The Entrepreneur Experiment

The line from Thurles to Silicon Valley is not a straight one, but Paul Hayes forged a path. A born storyteller, he has spent over 20 years honing his craft to tell the stories of the world's biggest tech companies & brands. We unpack the power of storytelling in effective PR strategies, and Paul shares how crafting a compelling narrative can transform startups into industry conversation leaders, fostering trust and loyalty among potential customers. In a wide ranging conversation, we discuss the lessons learned at the intersection of life, business, and the uncharted paths we choose. Paul Hayes is the founder of BeachHut PR. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Conall Laverty, founder of Wia joins Gary on this week's pod. A natural experimenter & entrepreneur, Conall can spot an opportunity where others can't. After his bike was stolen, he began building devices to make dumb objects smart. Fast forward to today, and his company, WIA, has developed a revolutionary piece of tech that companies can fit into their factories & warehouses. It will not only monitor energy use but see where millions of euros are being wasted or even stolen! --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Ciara Walsh and James Fahy, the founders of JustTip join Gary for this week's episode. Ciara and James open up about the dizzying highs of viral success and the daunting lows of financial strain, shedding light on the critical decisions that have defined their path. But it's not all smooth sailing in the world of startups, as our candid conversation reveals the raw realities of scaling a business. Their story is a masterclass in resilience, offering valuable lessons for anyone with their sights set on entrepreneurial success. Listen closely as they share the secrets to transforming challenge into opportunity and discuss the shifts in consumer behavior driving digital transactions into the norm. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Welcome to the launch episode of season 18 of the pod. John Beckett built the first Ryanair website when he was still in school. He built it for £20k and later discovered the next closest quote was £3.5 million! It began his founder journey, and he has built multiple companies, including ChannelSight. In his spare time, he has the ambitious plan to reforest large parts of Ireland with Forest Partners, his non-for-profit to combat climate change. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Back by semi-popular demand is our full nerdy planning guide for Q2. In this episode, I recap your 2024 Masterplan and help you review Q1 and set goals you can hit in Q2. Goal setting and planning are often overcomplicated so I take you through a simple, clear and actionable plan that you can do in 30 minutes. We look at goals, systems and review guides to help you break down the months into bite sized chunks to make hitting your goals easier than ever. Join my free weekly email newsletter here: https://bit.ly/40TgDkq --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Your mentor today is Eoin Hinchy, the co-founder of Tines. Tines has raised over $100 million since being founded in 2018. It has been valued at over $1 billion. The lesson is not about finance or fundraising. Our lesson today is about the power of simplicity. Founders and aspiring founders overcomplicate the process which leads to delays and self-doubt. Eoin gives us a simple plan to get started and build momentum. To listen to the full interview with Eoin go back to episode 232. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

John is a professional poker player turned e-commerce genius. After 10 years of pro poker, he flipped into the e-commerce world. During a Covid lockdown, he spent €30,000 trying to make the perfect bar of soap for men! The Black Stuff Soap company was born. In the 3 years since, he's turned that €30,000 into a business that will hit sales of €5 million this year. We talk how he uses poker strategy to win at business and how he's dominating in the world of e-commerce. Visit John's company, The Black Stuff: https://bit.ly/3TJlhjE --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

This is a powerful episode with Dan Nugent, an ecommerce entrepreneur with a huge story to tell. Alongside his wife Sacha, they built their eyewear company from the kitchen table to a €100k a month business. Post-Covid this came crashing down as online shopping collapsed and shoppers returned to retail stores. He paused to rebuild the business and has been relentlessly learning from the biggest e-commerce and DTC brands worldwide. Today he shares everything in this episode. Their unique pivot has seen them rebound and move into performance and recovery eyewear with customers such as Leeds United star, Patrick Bamford. Dan's tale is one of dogged determination and a willingness to take two steps back to then take 10 steps forward. Visit their new brand, EverAmbr: https://bit.ly/4annbMr --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Today's guest is Sinead Crowther, the founder of Soothing Solutions. This is a story of superhuman resilience and the power of logic. Sinead is without question one of the most inspirational and resourceful entrepreneurs that I've ever had the pleasure of sharing a conversation with. Her journey is a masterclass in innovation, revealing the meticulous steps from conception to execution of a product that fills a significant gap in the market. Sinead's narrative is a testament to the unwavering spirit of female entrepreneurs who challenge industry norms and overcome scepticism. From securing substantial funding to retrofitting a historical brewery into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Sinead's tale is both a blueprint and an inspiration. Her first product, Tonstix Honey Jelly Pops is gaining traction across Ireland & the UK and is now a top selling product on Amazon. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

I first met Luke Mackey back in September 2019 when he appeared on episode 29 of this podcast. Fast forward 4.5 years and 300 episodes later, he's back to tell me about his latest venture Kota. Prediction time - Luke & Kota will be one of the hottest startups in Europe in the next 12 months. We break down the process of building a venture backed startup & the lessons he's bringing into his journey as a second-time founder. In 2023, Wired magazine picked Kota as one of their hottest startups in Europe. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Feargal Brady is the co-founder of NoFrixion and joined us back on episode 230. Today, he teaches us about the triple bottom line. A serial entrepreneur, he sold his most recent venture, Blueface, to US giant Comcast for an undisclosed sum believed to be €20 million+ in 2020. He is the definition of a modern, mobile entrepreneur. He divides his time between Ireland, Portugal, and Spain while working across multiple different projects including NoFrixion, and his private equity group, VentureWave Capital. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Today's guest is Eoin Bara, the founder of Tipple, the e-commerce infrastructure company for alcohol brands. Eoin's entrepreneurial journey began by flying to South Africa to learn how to make gin to now building a company that could completely change how people buy and sell alcohol across the world. He raised €400k in just 30 days back in 2022 to get his venture off the ground. From the personal anecdotes of distilling in South Africa to the formidable obstacles of navigating international taxes and logistics, our discussion takes you behind the scenes of what it truly means to run a disruptive venture in a traditional industry. This episode is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

In this special solo episode, I share the 5 key learnings I've picked up over the 5 years of doing The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast. From business failures to expensive experiments, I share never told before stories on how the podcast began and where it will be in 5 years time! This episode is an intimate diary entry, chronicling the profound impact of pivoting when the world stands still, and the unexpected success that can follow. The episode encapsulates the ethos of 'survive to thrive,' as we acknowledge the mental fitness required for the entrepreneur life --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Welcome Chris Kelly, the co-founder of Tracworx to the pod! Join us to learn how Tracworx revolutionized asset tracking across industries, from healthcare patient management systems to the brewing sector's battle against asset loss. We'll reveal how embracing customer feedback and transparent communication can forge unbreakable client relationships, and how strategic funding and angel investors like Liam Casey, and Barry Lunn are instrumental in steering companies toward success. Through tales of setbacks and serendipity, Chris and I illustrate the resilience and creativity that are the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. (00:00) Introduction (07:38) Asset Management in Supply Chains (14:42) From Dating App to Patient Management (23:48) Innovating Healthcare Technology and Contact Tracing (33:48) Business Pivot and Sustainable Solutions (41:24) Building Relationships Through Customer Communication (46:06) Entrepreneurial Success Through Strategic Funding (50:40) Supply Chain Automation and Efficiency (58:59) Entrepreneurial Networking and Growth (01:02:37) Automating Retail --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Ali Ryan, the founder of Goss Media, joins Gary Fox on today's episode. After being told "This is just a hobby" by an investor, she began a mission to build a media empire. Over the last 10 years, Ali has bootstrapped her way to the top of the online media world in Ireland. Each month Goss.ie gets over 1 million readers. Navigating the relentless tides of the media industry requires more than just a good idea—it demands grit, strategy, and a hint of rebellion. Ali shares her experiences of bootstrapping Goss Media without outside investment, braving the legal threats that come with disrupting the status quo, and weathering the financial storm brought on by a global pandemic. Her journey underscores the importance of innovation, from pioneering virtual events to leveraging the virality of TikTok, revealing how adaptability can lead to remarkable business growth even in tumultuous times. Ali's narrative is a powerful reminder that the path to success is often a personal odyssey, marked by a balance of relentless drive and mindful self-care strategies that keep one's vision clear and passions burning bright. Join us for a deep dive into the heart of a media empire built on unwavering belief and the refusal to accept failure as an option. Chapters (00:00) Building a Media Empire (08:48) Navigating Challenges in Showbiz Industry (18:35) Building a Media Business From Scratch (26:11) Challenges of Starting a Business (34:20) Building Brand Success Through Innovation (43:56) Navigating Entrepreneurial Growth and Challenges (48:15) Entrepreneurs and Determination in Disruption (54:09) Lobbying for Anti-Trolling Legislation (01:00:10) Women's Empowerment and Self-Care Journeys (01:11:23) Belief in Possibility and Self-Driven Success --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

This week's mentor is Marc McCabe, GP at Nomad Capital Marc was one of the first employees and helped it scale to become a global brand. Today, he answers the question every entrepreneur wants to know, "What do investors look for when they decide on making an investment or not? To listen to the full episode, go back to episode 228 --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Go wherever in the world you are treated best. This is the financial & life philosophy of my guest, Andrew Henderson, the founder of Nomad Capitalist. In a world of remote work, low cost travel and freedom of choice, where should you live in 2024? In this revealing chat, we explore the concept of being a global citizen. How can this save you money, cut your tax, improve your quality of life & open up a world of investment choices. We peel back the layers of identity and home in a world where mobility and diverse opportunities are reshaping what it means to be a global citizen. Lastly, we delve into the intricate world of geopolitics, multiple passports, and tax planning in an era where global living is no longer just for the wealthy elite. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a masterclass in harnessing the power of global perspectives to fuel business growth and personal fulfilment. (00:02) - The Future of Digital Marketing (04:14) - Factors Influencing Nomadic Capitalist Lifestyle (11:43) - Global Nomad Capitalist Lifestyle Trends (23:48) - Geopolitical Changes and Multiple Passports (34:57) - Global Mobility in Tax Planning (42:43) - Navigating Politics, Wealth, and Power (48:05) - Complexities of Libertarianism and Crypto Adoption (52:51) - International Entrepreneurship and Business Growth (01:00:21) - Self-Awareness and Investment Philosophy (01:06:25) - Seeking Simplicity in Business Growth --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Shana is the founder of Tailr, which is redefining production for the clothing industry. This was one of the most open & frank chats on the pod in 2024. Shana and I peel back the layers of startup advice, highlighting the importance of filtering through the noise to find what truly resonates with your own entrepreneurial spirit. After two years, she faced an impossible decision, give up or start again. We navigated the complex journey from concept to market, with Shauna opening up about the challenges faced when developing her AI-driven sizing solution, and the grit needed to persevere through failed pitches and critical feedback. It's not just about bouncing back; it's about asking the right questions and having those transformative Eureka moments that steer your product to success. Sharing personal stories, we reflected on the crucial role of mentorship, learning from setbacks, and the validation that comes with launching a product that genuinely impacts people's lives. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Rob Horgan, the founder of Velo Coffee is your mentor this week. He is a master marketer, so naturally, I had to find out his secret. Here is Rob's marketing masterclass. Rob's full episode with Gary is episode 221. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF

Bobby Healy, the mastermind behind Manna's skyrocketing drone delivery service, is not your average CEO; and this is not your average chat. We take a closer look at Bobby's extraordinary narrative, where resilience isn't just a buzzword. He's not just outmanoeuvring giants like Amazon; he's sharing how Twitter has become an invaluable tool for shaping his personal brand and business growth. We're peeling back the layers of corporate marketing to reveal the compelling stories of the people powering these ventures and why an authentic founder's voice is more resonant than any polished PR pitch. Venture into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship with a man who's turned the daunting task of founding and scaling businesses into an art form. Bobby recounts the serendipitous twists that catapulted him from cumbersome corporate chains to the helm of nimble, innovative ventures. He lays bare the triumphs and tribulations of his journey, from navigating the uncertainties of early-stage startups to mastering the strategic timing of acquisitions. Bobby embraces life's randomness that define the entrepreneurial spirit. As we zoom in on the nitty-gritty of drone delivery, Bobby doesn't shy away from the hurdles that come with revolutionizing transportation. He shares how Manna is crafting a future where drones seamlessly integrate into urban landscapes, all while maintaining a laser focus on customer experience and market creation. For those looking to carve their own path in the tech world, Bobby's insights are gold dust. He offers up hard-earned wisdom for ambitious minds: cherish your network, embrace the irrelevance of failure, and always remember that the greatest successes often come from starting early and surrounding yourself with talent. Join us for a conversation that's as electrifying as it is insightful, packed with lessons for anyone daring to disrupt the status quo. --- My Season Partners Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/4bgUdPv Ethos - Resilience: https://bit.ly/3w1IunV Iconic Offices: https://bit.ly/3vPQAzF Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y