Iconic Insights

In the final episode of the Iconic Insights podcast's first season, hosts Sean and Shauna come together to reflect on the journey so far. They dive deep into the most pressing questions from their listeners, sharing valuable contractor insights and offering expert advice drawn from their own experience of working in the world of contracting. As they recap the highlights of Season 1, they reveal the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the moments that have shaped the season. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the contracting world, delivering the ultimate guidance and wisdom to close out the first chapter of this iconic podcast.

Join us for an engaging new episode of Iconic Insights as we welcome Geraldine King, CEO of the Employment & Recruitment Federation (ERF), to the podcast.In this episode, Geraldine shares her expertise on becoming a Networking Ninja, revealing the strategies behind building meaningful professional connections and staying ahead in a competitive industry. Whether you’re looking to grow your network or stay informed about recruitment trends, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.We’ll also delve into Geraldine’s remarkable career journey to becoming CEO of the ERF and hear her thoughts on the latest updates in the recruitment sector in Ireland.Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading voices!

In this episode, Cuty shares her inspiring journey from moving to Ireland with dreams of becoming a surgeon, to discovering her passion for using technology to make businesses more efficient, starting the creation of her company, CozmoTec.Cuty’s approach centres on simplifying workflows, saving time and constantly pushing boundaries to drive improvement. Despite starting without a tech background, she rapidly developed her skills, emphasising that technology is fundamentally about problem-solving, not just coding.The episode highlights the work of CozmoTec, a business focused on providing bespoke solutions tailored to each client's needs, and discusses a key service offering, RecruitPro, designed to streamline recruitment and contractor management processes. RecruitPro automates tasks like compliance, timesheet approvals, invoicing and significantly reducing errors and freeing up time for recruitment agencies and contractors.A key theme of the conversation is Cuty’s belief that anyone can embrace technology to enhance business efficiency, and she encourages people not to be intimidated by it. She explains how automation creates opportunities for creativity and growth, stressing the importance of staying informed and open to change.Tune in for an inspiring discussion on Cuty’s tech journey, her passion for efficiency, and how businesses can leverage technology to transform their operations.

In this episode, Gerard Kiernan, founder of Icon Accounting, shares his journey to establishing Ireland's only trusted 5-star contractor accountancy practice. Gerard discusses his early career path, which involved work in different industries, including banking and accounting, before finding his entrepreneurial calling.The conversation delves into the challenges of launching Icon Accounting in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis, and recounts how he grew the company step by step, navigating the complexities of the contracting market. Gerard also explores the evolution of Icon Accounting and the key factors that led to its success, including the shift toward digital automation, providing an all-inclusive service, and focusing on customer service and satisfaction.His insights into the industry's changes, from contractor tax regulations to the rise of umbrella companies, offer a compelling look at how the company adapted and thrived in a competitive market. Throughout the episode, Gerard reflects on the importance of perseverance, maintaining strong client relationships, and embracing innovation.His vision for the future of Icon Accounting involves continued growth, with a focus on technological advancement and supporting independent professionals in an ever-changing economic landscape. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the origins of Icon Accounting and Gerard Kiernan's perspective on the most significant shifts in the contractor industry since 2008.

In this episode of Iconic Insights, Shona Cowley, founder of The Rainbow Vault and The Venture Vault, recounts her journey from studying computer science to becoming a successful graphic designer and entrepreneur.Shona’s passion for empowering others is evident as she discusses her vision for Venture Vault, a platform designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in launching their own businesses. This initiative will provide resources such as branding and website-building tools, along with community support, offering the guidance she wished she had when starting out.Throughout the podcast, Shona shares valuable insights on managing client relationships, setting boundaries, and understanding the value of your work. She emphasises the importance of choosing clients who value your contributions and being selective about the projects you take on. Shona also highlights the role of word-of-mouth in her success, noting that strong, trusting relationships with clients have been a key factor in her business growth.Overall, Shona Cowley’s story provides actionable advice on creating a successful design strategy, blending creativity with a strategic approach, and persevering in business. Her client management insights and emphasis on value creation make her story particularly relevant for anyone seeking to excel in the competitive world of marketing and design.

In this episode, we are joined by Robert Whelan, owner of Humdinger Mortgages, and an expert in the contracting world for mortgages and brokerage services for independent professionals. Robert shares his wealth of knowledge on how self-employed individuals can successfully navigate the mortgage process.He discusses the essential criteria for obtaining a mortgage, offers his top tips for navigating the application process, and provides actionable advice to make securing your dream home a reality. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or new to self-employment, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you overcome the unique challenges faced by independent professionals in the housing market.Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a leading expert and take a significant step toward homeownership!