The Entrepreneur Experiment

Every succcessful founder I've met has a mentor. Each week I bring you a new mentor so you can access some of the world's best founders and have them for 10 minutes each week to guide you for the week ahead. Your mentor this week is health and fitness entrepreneur Rob Lipsett. Rob is a regular guest on the pod as he represents a new breed of location-flexible, works off his own schedule, and has built a highly profitable business while doing it. This week, we delve into why you just need to make tiny wins daily as opposed to trying to achieve superhuman feats. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Paul Quigley, the founder of Newswhip, shares his extraordinary journey from the legal world to becoming a trailblazer in media analytics.   We analyse the early days of the Irish startup scene, where camaraderie and a post-economic crash environment gave rise to companies like Intercom and Boxever. Drawing parallels to today's world, Paul discusses the potential for groundbreaking startups emerging from global shifts like the COVID-19 pandemic and the advent of hybrid business models. With an ever-evolving media landscape, Paul and I dive into the complexities of news consumption. Social media has become the dominant source for many, especially younger generations, but it brings its own set of challenges. We talk about the role of bias, the rise of news influencers, and how political figures like Donald Trump shape public discourse. Our conversation touches on the importance of curation and factual reporting, highlighting outlets that blend traditional journalism with modern platforms, while pondering the role of AI and influencers in redefining media norms. Balancing innovation with maintaining success is a fine art, and Paul offers insights into his personal approach to mental and physical well-being. From sea swimming to silent retreats, he underlines the importance of managing the 'noise' in one's head. We reflect on the significance of curiosity and passion in business, underscoring the necessity of effective storytelling and marketing in building a successful brand. Financial security's impact on the entrepreneurial journey also features in our discussion, revealing the personal sacrifices and dedication required to thrive in the ever-changing media landscape. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Will and Adrian, the innovative minds behind Sons, a trailblazing men's healthcare brand, share their journey of transforming male pattern hair loss treatment with honesty and accessibility. Their personal experiences with subpar hair loss clinics drove them to create a brand that not only delivers evidence-based solutions but also shatters the stigma surrounding hair loss.  With backgrounds in business and science, they offer a fresh perspective on making hair loss treatments relatable and affordable, all while navigating the challenges of launching a healthcare brand during tumultuous times. Throughout our conversation, Will and Adrian reveal the hurdles they overcame in launching Sons, from validating their business concepts to leveraging their networks for investment. The duo shares their strategic decisions in marketing, including the bold move to invest in TV advertising, which proved vital for building trust with their audience. As they recount their entrepreneurial journey, they touch on the impact of global events like Brexit and the pandemic, offering valuable insights into their adaptive strategies and the importance of creativity and risk-taking. As we wrap up, Will and Adrian candidly discuss the balance between personal life and business growth, highlighting their transparency with both their team and investors. They delve into the challenges of fund-raising, the shift from revenue focus to profitability, and the joy and complexity of balancing family life amidst entrepreneurial ambitions. With an eye on the future, they share their plans for European expansion and the potential for Sons to lead in the men's healthcare market. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for anyone aspiring to make waves in the healthcare industry. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

In this week's Idea Lab, I share the progress from our finance experiment. Every day for 12 months, I am investing €10 into Bitcoin and €10 into the stock market. Today, I reveal the one-month update and share the progress so far. Have we made a profit or loss, and what has he learned so far. I also share the three books that have shaped my philosophy for this experiment.   --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Each week I bring you a brand new mentor to guide your founder journey. This week, it's Charlie Butler, the CEO & co-founder of Bounce Insights. Charlie's episode was one of the most popular from 2023. Today, he teaches us the art of having radically honest conversations and how this is the bedrock for building trust. Check out the full podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsg_1O8x0l8&t=524s --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Meet my Rising Star pick for season 20, Luke Joyce, the founder of The Cleaning Company. Each season, I pick one founder I believe is an exceptional talent and who I believe will go all the way to the top. Luke ticks every box I look for in a founder: hard-working, self-aware, with unstoppable ambition. His journey from creating a simple college job for himself to a thriving business offers a powerful testament to the impact of a positive outlook and innovative thinking. Despite multiple setbacks, Luke has taken the next logical step at every crucial turn and is now on the verge of building an empire. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, employee empowerment, and the transformative power of gratitude and goal-setting. The Cleaning Company: https://rebrand.ly/b73a31 The Cleaning Company Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/defad6  --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

Each week I bring you a brand new mentor to guide your founder journey. This week, it's Kealan Lennon, the founder of Clevercards. He teaches us his exact playbook for survival when it looks like your entire business will collapse.  This week is about resilience and survival against the odds.  Watch full episode: https://rebrand.ly/mmkealan --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

In this episode, host Gary Fox sits down with Eamon Leonard, the visionary behind Broadstone Baseline and This Next Thing for an inspiring deep dive into the world of impactful event curation, startup investing, and the intricacies of the entrepreneurial journey. Discover how Eamon, alongside Paul Campbell and Abby Phoenix, masterfully orchestrates transformative events in Switzerland, turning venues like the stunning Grand Hotel Kronenhof into hubs of innovation and connection. Learn the art of crafting memorable experiences where professional networking meets family-friendly atmospheres, offering insights into creating environments that foster genuine, lasting relationships. Eamon also pulls back the curtain on his approach to early-stage startup investing—sharing how he evaluates founders, their motivations, and their ability to solve problems. Gain a fresh perspective on navigating the crowded AI landscape and spotting real opportunities beyond the hype. The conversation shifts to the Irish startup ecosystem, where Eamon and Gary explore the role of exited founders, government policies, and what it takes to fuel entrepreneurial ambition locally. They also dive into the pivotal moments of Eamon’s journey from consulting to product development, offering valuable lessons in leadership, conviction, and navigating early-stage ventures. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure   Episode Chapter Timestamps (00:00) Building Connections (13:21) Creating Memorable Shared Experiences (17:35) Networking at Family-Friendly Tech Event (23:02) Early Stage Investment Strategies and Relationships (32:33) Navigating Startup Ecosystems and Trends (39:25) Irish Startup Ecosystem Challenges and Solutions (49:46) Entrepreneurial Journey and Startup Success (54:48) Founder Reflections on Failure and Resilience (01:00:32) Startup Projects and Global Expansion (01:04:27) Founder Insights on Business Direction (01:15:56) Founder Challenges and Community Support (01:20:55) Navigating Trust and Gray Areas (01:24:26) Exploring Broadstone, Baseline, and Next Thing

Each week, I bring you a new mentor. This week, your mentor is Alice Carroll, co-founder of Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey. Today, she teaches us how to dominate an industry, by turning your perceived weakness into a superpower. Listen to full episode with Alice: https://rebrand.ly/mmalice --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, host Gary Fox sits down with Oonagh O'Hagan, the dynamic founder of Meaghers Pharmacy. Oonagh shares her inspiring journey from running a single pharmacy to expanding to ten locations in a short span, while also building a thriving online presence. She discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, fostering a fearless mindset within her team, and continuously learning along the way. Packed with insights on scaling a business and adapting to change, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. --- Thanks to my season partners Local Enterprise Office: https://rebrand.ly/EELEO Azure Communications: https://rebrand.ly/eeazure Property Bridges: https://rebrand.ly/eepropbridge  *Use code Fox20 to get a 20% discount with Azure.