The Entrepreneur Experiment

<p>For the deep dive interview this week, Gary Fox is joined by Pat Stephenson, founder of the Boys + Girls agency.</p> <p>In this week's episode, you will hear Pat's incredible journey through the world of advertising and marketing. You will also learn 3 key lessons:</p> <p>1. Why creating great work is difficult.</p> <p>2. A step-by-step guide to starting your own business or agency.</p> <p>3. How they clinched the deal of a lifetime with Chelsea football club.</p>

<p>In this week's Lab, I share stories of people who are earning over €100k per year teaching niche courses online. </p> <p>We explore the massive growth in online learning and how you can become an online expert to leverage your existing skills. </p>

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

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Today, I am challenging you to come up with a business idea every day for the month of September.</p> <p class="">30 Days, 30 Ideas. It can be an idea for a new business or a way to improve your current business.</p> <p class="">I share with you my template for generating ideas & reveal the prize for the winner of the best idea. </p>

<p>Do you need to be in Silicon Valley or Dublin to build a major technology company?<br /> <br /> Not according the Rory O'Connor and his team who are building Scurri into a global e-commerce player from their HQ in Wexford.</p> <p>In this episode you learn:</p> <p>- The proven playbook Rory used to raise over €8m</p> <p>- Being based outside major cities gives you huge advantages</p> <p>- How to pivot drastically when things are failing</p>

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

<p>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.</p> <p>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. </p>

<p>In the Idea Lab today, we find out which sportswear brand only founded in 2012 hit a £1bn valuation.</p> <p>We also look at which challenger bank lost €119m but gained 10 million new subscribers.</p> <p>Finally, I set our listeners a challenge to reimagine the events industry after the news that we may see no live events until 2022. </p>

<p>Welcome to the first book club review with special guest Fabio Molle. In July, we read Bezonomics, a fantastic book looking at Amazon's unstoppable rise and where they are going next.</p> <p>Fabio and I break down the book, analyse Amazon's business model and potential opportunities for entrepreneurs. </p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">I’ve spent the last week traveling around our wonderful island. While it was great fun, parts of it were really stressful.</p> <p class="">That stress was entirely down to the friction created by Covid. Wherever friction exists in a consumer journey, there are lots of opportunities for smart entrepreneurs.</p> <p class="">I break down 5 areas you can get ideas from this week. </p>

<p>In this week's Idea Lab, I explore the idea of 15-minute cities and how that will offer opportunities for entrepreneurs.</p> <p>We also go deep on the idea of second-order effects and the hundreds of business opportunities Covid has opened up for aspiring entrepreneurs.</p> <p> </p>

<p>In this week's episode, we learn what company is making $13m from just 13 employees.<br /> <br /> We also discover which GAA star is under fire for becoming an entrepreneur.</p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Each Monday I’ll be sharing a new episode of the Idea Lab podcast. It’s a rapid summary of the ideas I’m exploring and trends I’m spotting for new business ideas.</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This week we breakdown how GymShark has £53m cash in the bank and how being a YouTube is now more lucrative than being a doctor.</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p>

<p>A cliff jump in Jamaica set off a chain of events that sparked this week's guest on a journey to become one of Ireland's leading men's fashion entrepreneurs.</p> <p>I'm joined this week by Paul Galvin for one of the most varied and inspiring chats I've ever had on the podcast.</p> <p>Paul's natural curiosity and passion for exploration have carved out careers in sports, design, and fashion.</p> <p>Kerry Athlete - Irish Entrepreneur - Global Creative</p>

<p>In this week's episode, we flip the focus and learn how the world of venture and investing works. </p> <p>My guest this week is Alan Merriman from Elkstone. Alan is a highly successful investor & deal maker.</p> <p>He shares his knowledge and experience of the traits and characteristics of a good entrepreneur. </p> <p>Alan reveals exactly what he seeks in both an entrepreneur and an investment. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p>A special short episode launching The Entrepreneur Experiment Book Club.</p> <p>Hear what the book club is, how you can join, and our book of the month for June. </p>

<p>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.</p> <p>After a successful sale, he's now tackling the Internet of Things (IOT) with his latest company, Sweepr.<br /> <br /> A powerful chat about experimenting, adapting, and surviving. </p>

<p>We all want to know how to get rich. But how do you become rich enough to be included on The Sunday Times Rich List?</p> <p>In this week's special episode, we look at how people get rich, stay rich, and become wealthy enough to be among the top 1000 richest people in Ireland and the UK.</p> <p>Delighted to be joined this week by Conor McMahon. He is a business reporter with The Sunday Times.</p> <p>In this episode, we discuss:</p> <p>- Who compiles the Rich List?</p> <p>- How do you qualify?</p> <p>- Do people ever try to avoid being on the list?</p> <p>- Who is at the top spot for 2020?</p> <p>- How Covid-19 has impacted it?</p> <p>- Is the Rich List a terrible idea?</p> <p>- Famous Irish names on the list.</p> <p>- The most common source of wealth.</p> <p>- Old money versus new money. </p> <p> </p>

<p>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.</p> <p>I deliver the main learning I took from each person and how you can apply that to your business or idea.</p> <p>I also reveal The Entrepreneur Experiment Book Club and new content to be revealed next week.</p>

<p>A very special guest for episode 50 of The Entrepreneur Experiment.</p> <p>Claire McHugh founded Axonista in the depths of the last recession and her video empire now spans the globe.</p> <p>In this episode we discuss:<br /> - How Claire and her co-founder were able to spot an opportunity that hadn't even presented itself yet.<br /> - Claire explains how they survived the early years<br /> - Where they found their first clients<br /> - Moving from a service business to becoming a product business<br /> - Leading in a crisis</p>

<p>As the founder of Prowlster & Opsh, Jennie has been at the forefront of eCommerce innovation in Ireland since 2008.</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">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.</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /> This week’s chat with Jennie couldn’t have come at a better time as she embodies the resilience required to be an entrepreneur.</p> <p>In a wide-ranging chat, we discover:</p> <p>- How her first venture started as a hobby</p> <p>- Why family can be the perfect co-founders</p> <p>- The funding trap in Ireland</p> <p>- The major issues holding back retailers from being successful at eCommerce.</p> <p>- Knowing when to pivot and when to stop. </p> <p>- Where to find the resilience to start again</p> <p>- The forthcoming boom in eCommerce post-Covid.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p>Delighted to be joined by Glen Hynes from Startup Accountant for a very practical & timely episode.</p> <p>Glen breaks down the perfect playbook for surviving the Covid-19 crisis if already in business. We also outline a roadmap for why now might be the perfect time to start a business.</p> <p>In this episode, we discuss:</p> <p>- The Covid-19 Survival gameplan.</p> <p>- A simple explanation of what Government financial supports are available for entrepreneurs.</p> <p>- The 4 stages of starting any business</p> <p>- 3 essential steps for any first-time entrepreneur</p> <p>- How to design your perfect day to maximise productivity but also give yourself more free time for family & friends. </p>

<p>In a very unique episode, I am joined by one of the founders of CurrencyFair, Brett Meyers and the current CEO, Paul Byrne.</p> <p>In this episode, we discuss:</p> <p>- How to start a business in a recession</p> <p>- Raising your first €400k</p> <p>- Building consumer trust as an unknown startup</p> <p>- Leading without ego & recognizing your strengths</p> <p>- Managing in a crisis</p> <p>- Preparing your business for a post COVID world. </p>

<p>This is an episode like no other. Friend of the podcast, Devan Hughes, (founder of Buymie), is back to help entrepreneurs try make sense of the new world.</p> <p>In this special episode, we discuss the Covid19 crisis, the impact it's having on businesses across Ireland and how Devan's working life has changed, possibly forever.</p> <p>We also discuss:</p> <p>- How to remotely manage a team.</p> <p>- The extensive logistics chain behind groceries.</p> <p>- His proposal to help the Government with vital supplies.</p> <p>- How long this may last.</p> <p> </p>

<p>How do you build one of Europe's best fintech companies & then sell it to Stripe, all before you are 25 years of age?<br /> <br /> In this episode, we find out from Shekinah Adewumi who founded Touchtech payments when he was just 18. </p> <p>We discuss:</p> <p>- The power of unshakeable belief</p> <p>- The art of storytelling</p> <p>- Straightline problem solving</p> <p>- Finding the perfect co-founder</p> <p>- How the Rich Dad Poor Dad poor shaped his entire life</p>

<p>In just a little over 5 years, Brian has gone from being a solo entrepreneur with a big idea to a global company with offices in Dublin, New York, and Dubai.</p> <p><br /> In this episode, we learn just how he did it.</p> <p>- How to convince highly talented staff to join a company with zero track record.</p> <p>- Just how an agency makes money & selects great clients.</p> <p>- Learning how to crack the tough New York crowd. </p> <p>- Why the future of work is flexibility & allowing employees to act like entrepreneurs. </p> <p>- We discuss why now is the time to start doing business in Dubai.</p>

<p>How do you walk away from your dream job to risk everything to start your own company?</p> <p><br /> In this week's episode, we dig deep into how you do just that with former RTE star and startup founder, Mark Little.</p> <p>Mark is one of the rare entrepreneurs in Ireland who has not only successfully started a business but managed to sell it to one of the world's largest media organisations.</p> <p> </p>

<p>In part 2 of my chat with Pamela, we discover how a photo taken underwater, thousands of miles away from Dublin almost had dire consequences for Moxi Loves. </p> <p>Pamela Laird is on a mission to bring her beauty brand global. </p> <p>Starting with a single product just a few years ago, Pamela is preparing to launch into the UK after a hugely successful appearance on The Apprentice UK.</p>

<p>Pamela Laird is on a mission to bring her beauty brand global. </p> <p>Starting with a single product just a few years ago, Pamela is preparing to launch into the UK after a hugely successful appearance on The Apprentice UK.</p> <p>In part 1 of our chat, we chat about her experience on the show, what really happens behind the scenes & how she started her beauty company, Moxi Loves.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p>You start life as a teenage coder before becoming a crusading journalist followed by a highly successful career as a music festival promoter, to now leading one of Ireland's most promising startups in the AI space. How is this possible?</p> <p>Find out how Andreea has lived a life that has defied boundaries or career paths to forge her own destiny.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Often the best business ideas come from solving your own problem. </p> <p class="">When Luke was recovering from a serious illness, Evelyn began preparing healthy, quick meals that he could eat anywhere. Simply Fit Food was born.</p> <p class="">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.</p> <p class="">We chat about what Dragons Den is really like behind the scenes and how the couple manages to both live and work together.</p> <p class="" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p>

<p class="">For my final interview of the year, I sit down with Jamie Helly, founder of Dynamo & one of the founders of MIA chocolate.</p> <p class="">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.</p> <p class="">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!</p>

<p>The first live version of our podcast features Devan Hughes, founder of Buymie & Garret Flower founder of Parkpnp.</p> <p>Two of our most popular guests in 2019, we delve deeper into their stories and they answer your questions about entrepreneurship, founder mentality and what business ideas are exciting them for 2020. </p>

<p>The Entrepreneur Experiment presents, The Ideas Lab. </p> <p>I sit down with Ireland's brightest minds and try to identify ideas and trends that they believe will become popular.</p> <p>In this week's episode, I sit down with David Delahunty, entrepreneur and maker.</p> <p>We explore Biohacking, No Code, the rise of remote work, niche groups and vegan versions of popular food. </p> <p> </p>

<p>A best-selling author, online community builder, speaker, brand builder, and skincare expert, Jennifer Rock, aka The Skin Nerd is simply unstoppable.</p> <p>Since 2016, her brand and social media presence have exploded and The Skin Nerd is now a household name.</p> <p>We chat about how she has captured the elusive lightning in a bottle moment of when sheer hard work meets creative brilliance.</p> <p>Join us on a remarkable journey as we unfold the inspiring entrepreneurial story of Jennifer Rock, AKA the Skin Nerd. Known for her unbridled passion and unwavering dedication to skincare, Jennifer has carved a niche for herself in the industry with her innovative approach. This episode is a treasure trove of insights as Jennifer candidly shares her voyage from failure to success, discussing the invaluable lessons she learned while starting a skincare company and her unique strategy of creating a morally driven business.</p> <p>Get an inside look into how Jennifer revolutionized the world of skincare, from creating a substantial online skincare community to her latest venture, Skin Ingredients. Be privy to the challenges and victories she's encountered and her ingenious problem-solving strategies. Jennifer also emphasizes the criticality of tackling the 'mundane parts' when kickstarting a business. Moreover, she imparts valuable advice on networking, seeking mentors, and sheds light on the reality of being a successful entrepreneur.</p> <p>This discussion goes beyond just skincare. It touches on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, making it a must-listen for both aspiring entrepreneurs and skincare enthusiasts. Listen as Jennifer talks about relinquishing her perfectionism, her decision-making process, and her devotion to skincare. Plus, you'll get a glimpse into what the future holds for the Skin Nerd. So, don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with Jennifer Rock.</p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In this week’s episode, I sit down down John Ryan, the founder of Gigable. Three years ago, John was a captain in the Irish Army and today he runs a tech company with staff working around the globe.</p> <p class="">The 9-5 job is dying and Gigable aims to be the solution the paves the way for a whole new way to find and get paid to work when you want.</p>

<p>In this week's episode, I chat with Conor Sheridan, founder of Mad Egg restaurants. </p> <p>In just over a year, Conor has taken an idea from his notebook to having 3 highly popular outlets in Dublin.</p> <p>In this episode, we discover just why so many restaurants fail and how Mad Egg is smashing that trend.</p> <p>We learn how Conor developed his concept despite having zero restaurant experience. </p> <p>Most importantly, he reveals just how they make their chicken just so damn tasty!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p>After a short break, I'm back with big news and a new project is revealed.</p> <p>In this episode, I share why I've been away, news of my live show and reveal a new project that is launching next week. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Everyone has an idea for a product or how they wish they could perfect their favourite one.</p> <p>In this week's episode, I chat with Sean Toomey who spends his days imaging new ideas and reimagining old ones! </p> <p>In his Tony Stark style workshop, alongside his co-founder Rob, they design, test and build brand new products, right here in Dublin.</p> <p>Sean breaks down exactly what it took to start his own business and how he helps other entrepreneurs create their dreams every day. </p>

<p>Micheál Dyer and his co-founder Conor McCallion have built Ireland's largest meal prep company with zero outside funding from their HQ in Galway.</p> <p>In this episode, Micheál breaks down the exact strategies they used to expand from just 23 customers in their first week, to now being Ireland's number 1 provider.</p> <p>We chat about how to effectively leverage influencers, how digital strategies have changed since they started and explore the biggest challenge any entrepreneur faces in the food industry. </p>

<p>Luke's idea for his business is as simple as it is brilliant. He hated queuing for his morning coffee so he simply starting hacking the system. </p> <p>That was his lightbulb moment and he set out to create an app that would let him skip queues whenever he wanted! </p> <p>We chat about how Luke took his idea from simply an idea to a full-fledged app, the importance of finding a co-founder that shares your vision and how to attract clients and users in the crowded app space. </p>

<p>A true entrepreneur can take a concept that has been around for hundreds of years, completely reimagine it from the ground up and improve it 1000x.</p> <p>This is what Chris Lauder is done with his school. This week's guest started a hugely successful grind school that he has transformed into full-time school.</p> <p>Learn how Chris started in a local parish hall and has transformed that into a campus that now serves over 3,500 students per week.</p>

<p>Running one business is tough. So how do you run two simultaneously while continuing to have a balanced, happy life? </p> <p>This week I chat with James Brogan who is managing to do it all through well-executed planning and a huge amount of self-awareness. </p> <p>James is the founder of PepTalk and Legacy Communications and also played sport at the highest level, winning an All-Ireland with the Dublin footballers.</p> <p> </p>

<p>In just 7 years, Jack Teeling made Teeling Whiskey a global brand and built one of Dublin's best tourist attractions at his distillery in the Liberties.<br /> <br /> In this episode, we uncover Jack's path from the trading desks of one of Ireland's biggest banks to building the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years & establishing Teeling Whiskey as a global brand.</p> <p><br /> <br /></p>

<p>After his rugby career was ended by a serious injury, Gary Lavin jumped straight into his entrepreneurial journey.</p> <p>Fast forward to 2019, and his drinks brand VITHIT sells 25 million units across the globe.</p> <p>In the middle, he faced every challenge imaginable and almost lost everything.</p> <p>Gary is a no-nonsense entrepreneur who shares the real reasons why his brand become a global success. </p>

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Dan Nugent symbolizes everything that The Entrepreneur Experiment stands for.</p> <p>He started his business with his partner, Sacha, for less than €1000, bootstrapped it from day 1 and has scaled it globally in less than 2 years.</p> <p>The duo started Ambr Eyewear in 2017 from their kitchen table. The company began with just 3 frames and two years later have over 35 styles. </p> <p>Ambr started selling blue light glasses to help with problems caused by spending so much time staring at phone and laptop screens. It has since morphed into an eyewear brand that covers everything from blue light to prescription glasses. </p> <p>In this episode we chat about:</p> <p>- How there is never a perfect time to start a business</p> <p>- Why limits and restraints can actually help an entrepreneur</p> <p>- How to source and select manufacturers and partners</p> <p>- The unsexy side of e-commerce success, SEO & content</p> <p>- Why the influencer business is imploding</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p>Shane Ryan is the brains behind one of Ireland's fastest-growing food brands, Fiid. In less than 12 months, Shane has gone from an idea in his head to seeing his product stocked in outlets right across Ireland.</p> <p>That’s not the whole story however, as his rapid rise to success came at a great cost to him personally. He quit a highly promising international hospitality career to start delivering meals on his bike around Dublin city. That startup almost broke him, financially and emotionally as he strived to make it a success.</p> <p>The chat with Shane has been one of the most honest and revealing conversations I’ve had with a fellow entrepreneur around the area of mental health.</p> <p>Hope you enjoy the episode and please do get in touch with feedback and comments.</p>

<p>Sonia Deasy is the co-founder and CEO of skincare company, Pestle & Mortar. Founded in 2014, Sonia and her husband, Padraic, have grown it into a global brand in just 5 years. </p> <p>Pestle & Mortar is now listed in stores such as Liberty London, Arnotts, Avoca, FaceGym, Harvey Nichols, and Bloomingdales.</p> <p>Irish-owned and based in Naas, Sonia & Padraic have created a local company with global ambition.</p> <p><br /> In this episode we discuss:</p> <p>- The lightbulb moment for creating the company</p> <p>- Sonia secrets for PR success & how to tell your brand story</p> <p>- How she managed to get her products listed in global stores</p> <p>- What it takes to go live on QVC to over 100 million people</p> <p>- Balancing a work/marriage partnership.</p> <p>- Why you should have global ambition</p> <p> </p>

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">James started his first company with just €500 which was borrowed from his wife after losing his job in the 2008 financial crash. This small investment launched a catering empire that spanned coffee shops, Mexican food outlets, and corporate catering. He then lost it all.</p> <p class="">We hear how James bounced back by becoming the Barista Baron and how he is now on the way to creating a global coffee business.</p> <p class="">James is now the owner of The Dublin Barista School, 9th Degree Coffee and soon to be launched, World Barista Institute.</p>