Talent Matters with Donal O’Donoghue

Talent Matters Podcast - Episode: #28 - Lisa O’Sullivan-Shaw Lisa O'Sullivan-Shaw is a resilient two-time open heart surgery survivor, former model, and is now sharing her journey on Instagram as @modernirishmom Lisa's story is one of strength and transformation. From the runways to the realities of motherhood, she brings a unique blend of grace and grit to her followers. Her posts are a heartfelt mix of health advocacy, fashion tips, comedy, and the everyday joys and challenges of raising a family. Follow Lisa for a dose of inspiration, style, and authentic Irish charm. 

Talent Matters Podcast: Episode 27Sinéad O'Riordan is an Actor, Producer, and Filmmaker. Sinéad shares her journey from growing up, starting a career in tech in California through to the world of film and television. From her early beginnings to her latest projects, Sinéad offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the challenges she has faced, and the triumphs she has celebrated.Follow Sinéad O'Riordan on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sineadoriordan For more about Swing Bout see: https://www.instagram.com/swingboutfilm 

Talent Matters Podcast – Episode: #25 – Paul MerrimanIn this episode of Talent Matters podcast, host Donal O’Donoghue sits down withPaul Merriman. Paul Merriman is a well known financial educator, entrepreneur, author anddigital creator AKA "Ask Paul". In this episode of Talent Matters Podcast he shares insightsinto his life growing up, his experiences with ballroom dancing, his career in insurance, andhis journey building and selling Pax Asset Management T/A "Ask Paul to UK wealthmanagement company Fairstone. His role is now CEO of Fairstone Ireland and he is on theaquisition trail to to grow their operations.Follow Paul on instagram: www.instagram.com/askpaul.ieSubscribe to Talent Matters on youtube and follow us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/@talentmatters_podcast for more inspiring stories and insightsfrom leading experts.Recorded at @Factory44Studio in Dublin, Ireland.

Talent Matters Podcast – Episode: #24 – Dr. Lollie ManceyIn this episode of Talent Matters podcast, host Donal O’Donoghue sits down with Dr.Lollie Mancey. Lollie is a powerhouse in progressive education, innovation,entrepreneurship and the future workplace. As Programme Director at UCD’s InnovationAcademy, she drives innovation and empowers entrepreneurs.She holds a PhD in Organisational Learning, and has a background in Anthropology,She brings a unique perspective to innovation and entrepreneurship. A standouteducator she’s won prestigious teaching awards demonstrating her commitment tostudent growth.Beyond academia, Dr. Lollie is a serial entrepreneur, directing three successfulbusinesses. In this inspiring episode we explore her remarkable journey from achallenging upbringing to becoming a respected academic and thought leader. Dr.Lollie shares her personal story, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped herpath and the diverse career experiences that led her to academia.Dr. Mancey’s childhood experiences and the challenges she faced growing up inpoverty. The role of education in transforming her life and opening new opportunities.Diverse Career Path: Transitioning from various roles in different industries tofinding her passion in academia. How her diverse career experiences haveinfluenced her approach to teaching and research.Academic Pursuits: Dr. Mancey’s work in anthropology and organisationallearning.Insights into her research and its impact on understanding human behaviourand organisational dynamics.Generative AI: Discussion on the role of generative AI in modern academia and itspotential to revolutionize learning and research. Dr. Mancey’s perspective on theethical considerations and future implications of AI in education.Ireland of the Future: Dr. Mancey’s vision for the future of Ireland, particularly interms of education and technological advancements. The importance of fosteringinnovation and inclusivity in shaping the country’s future.To learn more about Dr. Lollie Mancey visit: www.drlollie.ieSubscribe to Talent Matters on youtube and follow us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/@talentmatters_podcast for more inspiring stories and insightsfrom leading experts.Recorded at @Factory44Studio in Dublin, Ireland.

Talent Matters Podcast - Episode :#23 - Dave KennedyOn this weeks Episode Donal is joined by Dave Kennedy, CEO of the Lifestyle Blueprint. Dave shares his experiences growing up, discusses how fitness changed his life and how he now helps others on their fitness journey.You can find Dave Kennedy @davekennedytlb on Instagram or by following the link below:https://www.instagram.com/davekennedytlb/?hl=enRecorded in Factory44 Studios, Dublin

Talent Matters Podcast – Episode: #22 – Sarah GraceIn this episode of Talent Matters podcast, host Donal O’Donoghue sits down with SarahGrace author of “Ash + Salt”.Content Warning: Sarah shares her experience as a survivor of an aggravated burglary andsexual assault in 2019.Bilingual Upbringing: Sarah grew up as a bilingual student, with a French mother and anIrish father. Her multicultural background influenced her perspective and shaped herinterests. We discuss her Path to Law: We discuss her interests, which ultimately led her tostudy law in both England and France. Her passion for justice and advocacy became a drivingforce.Traumatic Experience: Sarah courageously discusses the harrowing events of 2019—anaggravated burglary and sexual assault. Her resilience and determination to heal are inspiring.Irish Criminal Justice System: We explore her experiences within the Irish criminal justicesystem. Sarah sheds light on its strengths and areas needing reform. Authorship andPhilosophy: Sarah’s decision to write Ash + Salt reflects her commitment to sharing herstory. We also touch on her life philosophy and outlook.Follow Sarah on Instagram: @busywarrioryoga for more insights

Talent Matters Podcast – Episode: #21 – John SweetmanIn this episode of Talent Matters podcast, host Donal O’Donoghue sits down with JohnSweetman author of “Identity: Murder, Fraud and the Making of a Garda Forensic Expert”.John Sweetman is a former detective garda with a remarkable career in forensicinvestigations. Here are the highlights:Introduction to John SweetmanJohn Sweetman’s journey from a young garda to the Garda Technical Bureau. His pivotalrole as both a fingerprint expert and a forensic handwriting and document expert. Thetenacity and eye for detail that defined his career.High-Profile Cases and Crime Scene InvestigationsJohn discusses Marie Dillon’s brutal murder in Finglas (1998) and the search for forensicevidence. A number of gangland killings and their investigation. Insights into the challengesfaced during crime scene investigations.Handwriting Expertise and Document ExaminationHow John Sweetman applied his expertise to examine fraudulence, threatening letters, andcounterfeit documents. The role of forensic handwriting analysis in solving cases.Notable InvestigationsThe murders of Jasmine McGonagle and student Jastine Valdez. The tragic Hawe familicidein Cavan (2016).1. Identity: A Memoir and Insight into Forensic Fieldso A peek behind the curtain of how crimes are solved.o John Sweetman’s nonconformist approach to detective work.If you’d like to listen to the full podcast episode, you can find it on YouTube or ApplePodcasts.

Talent Matters Podcast - Episode: #20 Aisling Byrne In this episode, Donal O’Donoghue sits down with Aisling Byrne, a business owner and international show jumper. They delve into the world of talent, discussing Aisling's journey, skills, and determination. Here are the key discussion points:Background and Career: Aisling shares insights into her background as a business owner and her passion for show jumping. She discusses the challenges and rewards of both roles.Balancing Business and Sport: Aisling talks about how she manages her business while pursuing her passion for show jumping. Balancing work commitments and training can be demanding, but Aisling shares her strategies for success.The Importance of Grit: Aisling emphasizes the role of determination and resilience in achieving goals. Whether in business or sports, having the right mindset is crucial.In 2018, Aisling faced a life-altering moment when she suffered serious injuries during a show in Portugal. The incident challenged her physically and mentally, but Aisling's resilience and determination shone through. Road to Recovery: Aisling embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation process. Her commitment to recovery, along with the support of her loved ones, played a crucial role in her journey back to health.Return to Competition: Against all odds, Aisling made a triumphant return to the show jumping arena. Her determination and love for the sport fueled her comeback.Resilience and Inspiration: Aisling's story serves as an inspiration to others facing adversity. Her ability to overcome challenges and thrive in both business and sport is a testament to her character.To learn more about Aisling you can follow her on instagram: @aislingbyrne1 and check out her travel company:  https://irelandtouring.com/Remember to subscribe to our YouTube and follow our Instagram at @talentmatters_podcastRecorded at Factory 44 Studios in Dublin, Ireland.