On episode 242 I sit down with entrepreneur and previously intercounty footballer Stephen Smith, founder of Sole in One—an innovative product transforming any footwear into golf shoes.

What started as a solution to the frustration of travelling with bulky golf shoes, and a college project has become a business tackling one of golf’s biggest barriers to entry.

But this conversation goes far beyond business.

Smith opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship—the highs of making global sales, the lows of entrepreneurship, and why building a strong network of mentors has been a key part to his journey. Stephen shares the process and work behind the brand, the lessons he has learned and plenty of movie references throughout.

We also dive into the difficult decision to step back from inter-county football to pursue his business. Rather than losing his identity, Smith found a new perspective, discovering that football became an escape from work instead of another source of pressure—ultimately improving his performances on the pitch.

Along the way, he shares his advice for anyone building a brand, so if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an athlete navigating life beyond their sport, or someone looking for inspiration to back yourself, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical takeaways, and a reminder that every successful journey starts by solving a real problem.

Find Sole in one here

https://www.instagram.com/soleinone1?igsh=MTFicmY2b2Q0OTAyaA==

https://soleinone1.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoouHc9rMLGUzKkC34sYSL8v5ejFOBaQKnPlj1hx1o0UrJp_H_GV

Stephen’s LinkedIn https://ie.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smith52

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland⁠⁠⁠⁠,  a brand-new event taking place at the Sport Ireland Campus on April 21st and 22nd, 2027.  Designed to connect stakeholders from every corner of the Irish sporting landscape. Attendees will hear from leading voices in sport, take part in interactive workshops, explore the latest developments in elite performance, business and technology. Whether you’re involved in elite performance, grassroots, business, or simply passionate about where Irish sport is heading, ⁠⁠⁠Sport Expo Ireland ⁠⁠⁠is set to become one of the most exciting gatherings on the sporting calendar. To learn more, register your interest, and explore opportunities, visit https://qrco.de/bgrRu3 

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠