How are leading founders actually using AI day to day?

In this episode of the Digital Irish Podcast, we’re sharing highlights from the first session in our Practical Artificial Intelligence series — focused on real, hands-on experiences with AI from people building and using it right now.

Our guest is Sean Blanchfield — Irish entrepreneur behind Demonware and Phorest, and founder of his latest venture, Jentic. Sean shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping enterprise software, where the real opportunities lie with APIs and AI agents, and how he personally uses AI in his own workflows.

This episode features selected snippets from the live webinar. You can watch the full conversation and Q&A on Digital Irish Connect.

👉 Watch the full webinar: https://connect.digitalirish.com

• Sean Blanchfield on LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/seanblanchfield

• Jentic: https://jentic.com/

The Practical AI series brings together founders and operators to share real-world examples of how AI is being used today — cutting through hype to focus on what actually works.

• In this episode, we sit down with Michael Kelly, a true digital pioneer and veteran of the media and AdTech landscape. For more than two decades, he has been at the front edge of every major wave in media, marketing, and technology, building, scaling, and transforming high-growth companies across the U.S., UK, and Ireland, including giants like AOL, Time Warner, and The Weather Company.

• As co-founder of KellyNewman Advisors, Michael helps founders and investors accelerate growth, sharpen go-to-market strategy, and execute M&A. He shares his journey, the biggest evolutionary changes he’s witnessed in AdTech, and his current focus: how AI is reshaping marketing, measurement, and value creation.

• Now, Michael is turning his strategic attention to the vibrant Irish ecosystem. We dive deep into:

• Why Ireland could be the next hot spot for AdTech innovation.

• The specific market gaps he sees Irish startups are uniquely positioned to fill.

• The traits, technologies, and metrics that make a founder or company stand out to him as an advisor and potential investor.

• Practical advice for Irish founders looking to scale internationally.

• If you’re building or scaling an AdTech venture in Ireland, this episode is packed with Mike’s strategic insights, inspiration, and a clear call to action on how to get on his radar.

• Michael Kelly is a true digital pioneer and a highly seasoned executive and advisor. He has served as CEO, board chair, and strategic advisor across adtech, martech, and digital media.

• As co-founder of KellyNewman Advisors, Michael leverages his experience to help high-growth companies accelerate, sharpen go-to-market strategy, and execute M&A with clarity and momentum. He is currently deeply focused on how AI is reshaping marketing, measurement, and value creation across the industry.

• Michael is a two-time honoree on Irish America Magazine’s Business 100, serves on the board of the American Advertising Federation, and is a member of the Board of Counselors of The Carter Center.

• Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]

• This special episode takes you behind the scenes of Irish Tech Week — from the 17 Irish startups who flew into New York to a sold-out conference day at Civic Hall — and brings you conversations with the founders, supporters, and partners behind it. As a bonus, we introduce a new recurring segment to help you stay plugged into what’s happening across the wider Irish startup ecosystem.

  Featured Guests:

  Isabella Hughes

• Website: https://www.estatemin.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-hughes-77719a250

• Isabella breaks down how EstateMin is modernising estate and probate administration, why legal-tech is ripe for innovation, and what she took away from engaging with the NYC tech community.
  

• Website: https://eclimai.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoin-long-6aa10b9

• Eoin talks about building AI-driven solutions for buildings and energy efficiency, the role of deep-tech in Ireland’s startup landscape, and why visibility in the US market matters.
  

• Website: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oran-bambrick-6b183633

• Oran offers the sponsor’s perspective on Irish Tech Week — from supporting internationalisation to why Enterprise Ireland continues to invest in bringing high-potential startups overseas.
  

• Website: https://ebowdigital.ie

  LinkedIn (via Ebow): https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebowdigital

• David walks us through the thinking behind our own Digital Irish rebrand, which launched at the start of Irish Tech Week — and reflects on why brand clarity and storytelling matter for community-led organisations.

  
  

  New Segment! with Stephen Mullan of Irish Insights

• Website: https://www.irish-insights.com

• At the end of the episode, we introduce a new ongoing segment featuring insights from Irish-Insights.com, a platform dedicated to tracking and showcasing what's happening across the broader Irish startup landscape. Stephen brings updates, perspective, and context; from funding rounds to founder stories, product launches, community wins, and trends worth watching

• Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]

The Morrison Legacy Foundation: https://morrisonlegacy.com/ 

• In this episode, we uncover the remarkable story behind the Bruce Morrison Legacy Initiative, a project honoring the groundbreaking visa program that gave tens of thousands of Irish immigrants the chance to build new lives in America.

• Our guest, Elaine Brennan, shares how the initiative began, why preserving these immigration stories matters now more than ever, and the lasting impact of Congressman Bruce Morrison’s work. We explore how the Morrison Visa shaped Irish-American identity, hear powerful personal accounts from recipients, and get a first look at the upcoming 2025 celebrations marking 30 years since the program’s implementation
• Elaine brings a wealth of experience to this work. She is Executive Director of Global Strategic Partnerships at Northwell Health, where she develops innovative collaborations across healthcare, technology, and international trade. A former CEO and life sciences leader, she has worked with government, biotech, and pharmaceutical partners to drive innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.

• This episode is a moving celebration of the people whose lives were changed by the Morrison Visa—and of the stories that continue to define the Irish-American experience.

• Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]

• The Morrison Legacy Foundation: https://morrisonlegacy.com/ 

• In this episode of the Digital Irish Podcast, we explore how curiosity, experimentation, and a single bold decision can shape an entire life and career. Feargal O'Sullivan — founder and CEO of USAM Group Inc., and a Morrison Visa recipient — shares his remarkable journey, from arriving in New York with no money and few plans to becoming a technology leader helping global companies grow.

• Feargal is a proven leader with a rare talent for blending business insight with deep technical expertise. Before founding USAM in 2014 to help pioneering data and technology companies achieve sales success, he gained experience at BlackRock, Reuters, and the New York Stock Exchange, where he designed, sold, and deployed cutting-edge systems for some of the world’s most innovative financial services firms. His background gives him a deep understanding of financial markets and a unique ability to identify how technology can solve real business problems.

• We dig into the mindset that drove Feargal to keep trying new things — from music tech to financial services — and how his path embodies the very spirit of the Morrison Visa. Along the way, he reflects on the lasting impact of the visa program, the founding of the Morrison Legacy initiative, and the ripple effects of immigration that are still felt across the Irish and American business worlds today.

• Whether you're early in your journey or navigating a pivot, this episode is a reminder of what’s possible when you stay curious — and dare to begin.

• Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]

• In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Crabbe, founder of FrontCover.io, a cutting-edge fintech solution transforming digital memberships in the entertainment industry. Alan shares the inspiring story behind FrontCover.io, born from his experience with crowdfunding for live music in Melbourne. He discusses the platform's unique features, its value proposition for venues, artists, and fans, and his ambitious plans for US expansion. Alan also delves into his current goals, including raising seed capital and connecting with potential partners and investors in the sports, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. If you're in the US and interested in innovative fintech solutions within these industries, this episode offers a valuable opportunity to connect with Alan and learn more about FrontCover.io.

• Links:

• FrontCover.io

• https://au.linkedin.com/in/alancrabbe 

• Call to Action:

• If you are in the US and have connections within the sports, hospitality, or entertainment industries, reach out to Alan Crabbe to explore potential partnerships or investment opportunities.

Want to join in DC? Sign up here: https://lu.ma/uw2h3cs6

Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Costello, one of the earliest employees at Afterpay, to uncover the inside story of its incredible journey from a small startup to a publicly listed, multinational business. Alan shares his firsthand experiences navigating the highs and lows of startup life, the challenges of rapid scaling, and the near-shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on the pressures of going public, the shift from acquisition to retention, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Join us as we explore the remarkable growth of Afterpay and what the future holds for Alan.

Okay, here are comprehensive show notes for your podcast episode featuring Alan Costello and his journey with Afterpay:

Episode Title: From Startup to Public Listing: Alan Costello's Inside Story of Afterpay's Explosive Growth

Episode Description:

In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Costello, one of the earliest employees at Afterpay, to uncover the inside story of its incredible journey from a small startup to a publicly listed, multinational business. Alan shares his firsthand experiences navigating the highs and lows of startup life, the challenges of rapid scaling, and the near-shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on the pressures of going public, the shift from acquisition to retention, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Join us as we explore the remarkable growth of Afterpay and what the future holds for Alan.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of resilience and adaptability in startup life.

• The challenges and rewards of rapid scaling and going public.

• The impact of external factors, like COVID-19, on a growing business.

• The importance of agility and pivoting during times of rapid change.

Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we explore the growing global reach of Irish innovation, with a special focus on Australia as a key hub for Irish businesses and professionals. Digital Irish Australia is a chapter dedicated to fostering collaboration between the two nations, and in this episode, we sit down with Kian Jackson and Stephen Mullen, the dynamic leaders behind this initiative.

Kian and Stephen share their journey of moving from Ireland to Australia and the unique challenges and rewards they've experienced while building a vibrant community of Irish professionals. They discuss the key initiatives of Digital Irish Australia, the exciting opportunities they see for Irish tech and entrepreneurship, and how they’re actively strengthening the cultural and business ties between Ireland and Australia.

Join us as we dive into the opportunities that lie ahead for Irish professionals in Australia, the impact Digital Irish Australia aims to have on both the Irish and Australian markets, and how this community is helping individuals connect, collaborate, and grow in the ever-evolving global landscape.

https://lu.ma/vpyxacxg  - Sydney event

https://lu.ma/a8dfsmb4 - Melbourne event

Contact Digital Irish Australia - https://au.linkedin.com/showcase/digital-irish-au/ 

Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]

This week we chat with John Hill, VP of Story at Whop (whop.com), about building community and driving impact at scale. We explore his journey from LinkedIn and Techstars to Whop, and the personal influences behind his drive.

Key Discussion Points:

• Whop's Mission & Impact: John shares his excitement about Whop's mission to enable sustainable income and discusses the company's rapid growth. He highlights success stories and the long-term vision.
• The Drive for Impact: We delve into the personal influences behind John's passion for large-scale impact, including his family history and upbringing.

• Irish Citizenship: We discuss John's exploration of Irish citizenship, what it means to him, and how the Digital Irish community can support him in this process. He shares his next steps and what connections would be most helpful.

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msuaajohn/

Join us for an insightful conversation with Sophie Colgan, the host of the popular podcast "Navigating New York." Sophie shares her personal journey to the city that never sleeps, discussing the allure, challenges, and rewards of living in New York City.

In this episode, we delve into:

Whether you're dreaming of a New York adventure or simply curious about life in the Big Apple, this episode offers invaluable advice and inspiration. Tune in to hear Sophie's firsthand experiences and expert guidance.

Links

Sign up for early access can Sophie's: Navigating New York Ultimate Guide Ebook on Friday 7th February: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sRQjGsZtw7abhd8elFLe3S76oa01Vky4YoMeWueROSs/viewform?edit_requested=true

Official Launch is Sunday February 9th!

Want to get in contact? Email us at [email protected]