Kickoff Sessions

Colin Bryar joined Amazon in 1998, four years after its founding and spent the next 12 years as part of Amazon's senior leadership team as Amazon grew from a domestic seller of books to a global, multi-dimensional powerhouse and innovator. Colin served as Vice President at Amazon, and for two years was Chief of Staff to Jeff Bezos working directly with him advising on technical and business areas.After Amazon, Colin relocated to Singapore where he served as Chief Operating Officer of the e-commerce company RedMart, which was subsequently sold to Alibaba. Colin is now co-founder of Working Backwards LLC where he coaches executives at both large and early-stage companies on how to implement the management practices developed at Amazon.Check out Colin’s new book, Working Backwards which is an insider's break down of Amazon's approach to culture, leadership, and best practices: https://amzn.to/3t9wFWbOur conversation discusses the principles applied by Amazon to achieve rapid growth from the early stages. We discuss the factors which make a company truly successful from scalability and operationalisation to the product development lifecycle and customer obsession. Lastly, Colin offers his advice for young professionals navigating their career at the moment.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(03:52) Colin Bryar's background & Working Backwards(07:15) Amazon & Jeff Bezos/scalability/long term strategy(10:22) Customer centric focus/competitive edge/leadership principles(13:11) How to scale successfully/creating & inventing(17:22) Single threaded leader & Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) (21:33) Taking risks/failure/product development lifecycle(26:56) Defining metrics & success criteria(29:48) Core principles & repeatable processes(32:37) Competition/capital/finding a niche(35:51) COVID-19 shift towards e-commerce/Brexit/regulation(40:57) Careers advice/building on your interests/passions(47:30) When to change company & find new challengesFollow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Follow me on LinkedInFollow Kickoff Sessions on LinkedInSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

Simon Ree is a best selling author, options trader and senior finance and investment professional with over 28 years of experience with leading global investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Citibank, and Credit Suisse. He has significant experience across all major asset classes in areas of equities, derivatives and fixed income. Other specialties of Simon include asset allocation, wealth management and portfolio management.Simon recently published his first book, The Tao of Trading, which focuses on building wealth and managing risk by learning the techniques and processes to trade effectively. His book has consistently ranked amongst the best selling trading and investing books on Amazon. Check out Simon’s book here: https://amzn.to/39l9WP8 Our conversation focused on the soft and hard skills required to break into competitive roles of all industries. We discuss the full end to end process such as the initial application, interviewing, and career progression once in prestigious companies. Lastly, Simon discusses the principles of options trading, risk management and steps to take to build an investment strategy that is aligned to your personal preferences. ⏺️ Voics: https://www.voics.co/🎙️ Podcast University: https://bit.ly/3Dqip2S🎤 Podcast Accelerator: https://bit.ly/3f1ir81📞 Schedule Free Call: https://bit.ly/3GsNyTU Follow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Follow me on LinkedInFollow Kickoff Sessions on LinkedInSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

Ernest Cantillon is co-founder of Kinsale Spirit Co and director of both Electric and Sober Lane. He has over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality and beverage sector and previously the president of the Cork Business Association. Kinsale Gin, owned by Kinsale Spirit Co was awarded Gin of The Year, Gin Producer of The Year, and a Double Gold at the highly prestigious Bartender Spirits Awards in 2020.Our conversation touches on how small businesses have been forced to pivot due to continuous restrictions in the economy. Ernest shares his perspective and what he has learned from restructuring his own business model. Ernest has ambitious plans to scale up operations in the US and Chinese market and we discuss his strategy behind the expansion. We break down various career paths and how to pursue avenues you are interested in right out of university. Lastly, we look at the recovery of the hospitality and beverage industry in both a domestic and international environment. Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:42) Pivoting traditional business models(05:50) Pursuing different opportunities(07:25) Changing priorities in life/resilience/diversification(11:17) The ability to sell & confidence(14:53) Expanding into US & Chinese markets(20:54) The China Hustle(24:06) Careers out of university & following interests/passions(33:50) Keeping up with competition & making adjustments(36:50) Recovering from restrictions & finding new opportunities (42:25) Bars & clubs new opening hoursFollow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Follow me on LinkedInFollow Kickoff Sessions on LinkedInSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

Bernard Walsh is head of pensions and investments at Bank of Ireland Investment Markets. Bernard has worked in pensions and investment-related roles in Bank of Ireland for over 15 years. Before that, he worked with Ulster Bank Markets and Barclays Bank.Our conversation focused on deconstructing the different elements of pensions and investments. Looking at the benefits of starting a pension scheme, tax advantages and opportunities that comes with this. After which, Bernard and I exchange ideas of investment opportunities for young professionals and how to allocate a certain proportion of your earnings in different market conditions. Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:40) Bernard Walsh's background(03:35) Principles of financial literacy & wellbeing(07:29) Contributing towards financial goals/targets(09:13) Filling the financial knowledge gaps/systematic processes(13:09) The importance & value of pension funds(19:06) Managing your pension/default strategy/lifestyle strategy(22:52) Begin with the end in mind/pension drawdowns(24:55) Optimal percentage of pension contribution(27:37) Generating income from different asset classes(30:34) Pension funds tax criteria(33:50) Logical & sustainable investing/euro cost averaging/risk & reward(40:27) Analysing different assets/macro views/ETFs(44:02) Rebalancing a portfolio/strategy mistakes(47:44) Resources and information to learnFollow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Follow me on LinkedInFollow Kickoff Sessions on LinkedInSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

Nick Leeson is CEO of Bull & Bear Capital and former derivatives trader notorious for the collapse of Barings Bank, the United Kingdom's oldest merchant bank. Nick was the “Rogue Trader” who made fraudulent, unauthorized and speculative trades, and his actions led directly to the 1995 collapse of the bank, for which he was sentenced to prison in Singapore.🎙️ Podcast University: https://bit.ly/3Dqip2S🎤 Podcast Accelerator: https://bit.ly/3f1ir81📞 Schedule Free Consultation: https://bit.ly/3GsNyTU(00:00) Introduction(02:51) Nick Leeson's background(04:35) The collapse of Barings Bank(10:04) Trading emotionally, immaturity & stress(16:15) Social media & communication(20:26) Lessons from prison(25:15) Mental challenges of prison(32:12) Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl(39:29) Happiness & careers(42:59) Pursuing interests & passions (46:23) Professional success & ultimate focusPlease leave a review:- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36RrL9Y- Apple: https://apple.co/3uCwViFSocials:- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3HleVy2- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3EE3FuG- Apple: https://apple.co/32ArW7D- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3FCS3JA- TikTok: https://bit.ly/314iZD6Services:- Career mentoring: https://bit.ly/3FCS3JA- Podcast consulting: https://bit.ly/3aYzm5w- Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3JqwkXASupport the show

From a small town in Canada to CEO of a hedge fund and former member of NY Federal Reserve Investor Advisory Committee, Garth Friesen has unique insights into financial markets as a successful trader. Garth is currently CEO of III Capital, a hedge fund management company specializing in fixed-income and credit.Garth has served as a member for five years on the esteemed New York Federal Reserve’s Investor Advisory Committee on financial markets, advising the Fed’s senior management on financial, economic and public policy issues. He is a regular columnist for Forbes and Yahoo Finance, and has been featured in various media, including CNBC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and many others.In Garth’s book, Bite the Ass Off a Bear, he discusses how hedge-fund traders thrive by developing the interpersonal skills necessary to act and react in a high-stakes field with integrity, reliability, and stress manageability. For aspiring and experienced professionals, having a strong work ethic, persistent attitude, and likeable personality are just as essential as mathematical and computer acumen that will advance your career.Purchase Bite the Ass Off a Bear here: https://amzn.to/2P37d5O   Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:54) Garth Friesen's background(05:04) The retail investor movement(10:33) Trading vs. investing principles(21:10) GameStop/WallStreetBets(26:36) Cryptocurrency & hedge funds/institutions(33:15) Asset allocation/private markets(42:00) Interview preparation and careers(45:47) The top 20% rule(47:10) Improving interview skills(54:30) Completing additional courses/degrees(58:55) Side projects/multiple purpose skillset Follow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Follow Kickoff Sessions on LinkedInConnect with me on LinkedInConnect with me on Clubhouse as Kickoff SessionsSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

In this session, I break down five lessons learned after working from home for over a year. Remote working has previously been scrutinized for its inefficiencies before coronavirus. Now, one year later, everyone has adapted to a new way of working.This episode discusses how to build a healthy routine that increases both productivity and engagement. Most importantly, how to take sufficient steps to detach and separate from a lifestyle driven by work.Follow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Follow Kickoff Sessions on LinkedInConnect with me on LinkedInConnect with me on Clubhouse as Kickoff SessionsSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

Alan Carroll is back on Kickoff Sessions to provide a comprehensive overview of mortgages and property investing. Alan is a bank manager in Bank of Ireland with almost 20 years’ experience in finance and banking. He is both a chartered and professional banker from University College Dublin and offers a wealth of knowledge in personal finance and financial planning.Check out my first episode here with Alan on personal finance, investing, markets and the economy. Our discussion focused on everything relating to mortgages from the minimum requirements that must be met right up to repayments. Alan provides an in-depth explanation of the structure of mortgages and schemes to avail of for individuals. We discuss property investing and some things to consider before taking the leap. Lastly, we discuss how to restructure a mortgage and successfully sell your property. Follow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Follow Kickoff Sessions on LinkedInConnect with me on LinkedInConnect with me on Clubhouse as Kickoff SessionsSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

Gary Fox is host of The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast where he interviews some of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs to discover how they experiment with growing their business. Gary is also the founder of HostButlers, which caters for everything a host requires to provide a 5-star service to clients. HostButlers takes care of property listings, guest communications, check-ins, property cleanings, and anything else a host may request. Our discussion focused on the key components of building a successful brand and marketing your product, company, or podcast. We dissect various marketing strategies to understand your target market and audience in more detail. Gary provides his advice on creating content to supplement your business and various methods to differentiate yourself. Lastly, we analyze the future of podcasting over the next couple of years. Follow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Connect with me on LinkedInConnect with me on Clubhouse as Kickoff SessionsSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show

Aidan Corbett is CEO and co-founder of Wayflyer, an Irish eCommerce revenue-based financing and marketing analytics platform that recently raised $10.2M in seed capital funding. Founded in 2019 by Aidan and Jack Pierse, Wayflyer enables eCommerce brands to meet their potential by providing them with affordable capital up to $5M for advertising and inventory.For eCommerce companies, this is an incredibly valuable opportunity to grow; no interest, no dilution, no warrants, no fixed repayment schedule, and no long-term commitment. Therefore, enabling eCommerce companies to scale quickly and meet their sales trajectory through tailored marketing and access to inventory requirements. Our conversation focused on how to scale and build an online business, the opportunity for eCommerce merchants to avail of financing options and the potential benefits to this. Aidan provides his advice for early-stage business owners and how to find the correct product-market fit which enables merchants to scale through time. Follow Kickoff Sessions on Spotify to keep updated with new sessions!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the session on Instagram or leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. Tell everyone I'm a semi-decent guy and it really helps to grow the show!For show notes and more episodes, visit Kickoff Sessions website. Sign up to the Kickoff Sessions email list for regular updates and content.Connect with me on LinkedInSupport the growth of Kickoff SessionsConnect with me on Clubhouse as Kickoff SessionsSupport the music artist FarsiThank you internet people!Support the show