10forty

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

In this week’s episode of 10forty, we caught up with former professional footballer Mark O’Brien over Teams to talk through his incredible career journey — from grassroots football in Dublin to the highs and lows of life as a pro in the UK, and the remarkable resilience it took to return to the pitch after undergoing not one, but two open heart surgeries.

We dive into:

• Mark’s early love for the game, from kicking a ball as a kid to his first session with Cherry Orchard.

• Being scouted at a young age and the conversations that happen between clubs, parents, and players.

• Traveling back and forth to the UK for trials, and the life-changing decision to leave school to pursue a career in football.

• Choosing Derby County over Blackburn Rovers after extensive training with both clubs, and what shaped that call.

• The emotional toll of homesickness, the difference between staying with a host family vs. staying in digs, and adapting to life in an academy.

• The structure of an academy week — diet, training, and how contracts work for young players.

• His journey through two life-altering open heart surgeries, and the physical and mental climb back to playing first-team football.

• Relationships on and off the pitch, and the work Mark is now doing beyond football.

We also chat about his book, A Game of Two Hearts — a powerful story of courage, recovery, and the love of the game.

👊 Massive congratulations to Mark on his new role as Newport County’s official Club Ambassador!

📚 Grab a copy of his book:

A Game of Two Hearts – Mark O'Brien

Connect with his

Linkiedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-o%E2%80%99brien-3167a4229?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mobrien1992?igsh=MXY2cTJzM2FxNnA4

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 weeks eposide, we are joined by former footballer Mark Obrien to hear how he went from

This Week on the 10forty Podcast: A Deep Dive into the World of Retail with Melissa Moore

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Melissa Moore at D2 Podcast Studio to chat all things retail — from career journeys and industry insights to the power of podcasting.

Melissa is the host of the award-winning Retail Tea Break Podcast, a retail consultant, and a lecturer in sales and retail apprenticeships. Her career began with a summer job at Laura Ashley, and took her from studying Theatre Arts Management to working behind the scenes in London’s West End. After landing a role with a theatre producer, life brought her back to Ireland, where she launched her retail journey with Dunnes Stores before joining IKEA for its Irish debut.

We cover:

• Melissa’s unique career path and lessons learned
• Why your first job in retail matters
• The rewards and challenges of the industry
• Why Melissa believes retail is here to stay — and how it stays agile
• What the Sales & Retail Apprenticeship involves and who it’s for
• The role of a Retail Advisor and the importance of evolving with customer needs
• How podcasting has opened doors and expanded Melissa’s network

💼 Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mooremelissa1/?originalSubdomain=ie

🎧 Listen to The Retail Tea Break Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yp4nkYObK5ANBN9iC2WHx?si=eba3dbfad3664f17, YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theretailadvisor5698, and follow her on Instagram @theretailteabreakpodcast https://www.instagram.com/theretailteabreakpodcast/

Thanks to the guys in D2 Podcast Studio for putting the edit together.

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 the one and only Kerry Hanaphy, founder of one of Ireland’s best-known aesthetics clinics. A powerhouse in the industry and a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Kerry is a true inspiration.

We dive into her incredible journey—from her humble beginnings, getting into school and moving to the UK to train as a nurse, where hands-on experience was part of the job from day one.

We explore:

• Her early career and the personal challenges she overcame

• The global company that allowed her to work in multiple countries

• The turning point: returning to do a training course that opened the door to a side hustle—starting with house calls and a chair in a hair salon in Tallaght, eventually building a network of over 50 salons

• The pivotal decision to go full-time as an aesthetic practitioner—one that hinged entirely on securing finance for a new car (!)

We also chat about everything from Botox and “Brotox” to cutting-edge procedures like Morpheus8, lip fillers, and anti-wrinkle injections.

Plus, Kerry shares:

• What she looks for when hiring new team members

• The exciting expansion of her brand with a brand-new clinic opening in Cork

Kerry is a legend in her space—authentic, driven, and deeply passionate about what she does.

👉 Learn more at kerryhanaphy.com

Follow Kerry on Instagram (Link)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-hanaphy-26611023/

Thanks to the guys in D2 Podcast Studio for putting the edit together.

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].

This Week on the 10forty Podcast: Keith & Stephen from Insights – The Stripped Back Podcast

In this week's episode, we sit down with Keith and Stephen — electricians by day and podcasters by night — and the creators of Insights: The Stripped Back Podcast. With over nine seasons recorded and several sponsors already backing them, the lads are making waves in the world of trades-based content.

We dive into their journeys into the electrical trade, how their experiences in school shaped them, and what led them to launch their podcast. Keith and Stephen have very different learning styles and professional paths: Keith could cram and pass exams quickly, while Stephen had to take more time for things to click — both proving there's no one-size-fits-all path to success.

Keith also shares what inspired him to start his own business, Energise Electrical Contractors Ltd, while Stephen explains why he prefers life as an employee, now working as a Facilities Technician for Mitie. Together, they shed light on the importance of gaining broad site experience across domestic and commercial work, and the sometimes harsh culture that still exists on building sites — particularly for apprentices starting out.

We talk about what they look for when hiring, advice for apprentices to keep their heads down and learn as much as they can, and why training your own team to your standards is crucial for business owners.

=If you’re in need of a trusted electrical partner for your home, business, or renewable project — reach out to Keith at Energise Electrical Contractors Ltd:

🌐 tradehq.com/EnergiseElectricalContractors

📧 [email protected]

Listen to insights the stripback podcast where ever you get your podcast

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2SyP17XraZTXHVdjcXKtFa?si=TgLZlndFRd-WeCME2R717w

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@InsightTheStrippedBackPodcast

Apple

For larger commercial facilities work, Stephen and the team at Mitie are a solid choice.

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

Special thanks to the Guys at D2 Studio for the edit and putting the podcast together.

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].

This week on the 10forty podcast we’re joined by Joey Boland, former Dublin senior hurler and CEO of Sports Physio Ireland, for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation.

Joey shares his journey through second-level education, including the decision to resit his Leaving Certificate after breaking his leg — a major setback that ultimately shaped his resilience and drive. He talks about the early days of his sporting life, from being dropped off at trial games alone to travelling the country with his team, often staying in teammates’ houses, playing matches, and going out for dinner together afterward. These experiences not only built character but also laid the foundation for strong, lasting relationships off the pitch — something Joey believes is crucial for success in both sport and life.

We dive into:

• What it really takes to become a county player – the commitment, gym work, and video analysis behind the scenes

• His transition from athlete to physiotherapist – and ultimately to entrepreneur, stepping off the tools to focus on scaling his business

• What Joey looks for when hiring new team members – what they’ll be doing from day one, and the emphasis he places on building a strong, positive company culture

• Why health and wellbeing are more than just buzzwords – and why Joey regularly speaks on this at events across the country

Finally, we touch on Joey’s passion for health and wellbeing, and how he now speaks at events to share his knowledge and promote the importance of looking after both body and mind.

👉 Connect with Joey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-boland/

👉 Learn more about Sports Physio Ireland: sportsphysioireland.com

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].

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we're joined by Fran Massey, better known as Fran the Jeweller from The Cut Price Jewellers.

In this episode, Fran takes us on a journey through his life and career—from collecting scrap metal as a kid, to studying subjects he wasn’t too fond of in school, to getting his first break in the jewellery trade. We hear about his early days selling antiques in the Iveagh Markets, the tight-knit Liberties community, and how those formative years shaped the businessman he is today.

Fran opens up about the critical role his family has played in the success of his business. While many shy away from employing family, Fran believes it’s the "secret sauce" behind The Cut Price Jewellers’ enduring success. We talk about his decision to go out on his own, the backing he got from his parents, and the mentors who’ve guided him along the way—both in jewellery and other ventures.

We also dive into practical advice for anyone thinking about buying an engagement ring, the realities of the luxury watch trade, and the growing conversation around lab-grown versus natural diamonds.

It’s an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation with one of Dublin’s most recognisable names in jewellery.

Find out more here https://thecutpricejewellers.com/

Follow Fran - https://www.instagram.com/fran.thejeweller?igsh=MWI1dTd3anZtYW8wbg==

The Cut Price Jewellers - https://www.instagram.com/thecutpricejewellers?igsh=emdqa2JkdzloM2Z6

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 week’s episode, we sit down with Leonard Hanna — or as many know him, Coach Lenny — the co-founder of Fitlinks Fitness.

We trace Lenny’s journey from his early days working the markets in Fairyhouse, through his academic path, his time as an apprentice tiler and how his passion for fitness led him to become a qualified PTI (Physical Training Instructor).

Lenny shares how he got his first job in a gym, the value of working as a group instructor, teaching aqua aerobics classes, and his progression into 1-on-1 personal training. We also dive into how he and his business partner Darren launched Fitlinks Fitness — a gym focused on semi-private, strength and conditioning training. There are no mirrors, no waiting for machines, and each member trains in their own bay on a tailored programme. Sessions are typically one hour of focused, uninterrupted training designed to get you in, get the work done and get you on your way to your fitness goals..

We also talk about:

• What makes Fitlinks different
• How a PT is typically employed
• The approach Lenny would take when hiring a new PTI
• When a trainer should consider offering 1-on-1 sessions
• The importance of ongoing development in a fitness career

💡 Conor’s Takeaway

If you're unsure of what career path to follow, my personal opinion: two of the best, most accessible qualifications to kickstart your journey are:

1. Getting your full driving license

2. Completing a PTI course

These open doors quickly, help build confidence and can act as launchpads into a wide range of fields — including fitness, wellness, youth work, emergency services, content creation, and entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re just getting started or considering a new direction, this episode is packed with valuable insight.

Fitlinks

Website https://fitlinksfitness.com/

Insta https://www.instagram.com/fitlinksfitness/

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].