At just 21 years old, Latisha McCrudden is already making her voice heard and challenging stereotypes.An Irish Traveller activist, law student, podcast host and karate black belt, Latisha is passionate about breaking down barriers, promoting equality and creating opportunities for the next generation.Starting karate at just four years old and earning her black belt at 14, Latisha developed discipline, resilience and determination from an early age. She also entered the workforce as soon as she was old enough, taking on a job as a kitchen porter.Today, she's entering her fourth year of studying law while actively advocating for young people, women and the Traveller community.Through her involvement with the Irish Traveller Movement Youth Forum, the National Women's Council and the National Youth Assembly, Latisha is helping ensure that underrepresented voices are heard.She's also a passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness and co-hosts Paving the Way, a podcast dedicated to sharing the experiences and stories of young Irish Travellers.In this episode of The 10forty Podcast, we discuss:• Growing up in the Irish Traveller community and challenging stereotypes.• Starting karate at four and earning a black belt at 14.• Entering the workforce at a young age and developing a strong work ethic.• The importance of education and her journey towards a career in law.• Advocating for equality, women's rights and domestic violence awareness.• Giving young Irish Travellers a voice through her podcast, Paving the Way.• Her ambitions for the future and the changes she hopes to make.This is a conversation about resilience, determination, education and challenging expectations, proving that your background doesn't have to define your future.HERE WE GO!This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long or short term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/

This week on The 10forty Podcast, we sit down with Dr Dan Fitzpatrick, former Irish Defence Forces member, mental health advocate, researcher and author of The Cognitive Gorilla: Reclaiming Authorship Over the Mind.With 22 years of military service behind him, Dan's career has been anything but conventional. From starting out working on the doors to applying to become a Naval Service officer, his journey eventually led him to joining the Irish Air Corps as a recruit.Following his initial military training, Dan joined the Military Fire Service, where he was promoted after just three years. He later trained as a medic before moving into the Defence Forces' Personnel Support Service (PSS), where his interest in mental health, wellbeing, and supporting fellow soldiers began to shape the next chapter of his career.Determined to challenge traditional approaches and improve how mental health was addressed within the military, Dan returned to education, completing a degree, a master's qualification, and ultimately a PhD at Trinity College Dublin.His doctoral research focused on mental health and help-seeking behaviours within the Irish Defence Forces, examining the barriers that can prevent military personnel from seeking support when they need it most.Throughout our conversation, we explore Dan's experiences in the Defence Forces, the challenges of changing established systems and his mission to develop better mental health care pathways for serving military personnel.Now retired from the Defence Forces, Dan continues his work advocating for mental health, personal development and greater awareness of how our minds influence our everyday lives.He is also the author of The Cognitive Gorilla: Reclaiming Authorship Over the Mind, a book that explores how our thoughts, emotions and automatic behaviours shape the way we experience the world. Through themes of self-awareness, emotional regulation and personal responsibility, Dan encourages readers to challenge their thinking patterns and take greater control of how they respond to life's challenges.We also discuss the importance of education, resilience, personal growth and why having the courage to challenge the status quo can make a lasting difference.From working the doors to 22 years of military service, completing a

This week on the 10forty Podcast, I’m joined by Rachel Nolan, Founder of RXR Media, to talk about social media, content creation, personal branding, and what it really takes to stay visible online.In a world where businesses are expected to be active online 24/7, consistently creating content and managing multiple social media platforms can quickly become a full-time job. That’s where Rachel and RXR Media come in.Rachel’s career journey has been anything but traditional. She started her working life in the deli of her local corner shop before moving into retail and later returning to education to complete a Bachelor of Laws. Her interest in law and investigation also led her to complete a Private Investigator course, adding another interesting chapter to an already varied career journey.However, it was through working as a virtual assistant that Rachel discovered a passion for helping businesses build their online presence — a journey that ultimately led her to launch RXR Media.Today, Rachel works with businesses across a range of industries, providing outsourced social media management and content creation designed to help brands stay visible, connect with their audience and generate new opportunities online.In this episode, we discuss:• Why so many businesses struggle to stay consistent on social media• The benefits of outsourcing social media management and content creation• How to build a strong online presence without spending your entire day online• Why personal branding is becoming increasingly important for business owners• Content strategies that actually generate engagement — and the ones that don’t• How to turn social media visibility into genuine business opportunities• How RXR Media helps businesses stay visible, relevant and top of mind• Rachel’s journey from working in a local deli and retail to studying law and completing a Private Investigator course• How she ultimately found her passion in social media and went on to build RXR MediaWhether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur or professional looking to improve your online presence, build your personal brand or get more from social media, this episode is packed with practical advice and actionable insights.🎙️ The 10forty Podcast — real conversations about careers, busi

This week on The 10forty Podcast, I’m joined by a true Dublin legend — Mattress Mick, Michael Flynn.From humble beginnings selling bottled gas and costume jewellery, Mick built his business from the ground up. Starting out on Pearse Street, he laid the foundations for what would become one of Ireland’s most recognisable brands.We dive into his entrepreneurial journey, the early struggles he faced and the mindset that kept him moving forward — even when things didn’t go to plan.Mick shares how bold, unconventional marketing — from posters plastered across the city to headline-grabbing campaigns — helped him stand out, stay relevant and turn attention into sales.💼 In this episode, we cover:• Mick’s early hustle and first ventures• The marketing moves that made him impossible to ignore• How he turned setbacks — even court summonses — into opportunities• Why you can copy success, but there’ll only ever be one Mattress MickA must-listen for anyone interested in business, branding, marketing, sales, or thinking differently.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long or short term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25______________HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or shine a light on a business, side project or industry?📧 info@10forty.com🎙 Sponsorship opportunities: info@10forty.com

Today we speak to Noel O’Brien.This is an incredible story.From finding a home in Drimnagh Boxing Club… to building a multinational company.Boxing became a huge part of Noel’s life early on and he credits the sport with developing many of the characteristics that would later help him build and lead businesses.Discipline. Resilience. Confidence. Work ethic.Noel went on to become the Director of a successful electrical company — experiencing the booms and busts that come with business and entrepreneurship.But eventually, Noel turned back to boxing.After returning to Ireland, he decided to go professional chasing a dream that had always been there.That obsession with improvement, discipline and performance eventually led Noel to ask a bigger question:How do you get the absolute best from training?That question became the foundation of Altipeak — now a multinational company operating at the forefront of performance, recovery and healthcare innovation.Because what Noel is working on today is about far more than fitness.It’s about health.In this episode, we talk about:School days and life lessons through boxingBuilding character through sportThe booms and busts of businessReturning to boxing and going proAnd building Altipeak from the ground upThis is a conversation about resilience, reinvention and constantly pushing yourself to another level.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long or short term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25______________HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or shine a light on a business, side project or industry?📧 info@10forty.com�

Today on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Jamie Griffin.Now, just before we get into it — this episode is raw.We cover some sensitive topics, including tough times, losing friends, and struggles with mental health… so just a heads up before you listen to the full episode.Jamie’s story is real.From time spent in Prision… to working on building sites… to now working in personal training — it’s been a journey shaped by setbacks, growth, and hard lessons.We talk about hitting low points… losing the ego… and what it really takes to rebuild.But what stands out most… is why Jamie decided to speak up.Why he chose to share his story publicly — and how passionate he is about supporting others who are going through similar struggles.At the centre of it all is family.Jamie talks about how having children changed everything — and how being there for them is now the priority.This is an honest conversation about accountability, growth, and using your story to help someone else.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long or short term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25______________HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or shine a light on a business, side project or industry?📧 info@10forty.com🎙 Sponsorship opportunities: info@10forty.com

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Evans — Commercial Director at Ancorra Environmental Services, operator of JS Solutions, and host of the What If You Didn’t? podcast.Chris’s journey starts early.At just 16, he stepped into the family business in Liverpool — learning the ropes from the ground up.But his path didn’t stay there.A move to Australia opened things up.Seven years in Perth, working with Carnegies, helped shape his approach to leadership, discipline, and business.That experience would go on to define how he operates today.But there’s another layer to Chris’s story.Back in school, he was navigating ADHD — something that, at the time, felt more like a challenge than anything else.Over time, that perspective shifted.What once felt like a setback… became a strength.And ultimately — a superpower.That mindset, combined with years of experience across different environments, led Chris to Ireland — where he’s now building and leading successful businesses.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in a family businessThe impact of international experienceAnd reframing challenges into strengthsThis is a conversation about perspective, growth — and using your experiences to build something bigger.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long or short term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25______________HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or shine a light on a business, side project or industry?📧 info@10forty.com🎙 Sponsorship opportunities: info@10forty.com

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Padraic Gilchrist — founder of Flawless Paint Correction & Detailing Ireland, one of the country’s leading paint protection specialists.Padraic’s story doesn’t start in business.It starts with music.That passion led him into the army band — and eventually to a posting in Cork.But like many in that world… one job wasn’t enough.So he picked up a nixer.Car detailing on the side.What started as extra income quickly became something more.A craft.An obsession with precision.That curiosity led him deeper — into paint correction, and eventually into PPF — a space where standards are everything.Then came the turning point.When the nixer started to outgrow the day job… Padraic made the call.He left the army — and went all in.Today, he runs Flawless — a business built on reputation, discipline, and elite-level execution.In this episode, we talk about:Turning a side hustle into a full-time businessKnowing when to take the leapAnd building something through consistency and craftThis is a conversation about trusting your gut — and backing yourself when it matters most.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long or short term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25______________HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or shine a light on a business, side project or industry?📧 info@10forty.com🎙 Sponsorship opportunities: info@10forty.com

From Behind the Lens to Behind the MicThis week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Ben O’Neill — founder of Ben O’Neill Productions.Usually, Ben is the one behind the camera…but this week, he steps in front of it.Ben’s journey is built on backing himself — in an industry that doesn’t wait for anyone.From early on, he was focused on pushing beyond what felt possible — especially in a space where, at times, it can feel like Ireland puts a ceiling on how far you can go.That mindset took him further.Even to filming YouTube content in New York — chasing opportunities instead of waiting for them.In this episode, we talk about:Taking risks and betting on yourselfGrowing by stepping into different areas of mediaWhy learning styles don’t always fit the systemAnd what it actually takes to build experience from the ground upThis is a conversation about doing the work, learning as you go, and not waiting for permission.Because sometimes, the only way forward…is to start and figure it out along the way.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long or short term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25______________HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast —or shine a light on a business, side project or industry?📧 info@10forty.com🎙 Sponsorship opportunities: info@10forty.com

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Ciaran Mulqueen — the creator of Crazy House Prices and author of How to Buy a Home in Ireland.Ciaran’s journey doesn’t follow a straight line.He started young — studying business and accounting at just 17 — taking a path that, on paper, felt sensible and secure.But his route changed.After college, Ciaran spent seven years working as a personal trainer, building discipline, resilience and a real understanding of people and the realities many face trying to build a life in modern Ireland.Then came another shift.Ciaran returned to education, going back to college to retrain as a teacher — bringing lived experience with him and a growing curiosity about how systems shape opportunity.It was during this time — while searching for his own home — that another idea took shape.As Ciaran navigated listings, prices and contradictions in the market, he began sharing what he was seeing. What started as a way to make sense of the process for himself grew into Crazy House Prices — an Instagram page that captured attention by showing the reality of Ireland’s housing market through real examples.That work eventually led to his book, How to Buy a Home in Ireland — a practical guide aimed at helping people understand a system that often feels confusing, inaccessible and stacked against them.In this episode, we go deep.We talk about Ireland’s housing policy and the impact it’s having on everyday lives.We question the education system and whether we’re pushing too many people toward academic routes without enough consideration for alternative paths.And we explore what it means to change direction — more than once — in search of work that makes sense and has purpose.This is a conversation about choices, systems and the confidence to question the paths we’re told to follow.Because sometimes, the most important step is asking whether the system itself is working.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexib

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Carl Coates, founder of Nixer.me.A man whose story is built on curiosity and a belief that people already have more value than they realise — if they’re willing to back themselves.Carl is the creator of Nixer.me, a platform he started as a side hustle, designed to help others turn what they’re good at — into real income.Not a flashy start‑up.Not a shortcut.But a practical idea, built alongside a full‑time career, to solve a real problem.Carl works with Iarnród Éireann and in this episode he takes us through his career journey — the roles, the decisions and the moments that shaped how he views work and opportunity.At one point, he made a big call taking a career break and moving to Oman.Living and working abroad challenged him in new ways — exposing him to different cultures, perspectives and responsibilities. When he returned home, he came back with more than just experience.He came back wanting more.With a broader understanding of the world.And a clearer sense of what he wanted from his own life and career.Carl also talks about the role that staying active and involved has played throughout his life — particularly when it comes to navigating challenges.He speaks honestly about the importance of keeping busy, having structure and staying connected to positive routines — and how this can have a real impact on mental health, especially during tougher periods.From full‑time work…To life abroad…To building Nixer.me alongside it all…This is a conversation about initiative, perspective and momentum.About not standing still and about recognising that staying engaged — mentally and physically — isn’t just productive, it’s essential.This is the story of building something meaningful — while continuing to grow along the way.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best in class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, wi

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by one of the most compelling voices in Irish hospitality Keelan Higgs, head chef of the Michelin-starred Variety Jones.But this story doesn’t begin with awards or recognition.It starts where many real careers do.At 13 years old, in a kitchen at Greystones Golf Club.A Saturday morning breakfast shift. Learning the job from the ground up.From those early days, Keelan was drawn deeper into kitchen life — working his way through demanding environments, honing his skills, and learning the discipline, technique, and standards required to operate at the highest level.No shortcuts. No glamour. Just graft.And eventually… he built something of his own.Variety Jones.Cooking over fire.Bold ideas.No compromise.Within its first year, it earned a Michelin Guide star and it has held that standard ever since.But this conversation isn’t just about accolades.Keelan opens up about the real rhythm of kitchen life:• The long hours • The responsibility of leading a team • The commitment required to maintain elite standards • And the consistency needed to show up, day after day The good days.The tough ones.And the lessons that come with building something properly.And through it all, one thing stands out — his love for the craft.That same passion is now shaping what comes next, with Mongoose — a new, more casual concept built on simplicity, seasonality, and respect for the work.From a teenager on a Saturday breakfast shift…To Michelin-level cooking…To building something sustainable in one of the toughest industries there is…This is a story about commitment.About standards.And about choosing the long road — because it’s the one worth taking.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best‑in‑class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long‑ or short‑term options, and complete peace of min

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Irish snooker legend Fergal O'Brien — a man whose career is a masterclass in patience, resilience, and relentless dedication to his craft.From the most humble of beginnings a small tabletop snooker set in his kitchen at just seven years old. Fergal’s journey is proof that greatness doesn’t need perfect conditions, just obsession and consistency.That early spark turned into a remarkable career spanning over three decades at the very top of professional snooker. Known for his grit, discipline, and mental toughness, Fergal competed against the best in the world in one of the most demanding individual sports there is.We dive into the highs, the pressure, and the defining moments — including his unforgettable victory at the 1999 British Open, where he battled through elite competition to claim the biggest win of his career and cement his place in Irish snooker history.From breaking into the world’s top ten, to experiencing the explosion of snooker in China where players are treated like stars, this conversation explores the evolution of both the sport and the mindset required to stay at the top.Now retired from professional play, Fergal continues to shape the game as a coach, mentor, and commentator — passing on decades of experience to the next generation.This episode is about more than snooker.It’s about:• Respecting the process • Committing to constant improvement • And sustaining excellence over time A story of quiet determination, longevity, and doing the simple things exceptionally well.This is the story of a man who didn’t just play the game — he lived it.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best‑in‑class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long‑ or short‑term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or shine a lig

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by a Ballyfermot legend — Kevin Kavanagh.A man whose story is built on hard work, grit, community spirit… and a lifetime spent mastering the real art of retail.Kevin’s journey starts young — just 14 years old — when he stepped into Nicholls and quickly found himself at home on the shop floor. Surrounded by bedding, towels, curtains and the fast pace of retail, he began learning the trade from the ground up.From Nicholls to BT’s…From BT’s to Guineys…He didn’t just learn textiles — he learned people, relationships and what it really takes to build a business.And once he found his feet, he knew one thing: he wanted to do it for himself.Spending so much time in Ballyfermot, there was only one place to build something of his own.And that’s exactly what he did.Kevin’s shop didn’t just open its doors — it created opportunities.• Jobs for local people.• Value for families.• A place that quickly became part of the community.But like every great story, the real test came during the Celtic Tiger collapse.Where others closed, Kevin doubled down.Where others pulled back, he pushed forward.Instead of shutting stores, he opened more — not because it was easy, but because people needed work and Kevin wasn’t willing to let them down.From tough times to real success…From one shop floor to a loyal community…From a teenage apprentice to a respected local figure…Kevin’s journey is one of resilience, loyalty and heart.Because at the centre of everything he does is something simple — but rare:• Kevin cares.• About his team.• About his customers.• About Ballyfermot.This is the story of a man who didn’t just build a business — he built a community.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best‑in‑class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long‑ or short‑term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by someone truly special — Feebee Foran, the founder of Forager, the award-winning Irish skincare and wellness brand hand foraged in the Dublin Hills. [forager.ie]Feebee’s story is one of intuition, reinvention and returning to the land.Known by many as The Green Witch, she started her journey humbly — a 16-year-old working in Barretts Shoes in the Square, Tallaght, before heading to Griffith College to study journalism. From there, she stepped into leadership early, running a flagship opticians with a team of eighteen. After graduating, she moved into brand communications with Timemark, building a career grounded in creativity, storytelling and brand identity.But like many great transformations, Feebee’s turning point arrived unexpectedly.During the Covid lockdowns, the Bohernabreena allotment became her sanctuary — a space that kept her grounded and sane. What began as time spent with soil, herbs and wild weeds grew into something much bigger: the birth of Forager. But Feebee’s mission isn’t just about products — it’s about people, community and reconnecting with the earth.She co-founded GrowAllot in the Bohernabreena allotments, an initiative designed to encourage people to grow their own food, reconnect with nature and experience the mental health benefits of working with the land. From journalism to retail leadership to brand building…From wild weeds to award‑winning skincare…From personal grounding to community transformation…Feebee Foran’s journey shows what can happen when you back your instincts, put your hands in the work and build something with real purpose behind it.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best‑in‑class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long‑ or short‑term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25HERE WE GO.Want to share your own

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by James — whose journey is a testament to unexpected paths and the power of backing yourself.James starts by taking us back to his early years, growing up in Ballyfermot before moving to Edenderry. His parents were told he wouldn’t amount to much. But instead of letting that shape him, it quietly fuelled the determination that would define the years ahead.After finishing school, James headed to Athlone to study biochemistry. But like many people discovering who they really are, he quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit. That decision led him into a completely different world: business management and the challenge of setting up a business at a young age.But everything changed when James found Sales.Before entering the motor industry, he spent time working in Arnotts and Weirs, where he developed a love for watches. This period wasn’t just retail experience; it was where James honed the people‑skills, confidence and product knowledge that would form the foundation of his next chapter.From there, James moved into car sales — and everything clicked.Not only did he thrive, but he rose through the ranks and eventually stepped into marketing management, carving out a career path far removed from the expectations placed on him growing up.Alongside the hands‑on learning, James continues to study PR and Marketing, investing in the next phase of his professional story.If you’re interested in career pivots, skill‑building, the power of persistence, or the reality of climbing your way up through self‑belief — this episode is one you’ll connect with.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists helping businesses hire best‑in‑class talent across Ireland and internationally.https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, with modern facilities, long‑ or short‑term options, and complete peace of mind when space matters.https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using code CS25HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or shine a light on a specific industry?Reac

This week on the 10forty Podcast, we’re joined by Shay Lally from Houses to Restore — the man behind some of the most impressive renovation projects happening in Ireland right now.Shay takes us inside the wide mix of work he’s managing at the moment: full home renovations, sensory rooms in schools, church restoration projects — including Dolphin’s Barn Church — and multiple house transformations all running at once.But long before building one of Ireland’s fastest-growing renovation platforms, Shay’s world looked very different.After finishing his Leaving Cert, he took a gap year playing percussion with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, performing regularly before heading to college to study Quantity Surveying.We dive into what it really takes to be a QS — understanding materials, pricing and budgets, negotiating with suppliers, managing trades, and keeping projects on track when emotions (and costs) start to rise. Shay also breaks down the reality of pricing renovation work and why renovating your own home is never just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one.Alongside all of this, Shay runs the Mobile Music School, bringing music workshops to schools across the country — a full-circle nod to the musical roots that started it all.Today, Houses to Restore has grown into a community of over 75,000 Instagram followers, all tuning in for the transformations, the craftsmanship and the behind-the-scenes chaos and creativity that come with every project.If you’re interested in renovating, building, design or unconventional career paths — this episode is for you.This episode is proudly sponsored by: Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists, helping businesses hire top-tier talent across Ireland and internationally. https://www.tdtalent.ie/ Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, offering modern facilities, short- and long-term options, and peace of mind when space matters. https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using the code CS25HERE WE GO.Want to share your own career journey on the podcast — or highlight a particular job or industry?Get in touch: info@10forty.com ☕Sponsorship opportunities: info@

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Peter — an airline pilot whose career has taken him from army cadet to the sky over the Atlantic.Peter walks us through an impressive journey that began in the Army Cadets and led him into the Irish Air Corps, where he flew life saving air ambulance missions and later joined the legendary Silver Swallows aerobatic team.We dig into the decision to join the Irish Air Corps — what drew him in, what those early years taught him and how that world ultimately prepared him for a leap into the corporate sector.From precision tumbles in formation to life-saving medical flights, Peter shares the moments that shaped him in the cockpit and the discipline and teamwork that have stayed with him ever since.Today, his office looks a little different — these days he’s taking people to Tenerife, Boston and destinations all over the world as a commercial pilot with Aer Lingus. We talk about what that transition was really like, how flying changes when passengers replace military crew and why the magic of being in the air has never worn off.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a career at 30,000 feet, this one’s for you. This episode is proudly sponsored by: Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists, helping businesses hire top-tier talent across Ireland and internationally. https://www.tdtalent.ie/Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, offering modern facilities, short- and long-term options, and peace of mind when space matters. https://nesta.ie/business-storage/Get 25% off your first month’s storage using the code CS25HERE WE GO!Interested in sharing your own career journey on the podcast? Whether you want to talk through your path or highlight a particular job or industry, we’d love to hear from you.Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕Sponsorship opportunities: Want to partner with us? Reach out at info@10forty.com

This week on the 10forty Podcast, Conor sits down with George, the man behind G Force Fitness, an encouraging conversation.George opens up about his journey through addiction, seeking help and completing a 16-month treatment programme in Scotland. He speaks candidly about relapse, falling off the wagon, suffering a mild stroke and the mindset it took to rebuild his life again.From selling papers outside a school on the Crumlin Road and cutting grass after asking his mam for new runners (and getting a lawnmower instead), to leaving school young, getting into fights, climbing pipes and waving at the principal from outside the building — George’s early years were anything but conventional.After treatment, he took a job as a kitchen porter, working long shifts and learning the ropes from the ground up. When a chef called in sick, George stepped up, working alongside the combi and dessert chefs — a moment that showed the eagerness and hunger that would define his future. We dive into what the role of a kitchen porter really involves, the different shifts and how his brother helped him get his foot in the door.We also unpack his time in window tinting (including the day he burned a hole in a car while distracted and got fired), working from his back garden and the many lessons learned along the way.George shares how he got into training, completed his PT qualification and how exercise gave him direction, feeling, and meaning. He speaks honestly about competing in bodybuilding, taking steroids and the toll it took on his body. We debate whether the PT industry should be regulated and discuss his coaching philosophy, standards and approach to building both people and business.During Covid, George started doing live Instagram workouts from his kitchen — heater on full, towels everywhere, growing his following from 1,100 to 9,000. When gyms were closed, he launched free bootcamps in a local field. What started with 10 people grew to 20… then 90… then 150 at a single session. The Gardaí shut it down. He moved locations. Kept going. Local TDs got behind him.He saved his first €2,000, bought dumbbells and built momentum.Two years in a field before moving into a facility.Today, G Force Fitness has over 900 members, runs seven classes per day (05:30, 06:15, 09:30, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00)

In this week’s episode, we sit down with John Sweetman, author of Identity and host of the Lines of Enquiry podcast.John takes us inside a career shaped by detail — beginning with his first job in animation, his lifelong connection to art and the path that ultimately led him to An Garda Síochána. We talk about his early days in uniform, his first posting and the moment an incident involving a local publican being struck with a bottle quietly redirected the course of his career.That moment led John into the Garda Technical Bureau, where we explore the process of becoming a fingerprint expert and what it’s really like to attend crime scenes — and whether exposure to that world ever truly becomes normal.John also shares how he later transitioned into handwriting analysis, breaking down the training, responsibility and precision required to be recognised as an expert witness and what a life spent paying close attention can do to the way you see the world.To close, we ask John whether he’d still recommend the Garda as a career today and what advice he’d give to anyone considering stepping into that line of workThis episode is proudly sponsored by: Top Drawer Talent — Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists, helping businesses hire top-tier talent across Ireland and internationally. Nesta Storage — secure, flexible storage solutions for businesses and individuals, offering modern facilities, short- and long-term options, and peace of mind when space matters. Get 25% off your first month’s storage using the code CS25HERE WE GO! Are you interested in sharing your career journey on the podcast? Whether you're keen to talk about your path or promote a specific job or career route, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@10forty.com — we’ll get the coffees in! ☕ Sponsorships: Want to partner? Reach out to us at info@10forty.com