Open Mic - The Open Doors Initiative Podcast

Episode: Bernard Joyce and Pat Stokes from the Irish Traveller MovementBernard and Pat share their experiences growing up as proud Travellers, the discrimination they faced, how things are changing but still have a long way to go. They discuss opportunities for Travellers, including the apprenticeship programme and the importance of education in realising your full potential, but also how employers can do more to engage with Travellers in the workplace. For more information about ITM, visit h...

Episode: Toluwani Akaehomen, Entrepreneur, Executive Coach, Leadership & People Development ConsultantToluwani shares her background and the challenges she faced in the hiring process, which led her to starting her own business and becoming a successful entrepreneur. She and Hogai discuss the mindset and opportunities involved in striking out on your own, the importance of finding networks and connections to build your business. Visit her website Vantage Dymensions and her LinkedIn profil...

Episode: Siobhán Cafferty, Social Enterprise Project Manager for the Irish criminal justice sectorSiobhán speaks with Hogai about her path to becoming involved in advocating for those with a criminal past, the stigmas faced and the lack of self confidence many feel when attempting to find employment, as well as major logistical barriers when attempting to start their own business. She discusses how employers could take a more open-minded hiring approach, to see people for their potential and ...

Episode: Minister Neale Richmond TDHogai speaks with Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, previously the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, and the Department of Social Protection. They discuss the challenges facing migrants and refugees in Ireland, including work permits, housing and accreditation, as well as availa...

Episode: Melissa Bosch, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, EY IrelandMelissa speaks with Hogai about growing up in South Africa, her formative experiences and how she found herself in Ireland, forging a new path. They discuss challenges faced in the workplace and the importance of embedding diversity, equity and inclusion at the core of business, rather than an afterthought that can be discarded in challenging times. Visit EY Ireland and Melissa on LinkedInOpen Mic is a new podcast pr...

Episode: Joy-Tendai Kangere, Barrister, advocate and lecturerJoy-Tendai speaks with Hogai about her childhood on the continent of Africa and the impact of education and justice that led to a lifelong ambition to become a barrister. They discuss the challenges of racism in school and workplace settings, as a woman and migrant in Ireland, as well as the importance of finding community in a new home. Visit Joy-Tendai on LinkedInOpen Mic is a new podcast presented by the Open Doors Initiati...

Episode: Brian Pennie, Specialist in resilience, keynote speaker, neuroscientist and authorBrian chats with Hogai about his personal journey and what it has taught him about personal awareness of your hopes and motivations. They discuss the importance of education along with emotional regulation and communication to navigate the stresses in life, as well as how technology can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Visit Brian’s website for more information and follow him on Instagram and Lin...

In this episode, Jeanne speaks with IPS Employment specialists Dan White & Niamh Lawless.

Jeanne speaks with Shubanghi Karmakar about her work as a researcher, advocate, educator and journalist.

Jeanne talks with Gerry Farrell, a psychotherapist, about his many years experience working in mental health services in Ireland and how people can best go about building resilience.