irish economy?

In this episode of AIBF Business Talk, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Terry Spence, B2B lead at One4All, the powerhouse behind Ireland’s favourite multi-store gift card.

Terry pulls back the curtain on:
🟢 The surprising origins of One4All (hint: it started with one missed Christmas voucher)
🟢 Why €1,500 tax-free rewards are a no-brainer for Irish employers
🟢 How digital gifting is transforming recognition in a remote-first world
🟢 What companies can do today to boost retention without big salary jumps
🟢 The future of workplace rewards (and a big tech upgrade coming soon 👀)

🎙️ Terry doesn’t just talk rewards - he lives and breathes what great recognition looks like in modern business.

 You can meet the One4All team in person at the All-Ireland Entrepreneurs Summit on May 30th at Croke Park - they’re joining us as a AIBF partner.

Episode 183: Shane Cradock – Your Mindset Is Your Greatest Business Strategy

🧠 “Your Inner Voice Is Running the Show — Time to Take Back Control”

What if the loudest critic in your life... was living in your own head?

In this gripping episode of AIBF Business Talk, Shane Craddock joins Elaine Carroll to share the hard-earned wisdom behind his bestselling book The Inner CEO - and why true leadership starts between your ears.

💬 “Your inner voice isn’t you. But it runs your day. Until you learn to lead it.”

Shane and Elaine Carroll dive into:

✅ Why “true success is an inside job”
✅ The power (and danger) of your inner voice
✅ How vulnerability and courage shape real leadership
✅ The surprising reason belief isn’t everything
✅ What Shane would tell his 20-year-old self (hint: think bigger)
✅ A preview of what he'll share live at the All-Ireland Entrepreneurs Summit

Whether you're leading a company, a team or just trying to lead yourself better — this is an episode that hits home.

🎧 Listen now

📍 Catch Shane live at the All-Ireland Entrepreneurs Summit, May 30th at Croke Park.

Episode 182: From Startup to Global Success: How Jason Keely Is Changing the Game for Irish Brands

"Every brand has a voice. But not every brand gets heard." 🔊

That’s where Jason Keely steps in.

In this inspiring episode of AIBF Business Talk, Jason — founder of VS Direct and No Limit Branding — shares how he’s helping brands cut through the chaos with smarter, sharper marketing.

🔥 His approach? Not just louder ads. But real strategy. Real targeting. Real results.

Inside the conversation: 

✅ How Jason grew two powerhouse brands by thinking differently
✅ Why triggered digital ads are changing how we reach customers
✅ How his team helps companies get measurable returns, not just promises
✅ What it really takes to build trust with big names like Marks & Spencer, Virgin Media, and Aramark
✅ The honest highs and lows of leading, innovating, and staying grounded

Today, Jason isn’t just building businesses — he’s helping brands find their voice in a busy world. 🌍

🎧 If you’ve ever felt like your brand deserves more — more recognition, more connection, more impact — this is your episode.

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