In this episode of CREGG Insights, we talk to Jill Thornton, the powerhouse behind some of Ireland’s most prestigious award ceremonies. From her beginnings in theatre to leading Ashville Media Group’s all-female events team, Jill shares her journey and the inside secrets of running 11 major awards each year.

Discover why awards matter for business growth, how to craft a winning entry, and the post-event strategies that turn recognition into real results. Jill also reveals memorable behind-the-scenes moments, the judging process, and the one quality that makes an application stand out from the rest.

If you’ve ever wondered how to leverage awards to boost your brand, network, and credibility, this is your inside track.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, we talk with Gary Neville, brand strategist and cultural enabler with Neptune, to explore the critical link between authentic leadership and workplace culture. Gary shares real-world insights into how leaders can "walk the walk" by communicating with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

We dive into the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of listening over telling, and how small, human moments can shape a company’s culture and reputation. Whether you're in recruitment, HR, or business leadership, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to boost engagement, build trust, and turn employees into ambassadors.

In this episode, we’re joined by Statia O’Carroll, Expert Career Mentor and founder of O’Carroll Careers, who shares her expert advice on how to craft a CV that truly reflects your value and gets noticed.

Whether you’re early in your career or looking to make a strategic move, Statia offers clear, practical guidance:

Key Takeaways:

Use keywords from the job description to pass ATS filters 

Keep bullet points short and focused on accomplishments

Include a strong profile summary

List skills and qualifications that match the role 

Avoid unnecessary details like photos and location  

Add hobbies to reflect your personality and strengths

Your CV should tell the full story of your career honestly and effectively.

As Statia says, “Know the value of your work and share it with others. Connect with mentors and trusted professionals to guide you.”

In this episode of CREGG Insights, Oisín Browne sits down with Mark Valentine, Enterprise Account Director at LinkedIn, to explore how professionals can fully leverage LinkedIn to enhance their careers and visibility in the job market.

Listeners will learn how to:

• Optimise their profile to attract the right attention

• Use job alerts and signal openness to recruiters while maintaining privacy

• Build a meaningful network with thoughtful connection requests

• Increase visibility by engaging with content and industry professionals

• Add testimonials and recommendations to enhance credibility

• Use LinkedIn strategically for job research and preparation

Mark also addresses common pitfalls—like sending mass connection requests—and emphasises the importance of authentic, value-driven engagement.

Whether you’re job-seeking, hiring, or simply want to stay connected with your industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights on using LinkedIn as a powerful professional tool.

Listen now to learn how to take your LinkedIn presence to the next level.

In this episode of CREGG Insights, Oisín Browne sits down with Laura McGrath, a leadership and interview coach with 25 years of experience in recruitment. Laura began her career in accounting before finding her passion in recruitment and later transitioning into executive coaching. Today, she empowers professionals to approach interviews with confidence and clarity.

Laura shares her top strategies for interview success, including:

• Why knowing your own CV inside-out is the first step to confidence

• How to research a company and its competitors effectively

• The importance of grounding yourself before the interview to show up energized and present

• Tips for answering the classic “Tell me about yourself” question with impact

• How to handle questions about weaknesses and challenges with authenticity and self-awareness

• Why your closing and follow-up can set you apart from other candidates

This episode is packed with practical advice for job seekers and career changers who want to make a strong impression in their next interview.

🔍 Ready to bring your best self to your next big opportunity? This conversation is for you.

🎧 Subscribe to CREGG Insights for monthly episodes, and visit www.cregg.ie for more career support and opportunities. Check out Laura on www.interviewtechniques.ie

CREGG Insights is a monthly podcast hosted by Oisín Browne, Sales & Marketing Manager at CREGG, Your Trusted Recruitment Partner. Each episode features expert interviews and inspiring stories focused on career transitions, CV building, interviews, leadership, motivation, and personal growth. Whether you're a job seeker, career changer, or team leader, this podcast offers real-world advice to help you grow. Visit www.cregg.ie to find out more about Career support and opportunities.