The Entrepreneur Experiment (Gary Fox)

In the Lab this week, I reveal my plans for reopening and the mindset tools I'm using to reimagine my business & way of life.

I also discuss the results of my experiment to reduce my phone screen time to less than 60 minutes from a high of 4 hours and 20 minutes! This was a tough one. 

Refer A Friend: https://refer.fm/experiment

In this week's Lab, I share stories of people who are earning over €100k per year teaching niche courses online. 

We explore the massive growth in online learning and how you can become an online expert to leverage your existing skills. 

In the Lab today, I share what it's like to move from Ireland to Spain, how I discovered the niche industry that ships supercars all around Europe for wealthy owners and why fitness villages will be the next mega-trend in health.

Your mentor today is Oisin Hanrahan and he's going to give us a rapid lesson on the power of focus.

As founders, we can get distracted by the next shiny thing. However, Oisin has strict rules he enforces on himself and his team to ensure maximum focus and productivity.

Oisin started Handy which raised over $100 million before being aquired by Angi. Oisin become the CEO of Angi which at the time of recording had a valuation of $5 billion and over 5,000 staff.

You can go back to episode 136 to listen to the full conversation with Oisin. 

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Often the best business ideas come from solving your own problem. 

When Luke was recovering from a serious illness, Evelyn began preparing healthy, quick meals that he could eat anywhere. Simply Fit Food was born.

In this episode, we discover how to go from problem to solution in a matter of months and how early success can often stretch you to breaking point.

We chat about what Dragons Den is really like behind the scenes and how the couple manages to both live and work together.

Today our mentor is Ciaran Crean the co-founder of MicksGarage.com and WaveOMS.

We discuss whether Ireland is simply the wrong place to start certain types of businesses. 

To hear the full interview with Ciaran, go back to episode 243. 

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Rob Horgan from Velo Coffee Roasters sits down with Gary Fox to share his journey from cafe owner to the coffee roasting king. 

From humble beginnings, Velo is now one of the most recognisable and widely sold coffee brands in Ireland.

In this episode, Rob shares his entire journey from his cafe in Cork city to being stocked in major supermarkets and plans for global expansion.

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EY of the Year finalist, Tony Richardson floated two companies on the stock exchange before selling his business, Venn Life Sciences, and buying two football clubs.

In this fascinating episode, Tony gives us a no holds barred insight into the tough business of life sciences and what it takes to float not one but two companies.

We delve deep into the business of sport and why Tony believes buying a football club might be an incredibly savvy move. He shares his vision for the future of Irish football and how we can build sustainable clubs.

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Richie Collins, the founder of The Wealth Summit and Walfrid Private joins me on the pod.

He has dedicated his career to managing the money of some of Ireland's best founders.

 I sit down with Richie to ask him to tell me about the money habits and traits of the best founders. How do they make it and most importantly how do they invest it and spend it?

Important note: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. None of the content in today's episode is to be taken as investment advice. Always seek advice from a professional before making any investment decisions.

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What does it take to create a unicorn startup? Jack Pierse, co-founder of Wayflyer, and now co-founder of HappyStack joins us to discuss the thrilling journey of building one of the most successful startups in recent years.

From securing millions in funding to scaling operations across the globe, Jack shares invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial highs and lows, including the pivotal moments that shaped Wayflyer’s meteoric rise.

Jack opens up about his life before and after Wayflyer, including his working for Liam Casey and how he’s now channelling his expertise into new ventures. Whether it’s advising other startups, investing, or exploring new industries, Jack’s approach to entrepreneurship continues to evolve.

His latest venture, Bold Golf has also just launched and counts Shane Lowry among the investors. 

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Aidan is a self-confessed accidental entrepreneur.

He led Voxpro, the highly successful outsourcing company founded by well-known entrepreneurial husband and wife duo, Dan & Linda Kiely, until their sale for $150 million in 2019.

Aidan was taking a well-deserved sabbatical when the world changed.

Covid happened and inspiration struck. His former business model of filling offices with customer service agents could be reimaged for the remote world.

His company Otonomee, has never had an office and never will. Their entire business lives online and in the homes & hot desks of their customer service agents all across the world.

This is a story that defines business in 2023.

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Today on the pod I announce the first ever Entrepreneur Experiment Awards ceremony and how you can get involved.

We also discuss the makers mindset and I update you on my Wilde Cabins.

From starting his company in school to partnering with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, it's been a wild journey for Adam Dalton. 

Along with co-founder Evan, they have built a business spanning 100 countries serving over 100,000 students.

I hear how they coped with major early setbacks, the challenge of running a business while in full-time education and how they partnered with the Apple co-founder. 

His clients reach over 1 billion views each year & today he shares the secrets of YouTube success.

Paddy is recognised as a leading global expert in YouTube & audience building.

He reveals how he started over 50 channels before striking gold with his current one & becoming an online sensation.

Paddy breaks down the business of YouTube, how much money is at stake and why building an audience should be the single biggest goal of your business.

Today marks the official launch of my partnership with Shane Cradock, Ireland's leading high-performance coach.

In the episode, we reveal our new joint course, why it's so important right now and the impact working with Shane had on my own journey.

We have combined our years of experience to create a unique learning opportunity for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and high performers.

In early 2023, join us to unlock your true potential.

Link to Course: https://bit.ly/3Wm4pOS

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Imagine getting your dream job on the Caribbean island of Barbados. Now picture that dream quickly becoming a nightmare as recession sweeps the globe and your company goes out of business with no warning. 

What do you do?

If you are David Campion, you set out on a journey to become one of the Caribbean's most successful entrepreneurs. 

In just 7 years, David has built ARGO Development Studio into 5 offices in 5 different countries with world-famous clients such as Virgin, Mercedes, Suzuki, Marriott, Radisson, and Digicel.

This truly is a story of one man's mission not to accept defeat when faced with near-impossible odds. The perfect story for us to learn from in 2020. 

How much do you invest each month in the single most important asset you will ever own?

The average Irish person spends €28 per week on booze and cigarettes and €0 on self investment.

In today's episode, I break down the 5 main areas I invest in to help me perform better & live longer. 

In today's Mentor Moment, we revisit episode 147 with Barry McNerney.

Barry is the man behind some of Dublin's most famous brands including Paulie's Pizza, Junior's Deli and Lotts & Co.

As our mentor today, Barry advises us on how to work with family & how to resolve conflict. He also gives us his insight into how to spot opportunities. 

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Why do so many professional sports stars become entrepreneurs?

In today's episode, we chat with former Leinster, Munster and Ireland rugby player, Shane Monahan, who brings us on his journey from sports star to entrepreneur.

We discover the mindset required to become successful at both sports and business.

We chat about

- How goal setting shaped Shane's career

- Playing for Leinster, Munster, and Ireland

- How you are ever only one bad game away from a bad season

- Why so many rugby players become successful entrepreneurs

- How voice will shape so many industries in the next 5-10 years.

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.

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In the Lab today, I look at the options for starting an 18-year investment fund for my new baby.

The compound effect is the 8th wonder of the world according to Einstein. 

Prize Bonds? State Bonds? Cash? Where should her money go so that she turns 18 with a sizeable fund thanks to compounding?

We look at the options and I reveal which option is my current favourite.

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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

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Today's guest, Donnacha Neary has a simple ethos. The time for messing around is over. 

He started from zero in 2013 and built Sonica to one of the biggest fit-out firms in Ireland before having to start again in 2022, this time with his new company, Icons.

This episode will inspire you to take action.

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In the Lab this week, I share the 4 lessons I learned from the elite-level performers I spent time with at Dublin Tech Summit.

These 4 tips will reshape how you approach events and interact with people on a daily basis.

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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. 

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In the Lab today, I reveal the hidden trends & opportunities that entrepreneurs have shared with me over the last 30 days.

A major change is coming & listen to this episode to find out what that means for you and your business.

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Aspiring entrepreneurs always ask when is the right time. How will I know it's the right decision?

Today, Pat Divilly shares his insights into the toughest choice of all. Walk away from your current life for the opportunity to build your dream life.

Right or Wrong - You Must Make a Decision - That is today's theme and we'll help you work through your tough choices with today's mentor.

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Today in the Idea Lab, we break down and analyse the famous tweet storm by Naval Ravikant.

This tweet storm was Naval's breakout moment in 2018. He is an entrepreneur and investor based in the US.

It led to Naval gaining international notoriety as a modern-day philosopher guiding a new breed of entrepreneurs.

We look at what lessons to start applying to our own lives and what ones to avoid.

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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.

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Hi everyone and welcome back to the pod.

In this episode, I talk about why there have been no pods recently and the reasons for that. I also look ahead to 2022, sharing some of my tricks for planning and I also try find a partner for my new business. 

In this week's Idea Lab, I am going to show you how to launch any business idea for less than €500.

This episode gives you everything you need to go from an idea to business launch in a few weeks and less than 20 hours of work. 

In the Lab today, I give you the ultimate guide and questions for reviewing 2022.

Reflecting and reviewing your work is the most overlooked tool when it comes to productivity.

This guide will help you figure out what worked in 2022 and where you can improve for 2023.

By adopting a reflection and planning system, you are setting yourself up for success in 2023.

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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Greg Bradley, founder of BLK BOX, one of the leading gym equipment manufacturers in Europe.

Greg shares his journey from bootstrapping a startup with no engineering background to building a business that supplies some of the world’s top sports teams—including Irish Rugby and 75% of the Premier League clubs.

Greg opens up about the challenges of scaling a manufacturing business, the rollercoaster ride of COVID-19, and why he stepped away from the CEO role to focus on his strengths.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for insights on brand-building, international expansion, and leadership, this episode is packed with value. 

🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

🔥 From side hustle to global brand – How Greg built BLK BOX from scratch

🏋️‍♂️ Supplying the pros – Landing contracts with elite sports teams & gym chains

📉 The COVID challenge – Why it was a net negative for the business

💡 Lessons in leadership – Why Greg hired a CEO to replace himself

📈 Scaling manufacturing – Expanding operations without outside investment

🇺🇸 Cracking the U.S. market – BLK BOX’s next big move

🎯 The future of fitness – Hyrox, functional training, and what’s next

💬 "I didn’t bring investment in at the start because I feel sometimes money can suffocate creativity. My strength has always been being resourceful—turning lemons into lemonade." - Greg Bradley 

📌 Resources & Links:

🔗 BLK BOX – Greg’s company: https://www.blkboxfitness.com/

📖 Scaling Up – Business book recommendation

🏃‍♂️ Hyrox – The fitness race taking over: https://hyrox.com/

📱 Follow Greg Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-bradley-69610539/

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more inspiring founder stories.

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Incredible brands are born from great stories. Today's guest shares the journey of an idea created between friends that blossomed into a global brand.

Gary brings us on the path from whiteboard sketches to breaking the US drinks market.

Thanks to Find a Venue, Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation for being my partners on Season 7.

Our Mentor today is Fiona Parfrey, the co-founder of Riley.

Fiona gives us a masterclass on how to get your startup covered by the media and how to create a cohesive working relationship with your co-founders.

In under 3 years, Fiona & her co-founders have taken Riley from an idea over a glass of wine to becoming EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists. Their early growth & customer traction has been phenomenal so sit back & learn from one of Ireland's most promising entrepreneurs. 

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Millions of people have consumed Garret's products but you would never know! This is because Garret started one of Ireland's largest commercial bakeries from very humble beginnings in his apartment kitchen.

He has since launched Krüst Bakery and is now embarking on his biggest adventure so far, moving to New York to launch his latest venture, Parkpnp in the US.

Today's guest has built a business on the back of sheer graft and passion.

David Hartigan, the founder & CEO of Hemp Heroes joins Gary on the pod.

While rising through the ranks at PWC, he pursued his passion of building a company in the health space that would help people & pets live longer & better.

Since 2018, he has been building Hemp Heroes, producing human food supplements, pet supplements and cosmetics.

David is one of Europe's leading experts on Hemp and CBD but his entrepreneur genes run deep and we hear how he started building his empire while still in school.

It is impossible to not be energised and motivated by David and his attitude. 

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This week, I am joined by Brody Sweeney, founder of O'Briens Sandwich Bars and Camile Thai Kitchen.

In a brutally honest and revealing chat, Brody explains how he lost control of the global empire he built and the chaos it brought to his life.

His story was only beginning in 2009 and he bounced back rapidly to start Camile Thai. Brody reveals how he found the strength to start again and how he's plotting the global expansion of his latest venture.  

In this week's episode, I breakdown the key learning of every single interview with every entrepreneur that has featured on the podcast so far.

I deliver the main learning I took from each person and how you can apply that to your business or idea.

I also reveal The Entrepreneur Experiment Book Club and new content to be revealed next week.

Going from zero to one is the single most difficult task for any founder.

On today's mentor moment, Dan & Ciaran explain how they did it with ProtexAI, their startup which has raised $18 million, has customers all over the globe and complete the YCombinator programme in San Francisco.

Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y 

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Welcome to episode 9 of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast where I chat with James Murphy, founder of Zest Fitness and BeatBox Gym.

Founded 6 years ago in the height of the last economic recession, James has built a business that now earns over 6 figures per year. Despite this, he’s willing to risk it all and start again with his latest venture.

James is the epitome of a calculated risk-taking entrepreneur. When we spoke, James was in the middle of a complete renovation of his second gym to convert it into a boxing experience gym.

James doesn’t mince his words and speaks extremely openly on the successes he’s had but also the pressure faced by entrepreneurs to keep improving and beating the competition.

I hope you enjoy the episode and if you want to chance to win the book recommended by James, simply leave a review on iTunes or share this episode on social media and tag us!

It's the weekend, that means it's time for a new mentor.

This week, we have a special friend of mine to teach us about the unlimited power of mindset.

Andy Mackin served in the Irish Navy for 21 years before embarking on a second career as an entrepreneur. Mackin Talent is now a commercial powerhouse with offices all over the world and turning over millons each month. 

His growth since then has been spectacular but why I really clicked with Andy was his outlook on life and the power of mindset.

Today he gives us a short lesson on improving mindset and he proves why there is no such thing as a typical entrepreneur. 

To hear the full interview with Andy, go back and listen to episode 113.

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Ground Wellbeing was born in crisis but blossomed to become the product choice of leading hotels across the globe and is now becoming a best seller consumer brand.

In this episode, we find out how Peigin delivers 5-star products at speed without cutting corners. She also reveals how she secured Brown Thomas as her very first client & the new pandemic trends threatening the entire spa industry. 

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In the Lab today, I share my experience of speaking at The Wealth Summit last week and give you a breakdown of the talk I delivered.

I've studied and identified the 4 traits that all top-level entrepreneurs have and the dark passengers they carry as a result of having those traits.

Essential listening for founders who want to improve their self-awareness.

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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Richard Fitzgerald, the founder of Augustus Media, an award-winning modern media company in the UAE and KSA, publishers of Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, and Smashi TV.

With a background in media and advertising since 2006, Richard worked at agencies in Ireland, England, and the UAE before building a regional social media department at Mindshare MENA and later becoming Managing Director of a creative technology start-up.

In 2015, he launched Augustus Media, a ‘new media’ company that has since expanded across the Middle East, winning Best SME Company at the 2018 MENA EFFIE Awards. Today, Augustus operates Lovin brands in multiple cities, including Dubai, Saudi, Bahrain, Cairo, Riyadh, and Sharjah, and in 2019, they added ODEUM, a dedicated content studio, to their growing media empire.

Richard reveals the strategies he used to scale his media brands, the challenges of monetising digital media, and why he believes traditional media is broken.

If you’re building a content brand or looking to scale your business in a competitive market, this is a must-listen!

🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

🔥 How Richard turned Lovin Dubai into a media powerhouse from scratch

🚀 The strategies he used to growth-hack his way to millions of pageviews

💡 The future of media & why traditional outlets are struggling to adapt 

🌍 Expanding across the Middle East: The challenges of entering new markets (Dubai, Saudi, Bahrain, Cairo, Riyadh & more!)

 🔑 How Lovin and Smashi became the region’s leading digital media brands 📈 Revenue, investment, and why he rejected buyout offers

🎥 The role of ODEUM, Augustus Media’s content studio

🎤 Hiring journalists vs. content creators – what media needs now

📌 Resources & Links: 📖 Learn more about Augustus Media: https://weareaugustus.com/

📰 Follow Lovin brands across the Middle East: https://lovin.co/

🎥 Check out Smashi TV – https://smashi.tv/en

🎬 Discover ODEUM – Augustus Media’s content studio: https://weareaugustus.com/odeum/

📱 Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzyrichard/

💬 “I didn’t want to think about fundraising or exits—I wanted to build something real, something that lasts.” – Richard Fitzgerald

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From sitting in a coffee shop in Los Angeles hatching the plan for The Fat Fox to selling their cars to make that dream a reality, Rob & Claire's story is truly unique.

This week's episode combines a gritty reality of business with two remarkable people who share their adventures with me in a captivating story. 

A special story about a special business. 

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In this episode, I reveal how I'm trying to increase my productivity and overcome self-doubt by adopting a new system of working.

Missed deadlines and juggling too many tasks lead me to redesign my entire way of working.

I am also hiring two new people to help me and I reveal the results from April of The Entrepreneur Experiment. 

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Unlock the secrets of securing investment, scaling a business, and overcoming the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in our insightful discussion with Chupi Sweetman, founder of Chupi Jewellery, and James Doody, a director with IBI Corporate Finance.

This was filmed with a live audience at my studio in the private cinema in the Greenway Building by Iconic Offices

Expect to be inspired by Chupi’s journey, raising a remarkable €3.75 million last year, and James's expert advice on fundraising that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take on the world of finance.

We don't just stop at raising capital, but pull back the curtain on the journey of starting a business from the ground up. Hear firsthand how Chupi took her business from a spare room to a successful brand, and get James's expert advice on building a solid financial plan and team. The power of networking, resilience, and turning rejections into opportunities also take center stage in our chat. 

Rounding out our episode, we broach the subject of finding the right investors, decoding terms, and the hidden costs of opportunity.

James shares his personal experience with investment, stressing the importance of matchmakers in aligning entrepreneurs and investors. We highlight the need to understand your business valuations and set realistic expectations. Chupi and James leave us with powerful insights into the world of entrepreneurship, reminding us that gender should never define your journey, and the importance of forming genuine bonds in business.

Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, advice, and real-world experiences that every entrepreneur will find invaluable.

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Serial entrepreneur John Tuohy, gives us a masterclass today in finding & executing brilliant business ideas.

Ideas are worth nothing without execution and your mentor today gives you the blueprint on both finding new ideas & then putting a rapid plan in place to make them happen.

If you've been struggling to come up with your first idea or you have the idea but no plan on how to make it a reality, today's episode is for you.

John built Nightline & ParcelMotel before selling to UPS in 2017. His latest venture is called OOHPOD. 

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I am joined by the distinguished Professor Stephen Kinsella, a leading economist with a deep understanding of the Irish economy.

Professor Kinsella brings Economics 101 to our founders, answering the pressing questions on how the economy operates, the intricacies of inflation, and the practical implications for businesses.

Whether you're an early-stage founder or an established entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on navigating economic cycles, understanding monetary policies, and optimising your business strategies in 2024 and beyond.

Tune in to learn how to keep your business thriving amidst changing economic conditions and leverage economic principles to your advantage.

Stephen is Professor of Economics and Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Limerick's Kemmy Business School, Co-Director of Immersive Software Engineering and Economic Advisor to An Taoiseach, Simon Harris.

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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

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At just 23 years old, Karl O'Brien has built his social media company into a global brand employing 8 people.

Karl shares his views on selecting your clients, not letting your clients choose you.

As a young entrepreneur, Karl started his first venture in his bedroom before using his college years to rapidly grow his business.

We chat about habits that help him perform at the highest level and how he seeks mentors to avoid repeating their mistakes.

As the founder of Prowlster & Opsh, Jennie has been at the forefront of eCommerce innovation in Ireland since 2008.

The world ahead is uncertain and many people face tough decisions. It is more important than ever that we hear from people who’ve made hard choices and will honestly share the journey.

This week’s chat with Jennie couldn’t have come at a better time as she embodies the resilience required to be an entrepreneur.

In a wide-ranging chat, we discover:

- How her first venture started as a hobby

- Why family can be the perfect co-founders

- The funding trap in Ireland

- The major issues holding back retailers from being successful at eCommerce.

- Knowing when to pivot and when to stop. 

- Where to find the resilience to start again

- The forthcoming boom in eCommerce post-Covid.

Nick Keegan, the CEO & co-founder of MailMetrics is your mentor this week.

He teaches us how to use venture debt and company acquisitions to supercharge your company growth. 

Check out the full podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPRHfAvJGC0

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Joining Gary Fox on the pod this week is Niall Woods, the sports agent, and ex-professional International rugby player.

He is now the man guiding Irish sports stars such as Gary Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Jamie Heaslip & Fiona Coghlan. His company, Navy Blue Sports Management is the secret hand guiding many of Ireland's elite performers. 

In this episode, you learn what an agent does for these stars including the weird & wonderful requests. You hear the behind-the-scenes stories of how high-profile deals are negotiated and the reality of how much Irish sports stars really earn. 

We also delve into the world of the business of sports & the dramatic effort social media has had on the game.

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Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox

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Our mentor this week is Mark Cummins who sold both his startups, Plink and Pointy to Google. Pointy was sold for a rumored figure of $160 million.

Mark shares with us how he built and sold his first startup to Google in under 12 months while completing his Ph.D.

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Don't build a CV, build a portfolio.

Today's mentor is Barry Lunn, serial entrepreneur and founder of Provizio.

He teaches us today there is no single path to becoming an entrepreneur. Pursue your passions, work hard and just keep going.

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Peter Coppinger, the brilliant mind behind Teamwork, joins us for a fascinating chat recorded live at the Republic of Work in Cork in partnership with the EIIS Innovation Fund.

Peter’s entrepreneurial journey from a passionate college student to a successful business mogul is nothing short of inspiring.

From his early days of web development and local business pitches to the spontaneous decision to acquire the domain teamwork.com for a whopping $500,000, Peter's story is filled with bold moves and valuable lessons.

Peter & Dan bootstrapped Teamwork for over 14 years before raising $70 million in 2021. We delve deep into the reasons behind this and their drastic change of strategy. 

We cover everything from their transition from client services to product development, their first sale, and to why SAAS is the best business model in the world! 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the intricacies of building a positive company culture and making fearless business decisions.

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My Season Partners

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Colm sold Realex in 2015 for €115 million & immediately launched a new venture.

He has designed Fire.com for businesses and other financial institutions to easily access a range of payment services.

In a wide-ranging chat, we discuss everything from the future of payments, why he didn't settle after selling Realex and the reason why the Fontaines D.C. have the world's greatest song. 

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The ability to adapt. It's never been more important to hone this skill. Alan Coleman used the power of adaption to successfully tweak his first company Brite:Bill to eventually reach over 200 million people.

After a successful sale, he's now tackling the Internet of Things (IOT) with his latest company, Sweepr.

A powerful chat about experimenting, adapting, and surviving. 

Episode 2 is an in-depth interview with Tommy Courtney. Tommy is the CEO and founder of Prelo, a corporate relocation services platform. A B2B service, Tom’s company helps companies relocate employee’s to new cities around the globe.

Every single time that I meet Tommy, I learn something new and his no-nonsense approach is what more startup founders need to adopt.

In this episode, we discuss starting on your own versus finding a team, and advice, when to take it and when to ignore it! He reveals how he manages his mental health when juggling the demands of being a startup founder and discusses strategies he uses to stay healthy.

We also explore how to keep a perspective in business and Tommy shares a very personal story.

This week's guest has been working with leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs for over 20 years, unlocking their full potential.

In a wide ranging chat, we explore what is high performance & how can you achieve it on a consistent basis?

You will learn about mental habits, understanding the inner voice, and mastering the outer versus inner game. 

Visit Keary's Carstore: bit.ly/EExCarStore

Your mentor today is Aidan O'Shea, the co-founder of Otonomee.

He is going to teach us how to build a fully remote company from the ground up. We cover everything from hiring to sales.

If you are struggling to adapt to hybrid working or want to improve your remote company, this is for you.

If you want to listen to the full episode, go to episode 253.

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Seamus Fahy is naturally curious. His curiosity propelled him into a career as an oil trader before a random conversation at a wedding changed his life.

In today's episode, you will learn how to start a business in an industry you have zero experience in. We'll uncover the secrets of building a huge waitlist of customers before launching and finally, Seamus reveals how being curious can be a business superpower. 

After his rugby career was ended by a serious injury, Gary Lavin jumped straight into his entrepreneurial journey.

Fast forward to 2019, and his drinks brand VITHIT sells 25 million units across the globe.

In the middle, he faced every challenge imaginable and almost lost everything.

Gary is a no-nonsense entrepreneur who shares the real reasons why his brand become a global success. 

Join the conversation with the indomitable Sonya Lennon, as she shares the riveting story of her entrepreneurial voyage, which weaves together fashion innovation and profound social impact.

Sonya is the founder of Lennon Courtney, co-founder of Lift Ireland and founder of WorkEqual.

Our discussion unravels the complexities of brand development, the agility necessary in the face of business challenges, and the insightful moments of adaptability that redefine an entrepreneur’s path.

Sonya's candid reflections on managing multiple businesses, including the tech venture Frockadvisor, serve as a masterclass in resilience.

Wrapping up our exploration, we reflect on the indispensable role diversity plays in leadership and business, examining the nuances of women in senior roles and the risks current political climates pose to gender progress.

This episode is not just a narrative of personal triumph and societal contribution; it's a rallying cry for leaders and changemakers to seize the mantle of responsibility and drive the change they wish to see in the world.

Find out more about MindShift Coaching Programme: https://bit.ly/3Sc4u6Y 

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My Season Partners

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Best selling author, serial entrepreneur and YouTuber Rob Lipsett joins me to share his secrets.

We chat about how he maintains a relentless work ethic and his ability to run & grow multiple businesses while maintaining his nomadic lifestyle.

Living between Dublin, Marbella and London, Rob has just launched his latest venture, Fuel Cakes.

Rob documents his journey to 500k YouTube subscribers & 590k Instagram followers.

Thanks to Find a Venue, Chapter, & Bay Street Innovation, SE7 Partners.

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.

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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 

Trevor is fulfiling every child's dream of working in the professional sports arena. He manages and helps elite level athletes all across the globe.

Hear how Trevor made his dreams a reality when he became a sports agent to the world's most interesting athletes on this week's episode. 

His company, Sport Endorse have also just launched a marketplace that allows athletes to find companies and brands to work with, on their terms. 

Brands also get access to 1000's of elite athletes who otherwise, they would have no way of connecting with.

A podcast I didn't really want to do.

I talk about my mental health journey since The Worst Year of My Life episode.

What's been working for me and what hasn't.

Hope you get some insight and value.

Be kind to yourself.

Each week, I give you a world class mentor to prepare you to win the week ahead.

Today, Lisa Creaven, co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care gives us a masterclass in customer psychology and product testing.

You must know everything about your product and how it will be used before you can hope to build a market leading product.

Lisa breaks down for us her product testing process and the strategies used.

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Criona Turley, the founder of Capella, joins Gary Fox for this week's The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast. 

The world of hybrid work is a nightmare problem for many businesses but for Criona, it was the spark of opportunity.

Founded during the pandemic, Capella is solving the challenge of managing a hybrid workforce.

Criona reveals insider information about how the best companies are evolving in 2022. 

This company has the potential to be a global superstar of the modern working world. 

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Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox

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Music by Andrew Applepie

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Timestamps

Season 7 of The Entrepreneur Experiment is back today.

After a short summer break, the new season is back with 20 new episodes over the next 10 weeks.

Today, I reveal what I've been up to over the summer break, plans for the new season and a giveaway competition for you.

In this week's Idea Lab, I explore the idea of 15-minute cities and how that will offer opportunities for entrepreneurs.

We also go deep on the idea of second-order effects and the hundreds of business opportunities Covid has opened up for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Speed of execution is what seperates entrepreneurs from wantrepreneurs.

Aonghus developed his very first product version using a cardboard box! 

Your mentor today shares with us the power of executing fast and how momentum is everything when building your first product.

Aonghus Shortt is the CEO & founder of Food Marble.

You can go back and listen to the full episode at EE 125. 

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My Season Partners

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Every great founder needs a mentor. That is why every single week, I bring you a new one.

In this Mentor Moment, James Whelton dives into the importance of finding joy in the process over just chasing outcomes.

He shares a key insight: if you're spending 90% of your time on the journey, it only makes sense to enjoy it. James reflects on his own experiences and how this mindset shaped his approach to work and success.

This is a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on aligning passion with purpose.

To listen to the full episode go back to episode 306.

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Thanks to my season title partner

Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21 

Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.

Squid, the loyalty app you've seen popping up in coffee shops all over Ireland is my rising star pick for Season 10.

I sit down with Matthew, co-founder & CEO to discover why no company has managed to crack the loyalty space.

Their concept is simple, tap your phone when you get a coffee instead of fiddling with paper cards and use an app to get rewarded.

Keep an eye on this company as they are one to watch closely. 

--

Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox

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Music by Andrew Applepie

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

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My Season Partners

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In this week's episode, we learn what company is making $13m from just 13 employees.

We also discover which GAA star is under fire for becoming an entrepreneur.

Today on the pod, we reveal how the launch of The Entrepreneur Experiment Community went and how you can get involved.

I also share 4 ways you can generate business ideas using visualization exercises such as your dream day plan and the lotto win scenario.

Feargal is a builder. A maker. A creator of things. My favourite type of entrepreneur. He starts with the question, "Why does it have to be this way?"

Serial entrepreneur Feargal Brady, 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 his new business, NoFrixion, and his private equity group, VentureWave Capital. 

In this episode you will learn:

• How to create a triple bottom line
• The 3 things Feargal would do to fix Ireland's problems in 1 year
• Why he splits his time between Ireland, Spain, and Portugal
• How his impact investment fund aims to make profit while improving the world
• What will kill banking as we know it today
• The feeling after selling your life's work for a life-changing amount of money

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Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox

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Music by Andrew Applepie

James was just 17 when he hacked the Apple iPod Nano. This act of creativity catapulted him into the world's spotlight.

His next massive success was establishing CoderDojo to teach kids about technology & coding. What began as a small group in Cork soon spread all over the globe.

James gives us a compelling account of his exceptional journey. We also shed light on the emotional toll of his period, delving into the burnout he experienced, the self-reflection that followed, and the significance of self-care when charting such an ambitious path.

We explore the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the face of success, the pitfalls of seeking external validation, and the merits of finding joy in the journey itself instead of the end result.

After spending time in the Middle East as CTO of a major tech company, James now splits his time between Japan and Ireland while building Conjure, his latest project.

My Season Partners

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Music by Andrew Applepie

In this episode, I sit down with David Jelly, founder of Property Bridges, to explore his fascinating transition from the fast-paced world of banking to becoming a trailblazer in PropTech.

David shares his journey of becoming disillusioned with the traditional financial system and his bold leap into entrepreneurship. He reveals the critical moments and insights that pushed him to start Property Bridges, a platform transforming how people invest in property.

Through candid reflections on risk, failure, and resilience, David provides a roadmap for anyone feeling trapped in a corporate world and ready to pursue something meaningful.

We discuss how technology can solve real-world problems and reshape industries, and David offers practical advice for founders looking to innovate. This is a story about breaking free from convention, building something impactful, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

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Thanks to my season partners

Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO

Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge

Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure

 *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

In the Lab today, I allow myself 60 minutes of celebration that we won an award and I reflect on why I actually devote days per week to producing this podcast. 

If you are a new listener, this will give you an insight into what The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast is all about and who I am. 

Contact Gary: https://bit.ly/mrgaryfox

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Music by Andrew Applepie

For my final interview of the year, I sit down with Jamie Helly, founder of Dynamo & one of the founders of MIA chocolate.

The thing that captured my imagination about Jamie and his business was the fact that not only has he designed some of the most memorable Irish brands but he then went and did it with his own chocolate brand.

Jamie and his team are the very definition of becoming your own customer. It was a fascinating chat and we cover everything from branding to motorbike racing!

Declan is the CEO & co-founder of StitcherAds.

StitcherAds was acquired in 2021 for €55 million.

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In this special Dubai-recorded edition of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Trevor McFarlane—CEO and founder of EMIR, the ultra-exclusive intelligence and advisory network serving the region’s top CEOs, ministers, and government officials.

Trevor shares the incredible story behind building EMIR from scratch—starting with a borrowed ballroom at the Burj Al Arab and a fake guest list—to now curating powerful, private briefings for over 400 regional leaders.

This episode is a masterclass in the psychology of influence, the power of elite curation, and why being “hard to access” is a business strategy. Trevor also offers a piercing macroeconomic analysis of what lies ahead globally, from Trump 2.0 and AI to population booms and climate migration.

Whether you’re a founder, strategist, or just a curious mind—this one will leave you thinking.

🎧 Show Notes

In this episode, we cover:

🎩 How Trevor built a high-trust, invite-only CEO network across the Middle East.

🧠 The psychology of selectivity: why scarcity builds value.

💼 Turning elite briefings into board-level influence (and the risk that comes with it)

🌍 From geopolitics to geoeconomics: why the next 25 years will divide the world

📉 The real danger of AI: widening inequality

📈 Opportunity in adversity: where Trevor sees business potential in climate migration and demographic collapse

🏠 A surprising Airbnb idea involving abandoned Japanese islands

🇮🇪 Trevor’s blunt take on Ireland’s economy, inequality, and global tax pressures

Quote of the Episode

💬 “What we’re selling isn’t just intelligence—it’s trust, access, and success.” – Trevor McFarlane

🔗 Links & Resources

EMIR Official Website → www.emirintelligence.com

 Book mention: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

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Will and Adrian, the innovative minds behind Sons, a trailblazing men's healthcare brand, share their journey of transforming male pattern hair loss treatment with honesty and accessibility.

Their personal experiences with subpar hair loss clinics drove them to create a brand that not only delivers evidence-based solutions but also shatters the stigma surrounding hair loss. 

With backgrounds in business and science, they offer a fresh perspective on making hair loss treatments relatable and affordable, all while navigating the challenges of launching a healthcare brand during tumultuous times.

Throughout our conversation, Will and Adrian reveal the hurdles they overcame in launching Sons, from validating their business concepts to leveraging their networks for investment. The duo shares their strategic decisions in marketing, including the bold move to invest in TV advertising, which proved vital for building trust with their audience. As they recount their entrepreneurial journey, they touch on the impact of global events like Brexit and the pandemic, offering valuable insights into their adaptive strategies and the importance of creativity and risk-taking.

As we wrap up, Will and Adrian candidly discuss the balance between personal life and business growth, highlighting their transparency with both their team and investors. They delve into the challenges of fund-raising, the shift from revenue focus to profitability, and the joy and complexity of balancing family life amidst entrepreneurial ambitions. With an eye on the future, they share their plans for European expansion and the potential for Sons to lead in the men's healthcare market. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for anyone aspiring to make waves in the healthcare industry.

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Thanks to my season partners

Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO

Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge

Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure

 *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

My gift to you for 2024 is my complete guide to reviewing your year and planning 2024.

This episode breaks down in detail how I plan my entire year and the systems I use for success.

Happy New Year and I hope this episode helps you plan your best year yet. 

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Join my free weekly email newsletter here: https://bit.ly/40TgDkq

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My Season Partners

EIIS Innovation Fund: https://bit.ly/3sxFdLp

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In the Lab this week, I reveal how you can become a property mogul for less than €25k.

There is also a chance to win tickets to the Web Summit and I chat about what the Momentum Challenge meant to me. 

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Sean Blanchfield, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Demonware, PageFair, and Jentic, to unpack his journey from student entrepreneur to scaling and selling tech companies.

Sean shares candid insights into the early days of launching startups in Ireland, how Demonware became a critical player in multiplayer gaming, and the bold pivots that led to success.

He also dives into his later ventures, PageFair, which tackled ad blocking in the digital advertising space, and Jentic, his latest project at the forefront of AI-driven market insights.

From fundraising struggles to navigating acquisitions, Sean reflects on the lessons he’s learned across multiple ventures. If you’re a founder working on product-market fit, considering an exit, or fascinated by the business behind gaming and ad tech, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Show Notes:

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 The origins of Demonware and its role in multiplayer gaming

🚀 How Sean and his co-founders pivoted their product four times before finding the right fit

💡 Fundraising challenges in Ireland and how they bootstrapped early growth

🎮 The rise of online gaming and how Demonware powered global hits like Call of Duty

📈 Selling to Activision – why it was the right move and how the deal unfolded

🛑 PageFair & ad-blocking – the problem it solved and how it changed the digital ad space

🤖 Jentic – Sean’s latest AI-driven insights company and the future of market intelligence

💼 The emotional and strategic aspects of selling a business

🤔 Lessons from failed ventures and why iteration is key to startup success

💬 "We were in existential crisis for the first 18 months. Then suddenly, we had product-market fit, and everything changed." – Sean Blanchfield

Visit my Partners

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Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee

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📌 Resources & Links:

🔗 Enterprise Ireland – Support for Startups: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/

🎮 Demonware – Behind Activision’s Multiplayer Gaming: https://www.demonware.net/

📢 PageFair – Ad-Blocking Analytics & Solutions: https://www.pagefair.com/

📊 Jentic – AI-Powered Market Intelligence: https://www.jentic.com/

📱 Follow Sean Blanchfield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanblanchfield

📖 The Lean Startup – Eric Ries (A book Sean references in his startup journey)

Barry Napier joins Gary Fox for a deep dive interview on his founder formula for success.

Barry sold 51% of his company, Cubic Telecom, for €473 million in November 2023.

This valued the company at over €900 million or over $1 billion dollars.

He reveals how he secured deals with Audi and Tesla, which transformed Cubic's direction.

His story is not just about financial success but about the grit and determination required to achieve it.

We hear Barry's leadership philosophy and how he executes on a strict roadmap based on accountability and clarity. 

This episode is the perfect mix of actionable advice and inspiring anecdotes for anyone on the entrepreneurial path.

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Thanks to my Partners - Visit them to support the podcast

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If you are taking part in the September Idea challenge you should now realize how ideas are relatively easy to generate.

The real trick is deciding which ones are worth pursuing.

In today's episode, I share my formula to stress test the ideas and see if they are worth pursuing in more detail.

As CEO and co-founder of Buymie, Devan runs a company that is hotly tipped to be one of Ireland's biggest success stories.

In just 3 years, he has assembled a heavy-hitting investor panel and a number of high profile board members.

Devan is without a doubt, the most methodical entrepreneur that I have met so far on this journey. His analysis and insights into the on-demand economy such as Deliveroo and Uber are incredibly revealing from someone so immersed in the industry.

This week, I chat with Adnan Shabab, the entrepreneurial force behind Umi Falafel and a host of other Dublin eateries,as he shares his remarkable journey from a Palestinian refugee camp to establishing a food empire in Ireland.

Adnan now operates an award winning hospitality chain across Ireland from Dublin to Belfast to Cork.

This remarkable journey across the Middle East to Europe reveals the true strength of character it takes to not only start a business, but to start a new life in a brand new country.

His tale is one of resilience, adaptability and the power of your word being your bond.

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In the Lab today, I reveal the one habit I've introduced to my daily routine that has been life-changing.

From fitness to my work, it has fundamentally changed how I live and approach my daily life.

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