Trading Up

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dissect the startling findings of the V-Dem report, which reveals that global democracy has regressed to 1978 levels, virtually erasing late-20th-century gains. For decades, the western assumption has been that democracy and free markets go hand-in-hand to deliver economic progress. However, with autocratic nations now outnumbering democracies, this traditional model is under severe pressure.The hosts examine the global shift toward autocracy, highlighting democratic erosion in the US, where Donald Trump has challenged independent institutions like the Federal Reserve and the media. They also analyse the political fightback in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán's long-standing rule has been ended by Péter Magyar's democratic revolution. Finally, the conversation contrasts the perceived economic stability of autocratic China with local political stagnation and a lack of delivery at Stormont in Northern Ireland. If democracy wants to survive, can it prove it still delivers?Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

In this episode of Trading Up, we sit down with Derarca Dennis, EY Partner and Head of Sustainability Services for the island of Ireland, to explore the critical intersection of climate risk and business resilience. We dive deep into EY’s immersive "Four Futures" experience, which challenges business leaders to transport themselves to 2055 and rethink their long-term strategies.Derarca explains why sustainability is no longer just an environmental PR exercise, but a core operational necessity that requires breaking down corporate silos. Discover why CFOs are increasingly driving the sustainability agenda to manage supply chain risks and volatile energy costs. We also discuss the power of cross-sector collaboration, how to reframe controversial "ESG" language to focus on security and long-term value, and why there is genuine reason to be optimistic about building a future-fit economy.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

In this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Wall Street entrepreneur and former White House Communications Director, Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci. Scaramucci candidly discusses his journey from a working-class Italian-American background to Goldman Sachs and building his own business. He offers deep insights into the roots of modern political anger, explaining how unchecked globalisation, the 2008 bank bailouts, and costly wars paved the way for populist movements like MAGA.Reflecting on his brief 11-day stint in the Trump administration, Scaramucci admits his involvement was an "ego-based decision" and shares the resilient life lessons he learned following his high-profile firing. He also unpacks competitive tax strategies by comparing Ireland’s successful economic model to New York's, warns against the isolating "paradox" of extreme wealth, and explains why reading is an essential tool for exponential success. And he reflects on his recent visit to Northern Ireland and what lessons can be drawn from the relative success of the peace process for politics elsewhere.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dive into the massive asymmetric global supply shock triggered by the Gulf War and "Operation Epic Fury". With the vital Strait of Hormuz facing blockades from both the US and Iran, 20% of global oil supply—along with LNG, fertilisers, and critical resources like helium—is severely disrupted.How does this international chokehold impact everyday consumers and businesses? The hosts unpack the stark reality in Northern Ireland, where home heating oil prices have more than doubled and record-breaking petrol and diesel prices are sparking local protests. The episode unpacks the IMF's stark warning against government fuel subsidies, examining alternative interventions like free public transport to reduce demand. Finally, they explore the crushing "Trumpflation" pressures on local businesses battling soaring input costs, shrinking consumer discretionary income, and the strong business lobby against burdensome new employment legislation.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

In this inspiring episode of Trading Up with host Jim Fitzpatrick, we sit down with Joan Burney Keatings, the visionary leader behind Cinemagic. Originally founded 37 years ago during the in Northern Ireland to bring youth together in a safe environment, this groundbreaking children’s charity now uses the power of film to educate, motivate, and inspire 40,000 young people annually.Joan shares her incredible journey of expanding Cinemagic globally, taking it from its Belfast roots to establishing a 17-year presence in Los Angeles, and launching powerful film projects in Jordan and Barbados. Discover how sheer hustle—and a daring, out-of-the-box call to the Muppets—helped build a world-renowned creative powerhouse.Joan also dives deep into the practical business of running a charity like an active movie studio, navigating the complexities of corporate sponsorships, and overseeing the production of award-winning feature films and dozens of short films. Finally, we explore why essential human skills, interpersonal connection, and on-set problem-solving remain absolutely vital for the next generation of creatives in an increasingly AI-driven world.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

How does a business started by a man "a quarter of an inch too short" to be a policeman grow into a £60 million hospitality giant? In this episode of Trading Up, Gavin Annon, Chief Strategy Officer at Mount Charles and son of the inch-short founder, shares his journey from a decade-long career at Tesco to leading a workforce of 3,500 employees. Gavin discusses how the company pivoted from catering to cleaning and retial, by embracing agility and customer-centric values. He also breaks down his unique strategy framework—"Effort vs. Impact"—and the importance of co-creating plans with frontline staff to ensure 100% commitment. Drawing on his leadership at the Belfast Chamber, Gavin explores the future of Northern Ireland’s economy, the power of "positive pressure" for city development, and why Belfast is a "magical" home for investment. And he also shares some interesting insights on how his moonlighting as a DJ has important lessons for running any business.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.