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AIBF Business Talk is an original podcast brought to you by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. In each episode we talk to innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders to bring you practical lessons and actionable insights that you can apply to your business and in your daily life.
Episodes
14 hours ago
14 hours ago
In this week's 🎙️ AIBF Business Talk podcast, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Ian Hunter, Centre Manager of Swords Pavilions - a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. They delve into the centre's recent accolade of the Business All-Star Award for its Commitment to Environmental Excellence.
Starting their sustainability journey in 2018, Swords Pavilions prioritised energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. Transitioning to LED lighting led to a 35% reduction in electricity bills. They phased out gas boilers and upgraded to heat recycling pumps, eliminating 1.8 million kilowatts of gas usage by June 2023.
Hunter shares plans for further sustainability initiatives, including a second solar scheme and a unique wind farm on the roof. Despite challenges like grant accessibility and governmental support for carbon offsetting, he emphasises perseverance, strategic planning, and leveraging networks for success.
Reflecting on Swords Pavilions journey, Hunter encourages businesses to start small, pace themselves, and learn from experiences. He offers his support to fellow sustainability enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of collaboration and long-term planning in achieving environmental goals. 🌱🌟
About the All-Ireland Business Foundation
The AIBF is an independent national body that identifies and acknowledges the country’s most ambitious and visionary businesses.
As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish businesses. Companies that merit recognition based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.
Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust.
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Episode 133: Innovation in Learning: Conor Hannaway Shares Strategies for Success
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
On this week's AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, chats to Conor Hannaway, Managing Director of The Learning Rooms. The Learning Rooms specialises in digital learning services, crafting engaging online experiences for skill development and offering eLearning consultancy and support for L&D teams. 🖥️
Conor's journey began with learning and development at the Irish Management Institute, where diverse experiences laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial venture.
The Learning Rooms' inception stemmed from his blend of entrepreneurial ambition and expertise in learning and development. Over the years, the company navigated multiple business cycles, leveraging long-term client relationships and a commitment to integrity and values to weather crises, without layoffs or pay cuts. 💼
Their resilience and success lie in maintaining strong client relationships and upholding integrity. They diversified into niche areas, such as partnering with the Health Management Institute, which led to developing resilience programs for healthcare professionals. Conor emphasises continuous innovation, exemplified by internal teams exploring hybrid working solutions, marketing strategies, client relationship management, and emerging technologies. 🌱
Key takeaways from Conor include prioritising customer care, managing finances diligently, and fostering a supportive work environment. These principles, he asserts, are fundamental to business success. 💡
Tune in for more insights from Conor Hannaway! 🎧
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
On this week's episode of AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, engages in a captivating discussion with Ciarán Stone, Co-Founder and CEO of Square Root Solutions, which is among Ireland’s top Mobile app development companies. 💼🎙️
They discuss Square Root's innovative custom software solutions for mobile and web applications, tailored to startups and enterprises. Square Root Solutions approaches each project by understanding the client's needs, identifying pain points, and digitising processes to add value. 💡💻
For instance, they've transformed traditional catalogues into dynamic apps, saving costs and time for clients. Their ethos focuses on practicality, aiming to streamline tasks and empower clients' employees. 💪📱
Stone shares his entrepreneurial journey, stemming from a sports app venture that went from topping the download charts, to encountering setbacks due to a major tech glitch; but ultimately led to the formation of Square Root Solutions. 🚀📉
He emphasises the importance of purposeful use of technologies like AI in enhancing processes, particularly in sectors like education. Advising businesses considering technology investments, Stone suggests identifying pain points and seeking expert consultations to explore viable solutions. 🤖📚
Free discovery calls and leveraging experiences from industry peers can offer valuable insights into the potential of technology adoption.
Stone's approach underscores the significance of aligning technology investments with tangible benefits and addressing real business needs, ensuring informed decision-making and successful outcomes. ✨
Tune in now for brilliant insights from Ciarán. 🎧
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Denise Ryan, owner of Ní Ríain's Hair Salon in Tipperary, shares her personal journey and business insights with AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll on the latest episode of AIBF Business Talk. Ní Ríain's Hair Salon offers cutting-edge treatment options, including oxygen therapy and a hair loss clinic, alongside traditional services.
🎙️ Denise recounts her unexpected journey into the hair loss sector after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020. Struggling to find suitable solutions during lockdown, she eventually explored wigs and hairpieces, discovering a gap in personalised services.
💇♀️ Her firsthand experience led Denise to specialise in helping clients navigate hair loss, offering tailored consultations and ongoing support. She emphasises the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and providing continuous assistance until they're comfortable.
💡 Recognising the limitations of traditional approaches, Denise introduced oxygen therapy— a groundbreaking solution that promotes hair growth and protects against chemotherapy-induced hair loss. The therapy has garnered widespread acclaim, drawing clients from across Ireland.
💰 Denise also highlights financial assistance options, including medical card coverage and health insurance claims for hair loss treatments.
📈 Despite challenges, Denise's business has flourished, prompting plans for expansion. She stresses the significance of finding fulfilment in one's work and cherishing every interaction, citing her team's deepened sense of purpose in helping clients overcome hair loss struggles.
👩💼 Reflecting on her journey, Denise advises embracing positivity, enjoying one's work, and seizing opportunities for growth— a testament to resilience and the transformative power of passion in business.
Tune in for some wonderful insights from Denise.
The AIBF accredits the Business All-Star mark to Best-In-Class Irish businesses based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.
The AIBF is an independent national body that identifies and acknowledges the country’s most ambitious and visionary businesses.
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
On this week's episode of AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, engages in a captivating discussion with Brigid Walsh, the Co-Founder of Solar Evolution and recipient of the Business All-Star Leinster Entrepreneur of the Year 2024.
Brigid shares her journey of steering Solar Evolution to prominence in the renewable energy sector, emphasising their commitment to sustainability and innovation. 🌞
Brigid's engineering background and her exposure to solar technology in the Netherlands ignited her passion for solar PV. She highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry. Solar Evolution's approach distinguishes them by providing end-to-end solutions tailored to clients' needs, ensuring control over energy costs and sustainability goals. 🏗️
Reflecting on changes in the industry, Brigid discusses the integration of smart technologies and the focus on efficiency and longevity. She advises companies embarking on their green journey to start with simple steps, such as energy audits, and gradually expand. 📊
A notable case study includes Solar Evolution's collaboration with the historic Abbey Theatre in Dublin, where they seamlessly integrated modern technology while preserving the building's heritage. 🎭
Brigid emphasises customer-centricity, transparency, and trust as the cornerstones of her entrepreneurial journey. Despite working in a predominantly male-dominated field, she finds respect and equality prevalent.
Her insights offer a glimpse into the transformative potential of sustainable energy and the role of innovation in shaping a greener future.
Tune in now for an enriching discussion on this episode of AIBF Business Talk. 🎙️
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
On this week’s AIBF Business Talk, Helen Rowland of OceanConnects, Business All-Star Call Centre Of The Year 2024; chats with AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll about how Helen and her team are providing Seamless Customer Experience, Business Process Management and Technology solutions for leading, trusted brands across Ireland and beyond.
Helen shares her inspiration for entering the call centre industry, tracing back to her involvement with operations and marketing at an American bank. She emphasises her love for challenges and variety in the call centre environment, highlighting the importance of professionalism and achieving client goals. 🌊💼
The Ocean Connects founder discusses the intricacies of call centre campaigns, stressing the need for strategic approaches to lead generation and brand protection. She talks also of the rewards of her role, focusing on achieving goals rather than monetary gains, and emphasises her problem-solving skills and dedication to client success.🎯💡
Regarding fostering a positive culture, Helen draws on her own positivity and the importance of hiring driven individuals. She describes her approach to task prioritisation and time management, highlighting flexibility and delegation. ⏰🤝
Outside of work, Rowland unwinds by travelling and engaging in other business ventures, emphasising the importance of variety. Reflecting on her recognition by the All Ireland Business Foundation, she expresses personal satisfaction and professional validation, noting its significance for her brand and future endeavours. 🌍✨
Tune in now to hear this insightful interview with Helen which underscores her passion for the call centre industry, dedication to client success, and commitment to maintaining a balanced and rewarding lifestyle. 📞💼🌟
The AIBF accredits the Business All-Star mark to Best-In-Class Irish businesses based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.
The AIBF is an independent national body that identifies and acknowledges the country’s most ambitious and visionary businesses.
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
On this week’s AIBF Business Talk, entrepreneurial brothers Niall and Declan McNiff of Realtime Recruitment discuss their journey in business with AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll. 🎙️
Realtime Recruitment, specialising in tech & transformation recruitment since 2005, reflects on their upbringing, learning customer value from their entrepreneurial parents. 🛠️
With offices in Dublin & Belfast, they help clients of all sizes successfully scale their teams to deliver projects all over Ireland and the east coast of the USA.
The duo’s inspiration stemmed from their risk-taking mother, who ran a successful fashion business for 34 years, emphasising customer relationships. Their entrepreneurial path was natural, fueled by sibling rivalry and trust. The core of Realtime Recruitment's success lies in their strong client relationships, boasting a 97% retention rate. 💼
In this podcast we hear how working as siblings brings unique advantages, fostering honesty and constructive criticism essential for growth. Challenges, like self-doubt, were overcome through trusting the process and intentions. Beyond financial success, their fulfillment lies in seeing staff and clients flourish, alongside life-changing opportunities for candidates. 🤝
Their advice to younger selves emphasises remaining calm amid challenges and delegating responsibility. They credit their synergy to straightforward communication and quick decision-making, enabled by their complementary strengths. Maintaining work-life balance evolved with time, prioritising family and hobbies. ⏰
Innovation drives their motivation, understanding the need to adapt in a rapidly changing business landscape. They encourage aspiring entrepreneurs, especially siblings, to seize opportunities, define roles clearly, embrace criticism, and learn from mistakes. 🚀
Tune in to gain some wonderful insights from Niall and Declan's entrepreneurial journey. 🎧
AIBF BLURB:
The AIBF accredits the Business All-Star mark to Best-In-Class Irish businesses based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.
The AIBF is an independent national body that identifies and acknowledges the country’s most ambitious and visionary businesses.
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
On this week's AIBF Business Talk, Helen McCormack of Helen McCormack Estate Agents - AIBFs Inspirational Business Person of the Year chats with AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll to coincide with International Women's Day.
Helen discusses her journey as a successful female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated real estate industry. Reflecting on her early observations of successful men in the field, she emphasises the importance of building networks and developing confidence to level the playing field. 🏡💼
Discussing the theme of International Women's Day 2024, "Inspire Inclusion," Helen stresses the significance of empowering women within organisations. She outlines her strategies for encouraging women to take on leadership roles, including mentorship programs, individualised leadership development, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Helen emphasises the importance of celebrating successes, both big and small, to inspire and motivate team members. 🌟👩💼🎉
Reflecting on her own experiences balancing work and family life, Helen highlights the flexibility that entrepreneurship affords her, allowing her to integrate her personal and professional life seamlessly. She encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs to focus on self-awareness, seek mentorship, stay resilient, and celebrate daily successes. 💪🌸
With her own journey as inspiration, Helen embodies the spirit of inclusion and empowerment, driving positive change in her industry and beyond. 🚀👩🔧🌎
Tune in for some wonderful insights on this International Women's Day with Helen McCormack.
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Friday Mar 01, 2024
In the latest AIBF Business Talk podcast, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Paul Murphy from Climeaction, an Employee Owned, B Corp Certified company dedicated to decarbonising businesses.
Climeaction takes a holistic approach, integrating decarbonisation across all business functions, reducing emissions, improving ESG performance, and cutting operating costs.
Gain brilliant insights into Climeaction in the areas of:
- Employee Ownership & Expansion:
- Recently transitioned to being 100% employee-owned 🌟
- Secured a 2.3 million euro investment for expansion 📈
- Global Expansion Plans:
- Set to establish a presence in the US 🇺🇸
- Recognizing a significant opportunity in the US market 🌎
- Focus on ESG Issues:
- Extending beyond carbon to address wider ESG challenges 🌱
- Emphasising the importance of governance and social aspects 🔍
- Serving Businesses of All Sizes:
- Aim to serve all businesses, from micro to mega-scale 🏢
- Highlighting the potential for SMEs to gain significant cost savings 💰
- Practical Approach to Sustainability:
- Advocating for businesses to undertake carbon footprint assessments 📊
- Providing tools and support through various government agencies 🛠️
- Encouraging Financial Alignment:
- Emphasising the importance of initiatives that save both carbon and money 💼
- Aligning climate action with financial gains for long-term success 🌱💰
Climeaction's comprehensive services guide businesses through the complexities of sustainability, ensuring strategies are both impactful and financially beneficial.
For more intriguing insights and practical advice on navigating the sustainability landscape, tune in to this podcast featuring Paul Murphy from Climeaction. 🌱💼📈✨
The AIBF accredits the Business All-Star mark to Best-In-Class Irish businesses based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.
The AIBF is an independent national body that identifies and acknowledges the country’s most ambitious and visionary businesses.
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
In the latest AIBF Business Talk Podcast, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll catches up with Colm Hanratty of sixtwo Digital, a digital marketing agency that helps businesses grow 🚀. They cover essential aspects of digital marketing strategy, from goal setting to content creation and campaign performance tracking.
Colm's journey reflects resilience and adaptability. He transitioned from a career in Hostelworld to founding sixtwo Digital, leveraging early experiences in social media marketing. His entrepreneurial spirit, inherited from family, has driven the agency's success.
Colm shares three key tips:
- Define Your Objectives: Understand your business goals and tailor your digital strategy accordingly. Whether it's brand awareness or lead generation, clarity on objectives is crucial for calculating ROI.
- Optimise Social Media Advertising: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer powerful advertising tools. Define clear objectives for your ads to ensure desired actions from your audience, whether it's lead generation or engagement.
- Embrace TikTok: Don't overlook TikTok's potential. It's not just for Gen Z; it's rapidly becoming a mainstream advertising platform. Consider its unique format and audience when crafting content.
Remember, even if you're not currently using TikTok, securing your username is wise for future use. Less polished content often performs better, emphasising authenticity over production value.
Tune in to the podcast for more insights on social media and beyond! 🎙️
The AIBF accredits the Business All-Star mark to Best-In-Class Irish businesses based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.
The AIBF is an independent national body that identifies and acknowledges the country’s most ambitious and visionary businesses.