On this episode of the 10forty Podcast, I sit down with Richy Thrower, the founder of Motion Focus Media. With a background that spans from racing bikes and capturing trackside action to producing professional highlight videos. His first one reached over 20,000 views and raised £5,000 for a local club, Richy has carved out a unique path in media and entrepreneurship.

But his story starts much earlier. Expelled from school by Year 9, Richy was escorted back only to sit his GCSEs. Always finding himself in trouble, he was encouraged by his dad to join the army at 16 — a decision that set him on a life-changing journey. We talk about his first day, the lessons learned the hard way and his time serving in the British Army, including being deployed to a war zone at just 18.

After five years of service and a medical discharge, Richy faced some of the toughest moments of his life — from hitting the self-destruct button to nearly becoming homeless. We explore the challenges of transitioning out of the army, struggling to find work despite retraining, and the resilience required to rebuild.

Richy went on to climb the ranks in security, eventually becoming Operations Director, managing clients, contracts, and staff — all while building his side hustle into Motion Focus Media. Today, he’s creating standout content for businesses, offering insights into outsourcing, marketing and the realities of growing a creative company.

We finish with a look at his next big project — a short film designed to help people avoid real-world situations they may encounter, blending his security experience with his creative vision.

This is an honest, raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, risk-taking, and reinventing yourself.

Contact info

https://motionfocusmedia.co.uk/

https://peakpotential.world/

https://www.instagram.com/motionfocusmedia?igsh=MXNtc3gwb3pieGY3eg==

https://www.instagram.com/richythrower?igsh=d3FqYzE1b2Y2YXR6

https://www.tiktok.com/@richythrower?_t=ZN-8zzUyu9RGju&_r=1

https://www.tiktok.com/@motionfocusmedia?_t=ZN-8zzV17MSVkM&_r=1

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

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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].

From teaching English in South Korea, to touring with a band that supported the Foo Fighters, to appearing on reality TV – Neil Smith has lived a life full of twists and turns before finding his calling in medicine. Despite not excelling in his Leaving Cert and briefly studying engineering, he decided to began studying medicine abroad in Bulgaria.

In this episode Neil shares his unconventional journey in full. We talk about the realities of studying medicine in Europe, the entry requirements and why everything is focused around the entrance exam. He also breaks down the cost of living in Varna, the price of an academic year and the fees for the service he provides to guide Irish students through the process.

Today, through his page Irish Medic in Bulgaria, Neil not only documents his own story but also helps aspiring doctors from Ireland who are considering studying abroad. His journey is a reminder that success rarely follows a straight line — and that with resilience and resourcefulness, it’s possible to carve out a career path that works for you.

Connect with Neil

Social

• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irishmedicinbulgaria?_t=ZN-8zpgAFmczVm&_r=1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-smith-05415a1b6/

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

HERE WE GO!

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].

Lost in the Graft: More Than Driveways with Trevor Macken from Ashbourne Paving.

From upside down to right way up, Trevor’s story is one of resilience, grit, and rebuilding.

In this episode, Trevor from Ashbourne Paving opens up about a life that’s been anything but straightforward—showing up to just two Leaving Cert exams, becoming the only person in his school to fail art, and feeling like he wasted two years at school before finding his way onto a factory floor.

He talks about losing eight friends, four before the age of 21, getting into trouble on construction sites and even ending up in prison—only to be bailed out by his boss (with the bail money taken out of his wages). By 25, Trevor decided to go out on his own, starting small with just two lads and growing his crew through sheer work ethic, persistence, and lessons learned the hard way.

We get into the highs and lows: scaling from 2 to 36 men, losing everything, then fighting his way back. He shares how mistakes—even sending his team to the wrong site—helped push his business forward, and why it takes 10 years to truly learn a trade or trust a crew.

But Trevor’s story isn’t just about paving. It’s about mental health, addiction, and change. He speaks candidly about hitting rock bottom, going through treatment in Thailand and Wexford, and setting up his own mental health group and Cocaine Anonymous meetings to help others every week.

We also dive into:

• Building a paving business in the age of social media (and dealing with the hate).

• Firing staff, second chances, and setting boundaries.

• Why doesn’t he travel more than an hour for work and take bookings months in advance?

• Trial and error with suppliers, business ventures outside paving, and his love of nice things.

• Whether he should start his own paving school.

Trevor’s journey is raw, real, and full of lessons—about graft, setbacks, redemption, and becoming a man when it’s easier to stay a child.

• Website: Ashbourne Paving | Paving, Porcelain Tiles & Artificial Grass – Their main site showcases services, project galleries, and contact info. https://ashbournepaving.ie/

• Instagram: @ashbournepavingltd – Active account with reels and posts featuring paving projects, behind-the-scenes footage, and family-run business highlights. https://www.instagram.com/ashbournepavingltd/?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Facebook: Ashbourne Paving Ltd – Company page with project showcases, customer feedback, and video posts from Trevor and the team.

https://www.facebook.com/ashbourne.paving/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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].

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Max Shannon, founder of Rylax and software engineer turned entrepreneur.

This conversation is raw, honest, and at times technical, as Max takes us through his journey from growing up “acting the goat” in school to later being diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, scoring just 220 points in the Leaving Cert, and eventually carving his own path into tech and entrepreneurship.

From a young age, Max was fascinated by how things work, building his work ethic on farms and construction sites with his dad. He shares his story of dropping out of college, bouncing between jobs, then returning to study at Waterford Institute of Technology—an experience that led him to a four-month scholarship in Austria. Alongside that, he opens up about the life-changing moment of learning he was going to be a dad, and how that pushed him to finish his degree.

We talk about his first job in tech, why he left to chase bigger opportunities, and how keeping strong relationships with mentors and old bosses has supported him as he ventured out on his own.

Max is now building Rylax, a proptech platform designed to transform how property is bought, built, and sold. Originally aimed at helping new home buyers, Max shares why he pivoted to a B2B model serving developers, estate agents, and buyers alike. From AI-driven snag reporting and real-time valuations to tools that identify costly inefficiencies on building sites, Rylax is shaping the future of Ireland’s property industry.

We also chat about:

• Turning a passion for PC gaming (and even a bit of cheating in games) into a tech career

• The realities of taking on a business partner

• The resilience it takes to pivot, grow, and keep moving forward

Max’s story is one of grit, curiosity, and innovation—and he’s only getting started.

👉 Connect with Max on LinkedIn and check out Rylax at rylax.ie.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-shannon-9a725a155/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/rylax.ie?igsh=MXEzYWJxaHpmazJzNg==

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

HERE WE GO!

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 Niall O’Carroll, a former Garda detective who made the transition to becoming a sports psychologist and performance coach, working with 27 Olympic champions across Canada, the UK, and Japan.

Niall shares insights from both sides of his career—what policing taught him about resilience, communication, and emotional intelligence, and how those lessons shaped his approach to coaching elite athletes and business leaders.

We discuss:

The fine margins between winning and losing at the highest level.

How techniques like visualisation and goal-setting can unlock peak performance.

Why he left the Garda and the philosophy he brought to policing.

His current mission to transform leadership and workplace culture through emotional intelligence and human-centered coaching.

It’s an inspiring conversation that blends discipline, psychology, and high-performance coaching with real-life experience.

Connect with Niall O’Carroll

LinkedIn: View his professional profile and connect with him here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-o-carroll-18065732/

Personal Website: Discover his background, journey from the Garda to sports psychology, leadership philosophy, program offerings, and more at his site:

nialloc.ie

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

HERE WE GO!

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].

Don’t forget to subscribe to the 10forty Podcast

This week on the 10forty Podcast we’re joined by DJ John Gibbons.

We explore John’s journey from starting out as a rock star to becoming one of Ireland’s most recognisable DJs. His path was far from traditional—he’s never worked a conventional job, instead throwing himself fully into music from a young age. From his first gigs at 15 to club bookings at 16, John shares what it really takes to make it as a DJ and how instinct, patience, and resilience have shaped his career.

John talks us through his unique DJ style, one that thrives on spontaneity. He never pre-plans his sets, instead feeding off the crowd’s energy, building that powerful connection on the dancefloor, and mastering the art of warming up a room. We dive into the politics of the club scene, the highs and lows of his career, and whether the Irish club scene is dead or making a comeback.

Education also plays a big role in his story. John reflects on school, how Transition Year sparked his creativity, and what he would change about the education system. He also opens up about his college years at UCD—where he admits he went through the motions to earn a degree while DJing seven nights a week and running a DJ agency. He shares how his parents reacted to him avoiding the “safe” career route, and the sacrifices he’s made to build and rebuild his career.

We discuss how COVID impacted his business, how he pivoted and his views on the industry today—from whether DJs need a label, to the differences between agents, labels, and managers, and the questions every up-and-coming artist should be asking. John also shares advice on how to get started as a DJ, the low barrier to entry that now exists, and the resources available for those ready to make their mark.

Looking ahead, John reveals his top five venues, his upcoming gigs—including shows in Carlow on the 22nd Augest, New Year’s Eve performances, the Irish and UK college circuit, and summer residencies in Spain—and what’s next for him creatively. We also touch on the rise of AI and what it could mean for the future of the music industry.

This episode is full of insights, whether you’re curious about the life of a DJ, interested in the Irish club scene, or thinking about starting your own journey in music.

Connect with John

• Insta https://www.instagram.com/iamjohngibbons?igsh=MWI3dTdlb2s3MnRqMg==
• Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjohngibbons?_t=ZN-8z0jb2iXvCI&_r=1

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

HERE WE GO!

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].

Don’t forget to subscribe to the 10forty Podcast

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Emma-Louise Stephenson to dive into her incredible journey — from growing up in Ireland to building a thriving business in Dubai.

Emma shares what drove her to relocate, explaining how she felt she had reached her potential in Ireland and was ready for a new challenge. She’s now on a mission to empower entrepreneurs and investors with the knowledge they need to buy property in Dubai.

We rewind to her school days, where she had to work hard to pass her exams as she wasn’t naturally academic — but she always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur. From studying in college to completing her PTI course while working in a restaurant, her strong work ethic shines through. She went on to open her own personal training space, and when COVID hit, she pivoted her career path completely.

Emma takes us through what the journey looks like for someone looking to invest in Dubai, including:

• Dubai’s growth plans, the new airport, and the massive opportunities in the Middle East.

• How the property market works — from financial options to developer regulations.

• The protections in place, including strict DLD rules, escrow systems, and why Dubai offers such security for investors.

• How surprisingly simple the buying process can be in the UAE.

We also discuss her Global Influence Podcast, her company Global Influence Real Estate, and the mindset it takes to succeed in such a competitive market.

Where to find Emma-Louise:

🌐 Website: ⁠https://global-influence.com/⁠

📸 Instagram: ⁠@emma_louise_stephenson⁠

💼 LinkedIn: ⁠Emma-Louise Stephenson⁠

🎧 Podcast: ⁠Global Influence Podcast⁠

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Emma-Louise Stephenson to dive into her incredible journey — from growing up in Ireland to building a thriving business in Dubai.

Emma shares what drove her to relocate, explaining how she felt she had reached her potential in Ireland and was ready for a new challenge. She’s now on a mission to empower entrepreneurs and investors with the knowledge they need to buy property in Dubai.

We rewind to her school days, where she had to work hard to pass her exams as she wasn’t naturally academic — but she always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur. From studying in college to completing her PTI course while working in a restaurant, her strong work ethic shines through. She went on to open her own personal training space, and when COVID hit, she pivoted her career path completely.

Emma takes us through what the journey looks like for someone looking to invest in Dubai, including:

• Dubai’s growth plans, the new airport, and the massive opportunities in the Middle East.

• How the property market works — from financial options to developer regulations.

• The protections in place, including strict DLD rules, escrow systems, and why Dubai offers such security for investors.

• How surprisingly simple the buying process can be in the UAE.

We also discuss her Global Influence Podcast, her company Global Influence Real Estate, and the mindset it takes to succeed in such a competitive market.

Where to find Emma-Louise:

🌐 Website: https://global-influence.com/

📸 Instagram: @emma_louise_stephenson

💼 LinkedIn: Emma-Louise Stephenson

🎧 Podcast: Global Influence Podcast

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we sit down with Sean, the founder of Goosey Goo, to hear his raw and powerful story — one that’s filled with grit, honesty, heartbreak, and hope.

Sean takes us on a journey from his school days and early career choices, through dropping out of college, landing his first job, and chasing a better position with more money and a coveted half-day Friday — only to be hit with unexpected health issues and life-changing news: a baby on the way.

From there, things got even tougher.

We talk about his experience moving into emergency accommodation, the realities of homelessness, and the emotional toll it took on him & his partner. Sean opens up about the social restrictions and dangers of life in that environment — and how it pushed him to take a risk and start something of his own.

With just €50 saved each week, a box of blanks, a DIY iron-on logo and the determination to change his circumstances, Goosey Goo was born. Sean shares how he managed to sell 150 units, found a supplier with no minimum order quantity and even secured unexpected support through a cold LinkedIn message.

We explore how he's using his journey as a superpower, documenting every step, and building a PR engine to drive awareness and impact. He also shares what’s next — including a showroom opening in Fashion City this September — and his bold ambition to become the next Mothercare.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and redemption. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone navigating a tough chapter, Sean’s story will stay with you.

👶 What is Goosey Goo?

🛠 Lessons from the grind

💬 Advice for those struggling

❤ Regrets, growth, and a new beginning

Hit play and have a goo

Follow Sean

Insta:: https://instagram.com/gooseygoo.ie

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@homeless2entrepreneur

Website; https://gooseygoo.ie/

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

HERE WE GO!

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].

Don’t forget to subscribe to the 10forty Podcast

This week on the 10forty podcast, we sit down with Donnchadh O Mahony – a man of many hats: schoolteacher, guidance counsellor, EdTech entrepreneur, podcast host, social media educator, media contributor, and columnist. He’s also the voice behind the hugely popular Leaving Cert Guidance podcast.

Donnchadh brings his motto “Think it. Choose it. Live it.” into every conversation – and this one is no different.

With over a decade of experience in education – first in an all-boys school, then in an all-girls school – we explore:

• Why he became a schoolteacher and his love for history

• The path that led him into guidance counselling

• What exactly does a guidance counsellor do

• How many hours do students actually get with one

• The structure and depth of these conversations

• Whether the Leaving Cert is a worthwhile exercise

• If going to college is the only option he promotes

• Should there be alternative routes out of school?

We also ask:

• How does he help students pick the right college course?

• Are classrooms too big?

• Is college changing – and what would he change about himself?

• What makes a great guidance counsellor?

• Whether he would still recommend teaching as a profession today

💡 Plus, we chat about his innovative EdTech business FindMyCollegeCourse.ie – what it is, who it’s for, how it helps students, and whether it should be rolled out in schools nationwide

Packed with honest insights, some surprising facts, and plenty of practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators alike

Connect with Donnchadh

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leavingcertguidance?_t=ZN-8yQdcxaNgPu&_r=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leavingcertguidance?igsh=ZTc4cXAyc3BvbXdz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnchadh-o-mahony-395852169/

Listen to his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eUTaKHFwnmKY9SQoiAMKM?si=Q27aJXHhRGWDFYJvrgKt6w

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

HERE WE GO!

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]. Don’t forget to subscribe to the 10forty Podcast