AIBF Business Talk

Episode 139: Magnet Plus: Leading Ireland's Connectivity Revolution with People-Powered Solutions 🌐

On this week’s AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, chats with Patrick Masterson, Managing Director at Magnet Plus, Ireland’s largest connectivity partner. Three words sum up why Magnet Plus is different: People Powered Connectivity! After operating as AirSpeed and Magnet Networks for over 15 years, they understand the challenges businesses face. 📡

Magnet Plus emerged from the merger of Magnet Networks and AirSpeed, providing connectivity and voice services for over 17 years. Customer experience is crucial, and Magnet Plus invests heavily in this area. They have a cross-functional team of customer experience champions who review transactional surveys, customer satisfaction, NPS, customer effort, and Google reviews. By understanding customer feedback, they continually improve products and services. 🌟

The company’s Customer Champion Program involves cross-functional staff who meet regularly to discuss customer feedback and make necessary adjustments. This feedback loop ensures that customer experiences are constantly improving, contributing to overall business success. Positive customer references are a testament to their efforts. 💼

Patrick emphasises the importance of every team member understanding their role in the customer journey. Magnet Plus celebrates positive feedback and recognises staff achievements, motivating the team to maintain high standards. Hybrid working models have also contributed to a happier, more productive workforce. 🏠

Magnet Plus aims to differentiate itself through exceptional customer experience, providing reliable service and support, especially during crises. Empowering staff and constantly reviewing strategies helps them stay ahead in the evolving telecoms market. Backup solutions are crucial for service continuity. 🔧

The company is transparent about their NPS scores and values both positive and negative feedback. They publish their scores on their website and focus on addressing issues highlighted by customers. Their approach generates customer loyalty and drives business growth. Constructive feedback is essential for continuous improvement. 🔄

Magnet Plus target corporate and SME sectors, offering services like broadband with failover, hosted voice solutions, and robust connectivity for large offices. Their focus is on providing secure, reliable, and cost-effective telecom solutions. 📞

Looking ahead, Magnet Plus plans to grow its corporate market share, expand internationally, and maintain double-digit growth. They stay alert to market opportunities and prioritise partner networks to enhance their services without directly competing in managed IT services. 🌐

Tune in now for some more wonderful insights from Patrick.

Episode 138: The Power of Human Connection in the Workplace with Teresa Hand Campbell

On this week’s AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, chats with Teresa Hand Campbell, an Organisational Psychologist, Business Executive, Personal Coach, Mediator, and Registered Occupational Psychometric Test User. Teresa specialises in helping organizations identify and develop their best talent and guiding employees through career changes across their lifespan. 🌟

We hear from Teresa on how organisational psychology is about human interaction and relationship building in the workplace. It involves fitting the person to the job and vice versa, while ensuring the workspace promotes health and productivity. Employers often use psychometric tools to assess potential employees' strengths and competencies, which is vital for succession planning and maintaining a skilled workforce. 🏢

Teresa outlines how continual learning is crucial for personal and professional development. She outlines how the wisdom of experienced workers should be passed on to younger employees to foster intergenerational learning. The shift to remote work has impacted this knowledge transfer, emphasising the importance of lifelong learning and sharing knowledge to benefit the broader community. 🌱

Human connection remains vital in the workplace. Effective leadership requires emotional intelligence and empathy, learned through experience. The integration of education and business is essential for economic success. The over-reliance on technology risks undermining human self-reliance and creativity, essential for future resilience. 🤝

Tune in now for some more wonderful insights from Teresa.

Episode 137: Unconventional Pathways: James Colbert's Journey to Real Estate Success

On this week’s AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, chats to James Colbert, Director of Colbert & Co Estate Agents, a prominent property firm in East Cork. 

James's unconventional entry into the Real Estate industry through family involvement in construction provided a unique perspective with his practical experience shaping his approach. Their branding strategy aims for a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting their ethos and maximising online visibility. 🏡

Traditional property marketing has shifted towards social media platforms like TikTok, enhancing engagement. James recounts their organic growth, from community projects to employing a dedicated social media manager and videographer, revolutionising their content creation. 📱📸

James emphasises their adaptation to social media for better outreach, particularly to younger demographics. He shares their journey from community engagement projects to becoming social media-savvy. 💡

While buoyant, the property sector faces challenges, including rising costs and regulatory burdens. James stresses the importance of maintaining service quality amidst financial pressures, advocating for industry-wide improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction. 💼

James' passion for his work, combined with his diverse background, has earned recognition, including Colbert & Co. being honoured as the 2024 Business All-Star Real Estate Agency of the Year. Such accolades provide validation and motivation amid challenges, reinforcing their commitment to excellence and innovation. 🥇

🎧Tune in now for some wonderful insights from James.

Episode 136: From Apprenticeship to Leadership: Mick O'Shea's Inspiring Journey

This week on AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, converses with Mick O’Shea Jnr. of MJOS Group, encompassing MOS Mechanical, MSM Renewables & Home Comfort Retrofits. They offer a full suite of building, maintenance, and renovation services, along with plumbing solutions for households and large-scale projects. They are also an SEAI One Stop Shop 🏠.

It all began when Mick O'Shea Heating and Plumbing, established by Mick O'Shea Snr., transitioned from small maintenance to larger projects, eventually branching into schemes of houses. Mick Jnr. joined the business in 1997, completing his apprenticeship in 2001. He took on the challenge of managing the business in his early 20s. Despite uncertainties, they thrived, evolving into MOS Mechanical 🛠️.

The journey faced challenges, including the 2008 economic downturn, which led to introspection and adaptation. They embraced renewable energy and retrofitting, evolving into MSM Renewables and Home Comfort Retrofits. Mick’s foresight and proactive approach positioned them as pioneers in their field 🔧.

Acknowledging the importance of people and relationships, Mick emphasises the value of communication and industry collaboration. He attributes their success to teamwork, dedication, and adaptability. Mick's recent accolades as an industry leader reflect not just personal achievement but also the collective efforts of his family and team 🏆.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Mick advocates for perseverance, open communication, and building meaningful relationships. He underscores the significance of seeking advice and learning from industry peers. Mick’s story inspires listeners to navigate challenges with resilience and determination 🌟.

Tune in for more insights from Mick O’Shea 🎧.

Episode 135: Navigating Wellbeing: Seamus Ruane's Roadmap to Balance and Success 🗺️

On this week's AIBF Business Talk podcast, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll catches up with Séamus Ruane, Business All-Star Pharmacist of the Year 2024 & founder of iThrive Academy.

Séamus believes that by making key interventions, people can positively influence their wellbeing and life satisfaction. He emphasizes the limitations of a solely medical approach, suggesting proactive lifestyle interventions. 

Séamus outlines a six-component model (RFVAMP) focusing on:

💑 Relationships
🤝 Engagement
🌿 Vitality
🏆 Achievements
🧭 Meaning
😊 Positive Emotions

Positive psychology underpins his work, offering evidence-based strategies. He stresses individualised approaches, citing diverse methods like hobbies, exercise, and nature. 😊 

iThrive Academy offers programs blending practical tools with experiential retreats and one-on-one sessions. 

Séamus's journey from pharmacist to holistic wellbeing advocate underscores the importance of balance and personal responsibility. 

His insights reflect a shift towards comprehensive wellbeing models, acknowledging the complexity of individual needs and the importance of proactive self-care.

Tune in now for an enlightening conversation with Séamus 🌱🧘‍♂️📈✨

Episode 134: Turning Swords Pavilions Green: A Blueprint for Environmental Excellence

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.

Episode 133: Innovation in Learning: Conor Hannaway Shares Strategies for Success

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! 🎧

Episode 132: From Setbacks to Success: Ciarán Stone's Entrepreneurial Journey with Square Root Solutions.

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. 🎧

Episode 131: Breath of Fresh Hair: Empowering Clients Through Hair Loss - The Denise Ryan Approach

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.

Episode 130: Solar Evolution's Brigid Walsh: Illuminating the Path to Sustainable Energy Solutions

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. 🎙️