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Business Plus Talks

Business Plus Talks

NewJayne Ronayne and Sarah Sexton - Oac SnacksNovember 11, 2026 · 46 min
Episodes
29
Released
every two weeks
Latest episode
Nov 11, 2026
WebsiteRSS feed

About the podcast

Business Plus Talks is a podcast series from BusinessPlus.ie - a platform where Ireland’s leading voices share the inspiring conversations that changed everything in their career, business, or outlook.

Each episode brings together leading figures from across Ireland’s business community - CEOs, policymakers, innovators, and change agents - for an open, energetic, and deeply human exchange on the ideas that shape leadership today.

It’s a dynamic, story-driven conversation that reveals how insight, curiosity, and connection can shift direction and inspire growth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes 29

  1. Jayne Ronayne and Sarah Sexton - Oac Snacks

    46 minSeason 3 · Episode 28

    One of the biggest lessons Oac Snack founders Jayne Ronayne and Sarah Sexton have taken from their previous entrepreneurial ventures is how to handle rejection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

    Show notes
    One of the biggest lessons Oac Snack founders Jayne Ronayne and Sarah Sexton have taken from their previous entrepreneurial ventures is how to handle rejection.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Tim Jones - Symphysis Medical

    55 minSeason 3 · Episode 27

    Symphysis Medical founder, Tim Jones, describes Galway as the “centre of the universe” as he set out on his entrepreneurial journey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Kealan Lennon - CleverCards

    42 minSeason 3 · Episode 26

    Kealan Lennon, founder and CEO of CleverCards, was on board a nine-hour flight from China when he realised he had just caught a glimpse of the future and began reshaping his business to take full advantage …

    Show notes
    Kealan Lennon, founder and CEO of CleverCards, was on board a nine-hour flight from China when he realised he had just caught a glimpse of the future and began reshaping his business to take full advantage.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. John Larkin - The Black Stuff

    58 minSeason 3 · Episode 25

    John Larkin, founder of The Black Stuff, describes his unique journey from the poker tables into the business of making soap with a special ingredient - Guinness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

    Show notes
    John Larkin, founder of The Black Stuff, describes his unique journey from the poker tables into the business of making soap with a special ingredient - Guinness.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Tommy Kearns - Xtremepush

    57 minSeason 3 · Episode 24

    Tommy Kearns joins the podcast for a candid conversation about business, risk, ambition, failure and the lessons learned from more than two decades in the telecoms industry. Hosted on Acast. See …

    Show notes
    Tommy Kearns joins the podcast for a candid conversation about business, risk, ambition, failure and the lessons learned from more than two decades in the telecoms industry.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Liam Kearney - Revive Group

    59 minSeason 3 · Episode 23

    Revive CEO, Liam Kearney, opens Series 3 of Business Plus Talks and offers listeners the views of a content innovator who has seen the highs and lows of life and career, and lived to tell the tale. Hosted on …

    Show notes
    Revive CEO, Liam Kearney, opens Series 3 of Business Plus Talks and offers listeners the views of a content innovator who has seen the highs and lows of life and career, and lived to tell the tale.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Frank Brennan - Republic of Work

    50 minSeason 2 · Episode 22

    In front of a live audience, Frank Brennan, owner of Republic of Work, chats to Dave Burke about the highs and lows of his career, managing a young family while taking big risks and crafting his motivation and …

    Show notes
    In front of a live audience, Frank Brennan, owner of Republic of Work, chats to Dave Burke about the highs and lows of his career, managing a young family while taking big risks and crafting his motivation and people skills through a diverse CV.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Lesley O'Connor - Trifecta Energy

    60 minSeason 2 · Episode 21

    Lesley O'Connor talks about following in her father's footsteps, plans for renewable energy and how a trip to Africa changed her career path. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. Joe Csibi - National Concert Hall

    55 minSeason 2 · Episode 20

    Joe Csibi reflects on a career that has taken him around the world, sharing stories from collaborations with global music stars and encounters with some of the industry's most celebrated figures. Hosted on …

    Show notes
    Joe Csibi reflects on a career that has taken him around the world, sharing stories from collaborations with global music stars and encounters with some of the industry's most celebrated figures.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. John Kelly - Suir Engineering

    51 minSeason 2 · Episode 19

    After leaving school, John Kelly began his career as an apprentice, spending seven years balancing study and work before earning the degree that ultimately led him to Suir Engineering, where he now serves as …

    Show notes
    After leaving school, John Kelly began his career as an apprentice, spending seven years balancing study and work before earning the degree that ultimately led him to Suir Engineering, where he now serves as CEO.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. Danny McCoy - Ibec

    50 minSeason 2 · Episode 18

    Danny McCoy offers a clear and engaging overview of both his personal career trajectory and the broader economic challenges facing Ireland today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. James O'Connor - Microsoft Ireland

    39 minSeason 2 · Episode 17

    James O'Connor tells host Dave Burke about a phone that changed the direction of his career and set him on the path to Microsoft Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. Marian Finnegan - Sherry FitzGerald

    32 minSeason 2 · Episode 16

    In an industry that forces you to always be on call, Marian Finnegan speaks about her career and work-life balance as CEO of Sherry FitzGerald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. Mary Sadlier - Coole Swan

    46 minSeason 2 · Episode 15

    Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan, has put in the work over the last 14 years, but the role has kept her awake at night, something she now holds up like a badge of honour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …

    Show notes
    Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan, has put in the work over the last 14 years, but the role has kept her awake at night, something she now holds up like a badge of honour.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. Conor McCarthy - Emerald Airlines & Dublin Aerospace

    58 minSeason 2 · Episode 14

    The chance to leave school for an Aer Lingus apprenticeship set Conor McCarthy on a path to owning his own airline, among other businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. Fidelma McGuirk - Payslip

    44 minSeason 2 · Episode 13

    Payslip founder Fidelma McGuirk talks about striking out on her own, balancing her professional and personal life, and how she keeps her company fresh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. Joanna Gilfoy - Vodafone Ireland

    52 minSeason 2 · Episode 12

    Vodafone's Director of Business, Joanna Gilfoy, sits down with Dave Burke for an insightful conversation about leadership, the challenges she faces, and how she deals with the multiple layers to her role …

    Show notes
    Vodafone's Director of Business, Joanna Gilfoy, sits down with Dave Burke for an insightful conversation about leadership, the challenges she faces, and how she deals with the multiple layers to her role.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Donnchadh Casey - F5

    46 minSeason 2 · Episode 11

    F5 executive Donnchadh Casey sat down with Dave Burke to talk about his career path, CalypsoAI's $180m buyout, and how AI is impacting businesses everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. Philip Lee - Philip Lee LLP

    38 minSeason 1 · Episode 10

    “Not a conventional lawyer, not a conventional conversation” aptly describes the final episode of the debut Business Plus Talks podcast series, which features Philip Lee, founder of Philip Lee LLP. Hosted on …

    Show notes
    “Not a conventional lawyer, not a conventional conversation” aptly describes the final episode of the debut Business Plus Talks podcast series, which features Philip Lee, founder of Philip Lee LLP.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Alice Mansergh - Tourism Ireland

    41 minSeason 1 · Episode 9

    Tourism Ireland chief executive Alice Mansergh reveals her unconventional career path from an arts degree to senior roles in technology and, ultimately, to leading the State body responsible for marketing the …

    Show notes
    Tourism Ireland chief executive Alice Mansergh reveals her unconventional career path from an arts degree to senior roles in technology and, ultimately, to leading the State body responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. Dermot Rigley - Prime Arena Holdings

    44 minSeason 1 · Episode 8

    CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, Dermot Rigley, reveals the highs and lows of bringing a new sport to Dublin, along with developing Ireland's first winter sports stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for …

    Show notes
    CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, Dermot Rigley, reveals the highs and lows of bringing a new sport to Dublin, along with developing Ireland's first winter sports stadium.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. Iseult Ward - FoodCloud

    35 minSeason 1 · Episode 7

    Coming straight out of college, Iseult Ward had the drive, determination and passion to take on Ireland’s surplus food distribution problem, and her journey over the past 12 years has seen FoodCloud’s …

    Show notes
    Coming straight out of college, Iseult Ward had the drive, determination and passion to take on Ireland’s surplus food distribution problem, and her journey over the past 12 years has seen FoodCloud’s technology reach across Europe and into Africa.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. Laura Jordan - StyleSavvy

    48 minSeason 1 · Episode 6

    Owner and founder of Ireland's largest style consultancy StyleSavvy, Laura Jordan tells her story of taking a career break and turning her hobby into a business on the latest episode of Business Plus Talks …

    Show notes
    Owner and founder of Ireland's largest style consultancy StyleSavvy, Laura Jordan tells her story of taking a career break and turning her hobby into a business on the latest episode of Business Plus Talks

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Bobby Healy - Manna Drones

    38 minSeason 1 · Episode 5

    Bobby Healy walks us through how easily a bad hire can derail a company, his love for code after all these years and how he used a 90-foot cherry picker to famously test the very early stages of a drone …

    Show notes
    Bobby Healy walks us through how easily a bad hire can derail a company, his love for code after all these years and how he used a 90-foot cherry picker to famously test the very early stages of a drone delivery drop.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. Ian Madigan - Salesforce

    37 minSeason 1 · Episode 4

    Former Ireland, Leinster and Ulster out-half Ian Madigan joins Dave Burke to look at life after the final whistle of a 15-year rugby career, comparing the role of number 10 to the director of a company and …

    Show notes
    Former Ireland, Leinster and Ulster out-half Ian Madigan joins Dave Burke to look at life after the final whistle of a 15-year rugby career, comparing the role of number 10 to the director of a company and revealing the key trait good leaders have on the field and in the boardroom.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  26. Ken Bowles - Smurfit Westrock

    49 minSeason 1 · Episode 3

    From growing up in Ballyfermot to ringing the bell on Wall St, Ken Bowles has climbed the ladder in Smurfit Westrock to become Tony Smurfit's right-hand man. In this intriguing conversation, Bowles reveals what …

    Show notes
    From growing up in Ballyfermot to ringing the bell on Wall St, Ken Bowles has climbed the ladder in Smurfit Westrock to become Tony Smurfit's right-hand man. In this intriguing conversation, Bowles reveals what it takes to operate at the highest level and how he fought for the survival of the company.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  27. Pierre Boutin - Volkswagen Group

    45 minSeason 1 · Episode 2

    Pierre Boutin makes for a calm and engaging guest and as he details his extensive experience across the motoring industry, it becomes clear why he has earned a reputation as a manager who puts people first …

    Show notes
    Pierre Boutin makes for a calm and engaging guest and as he details his extensive experience across the motoring industry, it becomes clear why he has earned a reputation as a manager who puts people first.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  28. David McKernan - Java Republic

    46 minSeason 1 · Episode 1

    David McKernan sits down with Business Plus Talks, in association with Philip Lee LLP, to tell us about leaving Bewley's and going out on his own to set up Java Republic, with the support of his family …

    Show notes
    David McKernan sits down with Business Plus Talks, in association with Philip Lee LLP, to tell us about leaving Bewley's and going out on his own to set up Java Republic, with the support of his family. McKernan talks about the highs and lows of running his own business and takes us on a journey that saw him complete his successful exit 6 years ago.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  29. Trailer

    1 minTrailer

    A brand new podcast having the conversations that changed everything for Ireland's leading business people, please like, follow and subscribe to Business Plus Talks podcast wherever you get your pods. Hosted on …

    Show notes
    A brand new podcast having the conversations that changed everything for Ireland's leading business people, please like, follow and subscribe to Business Plus Talks podcast wherever you get your pods.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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