AIBF Business Talk

Episode 151: The Vital Role of Non-Executive Directors in Corporate Success - Insights from Malcolm Hughes on Governance and Growth

🎙️ On this episode of AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, CEO of AIBF, chats with Malcolm Hughes of Sedgwick International, the 2024 Business All-Star Non-Executive Director of the Year. Malcolm sheds light on the critical role and responsibilities of a Non-Executive Director (NED) in today's corporate landscape.

💼 Malcolm emphasises that while both executive and non-executive directors share the same fiduciary duties, the roles differ significantly. Non-Executive Directors provide independent oversight, ensuring that the company adheres to statutory regulations and governance principles. They bring an external perspective that is crucial for long-term sustainability and growth.

🛠️ Key responsibilities of a NED include corporate governance, compliance, and supporting the executive team. They act in the company's best interest, bringing their experience to foster strategic development and risk management. Malcolm highlights the importance of diversity on boards, as it helps avoid "groupthink" and promotes a dynamic decision-making process.

🌍 In today’s rapidly changing world, issues like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and digital transformation are increasingly significant. Malcolm advises that NEDs must be well-informed, proactive, and willing to seek external expertise when necessary to ensure that the board navigates these challenges effectively.

🎧Tune in now for some wonderful insights from Malcolm.

Episode 150: Championing Autism Inclusion: ASD Ireland’s Impactful Journey

🎙️ On our milestone 150th episode of AIBF Business Talk this week, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll speaks with Keith Enright, CEO & co-founder of ASD Ireland, a charity dedicated to providing socially inclusive activities for people with autism and their families, and AIBF's Charity of the Year. 

ASD Ireland offers a range of services, including autism camps, psychotherapy, gaming groups, and community outreach programs. They’ve even partnered with Lidl Ireland for an employment program and work closely with businesses to create autism-friendly environments. 🧩

Keith shared the deeply personal motivation behind founding ASD Ireland, inspired by the lack of support when his eldest son was diagnosed with autism. Since its inception in 2017, the organisation has grown from serving 14 families to over 350, providing more than 2,500 children's sessions and 1,000 adult sessions annually. 💙

ASD Ireland is a fully volunteer-run organisation, and Keith emphasises the importance of community involvement. From donations to volunteering time, there are many ways to support their mission. One highlight is their mobile sensory room, designed by autistic individuals for autistic individuals, offering a safe space at events. 🌟

Tune in now to hear from Keith about ASD Ireland's work, which promotes inclusivity and support for all. 🌍

To help support the work of ASD Ireland you can donate through their GoFundMe or by simply texting ASDIRELAND to 50300 to Donate €4.

Episode 149: Transforming Accounting for Small Businesses: How Marc O'Dwyer and Big Red Cloud are Simplifying Finance Management

This week on AIBF Business Talk, CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Marc O’Dwyer, CEO of Big Red Cloud, a company offering user-friendly accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll software for small businesses. Marc acquired Big Red Book in 2000 and transformed it into a profitable venture before launching Big Red Cloud in 2012. With over 75,000 customers, the company has seen rapid growth and high conversion rates from trials to sales. 📈

Marc’s impressive sports background includes playing rugby, competing in 15 marathons, and completing eight Ironman races, including the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. 🏃‍♂️🚴‍♂️ Marc attributes his business success to resilience and discipline gained from sports. He emphasises the importance of following your instincts, taking risks, and pivoting when needed. 💪🔄

Big Red Cloud’s motto is to simplify accounting for small business owners. They offer free online training courses in partnership with the Education Training Boards in Kildare, Wicklow, Donegal, Waterford and Wexford; aimed at upskilling individuals in accounting and payroll. 🎓💼

Marc also recently acquired Turbo Inventory, enhancing Big Red Cloud’s offerings and expanding into the UK market. He advises entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities and delegate tasks to focus on business growth. 🌟🔍

Tune in now for some wonderful insights from Marc from Big Red Cloud - our 'Business All-Star Accounts and Payroll Software Company of the Year' for the third year in a row!

Find out more about Big Red Cloud on https://www.bigredcloud.com

Learn about their free Training Courses on https://www.bigredcloud.com/training

Find out about Turbo Inventory, which is designed to help small to mid-market businesses grow by combining the powerful inventory features of an ERP system with the accessibility of a cloud-based platform and book a live demo on https://www.bigredcloud.com/turbo.

Episode 148: Breaking Barriers: Embracing Neurodiversity with Jeanette Delahunty of TSK Academy

On this week's AIBF Business Talk, Jeanette Delahunty from TSK Academy, an award-winning NeuroInclusion Consultant, speaks with AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll. 🎙️ Jeanette's mission is to promote workplace acceptance and inclusivity, focusing on hidden disabilities such as autism, ADHD, and mental health issues. 🌟

Jeanette explains that many disabilities are not visible, and neurodivergent individuals often mask their true selves in environments designed for neurotypical people. This can lead to significant stress and exhaustion. 🧠💼 

Jeanette emphasises the importance of creating a sense of belonging in workplaces and adapting to diverse communication styles. Employers are encouraged to engage in open conversations and be relatable leaders to build psychological safety. 🛡️ 

Jeanette's training programs primarily aim to educate teams and leaders on embracing neurodiversity rather than directly coaching neurodivergent employees. Her approach is to foster understanding and adapt workplace practices to accommodate different needs. 🏢🤝

Despite facing some resistance due to outdated beliefs, Jeanette highlights that approximately one in four people are neurodivergent. Her passion for inclusivity shines through her work, and she offers bespoke training tailored to organisational needs. 🌍✨

Tune in now for some wonderful insights from our Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Jeanette from the wonderful five-in-a-row Business All-Star accredited TSK Academy.

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 147: Business, Beauty, and Beyond: The Inspiring Journey of ECAMS Founder Pyn Lim 🚀

In this week's episode of AIBF Business Talk, Pyn Lim, a trailblazing entrepreneur in aesthetic healthcare, discusses her journey with AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll. 🌟 Pyn, founder of the European College of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (ECAMS), shares how she identified a global gap in proper training for doctors in aesthetic medicine, leading her to create ECAMS, now a top global training institute. 🌍

Originally a business consultant bridging technology and business processes, she ventured into the aesthetic field upon realising the industry's lack of high training standards. 💡 She grew ECAMS into an international success, with 26 hands-on and 52 online courses, serving over 2,000 doctors across 70+ countries.

Pyn emphasises the importance of continuous learning, adapting to change, and putting customers first. She also highlights the challenges of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. 💪

Looking ahead, Pyn is pursuing a PhD in generative AI, aiming to integrate this cutting-edge technology into the aesthetic industry, signalling even more innovation to come from her and ECAMS. 🚀

Tune in now for some wonderful insights from Pyn.

Episode 146: Chez Maison: Where Engineering Precision meets Creative Passion

Isabella Codd, the Founder & Creative Director of Chez Maison, shares her journey from electronic engineering to becoming a creative entrepreneur on this week's AIBF Business Talk with AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll.

Isabella's passion for creating and working with fabric was inspired by her upbringing in the countryside, where crafting was a way of life. Despite initially pursuing a career in electronics due to job scarcity in Ireland, Isabella's love for making things persisted. She ultimately returned to her creative roots, combining her engineering skills with her passion for design to establish her own business.

Chez Maison focuses on sustainable, bespoke interior designs and home clothing, utilising advanced fashion technology. This approach allows for personalised garments made with minimal waste, aligning with Isabella's commitment to sustainability. She emphasises the importance of embracing technology to bridge the gap between fashion and functionality, creating tailored pieces without the need for mass production.

Isabella also discusses the challenges of scaling her business, seeking support from business angels who value sustainability. Reflecting on her journey, she advised her younger self to embrace the unknown and trust in her abilities, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between creativity and business acumen. 🌱🎨

🎧Tune in now for some wonderful insights from Isabella.

Episode 145: From Delivery Driver to Business Leader: Eddie Quinn’s Success Story

On AIBF Business Talk this week, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, interviews Eddie Quinn of ESI Foods, a company known for supplying fresh meats to various sectors. 

We hear how Eddie began his career in the industry as a student, delivering fresh foods. After spending ten years with a company, he went on to establish a new business. Following a brief hiatus and the development of a well-thought-out business plan, Eddie founded ESI Foods, which has since experienced significant growth. 🐔

Eddie emphasises the importance of relationships with suppliers, sharing that loyalty and trust can lead to significant growth. He advises new business owners to maintain consistent relationships rather than switching for lower prices. He also stresses honesty in customer communications and having multiple suppliers to ensure consistent supply. 🔄

A key lesson Eddie shares is avoiding a chokehold on the business. He found that delegating responsibilities allowed ESI Foods to grow, highlighting the importance of trust and team support. The company, now with eight staff and a significant storage capacity, was recently honoured as the Business All-Star Food Distribution Company of the Year for 2024. 

Tune in for some brilliant insights from Eddie!

Episode 144: Nurturing Bonds: Gail Bovenzier's Mission to Support New Parents

This week on AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, interviews Gail Bovenzier, Owner of Complete Harmony. Gail's mission is to help parents connect with each other and their babies during the first few years of life. With extensive training in Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond, Gail has assisted thousands of parents on their journey into parenthood. 🌟

 

Gail's passion for supporting new parents began 25 years ago with the premature birth of her twins. Lacking local support and resources, she discovered baby massage training in 2002 and has been teaching ever since. She expanded her offerings to include baby yoga, toddler yoga, and pregnancy yoga, ensuring parents can build lasting relationships through her classes. 🧘‍♀️

 

Realising she couldn't reach everyone alone, Gail became a trainer for the International Association of Infant Massage in 2010, training others to spread her mission. During COVID-19, she expanded her reach globally, teaching online and working with various organisations to support diverse communities. 🌍

 

To scale her business further, Gail is now developing a franchise model, offering turnkey businesses for new instructors. This allows parents, especially mothers, to balance work and family life while pursuing something they love. Gail emphasises the importance of having someone to bounce ideas off, sharing that this support has been crucial to her success. 💼

 

🎧 Tune in now for some wonderful insights from Gail.

 

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 143: The Heart of Home Care: Insights from Comfort Keepers CEO Collette Gleeson

This week on AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, chats with Collette Gleeson, CEO of Comfort Keepers Ireland, who for almost 20 years have been providing the best in-home care services to those who need it, caring for each client with the respect and dignity they would provide members of their own families.

Collette discusses the core values and purpose driving Comfort Keepers. Her extensive experience in healthcare underscores the need for compassionate, quality care, acknowledging that the field faces challenges like staff shortages and the complexities of individual care needs. She emphasises the importance of adapting and improving services to meet these challenges. 💪

Home care plays a crucial role in the continuum of care, helping individuals maintain their quality of life and stay close to their communities. Collette stresses the need for embracing ageing within local communities and preparing for vulnerabilities rather than avoiding them. She finds fulfilment in working with a dedicated team focused on making clients' lives easier and ensuring effective, personalised care. 🏡

Comfort Keepers also prioritises professional development, ensuring caregivers are well-trained to handle diverse situations. Collette mentions the emotional labour involved in caregiving, highlighting the need for resilience and coping skills. Comfort Keepers strives to provide comprehensive support to their staff, promoting financial wellness and continuous professional growth. 🌟

Despite recruitment challenges, Comfort Keepers remains committed to maintaining a robust workforce. They invest significantly in their teams, focusing on creating a supportive and financially secure work environment. Collette reflects on the importance of adapting to new technologies and methods to enhance care delivery, ensuring that caregivers can provide the best possible service. 🩺

Tune in for some brilliant insights from Collette.

Episode 142: From Advice to Action: EORI (UK) Founder Robert Hardy's Brexit Success

This week on AIBF Business Talk, Elaine Carroll, AIBF CEO, chats with Robert Hardy, founder of EORI (UK). EORI (UK) specialises in handling customs formalities, allowing businesses to focus on growth across international markets. 🌍

EORI (UK) operates the Customs Clearance Consortium, a specialist agency addressing the increased transaction volume post-Brexit. Customs estimate an additional 200+ million declarations and over 150,000 traders unfamiliar with new processes. 📈

Hardy shares that their goal was to manage customs formalities arising from Brexit, ensuring smooth Northern Ireland flows within political constraints. Initially providing advice, they realised the need for a reliable customs agent, leading to their involvement in the market. 📊

Brexit significantly increased customs declarations in Ireland, highlighting a lack of growth and innovation in the sector. EORI (UK) aims to simplify customs processes, emphasising data flow to ensure seamless trade across borders. 🌐

Hardy, who has Irish roots, stresses the importance of understanding data in business, as seen in their approach to identifying potential export markets through duty rates. This method helps businesses spot opportunities and trends, facilitating smoother international trade. 📈

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Hardy advises embracing failure and learning from it. He also emphasises self-care and persistence, recounting EORI (UK)'s journey from uncertainty pre-Brexit to a thriving business today. Hardy has been honoured as the UK-Irish Business Person of the Year by the AIBF, highlighting his contributions and success. 🌟

Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation with Robert Hardy. Tune in now for invaluable insights!