The Rise Up Podcast

In the first episode of season three, Rachel Hennessy joins Susan to chat about making the leap from a very traditional role into entrepreneurship.

Welcome to episode one of The Rise Up Podcast brought to you by Rise Up and hosted by Susan Dwyer.  In this episode, Susan meets Pat Kane of Reuzi who talks about her foundations in feminism, her passion for sustainable living and her advice for other female entrepreneurs trying to maintain a business.  For more on Reuzi see reuzi.ie.  To keep up to date with the Rise Up community, events and future episodes visit Joinriseup.com. 

In this episode, Kel Galavan shares her personal journey with money – from getting into debt to taking on a no-spend year, and ultimately turning her finances (and her mindset) around. Packed with practical tips, we dive into how to reframe your relationship with money, build healthy financial habits, and start investing with confidence.Kel breaks down the difference between affluence and wealth, the five best ways to build wealth in Ireland, and how to maximise the value of your pension. We also cover how to get started in the stock market, the types of funds available, and why money doesn’t have to be scary.For so many women, financial empowerment isn’t something we were raised with – but this conversation is your toolkit to take control, start investing, and build long-term wealth for your future self.

Emma Maye’s story is one of courage, grit, and reinvention. From an early age, she faced the challenges of dyslexia and a difficult school experience, which taught her to persevere and find her own path. Later, after the sudden loss of her father, she stepped up to support her mother in managing his €1 billion property portfolio - navigating the pressures of NAMA and the immense stress that came with it.Emma shares how grief impacted her, but also how she found strength on the other side - new ventures, building hundreds of homes, and buying and selling businesses. We also talk about advocating for yourself in male-dominated industries, learning to get out of your own way, and discovering the things that bring true joy, from music and sport to becoming a funeral celebrant.This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and finding light through life’s toughest moments.

In this episode, Susan chats with Siobhán Lam, founder of April and the Bear, about her journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to creating one of Ireland’s most-loved interiors brands. Siobhán shares how spotting a gap in the market led her to start her own business, the resilience it takes to keep going, and why reframing failure has been key to her success.They explore the skills that have shaped her founder journey - creativity, determination, and the belief that you can do anything you put your mind to. Plus, Siobhán offers her tips for designing a room full of personality and style. 

In this episode with Lisa Hughes, we dive into why so many of us are craving deeper connection in today’s digital world. We explore practical ways to build your tribe and find meaning at work, as well as the power of friendships and the different types of friends we all need. We also talk about endings—whether that’s friendship breakups, divorce, leaving a job, or starting over—and how to navigate those transitions with intention. Most importantly, we reflect on the importance of paying attention to our lives and tuning in to what truly makes us feel good.

In this insightful episode, we speak to Aisling Curtis and Amy Ball, market leaders at PwC, about the transformative power of AI and generative technologies. Explore how AI is reshaping industries, the challenges and opportunities it brings, and how leaders can harness its potential to create meaningful impact. From navigating digital burnout to empowering women in STEM, Aisling and Amy share valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and thriving in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable career journey of Wendy Harris, former Goldman Sachs trade of a former Goldman Sachs trader turned tech sales VP and author. She shares her insights on reinvention, emphasizing the power of bravery, self-advocacy, and embracing your identity to create the career and life you deserve. We explore topics like choosing the right boss, balancing health with work, and managing anxiety in high-pressure environments. She also discusses navigating societal expectations, strategies for accelerating promotions, and the importance of speaking up in meetings. Finally, we uncover her passion for horses, the motivations behind her book, and the skills that have shaped her success.

Join us as we chat with two inspiring sisters who co-founded the tech company TALY. In this episode, they share the unique dynamics of working together as family and business partners, along with the challenges, successes, and hard-won lessons they’ve encountered on their journey. Tune in for insights on early startup hurdles, navigating investment, and advice for founders entering the fundraising landscape.  

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Johnson, CIO at Pipedrive and board member of Women in Technology and Science (WITS) Ireland, to explore her inspiring journey in tech. From her early influences and the power of education to her decision to pursue a career in technology, Andrea shares insights into what shaped her path to success. Andrea highlights the power of finding your tribe and surrounding yourself with the right people, offering practical advice for those considering a career in STEM. She also reflects on key moments, challenges, and how she navigated them with the support of her network.

In this episode, Jenny Johnson, CEO of Azure Communications, shares her journey from marketer to CEO, offering key marketing tips and insights on what makes a great marketer. She talks about building resilience, and the importance of getting back up after setbacks. Jenny also discusses leading with empathy, why flexible work is essential for her and her team, and the power of peer-to-peer support for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and balancing career and family life.  

In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Bloom, a dedicated yoga teacher, to explore her personal journey into yoga and how it led her to discover a deep connection with India’s culture and way of life. We discuss the importance of tapping into our intuition, the power of taking time each day to simply do nothing, and how the world around us serves as a mirror to our inner selves. Lucy shares her insights on staying true to your unique path without comparison, the transformative impact of self-compassion, and the practice of working with the moon to create meaningful rituals in your life

In this episode, Fidelma McGuirk, Founder and CEO of Payslip, shares her journey of building a global business from the West of Ireland. She discusses how her past experiences inspired the creation of Payslip, the importance of being laser-focused on solving the right problem, her experience of fundraising and hiring top talent. Fidelma also delves into her leadership approach, strategies for scaling, winning global customers, and how to attract and retain top-tier talent while growing a business from a regional base to a global stage.

In this episode, Clare McKenna, TV presenter and media professional, shares her journey of building a fulfilling career in broadcasting. We dive into the importance of pursuing aligned opportunities, navigating the return to work after maternity leave, and how Clare has incorporated health and wellbeing into her life.

Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Design, shares her journey from marketing to leadership roles, the importance of self-awareness and coaching, and the unique culture and values of Kilkenny Designs. She also discusses the future of retail and the significance of maintaining culture amidst growth. Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Design, discusses the importance of company culture, psychological safety, leadership philosophy, talent spotting, and customer engagement. She emphasizes the value of being clear and kind, creating a supportive environment, and integrating work and personal life. Evelyn's passion for her role and the purpose of the business shines through, highlighting the importance of enjoying the journey and finding purpose in one's work.

Breda McCague shares her journey from the Irish Reserve Defence Forces to a career in banking and leadership coaching. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and a growth mindset in personal and professional development. Breda discusses the impact of leadership on culture and the need for self-awareness in order to have a positive impact on others. She encourages individuals to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things, and highlights the power of language and mindset in shaping our experiences. In this conversation, Breda McCague discusses the importance of mindset and how our thoughts drive our emotions, behaviors, actions, and communication. She emphasizes the need to cultivate a growth mindset and challenge our thinking patterns. Breda shares strategies for developing a positive mindset, such as understanding our current thought patterns, analyzing the quality of our thoughts, and replacing negative beliefs with positive affirmations. She also highlights the power of visualization and manifesting our desired outcomes. Breda encourages individuals to tap into their imagination, engage their emotions, and have hope for a better future.

Geri, an interior designer, shares her journey and insights into the world of interior design. She discusses how her love for design began at a young age, influenced by her father's passion for fine art and antiques. Geri explains how spaces can impact our mood and the importance of intentional design in creating a comfortable and calming environment. She also shares her design process, which involves getting to know the client, gathering inspiration, and creating style boards. Geri emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration with clients to bring their vision to life. She shares her favorite parts of the job, including the excitement of starting a new project and seeing the client's reaction when their vision becomes a reality. Geri's own style is a mix of timeless and classic design with a modern twist. Geri discusses her approach to interior design, emphasizing the importance of incorporating natural materials and mixing antiques with modern elements. She advises on bringing personality into a home while maintaining timelessness, suggesting the use of bold colors in easily changeable elements like artwork. Geri also shares her insights on investing in key elements of a home, such as interior architecture and quality finishes. She highlights the significance of communication and technical knowledge in the design process and encourages designers to balance old and new elements. Geri also talks about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she has faced, and the importance of faith and passion. She offers advice for those on a budget, suggesting research, paint, and personal touches to add personality to a home. Geri also discusses the importance of work-life balance and shares her excitement for upcoming projects, including an interior design course and the renovation of her workspace.

Welcome to the Rise Up Podcast, the podcast that delves into the inspiring journeys of women from diverse backgrounds and industries. Join us as we explore the stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts who share invaluable life lessons they wish they had known earlier. Each episode is a deep dive into how these remarkable women navigated career hurdles, embraced risks, and learned from their failures. Through candid conversations, they offer insights, strategies, and pearls of wisdom to empower you on your own career journey. Tune in and let these incredible stories fuel your ambition and drive you towards your goals, whatever they may be.

Welcome to the Rise Up Podcast, the podcast that delves into the inspiring journeys of women from diverse backgrounds and industries. Join us as we explore the stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts who share invaluable life lessons they wish they had known earlier. Each episode is a deep dive into how these remarkable women navigated career hurdles, embraced risks, and learned from their failures. Through candid conversations, they offer insights, strategies, and pearls of wisdom to empower you on your own career journey. Tune in and let these incredible stories fuel your ambition and drive you towards your goals, whatever they may be.