Afleveringen
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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Aimee Connolly, the powerhouse founder behind Sculpted by Aimee. From working on makeup counters at 16 to building one of Irelandâs most successful beauty brands, Aimee shares her incredible journey of bootstrapping her way to the top.
She reveals the bold steps she tookâcold emailing manufacturers, self-funding her first product launch, and scaling from a solo founder to leading an international beauty empire. If you're an entrepreneur looking for real, unfiltered insights on launching a product, navigating challenges, and building a loyal brand community, this episode is for you.
đ§ Show Notes:
In this episode, we cover:
đĽ The moment Aimee decided to build her own beauty brand
đ How she launched Sculpted by Aimee with just âŹ10,000
đĄ The power of âmassive actionâ and breaking down big goals
đ Bootstrapping vs. raising investment: the cashflow lessons she learned
đ Expanding into new markets: from Ireland to the UK and beyond
đ Why authenticity and community-building have been key to her success
đď¸ââď¸ Balancing business growth with personal well-beingđŹ "The number one difference between an entrepreneur and someone who doesnât start is knowing you donât have all the answersâbut not letting that stop you." â Aimee Connolly
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đ Resources & Links:
đ Enterprise Ireland: Support for Startups
đď¸ Sculpted by Aimee
đą Follow Aimee Connolly on Instagram & LinkedIn đď¸
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Two of our all-time favourite guests return to the pod to announce their $36 million fundraising round!
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dan Hobbs & CiarĂĄn OâMara, the co-founders of Protex AI, a startup using computer vision to prevent workplace accidents before they happen.
They first appeared on the podcast in 2023 after raising $18M. One year later, per Garyâs prediction about how their 2024 would go, theyâve just closed a $36M Series B, expanded from 4 to 22 countries, and are working with Fortune 500 giants like DHL.
Show notes:
In this episode we cover:
đĽ The brutal reality of raising capital & how they secured $54M
đ How they attracted inbound investors and flipped the script
đĄ How AI is transforming workplace safety & why enterprises are buying in
đ° The difference between raising a Seed, Series A & Series B
đ What it REALLY takes to scale from startup to enterprise
đ Why building relationshipsânot just productsâmatters in B2B sales
đď¸ââď¸ The mindset shifts they had to make as leadersIf youâre a founder looking to raise capital, scale a startup, or break into enterprise sales, this episode is packed with raw, real-world insights.
đď¸ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs.
Resources & Links:
đ The Founderâs Survival Guide by Rachel Turner
đŠ Learn more about Protex AI: protex.aiđą Follow Dan Hobbs & CiarĂĄn OâMeara on LinkedIn: Dan Hobbs | CiarĂĄn O'Marađď¸ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs.---
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Sahil Bloom went from private equity investor to one of the most influential creators and investors in the worldâwithout a plan. In this episode, he shares his founder formula for success, why money isnât the answer, and the hidden struggles behind entrepreneurship. We discuss defining your own version of wealth, battling imposter syndrome, and the power of taking action over planning. If youâre searching for clarity in business, body, and brainâthis oneâs for you.
Show NotesIn this episode, we cover:
âď¸ Sahilâs journey from private equity to creator, investor, and entrepreneur
âď¸ Why money alone wonât make you happyâand what actually does
âď¸ The âarrival fallacyâ and why success never feels like you expect
âď¸ The biggest mistake founders make when chasing more
âď¸ Why imposter syndrome is a tax on growth (and how to reframe it)
âď¸ How Sahil structures his businesses for maximum impact
âď¸ The power of defining your own success instead of societyâs version
âď¸ How to balance ambition with purpose without burning outResources & Links:
đ Get Sahilâs book The Five Types of Wealth: thefivetypesofwealth.com
đŠ Subscribe to Sahilâs Curiosity Chronicle: sahilbloom.com
đą Follow Sahil on Social Media: @SahilBloom on all platformsđď¸ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs.
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In this episode, we sit down with Colin Harmon, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed Irelandâs coffee culture. From starting as a barista to building 3fe, one of Ireland's most respected coffee brands, Colin shares his journey of entrepreneurship, branding, and the shifting landscape of social spaces.
We explore:
Why traditional social spaces like banks, pubs, and churches are declining The power of community in business How Colin built 3fe from a single cafĂŠ to an industry leader The business lessons he learned through scaling and adapting The future of coffee culture and entrepreneurshipIf youâre an aspiring founder or someone fascinated by how businesses shape culture, this episode is a must-listen!
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Show Notes:Guest: Colin Harmon, Founder of 3fe Coffee
Topics Covered:
The Evolution of Social Spaces
Why traditional meeting points are disappearing How coffee shops have replaced banks and pubs as social hubsColinâs Entrepreneurial Journey
How he transitioned from a finance job to coffee The early struggles of starting a coffee business Scaling from one cafĂŠ to a respected brandThe Business of Coffee
The challenges of running a specialty coffee company How branding and storytelling played a key role in growth Why community-driven businesses thriveLessons in Leadership & Growth
The mindset shifts needed to scale a business Why customer experience is the most valuable asset Future trends in coffee and hospitalityResources Mentioned:
3fe Coffee Website Colin Harmonâs Book: What I Know About Running Coffee Shops Follow Colin on Instagram -
With 400 episodes under my belt, I'm turning the mic on myself to share the origins of this passion project that started as a side experiment and grew into a full-fledged business.
This is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode where I answer all the questions you sent in over the last few weeks.
How does the pod make money? What do I look for in a guest?
Discover the pivot from property management to podcasting and the invaluable lessons learned along this unpredictable entrepreneurial path.
From the nuances of guest selection to cultivating a unique storytelling approach, I share my blueprint for creating compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Chapter Timestamps (00:01) - Gary Fox Celebrates 400 Episodes (10:25) - Podcast Sponsorship and Business Strategies (22:40) - Gary Fox's Guest Selection Process (28:00) - Podcasting, Investing, and Self-Reflection (35:41) - Podcast Preparation and Mindset Development (47:28) - Entrepreneurial Success and Life Lessons (56:40) - Family Business and Time Management--
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Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
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Join Gary as we sit down with Mary Sadlier, the powerhouse behind Coole Swan, the premium Irish cream brand taking the world by storm. From navigating challenges to owning 3% of the U.S. market, Mary shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and growth.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How Mary overcame setbacks to scale Coole Swan globally. The art of balancing quality and profitability in a competitive market. The entrepreneurial mindset that turns challenges into opportunities. Lessons in leadership and staying true to your brand ethos.Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Maryâs insights will inspire and challenge you to think bigger.
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Visit my partners
Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland
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Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee
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In this brain special of The Entrepreneur Experiment, we dive deep into the world of mental mastery with renowned brain hacker Keith Barry. Known for his groundbreaking work in hacking the human mind, Keith helps individuals and corporations achieve sustainable, meaningful change at a neurological level.
In this episode, Keith shares:
The art and science of hacking your own brain to unlock peak mental performance. Strategies to overcome mental barriers and build resilience. The surprising ways the brain influences decision-making in business and life. Practical tips for cultivating a sharp, focused, and creative mind.Whether you're looking to sharpen your mental edge or understand the secrets of the mind, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to think like a true founder.
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Welcome to the final podcast of 2024.
In this special episode recorded live at the first-ever guests reunion in Dublin, I sit down with two of my most popular guests, Nadia Adan and Michael Corcoran.We look back on the highs and lows of 2024 sharing the lessons, wins and learnings from the year.
With over 70 founders in the audience, we also delved into the trends and predictions that will shape the next 12 months.
Shot live with a studio audience at Baseline in Dublin City.
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
*Music by Andrew Applepie.
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What does it take to create a unicorn startup? Jack Pierse, co-founder of Wayflyer, and now co-founder of HappyStack joins us to discuss the thrilling journey of building one of the most successful startups in recent years.
From securing millions in funding to scaling operations across the globe, Jack shares invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial highs and lows, including the pivotal moments that shaped Wayflyerâs meteoric rise.
Jack opens up about his life before and after Wayflyer, including his working for Liam Casey and how heâs now channelling his expertise into new ventures. Whether itâs advising other startups, investing, or exploring new industries, Jackâs approach to entrepreneurship continues to evolve.
His latest venture, Bold Golf has also just launched and counts Shane Lowry among the investors.
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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Imagine selling your startup for $18 million in less than a yearâonly to watch it vanish into thin air when the dot-com bubble burst.
Sounds like a wild ride? Thatâs just the beginning of John Dennehyâs incredible journey.
John is one of Irelandâs most successful (and underrated) serial founders. Heâs the only entrepreneur I know whoâs managed to sell the same company twice. Yes, twice!
In this episode, John shares how his journey went from massive wins to gut-wrenching lossesâand back again. In 2024 alone, he pulled off two major sales, including the recruitment platform HireHive.
But the real magic lies in how he bought back his old company, Zartis, reinvented it, and sold it again.
Johnâs story has more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster, and itâs packed with lessons for every entrepreneur.
This is the ultimate guide to resilience, reinvention, and embracing the unpredictable. Donât miss it!
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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Every great founder needs a mentor. That is why every single week, I bring you a new one.
In this Mentor Moment, James Whelton dives into the importance of finding joy in the process over just chasing outcomes.
He shares a key insight: if you're spending 90% of your time on the journey, it only makes sense to enjoy it. James reflects on his own experiences and how this mindset shaped his approach to work and success.
This is a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on aligning passion with purpose.
To listen to the full episode go back to episode 306.
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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What does it take to build the backbone of one of the biggest gaming franchises in history and revolutionize digital safety for kids? In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dylan Collins, the mastermind behind Demonware and SuperAwesome.
Dylan shares the story of creating Demonware, the tech infrastructure that powers the online experience for games like Call of Duty, before selling it to Activision Blizzard in a landmark deal. But his journey didnât stop there. Dylan went on to found SuperAwesome, a company dedicated to making the internet safer for kids, which was later acquired by Epic Games, creators of Fortnite.
In this candid conversation, Dylan unpacks:
The high-stakes decisions behind building and selling two global companies. How he predicted and shaped the future of gaming and childrenâs technology. Why digital safety is the next frontier in tech innovation. The mindset that keeps him asking, âWhatâs next?â after every success.Get inspired by one of the sharpest entrepreneurial minds of our time and learn how to anticipate trends, scale businesses, and stay ahead in the fast-moving world of tech.
(00:00) Entrepreneur Experiment Podcast With Dylan Collins
(10:51) Surviving and Thriving in Business
(14:37) Future of AI and Market Growth
(21:41) Future of Physical Service Layers
(28:42) The Future of Technology and Society
(34:07) Global Fertility Rates and Investment Trends
(47:24) Founder Insights on Selling Companies
(01:00:54) Gaming Industry Entrepreneurship Explored
(01:04:41) Building Relationships for Successful Acquisitions
(01:10:54) Retail Power and Financial Literacy
(01:20:43) Learning From Experiments and History
(01:28:23) Ancient Mysteries and Founder Chemistry
(01:38:29) Effective Capital Allocation Strategies
(01:53:24) Strategies for Business Growth and Investments
(02:02:56) Extended Entrepreneurial Interview With Dylan Collins---
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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Today's mentor is serial founder & investor, Ray Nolan.
Ray built and sold Hostelworld for one of Ireland's biggest tech sales at the time for $500 million.
He gives us a brutally honest assessment of the entrepreneur ecosystem in Ireland and the faults in the political support or lack of it.
If you want to listen to the full episode with Ray, go back to episode 304.---
Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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In this episode, I sit down with Phillip McGlade, the CEO of Therapie Clinics, to uncover the secrets behind building Europeâs largest aesthetics chainâa business turning over âŹ100 million annually. With 77 clinics across the globe, Therapie has become a household name in beauty and wellness. But Phillip isnât stopping there; heâs now expanding into fertility clinics, tackling deeply personal and impactful challenges.
We dive into the mindset that fueled 14 years of relentless growth, the sacrifices Phillip has made along the way, and how he balances family with building a business empire. Youâll hear about the big risks, bold moves, and lessons learned from scaling not just one, but two life-changing ventures.
Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to create a âŹ100+ million business, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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In this episode, Gary sits down with Conor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Mad Egg & Nory, to dive into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant world and how he's shaking things up.
This is the second time Conor has been on the pod and we catch up on a whirlwind few years for Conor as he raised $25 million to build Nory, the operating system for restaurants.
Conor is building the ultimate operating system for restaurants to help them thrive, not just survive.
We chat about why so many restaurants struggle with profit, how digital tools can change the game, and what it takes to scale up from a local spot to a powerhouse brand. Whether youâre in hospitality or just hungry for business insights, Conorâs journey will inspire and entertain.
Tune in and get a taste of the future of dining!
Here is a sneak peek of some of the lessons in today's pod.
Optimize for Efficiency: Profitability often hinges on operational efficiency rather than just increasing sales. Adapt Quickly: Embrace adaptability as a survival tool, especially in competitive or challenging markets. Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to streamline operations and stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry. Tell a Compelling Story: When fundraising, present a clear vision that solves real, pressing problems. Build a Strong Culture: Cultivating a positive work culture aligns your team with the mission and fuels growth.Show Notes
Connect with Conor Sheridan:
Mad Egg NoryConnect with Gary Fox:
Follow Gary on LinkedIn Join Gary's free weekly email newsletter community.Listen & Subscribe: Donât miss out on future episodes where we uncover the founderâs formula for success. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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Today, we have a world exclusive. Will O'Brien unveils his stealth startup to the world for the first time.
Will is my pick for the rising star of season 22 and this episode will clearly show why.
Not only is he backed by some of the hottest investors in the world, he is solving a problem that could potentially save the world.
Will shares the rationale behind keeping his company under wraps for so long, focusing on engineering challenges away from the public eye.
Our conversation then turns to the ambitious quest of seagrass restoration, an innovative solution for carbon removal. We explore the immense potential of scaling restoration efforts, fueled by global climate goals, and discuss the strategic fundraising journey that brought on board top-tier investors aligned with the venture's long-term vision.
Will is a fascinating guy and we explore some of his wilder adventures including going to live with Buddhist monks and writing letters to Denis O'Brien which landed him a dream job.
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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Every great founder needs a mentor. That is why every single week, I bring you a new one.
Bad writing and communication is holding your business back.
Learn how to unlock this marketing superpower in today's Mentor Moment.
Eamon Fitzgerald has used writing and in particular email newsletters to grow a business worth millions.Eamon is the founder of WineSpark.
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Office: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
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Listen to the full Eamon episode: https://youtu.be/YKIHvFW6hEc?si=6KtBT1xCZktYWpQ7
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Today, we sit down with Briain Curtin, the Irishman leading the marketing behind one of my favourite brands, Whoop.
I've been using Whoop since 2019 to elevate my fitness, help recovery and guide me on my longevity journey.As VP of Global Marketing, Briain is the brains behind campaigns with global superstars such as Rory McIlroy, Christiano Ronaldo and Michael Phelps.
Briain shares how Whoop has carved its unique path in the wellness industry through relentless innovation, a commitment to science-backed insights, and a user-centered design philosophy.
On top of all that, you'll get a marketing masterclass from one of the brightest minds in sports marketing.
From helping elite athletes optimize their performance to supporting everyday individuals on their wellness journey, Whoop is transforming the way we understand our bodies. Briain discusses the brandâs approach to creating wearable tech that isnât just a gadget but an empowering tool for life-changing health decisions.
In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
The Whoop Philosophy: How Whoop approaches wellness from a health-first perspective, focusing on meaningful, real-time data. Innovation in Wearable Tech: What sets Whoop apart in the health tech industry, including its commitment to continuous improvement and cutting-edge features. The Power of Data: How Whoopâs technology provides actionable insights into recovery, sleep, and overall wellness. User-Centered Design: Why Whoop places its users at the heart of its innovation, constantly evolving to meet the needs of diverse groups, from athletes to professionals. Future of Health Tech: Briainâs insights into where the wellness industry is headed and Whoopâs role in shaping it.Get a free Whoop & a month free: https://join.whoop.com/9736D656
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Thanks to my season title partner
Local Enterprise Offices: https://bit.ly/leodigital21
Find out more about digitalisation for your business in the link above.
Show NotesLinks & Resources:
Whoop Website Connect with Briain Curtin on LinkedIn Check out Whoopâs latest features and advancements on social media: Instagram, Twitter -
Every top founder needs a great mentor. Each week, I bring you a brand new mentor who can help you on your journey.
This week is a great friend of mine, my real-life mentor and accountability buddy, James McCormack.
In this raw episode, he shares the moment when he knew his life must change and the dramatic steps he took to reshape his entire world in the last 5 years.
To listen to the full episode, go to episode 302.---
Thanks to my season partners
Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO
Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge
Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure
*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
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In this episode, I sit down with David Jelly, founder of Property Bridges, to explore his fascinating transition from the fast-paced world of banking to becoming a trailblazer in PropTech.
David shares his journey of becoming disillusioned with the traditional financial system and his bold leap into entrepreneurship. He reveals the critical moments and insights that pushed him to start Property Bridges, a platform transforming how people invest in property.
Through candid reflections on risk, failure, and resilience, David provides a roadmap for anyone feeling trapped in a corporate world and ready to pursue something meaningful.
We discuss how technology can solve real-world problems and reshape industries, and David offers practical advice for founders looking to innovate. This is a story about breaking free from convention, building something impactful, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
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Thanks to my season partners
Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO
Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge
Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure
*Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure
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