Welcome back to The Entrepreneur Experiment for 2026 - and Season 28 kicks off with a special format: an Ask Me Anything Q&A. Gary answers the most “juicy” questions sent in over Christmas (LinkedIn, Instagram, and the newsletter), covering everything from taking the podcast global, to the tools and team behind the scenes, to why he’s doubling down on founder-led brands in the age of AI. You’ll also hear Gary’s hot takes for 2026 (see: remote vs. hybrid: pick a lane), the founders he believes will have breakout years, what he’d do differently if he started again, and the one mindset shift he’s bringing into the new season: decisiveness. 🎧 If you like this AMA style, Gary’s already decided: more Q&As are coming - including AMAs with past guests, o make sure you’re following us on socials (linked below) to get involved, or join the newsletter (linked below). Show Notes In this Season 28 opener, Gary kicks off 2026 with an Ask Me Anything episode — answering questions sent in over Christmas from LinkedIn, Instagram, and the newsletter. We touch on: When (and how) the podcast is going global — UK, Middle East, and the US The 2026 goal: don’t look like a podcast — look like a media company The team + tools behind the scenes (and the one tool Gary can’t live without) Founder-led brands in the age of AI: why Gary is more bullish than ever A few breakout predictions for the year ahead Gary’s hot take for 2026 (and why “uncertainty” kills momentum) What he’s leaving in 2025… and what he’s bringing into 2026 If you want more of these AMAs, tell Gary —-he’s already planning the next twist on the format. Resources (mentioned or referenced) Books Unreasonable Hospitality — Will Guidara People / Brands referenced Manna (Bobby Healy) - https://www.manna.aero/ Tech Powered Luxury - https://www.instagram.com/techpoweredluxury/?hl=en Ireland Fashion Week - https://www.instagram.com/irelandfashionweek/?hl=en Represent (George Heaton) - https://www.instagram.com/georgeheaton/?hl=en Marchon (Ollie Marchon / bottle + products) - https://www.instagram.com/olliemarchon/?hl=en “Open Residency” episode with George Heaton (hosted by Mark Brazil, co-founder of IKONICK) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tTLUuD06AY Tools Gary uses Notion ChatGPT Calendly Typeform ManyChat Todoist Moleskine ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

Recorded live at The Sugar Club, this special edition of The Entrepreneur Experiment brings three standout Irish founders on stage for an honest, high-energy conversation about building modern businesses in public. Aine Kennedy, founder of The Smooth Company and newly crowned EY Entrepreneur of the Year, shares how she launched her first product with no budget, built everything herself, with the help of her family, and turned documenting the journey on TikTok into 150 million organic views, now shipping to 70 countries worldwide. Nadia Adan, founder of Ashford Motors, breaks down how she went from a small yard and a handful of cars to creating one of Ireland’s most recognisable automotive brands - by obsessing over customer experience, moving faster than traditional dealers, and using social media to build trust at scale. Rounding out the panel, Jack Pierse, co-founder of Wayflyer and now Bold Golf and Happy Stack, reflects on launching a fintech at the start of COVID, scaling to €100 million per month in lending, the realities of hypergrowth, and what he’s doing differently this time. From viral content and community-led growth to staying lean, moving fast, and learning the hard lessons of scale, this live episode is packed with real-world insight, plenty of humour, and unfiltered founder stories. An entertaining and insightful listen for you! Show Notes Hosted by Gary Fox, with Aine Kennedy, Nadia Adan, and Jack Pierse Recorded live at The Sugar Club, Dublin How Aine Kennedy launched The Smooth Company from scratch and built a global brand by documenting the journey online Turning TikTok into a growth engine: 150 million organic views and customers in 70 countries Why building in public — without gatekeeping — is changing who feels able to start a business Nadia Adan’s rise from a small car yard to one of Ireland’s most recognisable automotive brands Using customer service, flexibility, and speed to outperform traditional main dealers Dealing with online trolls when reputation and real-world sales are on the line The Wayflyer origin story: launching during COVID and scaling to €100M per month in lending The realities of hypergrowth, rapid hiring, and the lessons learned the hard way Why Jack Pierse is building his second company, Happy Stack, slower and leaner A candid, entertaining live discussion on growth, community, and staying adaptable in modern business Links & Resources The Smooth Company – https://www.thesmoothcompany.com/ Ashford Motors - https://www.ashfordmotors.ie/ Happy Stack – https://www.happystack.com/ Bold Golf - https://bold-golf.com/ ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE   Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

When opportunity knocks, sometimes the smartest move is to just say yes and figure it out later. Richard Fitzgerald, founder of Augustus Media - the company behind Lovin’ Dubai, Lovin’ Saudi and more — reveals how 100 days of relentless work and curiosity helped him build one of the Middle East’s leading media companies from scratch. 🎙️ Hear the full conversation in Episode 407 of The Entrepreneur Experiment to learn more about how Richard turned a leap of faith into a global business success story. 💡 If you’re new here, tap subscribe or follow — and join the thousands of founders learning how to build, grow, and thrive every week. ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

Each week I bring you a new mentor.

This week, your mentor is former pro golfer Jeff Hopkins, founder of New Dimensions Active.

Jeff gives us an insight into the lessons he learned from the world of professional elite sports and how he applies them to win in the business world. 

To listen to the full episode with Jeff, go back to episode 285. 

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Enter Growing Further Awards Here: https://bit.ly/3Lia2tn   Unlock the secrets of thriving in sustainable real estate with industry expert David O'Meara from the Greenman Group and the Growing Further Awards.   From his humble beginnings on a farm to leading innovative supermarket-anchored property investments in Germany, David takes us through his remarkable journey and strategic insights.    Learn how Greenman’s focus pivoted from apartments and auto service centers to supermarkets.   Explore the dynamic landscape of retail strategies and energy solutions, including the concept of reverse charging and its potential impact on supermarkets.   David sheds light on the cultural factors slowing the adoption of online grocery shopping in Germany and the resilience of food retail post-COVID-19. We also tackle the complexities of urban development, the hurdles in converting traditional office spaces, and the striking contrast between urban and rural areas in Ireland, illustrating the ongoing challenges young professionals face in the rental market.   David's ventures go beyond real estate, as we delve into the Growing Further Awards, which champion innovation in sustainability and food supply chains.   Additionally, we reflect on the importance of balancing business success with personal well-being, the transformative power of collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Greenman Group to continually innovate and grow. 

 

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The Founder Formula for success covers six areas.

Today, I give you the six books you must read to master each area.

Watch the video for my full reviews but if you can't wait, here is the full list.

Brain: Atomic Habits by James Clear https://amzn.to/4dUFdHP

Body: Outlive by Dr Peter Attia https://amzn.to/3XrVJbA

Business: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries https://amzn.to/3AX29YF

Finance: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel https://amzn.to/4gkHXjp 

Family/Friends: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Green https://amzn.to/3zdSqwj 

Fun: Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson https://amzn.to/3ZlICem 

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Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your business sales by leveraging social media with insights from Nadia of Ashford Motors, a powerhouse in the luxury car market.   We delve into why sex still sells, how she uses Instagram to sell and why buying an electric car is a terrible investment.    Nadia left behind a promising finance career to start from scratch as a motor dealer. She soon realised the power of controlling her own marketing and became a social media star.
She has 200k followers on TikTok and 114k on Instagram with a weekly audience of millions. 

Nadia opens up about handling online criticism, the value of transparency, and the mental health impacts of being in the public eye.

We learn about the importance of consistency and staying true to your brand, whether you’re creating content, dealing with customer service, or making bold business decisions.

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Over the last 5 years, I've interviewed hundreds of founders to uncover the founder's formula for success.

I’ve taken the learnings from all my interviews and shaped a framework for success across six key areas.

Brain, Body, Business, Family/Friends, Finances and Fun.

This podcast is about creating experiments for ourselves so that we can devise our ultimate founder formula.

Today's podcast introduces you to The Founder Formula concept and our plan for season 20 of the podcast.

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Each week, I bring you a brand new mentor to help you build your own Founder Formula for success.

Today, your mentor is David Hartigan, the founder of Hemp Heros.

He teaches us when to commit everything to your business and give up your safety net.

 Check out the Full Podcast Episode with David Hartigan, CEO of Hemp Heros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZeJRHBZPSM&t=1727s

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Unlock the secrets to smarter, more efficient public transport systems with our guest, Brian O'Rourke, CEO & co-founder of CitySwift.

From running buses to concerts in Croke Park & Slane, Brian and his co-founder Alan Farrelly, have see all sides of the bus transport infastructure.

This led them to strike gold with their idea to unlock the millions of terrabytes of data created by buses each year.

Discover how CitySwift harnesses extensive data analytics to tackle the unique challenges of bus operations, from traffic unpredictability to varying schedules. Learn about the historical reluctance in the public transport sector to embrace innovation and how that mindset is changing, illustrated by a compelling story about a major UK bus company's initial resistance to adopting data-driven strategies.

Explore the balancing act of improving bus schedule accuracy and efficiency, especially in the constantly evolving post-COVID travel landscape. Brian explains the specific challenges private operators face in minimizing delays without causing overcrowding or underutilization of services. Using Transport for Wales as a prime example, we discuss how strategic infrastructure improvements like bus lanes and cutting-edge data analytics are revolutionizing congestion management and bus priority planning.

Get an insider's perspective on the entrepreneurial journey behind CitySwift, from the founders' initial vision of creating an "Uber for buses" to their pivot towards scalable solutions. Hear firsthand accounts of the early days, strategic connections, and crucial decisions that propelled CitySwift forward. Plus, gain insights into the future of sustainable urban transport and the transformative potential of anonymized people movement data in redefining city planning post-COVID. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, public transport, and sustainability.

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Nick Keegan, the CEO & co-founder of MailMetrics is your mentor this week.

He teaches us how to use venture debt and company acquisitions to supercharge your company growth. 

Check out the full podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPRHfAvJGC0

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This episode will surprise you. I speak with one of the most open and honest founders I've had on this podcast. She is the perfect blend of ambition and authenticity. 

Laura Bonner, founder of The Muff Liquor Company, shares how she landed celebrity investors like Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Carr, Ronan Keating and Ryan Tubridy. 

Laura takes us behind the scenes of her unexpected A-list support, the emotional highs and lows of launching her brand, and the power of visualization in her success.

We dive into her unique business strategies, the grounding practices that keep her focused, and how she turned challenges—like the COVID-19 pandemic—into stepping stones. Laura's candid insights on authenticity, self-care, and turning failure into fuel make this a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their entrepreneurial game.

Tune in to discover how Laura's journey from idea to action can inspire your own path to success!

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Get ready to be inspired by the extraordinary DC Cahalane, a cornerstone of Ireland's startup landscape. In this episode, DC unpacks his fascinating transition from entrepreneur to venture capitalist. We'll delve into the secrets of the close-knit Irish entrepreneurial community and how DC's introverted nature blends perfectly with his professional persona.

We'll explore Ireland’s rapid entrepreneurial growth, emphasizing the significant role of Enterprise Ireland in fostering startups and scaling businesses. From the global success stories of Stripe and Intercom to the cultural shift away from traditional career paths, DC sheds light on the supportive infrastructure that’s propelling Irish startups to international acclaim. Additionally, we'll discuss the pandemic's impact on business practices and the trend of professionals leaving multinational companies to join burgeoning startups.

This episode also tackles the ever-evolving work-life balance for entrepreneurs, the importance of intellectual honesty and coachability, and the transformative understanding of mental health in entrepreneurship. We'll navigate through DC's personal experiences and insights on the venture capital landscape, providing practical advice on funding strategies and the importance of community and networking. 

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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Ryan Casey, the founder of C11 Recovery — one of Ireland’s fastest-growing performance and recovery brands. From spending his days as an electrician to working with Rory McIlroy, Manchester City, Munster Rugby, and the DP World Tour, Ryan’s journey is a masterclass in turning grit into global growth. In just three years, he’s built a company that began with three plastic tubs and a few compression boots into a multimillion-euro recovery business operating in Ireland, the UK, and the Middle East. Ryan shares how he went from driving a van across Ireland doing free sessions to closing deals in Dubai, the mindset that helped him thrive under pressure, and why he believes confidence and consistency are the ultimate unfair advantages. If you’re building from scratch, navigating uncertainty, or trying to turn momentum into mastery — this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 🔥 The “itch” that led Ryan to quit a stable career and build C11 from his couch 🚐 How three plastic boxes became a global recovery business 🏉 Breaking into elite sport — from the GAA to the Ryder Cup and Premier League 💡 Why saying yes first and figuring it out later became his growth philosophy 🌍 Expanding into the Middle East — and the leadership lessons that came with it 📈 How he scaled from 0 to 12 staff and hundreds of installations in 3 years 💬 The mindset shifts that helped him stay grounded through chaos 🤝 The power of consistency, relationships, and doing things the right way “You’ll never have that stressful day again — because when you finish it, you’ve learned from it. You’re stronger, and it’ll never hit you the same way twice.” – Ryan Casey Links & Resources Follow C11 Recovery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c11recovery/?hl=en Learn more about C11 Recovery: https://c11recovery.com/ ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE   Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

I am joined by the distinguished Professor Stephen Kinsella, a leading economist with a deep understanding of the Irish economy.

Professor Kinsella brings Economics 101 to our founders, answering the pressing questions on how the economy operates, the intricacies of inflation, and the practical implications for businesses.

Whether you're an early-stage founder or an established entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on navigating economic cycles, understanding monetary policies, and optimising your business strategies in 2024 and beyond.

Tune in to learn how to keep your business thriving amidst changing economic conditions and leverage economic principles to your advantage.

Stephen is Professor of Economics and Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Limerick's Kemmy Business School, Co-Director of Immersive Software Engineering and Economic Advisor to An Taoiseach, Simon Harris.

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Your Mentor Moment this week is with Ian Browne.

Ian Browne is the MD at NRDC.

In this episode, we learn the key secrets to turning ideas to reality by truly understanding your customer problems.

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Special episode with Paul Grewal, the Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase.

I've been a user and fan of Coinbase since 2016 so to get the opportunity to sit down with Paul was incredible.

We talk about why Ireland is perfectly placed to become a global fintech & crypto hub.  We also do a deep dive into the broader crypto world. 

This was recorded at Dublin Tech Summit with a live audience. 

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Today our mentor is Ciaran Crean the co-founder of MicksGarage.com and WaveOMS.

We discuss whether Ireland is simply the wrong place to start certain types of businesses. 

To hear the full interview with Ciaran, go back to episode 243. 

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Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success and personal growth with Andy Mackin, the founder of the Mackin Group.

 In this engaging episode, Andy shares his incredible journey from a Navy officer global entrepreneur. Discover how calculated risks, a growth mindset, and celebrating small wins can transform your business trajectory, no matter where you start.

Listen to Andy as he takes us through the pivotal moments of founding and scaling his business. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning from a solo entrepreneur to managing a team, the importance of nurturing client relationships, and the unforeseen adventures of international expansion.   Andy’s candid reflections on balancing personal health and business demands, leveraging external perspectives, and understanding the true value of tasks will provide invaluable insights for any business owner. Immerse yourself in the wisdom of personal development icons and the power of consistent daily routines.   Andy discusses how works by Richard Branson, Darren Hardy, and Tony Robbins have influenced his journey, and shares his own practices for maintaining mental and physical well-being. As we wrap up, Andy teases exciting future projects, making this episode not just a treasure trove of knowledge, but also an anticipation-filled look at what’s to come. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!  

 

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Your mentor today is Aidan O'Shea, the co-founder of Otonomee.

He is going to teach us how to build a fully remote company from the ground up. We cover everything from hiring to sales.

If you are struggling to adapt to hybrid working or want to improve your remote company, this is for you.

If you want to listen to the full episode, go to episode 253.

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Gary Lavin is the founder of VITHIT, Europe's leading health drink. 

In this episode, Gary reveals how he grew the brand from going door to door in Ireland to now selling over 50 million bottles per year. He shares his founder philosophy, marketing secrets and why he believes VITHIT could not be started in 2024.

From a bootstrapped tiny business to a global leader taking on and beating massive corporations, Gary's story will inspire and motivate you to do great things! 

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Today, our mentor is Dan Fox, the founder and CEO of Johnson Hanna. 

He walked away from life as a barrister to disrupt the entire legal industry.

By applying a layer of tech & leverage, Johnson Hanna are forging an entirely new career path for legal professionals worldwide.

His lessons is around raising money and why he thinks you should always take the money if you can.

Johnson Hanna has raised €15 million and is backed by AIB. 

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Barry Napier joins Gary Fox for a deep dive interview on his founder formula for success.

Barry sold 51% of his company, Cubic Telecom, for €473 million in November 2023.

This valued the company at over €900 million or over $1 billion dollars.

He reveals how he secured deals with Audi and Tesla, which transformed Cubic's direction.

His story is not just about financial success but about the grit and determination required to achieve it.

We hear Barry's leadership philosophy and how he executes on a strict roadmap based on accountability and clarity. 

This episode is the perfect mix of actionable advice and inspiring anecdotes for anyone on the entrepreneurial path.

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Colum Lyons, the co-founder of ID-Pal joins Gary on the podcast.

The idea is simple, Colum's software stops your identification and identify being use by fraudsters and criminals online.

His genius simple, is used by some of the world's biggest companies. Ever signed up for a bank account online and being asked to take photos of your face? Chances are that's ID-Pal that you used. 

We chat about just how hard it is to combat criminals online and what tactics you can use to stop them.

Colum shares the spark of genius that started his journey and how he pieced together a world-class team through grit, determination and resilience. 

 

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From his parents’ house to supplying the world’s top athletes, Greg Bradley’s journey is pure entrepreneurial grit. In this Mentor Moment, the founder of BLK BOX shares how he went from teaching himself manufacturing to building a global fitness equipment brand trusted by Premier League clubs. 🎙️ Go back to Episode 406 of The Entrepreneur Experiment to hear Greg’s full story, including the setbacks, pivots, and mindset shifts that shaped his success. 💡 Like what you hear? Hit follow or subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for new episodes and Mentor Moments every week. —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

The ethos of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast is to help founders master their brain, body and business. In that order.

Today's pod is a brain & body special. I sit down with Pat Divilly, to explore the hidden drivers that motivate founders & also the shadow that follows us.

Pat is one of the most open & authentic people in Ireland when it comes to mastering the self.

Founders must learn to become an expert in psychology. First, understanding their own, and then understanding the people around them, from staff, to clients to stakeholders.

Today's pod will help you understand yourself a little better, and also those around you. 

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Peter Coppinger, the brilliant mind behind Teamwork, joins us for a fascinating chat recorded live at the Republic of Work in Cork in partnership with the EIIS Innovation Fund.

Peter’s entrepreneurial journey from a passionate college student to a successful business mogul is nothing short of inspiring.

From his early days of web development and local business pitches to the spontaneous decision to acquire the domain teamwork.com for a whopping $500,000, Peter's story is filled with bold moves and valuable lessons.

Peter & Dan bootstrapped Teamwork for over 14 years before raising $70 million in 2021. We delve deep into the reasons behind this and their drastic change of strategy. 

We cover everything from their transition from client services to product development, their first sale, and to why SAAS is the best business model in the world! 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the intricacies of building a positive company culture and making fearless business decisions.

 

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The ethos of this podcast is to help founders master their brain, body and business. In that order.

Today, I bring you one of the world's leading experts on mastering your brain, your body and specifically your heart.

Dr Paddy Barrett is a cardiologist who specialises in longevity and preventative medicine. 

This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to optimize their health span, lifespan, and soul span.

We discuss how founders can prevent health problems before they arise and, through clear, logical steps, live longer and healthier lives.

A lack of balance is a major issue I repeatedly see with many of the founders I speak with and I'm on a mission to show there can be a better way. You can win at business, and not sacrifice your health or your mental fitness along the way.

We delve into the critical components of preventative medicine and health optimization, shedding light on how traditional healthcare systems often react to diseases rather than prevent them.

Dr. Barrett explains how lifestyle changes and structured exercise can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, especially as we age.

We also discuss the mental fitness of entrepreneurs, exploring how stress impacts performance and offering practical approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation to manage it effectively.

Buy Paddy's new best-selling book here: https://amzn.to/45cAGgj

Follow Paddy on X here: https://bit.ly/4c2UANa

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Unlock the secrets to mastering nutrition and entrepreneurship in our latest episode with Darren O'Reilly, the founder of Wholesupp.

You'll gain insights into Darren's inspiring transition from athlete to entrepreneur, and how he's making clean nutrition accessible to everyone.

We discuss the significance of transparent product labeling, third-party testing, and how accurate food labeling can drive informed consumer choices.

Darren also shares how personal health data, like those from Whoop devices, is revolutionizing our approach to health and nutrition.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the entrepreneurial journey of Wholesupp. Darren opens up about the trials and triumphs of product development, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the critical role of funding in scaling a business.

From leveraging expert skills to the value of a dedicated team, Darren’s story is a testament to resilience and continuous learning. 

Tune in to hear how transferable skills and ambitious goals are pushing Wholesup towards exciting new horizons.

 

 

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My rising star pick for season 18 is Aine Kennedy, founder of The Smooth Company.

The only thing more remarkable than her rise over the last 2 years is her ability to dream up genius marketing ideas.

From millions of views on TikTok with her viral sensation grandad to securing a unique partnership with Brown Thomas, Aine is a creative powerhouse.

This is a story grounded in pure entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. 

We uncover the grit behind the glamour, from the bootstrap beginnings to the euphoria of seeing her creation gracing the aisles of high-end retailers.

Aine's story is an ode to the virtues of kindness, the underestimated power of a positive mindset, and the strength required to build a special business.

Join us for an episode that's as much about the entrepreneurial hustle as it is about the human connections that make it all worthwhile.

 

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Ronan Perceval, the founder of Phorest salon software, joins me on this week's pod.

Ronan's journey began when he built a text messaging service at Trinity College.

This was the start of a serial entrepreneur journey that would see him start Demonware before he had the idea for Phorest.

He has spent the last 20 years building Phorest into one of the world's largest salon software providers. 

Ronan believed in the idea of Phorest so much that he spent a year working behind the front desk in a salon to learn the exact pain points of customers! That is the level dedication and commitment to success that elite founders have. 

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Andrew Mullaney is developing an AI that can beat any financial market!

Formerly the co-founder of NewsWhip, Andrew is now the mastermind behind Premind AI.

The serial entrepreneur is developing a model that can consume information in real time, validate it, and make trades before humans can even finish reading it. 

Stock movements often ride the waves of viral content, regardless of the truthfulness of the news itself, and we discuss how this phenomenon can mislead investors and sway market dynamics.

If his tests become reality, this product will change the way stocks and shares are traded and make Andrew a billionaire many times over!

Andrew's candid reflections on life after Newswhip, embracing simplicity, and the endurance required for entrepreneurial success leave us with a potent mix of inspiration and pragmatism.

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This week, I chat with Adnan Shabab, the entrepreneurial force behind Umi Falafel and a host of other Dublin eateries,as he shares his remarkable journey from a Palestinian refugee camp to establishing a food empire in Ireland.

Adnan now operates an award winning hospitality chain across Ireland from Dublin to Belfast to Cork.

This remarkable journey across the Middle East to Europe reveals the true strength of character it takes to not only start a business, but to start a new life in a brand new country.

His tale is one of resilience, adaptability and the power of your word being your bond.

 

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The line from Thurles to Silicon Valley is not a straight one, but Paul Hayes forged a path.

A born storyteller, he has spent over 20 years honing his craft to tell the stories of the world's biggest tech companies & brands.

We unpack the power of storytelling in effective PR strategies, and Paul shares how crafting a compelling narrative can transform startups into industry conversation leaders, fostering trust and loyalty among potential customers.

In a wide ranging conversation, we discuss the lessons learned at the intersection of life, business, and the uncharted paths we choose.

Paul Hayes is the founder of BeachHut PR.

 

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Conall Laverty, founder of Wia joins Gary on this week's pod.

A natural experimenter & entrepreneur, Conall can spot an opportunity where others can't.

After his bike was stolen, he began building devices to make dumb objects smart.

Fast forward to today, and his company, WIA, has developed a revolutionary piece of tech that companies can fit into their factories & warehouses. It will not only monitor energy use but see where millions of euros are being wasted or even stolen!

 

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In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with elite performance coach Dan Lawrence — the man behind some of the world’s top athletes and executives, including boxer Conor Benn. From his roots in London to building a thriving high-performance business in Dubai, Dan reveals what it really takes to operate at the highest level — not just in sport, but in business and life. He shares the frameworks and systems that drive elite results: the four pillars of performance (training, nutrition, recovery, mindset), how to design your environment for success, and why clarity of vision and resilience matter more than motivation. This conversation is a masterclass in discipline, structure, and unlocking your next level — brick by brick, day by day. 💬 “The standard you walk past is your new standard. Consistency isn’t sexy, but it’s the secret.” — Dan Lawrence Show Notes — In this episode, we cover: 🔥 The one trait all elite performers share — resilience 🚀 How Dan built Perform365 to coach both world-class athletes and high-level executives 🏝️ Why he moved to Dubai — and how to design a lifestyle around growth 💡 The 4 Pillars Framework: training, nutrition, recovery & mindset 🧱 Why success comes from “laying bricks” not chasing outcomes 🧠 How to break through mental fog and set crystal-clear goals ⏱️ Systems for consistency: the “five-minute rule” and daily non-negotiables 💭 How to shift your identity and embody the traits of the person you want to become 👥 Building environments that elevate — “Environment dictates outcome” ⚡ Why recovery is a performance multiplier (and the one recovery tool that costs nothing) Links & Resources Mentioned: Perform365 — https://www.perform365.life/ Who Not How — Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan Buy Back Your Time — Dan Martell How Champions Think — Dr. Bob Rotella Raise Your Game — Alan Stein Jr. The Growth Mindset — Carol Dweck Connect with Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danlawrence365 ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE   Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

Ciara Walsh and James Fahy, the founders of JustTip join Gary for this week's episode.

Ciara and James open up about the dizzying highs of viral success and the daunting lows of financial strain, shedding light on the critical decisions that have defined their path.

But it's not all smooth sailing in the world of startups, as our candid conversation reveals the raw realities of scaling a business.  

Their story is a masterclass in resilience, offering valuable lessons for anyone with their sights set on entrepreneurial success.

Listen closely as they share the secrets to transforming challenge into opportunity and discuss the shifts in consumer behavior driving digital transactions into the norm.

 

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Welcome to the launch episode of season 18 of the pod.

John Beckett built the first Ryanair website when he was still in school.

He built it for £20k and later discovered the next closest quote was £3.5 million!

It began his founder journey, and he has built multiple companies, including ChannelSight.

In his spare time, he has the ambitious plan to reforest large parts of Ireland with Forest Partners, his non-for-profit to combat climate change.

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Back by semi-popular demand is our full nerdy planning guide for Q2.

In this episode, I recap your 2024 Masterplan and help you review Q1 and set goals you can hit in Q2.

Goal setting and planning are often overcomplicated so I take you through a simple, clear and actionable plan that you can do in 30 minutes. 

We look at goals, systems and review guides to help you break down the months into bite sized chunks to make hitting your goals easier than ever.

Join my free weekly email newsletter here: https://bit.ly/40TgDkq

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Your mentor today is Eoin Hinchy, the co-founder of Tines.

Tines has raised over $100 million since being founded in 2018. It has been valued at over $1 billion.

The lesson is not about finance or fundraising. Our lesson today is about the power of simplicity. Founders and aspiring founders overcomplicate the process which leads to delays and self-doubt.

Eoin gives us a simple plan to get started and build momentum.

To listen to the full interview with Eoin go back to episode 232.

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John is a professional poker player turned e-commerce genius.

After 10 years of pro poker, he flipped into the e-commerce world. 

During a Covid lockdown, he spent €30,000 trying to make the perfect bar of soap for men! The Black Stuff Soap company was born.

In the 3 years since, he's turned that €30,000 into a business that will hit sales of €5 million this year.

We talk how he uses poker strategy to win at business and how he's dominating in the world of e-commerce.

Visit John's company, The Black Stuff: https://bit.ly/3TJlhjE

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This is a powerful episode with Dan Nugent, an ecommerce entrepreneur with a huge story to tell.

Alongside his wife Sacha, they built their eyewear company from the kitchen table to a €100k a month business.

Post-Covid this came crashing down as online shopping collapsed and shoppers returned to retail stores.

He paused to rebuild the business and has been relentlessly learning from the biggest e-commerce and DTC brands worldwide. Today he shares everything in this episode.

Their unique pivot has seen them rebound and move into performance and recovery eyewear with customers such as Leeds United star, Patrick Bamford.

Dan's tale is one of dogged determination and a willingness to take two steps back to then take 10 steps forward.

Visit their new brand, EverAmbr: https://bit.ly/4annbMr

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Today's guest is Sinead Crowther, the founder of Soothing Solutions.

This is a story of superhuman resilience and the power of logic.

Sinead is without question one of the most inspirational and resourceful entrepreneurs that I've ever had the pleasure of sharing a conversation with.

Her journey is a masterclass in innovation, revealing the meticulous steps from conception to execution of a product that fills a significant gap in the market.

Sinead's narrative is a testament to the unwavering spirit of female entrepreneurs who challenge industry norms and overcome scepticism. From securing substantial funding to retrofitting a historical brewery into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Sinead's tale is both a blueprint and an inspiration.

Her first product, Tonstix Honey Jelly Pops is gaining traction across Ireland & the UK and is now a top selling product on Amazon. 

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I first met Luke Mackey back in September 2019 when he appeared on episode 29 of this podcast.

Fast forward 4.5 years and 300 episodes later, he's back to tell me about his latest venture Kota.

Prediction time - Luke & Kota will be one of the hottest startups in Europe in the next 12 months.

We break down the process of building a venture backed startup & the lessons he's bringing into his journey as a second-time founder.

In 2023, Wired magazine picked Kota as one of their hottest startups in Europe.

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Feargal Brady is the co-founder of NoFrixion and joined us back on episode 230.

Today, he teaches us about the triple bottom line.

A serial entrepreneur, he sold his most recent venture, Blueface, to US giant Comcast for an undisclosed sum believed to be €20 million+ in 2020.

He is the definition of a modern, mobile entrepreneur. He divides his time between Ireland, Portugal, and Spain while working across multiple different projects including NoFrixion, and his private equity group, VentureWave Capital. 

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Today's guest is Eoin Bara, the founder of Tipple, the e-commerce infrastructure company for alcohol brands.

Eoin's entrepreneurial journey began by flying to South Africa to learn how to make gin to now building a company that could completely change how people buy and sell alcohol across the world. 

He raised €400k in just 30 days back in 2022 to get his venture off the ground.

From the personal anecdotes of distilling in South Africa to the formidable obstacles of navigating international taxes and logistics, our discussion takes you behind the scenes of what it truly means to run a disruptive venture in a traditional industry.

This episode is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities. 

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Is AI really coming for your job — or is that just the hype talking? Brian O’Rourke, co-founder and CEO of CitySwift, shares his grounded view on the real role of AI, the importance of founder-market fit, and why celebrating your wins along the way matters just as much as chasing the next goal. 🎙️ Catch the full story in Episode 367 of The Entrepreneur Experiment, where Brian dives deeper into building a data-driven company and surviving the startup rollercoaster. 💡 Enjoying this bite-sized wisdom? Don’t forget to follow The Entrepreneur Experiment to get every new Mentor Moment as soon as it drops. ——  Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1  ---  Visit my partners  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under royalty-free license.

In this special solo episode, I share the 5 key learnings I've picked up over the 5 years of doing The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast.

From business failures to expensive experiments, I share never told before stories on how the podcast began and where it will be in 5 years time!

This episode is an intimate diary entry, chronicling the profound impact of pivoting when the world stands still, and the unexpected success that can follow.

The episode encapsulates the ethos of 'survive to thrive,' as we acknowledge the mental fitness required for the entrepreneur life

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Welcome Chris Kelly, the co-founder of Tracworx to the pod! 

Join us to learn how Tracworx revolutionized asset tracking across industries, from healthcare patient management systems to the brewing sector's battle against asset loss.

We'll reveal how embracing customer feedback and transparent communication can forge unbreakable client relationships, and how strategic funding and angel investors like Liam Casey, and Barry Lunn are instrumental in steering companies toward success. 

Through tales of setbacks and serendipity, Chris and I illustrate the resilience and creativity that are the lifeblood of entrepreneurship.

 

(00:00) Introduction
(07:38) Asset Management in Supply Chains
(14:42) From Dating App to Patient Management
(23:48) Innovating Healthcare Technology and Contact Tracing
(33:48) Business Pivot and Sustainable Solutions
(41:24) Building Relationships Through Customer Communication
(46:06) Entrepreneurial Success Through Strategic Funding
(50:40) Supply Chain Automation and Efficiency
(58:59) Entrepreneurial Networking and Growth
(01:02:37) Automating Retail

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Ali Ryan, the founder of Goss Media, joins Gary Fox on today's episode.

After being told "This is just a hobby" by an investor, she began a mission to build a media empire.

Over the last 10 years, Ali has bootstrapped her way to the top of the online media world in Ireland. Each month Goss.ie gets over 1 million readers.

Navigating the relentless tides of the media industry requires more than just a good idea—it demands grit, strategy, and a hint of rebellion.

Ali shares her experiences of bootstrapping Goss Media without outside investment, braving the legal threats that come with disrupting the status quo, and weathering the financial storm brought on by a global pandemic.

Her journey underscores the importance of innovation, from pioneering virtual events to leveraging the virality of TikTok, revealing how adaptability can lead to remarkable business growth even in tumultuous times.

Ali's narrative is a powerful reminder that the path to success is often a personal odyssey, marked by a balance of relentless drive and mindful self-care strategies that keep one's vision clear and passions burning bright.

Join us for a deep dive into the heart of a media empire built on unwavering belief and the refusal to accept failure as an option.

Chapters
(00:00) Building a Media Empire
(08:48) Navigating Challenges in Showbiz Industry
(18:35) Building a Media Business From Scratch
(26:11) Challenges of Starting a Business
(34:20) Building Brand Success Through Innovation
(43:56) Navigating Entrepreneurial Growth and Challenges
(48:15) Entrepreneurs and Determination in Disruption
(54:09) Lobbying for Anti-Trolling Legislation
(01:00:10) Women's Empowerment and Self-Care Journeys
(01:11:23) Belief in Possibility and Self-Driven Success

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