In this week’s episode of the 10forty Podcast, we sit down with Gerard Edwards, a highly skilled stonemason and conservation specialist, to explore his journey into the trade, building a business and preserving history through his work.

Gerard shares how he started his first business at just 20, how he landed his very first job and how one opportunity led to the next. We discuss how he became a stonemason, the different projects he’s worked on and how he grew his team to 18 people.

We also dive into some of the prestigious conservation projects Gerard has been involved in, including work at Ashford Castle and Adare Manor and what it takes to work on some of Ireland’s most historic and high-profile buildings.

Gerard speaks openly about his dyslexia, his decision not to return to school and how he built a successful career through hands-on learning, specialist training and experience in the field.

We talk through the highs and lows of the recession, the challenge of getting back to work afterward and how that period ultimately led to the creation of his current business, Balance Conservation Ltd.

The conversation also covers Gerard’s specialist conservation training in the UK, including being trained by a master craftsman with a doctorate in bricklaying. He explains why he enjoys the variety in his work and how, in his 30s, he developed a deep appreciation for history and art.

We explore how buildings were constructed and plastered across different eras, comparing Victorian and Georgian architecture and what makes conservation work so unique.

Gerard breaks down how to become a stonemason, the pathway into conservation work, what he looks for in an apprentice and how people can get started in the trade. We also discuss the SPAB course he completed in the UK and its importance in heritage conservation.

Finally, we look ahead to the future—whether Gerard sees himself staying in business long term and how Ireland, the UK, Australia, and Canada are all competing for the same skilled workforce.

A fascinating conversation about craftsmanship, resilience, and building a career outside the traditional education system.

Connect with Gerard

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-edwards-946496122/

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists, helping businesses hire top-tier talent across Ireland and internationally.

Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, offering modern facilities, short- and long-term options, and peace of mind when space matters.

IT.ie — trusted IT support and managed services, delivering reliable technology solutions that keep businesses connected, secure, and running smoothly.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast?

Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Martin Brady — former Army sniper, high-performance coach, keynote speaker, and mental performance expert.

Martin shares his remarkable journey from a young boxer following a family tradition into the Defence Forces, joining the army just two weeks after his 17th birthday. Having left school after Transition Year, he spent 18 years in the Defence Forces, including overseas deployments — even celebrating his 18th birthday in Liberia. He reflects candidly on life overseas, early lessons in responsibility and the realities of military life, which he looks back on with genuine pride.

We dive into:

• Life in the army and the mindset required to perform under pressure

• Advice for parents whose son or daughter is considering joining the Defence Forces

• What to do if you’re thinking about leaving the army and transitioning to civilian life

• How 90% of our actions are driven by the subconscious mind

• Martin’s approach to coaching, business and becoming the person you want to be known as

Martin also explains the inspiration behind writing his book Change Your Jacket, including the powerful moment that sparked it — a simple question about why someone wore a different jacket and what they had to do to earn it. We discuss the full process of writing the book, identity change and the mental shift required when moving from soldier to civilian.

Other key topics include:

• Why ideas “pick you” when you’re in the right state of mind

• How Martin was selected as the face of a VW pickup truck ad (2026) from over 400 candidates

• Sending out the right “vibrational frequency”

• Practical steps to change your situation

• Why you shouldn’t commit to an identity you’re no longer happy with

• Getting yourself tuned into “Unstoppable FM”

We also talk about Martin’s work today, his business and his mission to help others reinvent themselves mentally, physically and professionally.

________________________________________

🔗 Connect with Martin Brady

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-brady-a219ba169/

• Podcast – Reinventing Yourself: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WMJItYWFdxSyJXqohnXkS

• Book – Change Your Jacket: https://www.amazon.ie/Change-your-jacket-military-performance/dp/B0FGB5PBFY

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mindset, personal transformation, military life, or becoming unstoppable in the next chapter of their life.

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists, helping businesses hire top-tier talent across Ireland and internationally.

Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, offering modern facilities, short- and long-term options, and peace of mind when space matters.

IT.ie — trusted IT support and managed services, delivering reliable technology solutions that keep businesses connected, secure, and running smoothly.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

In this episode of the 10forty Podcast, we sit down with Bobby Healy for what can only be described as a masterclass in entrepreneurship, hiring, and scaling a business from first principles.

Bobby takes us right back to the beginning — his first-ever job at just 12 years old, learning to code, navigating school and ultimately dropping out of college because he had no interest in what was being taught. From there, we trace his unconventional path to becoming one of Ireland’s most respected tech founders.

We go deep on Manna — how the operation actually works day to day, the global expansion plans and Bobby’s ambitious moonshot to make Manna the largest drone delivery business in the world. He openly shares what it’s like taking venture capital for the first time, why he decided to do it, the trade-offs involved and the current burn rate required to build something truly category-defining.

This episode is packed with insight on hiring and firing at scale. Bobby explains his hiring philosophy, including his obsession with “downloading people’s brains” during final-round interviews, how he evaluates raw potential over credentials and whether he’d hire someone straight out of the Junior Cert. We also discuss boards, giving up shares and the real benefits strong governance can bring when done properly.

One of the standout moments is Bobby’s story about running an incubator of 25 Leaving Cert students — and how several of those students still work with him today. It leads into a powerful conversation on what’s broken in the education system, what he would change and how he believes a more modern, skills-first approach should look for young people.

We also ask the big questions:

• Would he ever sell Manna?

• What does he look for in people he wants to work for him?

• How should founders think about capital, control, and ambition?

To round things out, Bobby shares how he spends his downtime — often coding or “vibe coding”, constantly learning, building, and experimenting.

If you’re interested in building businesses, hiring exceptional people, raising capital, or thinking differently about education and work, this episode is not to be missed.

Connect with Bobby

Twitter: https://x.com/realBobbyHealy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhealy?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Manna: https://www.manna.aero/

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists, helping businesses hire top-tier talent across Ireland and internationally.

Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, offering modern facilities, short- and long-term options, and peace of mind when space matters.

IT.ie — trusted IT support and managed services, delivering reliable technology solutions that keep businesses connected, secure, and running smoothly.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

This week I’m joined by Ray Cooke, one of Ireland’s best-known property entrepreneurs and the founder of Ray Cooke Auctioneers.

We dive deep into Ray’s journey, starting with his very first job at just 11 years old, organising pre-debs parties and hustling from an early age. Ray shares how that early entrepreneurial mindset shaped everything that followed.

We chat about his time travelling through Australia, the lessons he brought home, and how he landed his first role in real estate—before going on to set up Ray Cooke Estate Agents and open his first office in Clondalkin, a move that would become the foundation of a hugely successful business.

Ray breaks down:

• The different routes into becoming an estate agent

• How to obtain your licence and what people often get wrong starting out

• What it really takes to build and scale a property business

• The roles he’s currently hiring for

• And what he looks for when hiring

A great-listen for anyone interested in property, entrepreneurship, sales, or building a career from the ground up.

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists, helping businesses hire top-tier talent across Ireland and internationally.

Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, offering modern facilities, short- and long-term options, and peace of mind when space matters.

IT.ie — trusted IT support and managed services, delivering reliable technology solutions that keep businesses connected, secure, and running smoothly.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast?

Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

In this episode of the 10forty Podcast, Conor sits down with Andy Edwards, founder of Secret Abu Dhabi, to unpack an extraordinary journey of career transformation, entrepreneurship, and building a media brand in the UAE.

Andy began his career working shifts as a healthcare assistant before moving to the UK to train as a nurse. Through relentless upskilling and discipline, he progressed into intensive care, working as an ICU nurse in one of the most demanding environments in healthcare.

While working full-time in critical care, Andy began investing in UK property from abroad — learning how to build wealth remotely while living and working in the UAE. That same curiosity and drive eventually led him to launch Secret Abu Dhabi.

What started as a content idea quickly grew into the go-to media platform for Abu Dhabi, covering food, lifestyle, culture, events, and hidden gems across the city. Today, Secret Abu Dhabi is a trusted voice for locals, expats, and visitors alike.

In this episode, Andy shares:

How working in ICU shaped his mindset and work ethic

Making bold career moves and relocating internationally

Investing in UK property while living in the UAE

Building and scaling a media brand from the ground up

What it really takes to spot opportunity and back yourself

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone considering a career pivot, building a side hustle alongside a demanding job, or creating something meaningful in a new market.

🎙️ From night shifts to news feeds — this is the rise of Secret Abu Dhabi.

Connect with Andy

• Connect with Andy Edwards on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-edwards-39a6aa187/

• Visit Secret Abu Dhabi: https://secretabudhabi.ae/

• Follow Secret Abu Dhabi on Instagram:

👉 Search Secret Abu Dhabi on Instagram for daily food, lifestyle, events, and hidden gems across the capital

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in!

☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

In this episode of the 10Forty Podcast, we sit down with David Judge, founder of standout bakery Baked to Death and finalist in the 2025 Irish Food Awards — a business that’s shaking up the food scene with attitude, creativity, and unapologetically authentic cheese and chocolate biscuit cakes.

David shares his journey and the path that led to Baked to Death: from a bold lockdown idea and a refusal to play by the rules, to building a cult following and carving out a unique space in the Irish food world. Drawing on lessons from his market stall beginnings and a typical Dublin upbringing, David brings raw honesty about the grit it takes to run a modern food business.

This episode dives deep into brand building, resilience, and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded market.

Whether you’re a founder, foodie, or just looking for inspiration to do things your own way — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Contact David

https://www.instagram.com/baked_to_death/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@baked_to_death?lang=en

Drop In

353 Ballyfermot Rd, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10, D10 WN70

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Ep 74 - The Reinvention of Reverend Dave: Banker, Big Four Taxi Driver & Celebrant

In this week's episode, we sit down with Reverend Dave for a conversation about reinvention, purpose and carving out a meaningful second act. Dave began his career in the banking industry, moved into one of the Big Four professional services firms, then once again shifted — driving a taxi and ultimately discovering his calling as a celebrant, officiating weddings and helping people mark the major moments in life.

In this episode, we explore:

• The catalyst that made Dave realise banking and big professional services weren’t for him — and how he took the leap into something totally new.

• Why he chose to drive a taxi as a transitional chapter: what he learned about people, purpose and listening.

• His journey from taxi-driver to celebrant: how he discovered the world of officiating and decided to “marry people for a living.”

• An insider’s look into the growing profession of celebrancy: how more people are choosing this path, what training and certification look like (including insights from organisations like FuturFaith), and what it takes to build a thriving celebrant business.

• The lessons Dave has taken from his corporate days, the taxi dash and now in his celebrant practice — and how listeners can apply them, whether they’re thinking of a career switch or seeking deeper meaning in what they do.

Whether you’re at the start of your career, contemplating a change, or simply curious about the unexplored world of celebrancy, this conversation offers real-life insight, practical take-aways and a dose of boldness to help you reimagine what work can be.

Contact Dave

https://www.futurfaith.com/apply

Moderncelebrancy.ie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reverend-david-cummins-b2671431/

https://www.instagram.com/moderncelebrancy?igsh=djFqbGtmZXV0YXg=

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Ep 73 - Law, Life & Manifestation: How Yvonne Tchrakian Built Her Dream Career

https://lnkd.in/eSgTdE87

In this episode of the 10forty Podcast, I sit down with Yvonne Tchrakian — a corporate lawyer, entrepreneur and podcast host whose journey is a powerful mix of ambition, belief, and self-discovery.

From growing up in Los Angeles to returning home to Kerry, Yvonne shares how her early experiences shaped her drive to become a solicitor. We talk about her path through law school, completing her master’s, passing the New York Bar and finding her place in Mergers and Acquisitions.

Yvonne opens up about pivotal career moments — including an unforgettable boardroom encounter with a high-profile CEO — and what ultimately led her to step away from private practice to explore new opportunities in the industry.

We also dive into the story behind her business Pause.Penny, the evolution of her podcast, and how manifestation has become a central theme in both her career and personal life.

It’s an inspiring, honest conversation about trusting your path, creating balance, and manifesting the life you want — even when it means taking bold steps into the unknown.

Connect with Yvonne

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-tchrakian-64257619/

• Instagram: @yvonnetchrakian_manifest Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/yvonnetchrakian_manifest/?hl=en•

Pause.Penny — Business / Brand

• Website: https://pausepenny.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pause.penny/

• Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/3pA88YNSpYNuqy389ETB0S?si=de4ad31c13ac4889

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Steven Quinlan, a PGA Professional with over 11 years’ experience, an accomplished pro golfer, and a dedicated PGA coach. Steven teaches at Newlands Golf Club and Celbridge Golf Range, with an impressive record of 4 Irish Region Wins and 51 PGA Top Tens in Ireland.

Steven’s journey is one of true passion and perseverance. From picking up a golf club at 16 and joining a local pub golf society—just for the chance to get out of school once a month—to becoming one of the youngest players on his team and earning early wins, his love for the game never faded.

After the financial crash in 2009 left him without a job, Steven took a new direction—completing a course in sales, service, and motor mechanics while delivering car parts and working behind a trade counter. But watching friends play golf multiple times a week reignited his drive to make golf his career.

That determination led him to study Professional Golf Studies, securing an assistant pro role at Lucan Golf Club. There, he learned the business of golf—sales, fitting, coaching—and was mentored by experienced professionals, honing his skills both as a player and a coach.

Today, Steven combines experience, technology, and a deep understanding of the game to help golfers of all levels improve their swing, strategy, and confidence.

📍 Connect with Steven Quinlan:

🔗 LinkedIn: Steven Quinlan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-quinlan-9b608b86/

📘 Facebook: Steven Quinlan Golf - https://www.facebook.com/Stevenquinlangolf?rdid=sVwYjZrdN27WuwnJ&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1DHxe9oikq%2F#

📸 Instagram: @stevenquinlangolf - https://www.instagram.com/stevenquinlangolf?igsh=NnR2MWFubmQ3YzJ6

⛳ Book a Lesson: https://stevenquinlan.proagenda.com/agenda

🌐 Website: www.sqgolf.ie

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.

HERE WE GO!

Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Caitriona Byrne, the CEO of Bypress.

She takes us through the story of founding Bypress and reflects on her career in the gaming industry—a journey that’s taken her from Gibraltar to India, Israel and the Netherlands. In the end, the pull of home brought her back to Ireland, where she now lives just five minutes from where she grew up.

Having worked with Caitriona and her team, I can say firsthand that the solutions Bypress delivers are truly transformative. Their commitment is second to none—they treat every client’s business as if it were their own, and the results speak for themselves.

Bypress is currently hiring for positions in Sales and Office Administration. If you’re looking to join a company that champions innovation, integrity, and heart, reach out to Caitriona and send over your CV.

Connect with Byress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bypress_solutions?igsh=MWlldGJzMndoMmU3bw==

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrionabyrne

Website: https://www.bypress.ie/

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.

HERE WE GO!

I Interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a line at [email protected] — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕

Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at [email protected]