Our new episode of #ToastTalksPodcast is already here, and what we can say for sure is that our Claire Feeney,  is one of those people who inspire us to achieve our goals. Through two part time jobs, studying and looking after her family, Claire decided that wasn’t enough of the challenge, and when COVID came along and changed everything - she then decided it was the time to go alone and start her own business. Hard work and persistence - this is the secret of Claire’s success.

This is one of the most sincere and open interviews we’ve ever had. Dawson Hinds’s success was long-awaited. His winding path of entrepreneurship is an example of how unpredictable our life can be, and that we all have a chance to conquer any height when we’re patient and work hard. Dawson tells the story of how his business started with buying a second-hand van - right away through to working with some of the largest companies in the UK and NI.

Meet our guests Rachel Gallagher and Brian O’Neill from Enterprise North West. For everybody who doesn’t know ENW - it’s a social enterprise that provides outstanding business support for those who are just starting on their entrepreneurial journey or looking to grow their business further.

The range of support is just incredible - from marketing & premises to finances & strategy advice, they are able to assist in all aspects. We’ve discussed in detail how ENW helps businesses, how Covid influenced our perception of business life, why startups underestimate the challenges they may face, the role social enterprises have in our communities today, as well as hopes for the NW more broadly.

This week our guest is an absolute business legend Kieran Kennedy, Chairman of 21 Training, Board Member of Invest NI, and many many other roles. This one is honestly not to be missed for any aspiring entrepreneurs.

What is clear is that even after four decades in business his drive and ambition to improve native Strabane and the North West more broadly is still as present, as ever.

Kieran talks about his early years of growing up in Sion Mills, and then starting with O’Neills sportswear at 16, when only 30 people worked there, and going on to become Managing Director and growing it to the over 700 strong fork-force and sportswear powerhouse that it is today. 

He also told us how he finds opportunities in difficult times and how to deal with the ups and downs in business. His emphasis on education for all is a key driver for our economy and economic prosperity, and is at the core of 21 Training.

Seán and Fabian talked to us about growing up in the small town of Dromore, their early careers in Gaelic football, their first exposures to business. They told us how an early idea to remain in a football community has transformed into a major play in the sportswear market. One clear trait of their journey is how sport played and still plays a huge part in both their lives and their journey with MFC. They explained how the skills they learned while playing football prepared them for life in the world of real business. And how to cope with the bad days but celebrate the good days. Enjoy!

Meet Hayley Quinnell, Founder of DIGI - a digital media agency based in Derry. Hayley talks about her early ambitions of becoming a firm director, university life in Queens and starting her career in TV. Hayley’s attitude towards business development and doing whatever it takes to get business out there is just brilliant. So is the way she deals with rejection and keep herself motivated. 

Meet our new guest - Aoife Doherty, Owner & Creative Director of Sass & Halo whose business literally makes this world more beautiful ;)  We talked about her childhood in Derry and first working experience in London, about setting up her own business, support she received and what challenges ‘new’ entrepreneurs may face. She told us about her own path to success, and how our hobbies and passion may eventually transform into profitable business.

We’ve prepared something special for the International Women's Day. In this episode we talk to Belfast’s busiest woman Cathy Martin - Mother, Founder of Belfast Fashion Week, Director of CMPR, TEDx Speaker, Influencer and… so much more! This episode is devoted to all women around the globe who create, inspire, take care, develop and support.

Former Derry City Footballer Gareth McGlynn sits down with us to discuss growing up in the North West, training with Tristar under Jon ‘Ugg’ Clifford, his career with Derry City FC, travelling to Australia and NY and how an Engineering Degree led him into the world of Recruitment.  Gareth explains how the highs and lows of football helps him deal with the day strain of running a successful business.  We also talk about his hopes for the North West more generally.