The Hidden Currents Podcast

On this episode of Hidden Currents, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Richard Leftley, Director of Wavu Limited, about the role trust plays in delivering financial services to underserved communities. Richard shares lessons from building insurance solutions for low-income populations and explains how partnerships and credibility are essential when introducing complex products like insurance. He also discusses how honesty, aligned incentives, and long-term relationships help build trust and sustainable business growth.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

On this episode of Hidden Currents, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Hanim (Jain) Dogan, partner at Prime Advantage Capital Partners, about how trust and relationships shape success in the startup and investment ecosystem. Hanim shares insights from her experience as a founder, angel investor, and advisor, explaining why investors ultimately back people and teams more than products. She also discusses stakeholder trust, founder–investor dynamics, and the importance of authenticity when building lasting business relationships.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha, speaks with John Olaonipekun, Business Manager at FirstBank UK Limited, about the practical foundations of trust in high performance banking environments. John shares a masterclass in stakeholder management, emphasizing predictability, transparency, hard work, and understanding “what’s in it for me” when aligning cross functional teams. Drawing on his experience working with senior executives, he explains how investing in relationships, avoiding surprises, and building personal credibility are essential to long term influence and career success.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha, speaks with Dan Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer of Sunshine and Kittens, about building trust in marketing, partnerships, and purpose driven brands. Dan shares how trust underpins everything from internal alignment to government and banking relationships, particularly as Sunshine and Kittens works to improve financial literacy for children and families. Drawing on decades of experience, he offers practical advice on authenticity, having a clear point of view, and backing yourself to say what truly needs to be said.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha, speaks with Richard Anderson, Co-CEO and Founder of RiskMetrica, about trust in an era defined by cyber risk, misinformation, and what he calls a “trust recession.” Richard explores why authentic relationships, sense making, and disruptive intelligence are essential to effective risk management, especially when organizations struggle to hear uncomfortable truths. Drawing on decades of experience, he shares powerful lessons on building credibility, fostering openness, and ensuring risk management remains grounded in people, not just process.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha,speaks with Gareth Murray of Integration Services Ireland about building trust in the high pressure, mission critical world of data center construction. Gareth shares practical insights on managing complex contractor relationships, mitigating risk before problems arise, and maintaining transparency when timelines and accountability are on the line. He also reflects on career highlights and offers grounded advice for emerging professionals, emphasizing that trust, teamwork, and asking questions are essential to long term success.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Azad Nazzarali, emerging author and founder of his independent personal development initiative, about navigating early career uncertainty and building meaningful professional relationships. Azad shares his journey of reaching out to leaders, learning through discipline and openness, and developing the confidence to connect across industries and experience levels. Together they explore how young professionals can build trust, take thoughtful risks, and align their mindset for long term growth.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Patrick Wetzels, Head of Finance at CAVU, about how trust, clarity of vision, and aligned intentions drive strong organizational performance. Patrick shares lessons on building authentic leadership, aligning teams around shared goals, and strengthening stakeholder relationships across complex environments. He explains why consistent action, clear purpose, and making the boat go faster are essential principles for sustainable success.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Xiangyao Bowler of East Star Exports about building trust and lasting relationships in cross-cultural business, particularly between Western companies and China. Xiangyao shares practical insights from her experience supporting international firms to navigate cultural differences, improve communication, and overcome misunderstandings that can stall partnerships. The conversation highlights why trust in Chinese business is relationship-driven, developed over time through respect, transparency, and shared value.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Matty Caine, founder and CEO of First Person Project CIC, about building trust-driven, people-powered mental health services in Liverpool. Matty shares how his socially progressive mental health model empowers service users to become part of the solution, breaking down traditional barriers to access while fostering long-term relationships and community connection. The conversation explores leadership, authenticity, and the challenges of innovating within institutional systems while staying true to a values-led vision.

This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.