Real Business Conversations with Kinore

Real Business Conversations is a monthly podcast from Kinore, hosted by CEO and founder Larissa Feeney. Each episode is an honest, unscripted conversation with a business owner or expert about the real story behind building and growing a business in Ireland.For decades, ambition itself has not been evenly distributed. Women were once nine times less likely than men to say they wanted to grow a business beyond themselves, and there was little support built to change that.This conversation traces how one piece of research turned into a nationwide movement: the peer-to-peer roundtable model behind Going for Growth, its rural counterpart ACORNS, and Back for Business for returning emigrants, along with what today's data says about ambition, role models and scaling a business.Joining Larissa is Paula Fitzsimons, founder of Fitzsimons Consulting. Paula was Ireland's national coordinator for the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for twenty years and has designed and led some of the country's best-known peer support initiatives for entrepreneurs, including Going for Growth, ACORNS and Back for Business.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTThe gender gap in start-up rates and growth ambitionHow one GEM statistic sparked Going for GrowthWhy peer-to-peer roundtables break psychological isolationBringing the model to rural Ireland through ACORNSSupporting returning emigrants through Back for BusinessGUEST DETAILSPaula Fitzsimons is the founder of Fitzsimons Consulting, specialising in entrepreneurship and growth. She was the national coordinator for the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) research project in Ireland for twenty years and served on the global board as President of the national teams for several years.Paula has designed and implemented tailored peer support programmes for entrepreneurs, including Going for Growth, now in its 18th cycle with more than 1,100 ambitious female entrepreneurs having taken part, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG. She also designed ACORNS, now in its 11th year with over 600 rural women involved, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Back for Business for returning emigrants, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Paula was appointed to the SME and Entrepreneurship Taskforce by the then Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in 2020.Website: www.fitzsimons-consulting.com | www.goingforgrowth.com | www.ACORNS.ieSocial Media: Paula Fitzsimons (LinkedIn)ABOUT KINOREKinore is an award winning and innovative online Chartered Accountancy service that takes away the worry and headache of running your own finance and related business services functions.https://kinore.com/ABOUT YOUR HOSTThe host of this podcast is Larissa Feeney, CEO and Founder of Kinore, an award-winning online accountancy and business services firm based in Ireland.Larissa's journey is notable, starting in hospitality before transitioning to accounting, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant.Driven by a vision to challenge traditional accountancy and leverage technology, Larissa founded Kinore in 2015, establishing Ireland's first online, remote-first Finance and Business Services company.Under her leadership, Kinore has received numerous accolades, and Larissa herself has been recognised with awards like 'Accountant of the Year'.QUOTESWhat's your vision for this business? Not just what's your vision for you, so that it's bigger than you. - Paula FitzsimonsIf you could see a woman who was a successful businesswoman, then you'd believe that you could do it. - Paula FitzsimonsIt broke down that psychological isolation and that feeling that you were the only one with imposter syndrome. - Paula FitzsimonsNo matter who he put a mic under, they were able to talk, and that's the way it should be. There's no favourites. - Paula FitzsimonsThe role models are there. They have to have the aspiration, the belief, the dedication, and then the support, as well as natural talent and hard work. - Paula FitzsimonsKEYWORDS#GoingForGrowth #FemaleEntrepreneurs #ACORNS #BackForBusiness #Kinore

Most founders stay stuck in survival mode because they confuse passion with strategy. True growth requires moving past the initial excitement and implementing the tight operational discipline that keeps a business alive.This conversation examines the difficult transition from survival to scaling a manufacturing business in a hyper-competitive market. The dialogue highlights the strategic necessity of supply chain control and the power of focusing on core competencies. Joining the conversation is Stephen Bell, Managing Director of Bell Lane Coffee.Stephen brings deep expertise in navigating regulated manufacturing markets, building direct-trade relationships, and successfully steering a business through the difficult teenage growth phase that every scaling company faces.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTOperational discipline as the primary driver of business longevity.The danger of dilution: focusing on core competencies to win.Building resilient supply chains to control costs.Managing the teenage years of a business without heavy debt.The role of financial literacy and cash flow management in scaling.GUEST DETAILSStephen Bell is the Managing Director of Bell Lane Coffee. He has successfully transitioned from a technical expert into a CEO, scaling his roasting business through a direct-trade model and avoiding the pitfalls of retail expansion. Stephen is an expert in navigating regulated manufacturing markets and maintaining operational discipline.Company Website - www.belllane.ieSocial Media:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-bell-85265538/ABOUT KINOREKinore is an award winning and innovative online Chartered Accountancy service that takes away the worry and headache of running your own finance and related business services functions. https://kinore.com/ ABOUT YOUR HOSTThe host of this podcast is Larissa Feeney, CEO and Founder of Kinore, an award-winning online accountancy and business services firm based in Ireland. Lasissa’s journey is notable, starting in hospitality before transitioning to accounting, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Driven by a vision to challenge traditional accountancy and leverage technology, Larissa founded Kinore in 2015, establishing Ireland's first online, remote-first Finance and Business Services company. Under her leadership, Kinore has received numerous accolades, and Larissa herself has been recognised with awards like 'Accountant of the Year'.QUOTES Passion gets a business started, but tight operational discipline is what actually keeps it alive. - Stephen BellYou have to fail to succeed, and you understand that. - Stephen BellWhen you're spending your own money, you learn very quickly. - Stephen BellKEYWORDS: #BellLaneCoffee #SpecialtyCoffee #BCorpCertification #DirectTrade #WholesaleCoffee

Managing a dispersed workforce often leads to unexpected regulatory friction and compliance risks. Business owners frequently struggle to maintain legal standards when hiring talent across multiple international jurisdictions.We explore how to bridge these gaps through robust infrastructure and smart employment strategies. This episode breaks down the complexities of international payroll, tax obligations, and the role of the employer of record.We are joined by Dee Coakley, CEO of Boundless. With deep operational expertise and a history of scaling high-growth tech companies, Dee shares the realities of building an award-winning platform that transforms how organizations manage remote international teams.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTOrigin story of Boundless and global expansion.Legal obligations of hiring remote international workers.Why Irish payroll fails for international employees.How to select a co-founder with complementary skills.Strategic benefits of the Boundless and Payoneer acquisition.GUEST DETAILSDee Coakley is the co-founder and CEO of Boundless, an Irish-founded tech platform that enables companies to hire and manage international talent. A seasoned operational leader and former COO, Dee brings vast experience in finance, legal, and HR systems to the global workforce space. Under her leadership, Boundless successfully scaled to 32 countries and was acquired by the global financial technology giant, Payoneer.Company Website - www.boundlesshq.comSocial Media:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deecoakley/ABOUT KINORE - AWARD WINNING ONLINE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSKinore is an award winning and innovative online Chartered Accountancy service that takes away the worry and headache of running your own finance and related business services functions. Kinore’s services include:Accountancy ServicesAnnual Compliance & Year-EndOnline Bookkeeping ServicesVAT ReturnsPayroll ServicesManagement AccountingXero Conversion & TrainingCompany Secretarial ServicesCompany Formation IrelandCompany SecretarialVirtual OfficeBond for Non-EEA resident DirectorsRegistration Of Beneficial Ownershiphttps://kinore.com/ ABOUT YOUR HOSTThe host of this podcast is Larissa Feeney, CEO and Founder of Kinore, an award-winning online accountancy and business services firm based in Ireland. Lasissa’s journey is notable, starting in hospitality before transitioning to accounting, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Driven by a vision to challenge traditional accountancy and leverage technology, Larissa founded Kinore in 2015, establishing Ireland's first online, remote-first Finance and Business Services company. Under her leadership, Kinore has received numerous accolades, and Larissa herself has been recognised with awards like 'Accountant of the Year'.QUOTES The individual is an employee in the country they live in, they're entitled to the rights of the country that they live in. -  Dee CoakleyI really enjoy working with people. I had no desire to be the dictator at the top of the organisation, where mine was the only voice that mattered. - Dee CoakleyWe act as the legal employer on our customers' behalf in the country where their workers are based, and that then allows us to process payroll on their behalf, pay the workers, pay the local tax authorities, pay local benefits providers on their behalf. - Dee CoakleyKeywords: #EmployerOfRecord #GlobalCompliance #InternationalHiring #PayrollManagement #BusinessScaling #RemoteWorkforce

Most entrepreneurs are great at building a company but struggle to master public perception and get their unique story heard. In a world flooded with AI-generated content and diminishing returns from traditional advertising, mastering reputation management is no longer a luxury but a core business requirement.The solution lies in creating earned media opportunities, pivoting from old SEO methods to generative engine optimisation, and understanding what makes a story cut through the noise. Discover the powerful yet simple strategies small businesses can use to build visibility and ultimately grow their customer base.Host Larissa Feeney welcomes media heavyweight Garrett Harte, founder of Harte Media. Garrett served as the first employee and Editor in Chief at Newstalk for 15 years, helping turn a local startup into a national powerhouse. He now consults for business leaders on mastering storytelling and reputation management.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTGuiding principle to beat the competition.Three unexpected pieces of business advice.AI is fundamentally changing SEO advertising.Focus on the desired media headline.Why business owners avoid doing press releases.GUEST DETAILSGarrett Harte is a highly respected media strategist and the founder of Harte Media, a Dublin-based consultancy specialising in strategic communications and reputation management. With a career spanning over two decades in the Irish media landscape, Garrett is best known for his 15-year tenure at Newstalk, where he served as Editor-in-Chief and was the station's very first employee. Under his leadership, Newstalk transitioned from a local Dublin station to a major national broadcaster. Today, he uses his deep "insider" knowledge of the newsroom to help business leaders craft compelling stories and navigate high-stakes public relations.Company Website - www.hartemedia.ieSocial Media: www.linkedin.com/in/garrettharteABOUT KINORE - AWARD WINNING ONLINE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSKinore is an award winning and innovative online Chartered Accountancy service that takes away the worry and headache of running your own finance and related business services functions. Kinore’s services include:Accountancy ServicesAnnual Compliance & Year-EndOnline Bookkeeping ServicesVAT ReturnsPayroll ServicesManagement AccountingXero Conversion & TrainingCompany Secretarial ServicesCompany Formation IrelandCompany SecretarialVirtual OfficeBond for Non-EEA resident DirectorsRegistration Of Beneficial Ownershiphttps://kinore.com/ ABOUT YOUR HOSTThe host of this podcast is Larissa Feeney, CEO and Founder of Kinore, an award-winning online accountancy and business services firm based in Ireland. Lasissa’s journey is notable, starting in hospitality before transitioning to accounting, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Driven by a vision to challenge traditional accountancy and leverage technology, Larissa founded Kinore in 2015, establishing Ireland's first online, remote-first Finance and Business Services company. Under her leadership, Kinore has received numerous accolades, and Larissa herself has been recognised with awards like 'Accountant of the Year'.QUOTES You need to find ways to tell your story in that independent third party media, because reputation isn't about what you say about yourself, it's what other people say about you. - Garrett Harte The idea you have today, Garrett, for your business, it'll be different in 12 months' time, so don't fall in love with it. -  Garrett Harte What's the one headline that you would like to see on the front page of Donegal Daily, the front page of Donegal Democrat, the front page of the business post. What would that headline be? - Garrett HarteKeywords: #EarnedMedia #ReputationManagement #BusinessGrowth #StartupLessons #DigitalStrategy

The leap from a great product idea to a sustainable, self-funded, international business is a massive hurdle for entrepreneurs. Scaling a brand while maintaining obsessive quality control and a digital-first approach requires discipline, intentional strategy, and a high tolerance for risk. This episode dives into the uncompromising philosophy of building a household name without external investment.Larissa Feeney sits down with Suzie O’Neill, the visionary Founder and CEO of Ayu Cosmetics, an Irish-owned, multi-award-winning beauty brand. Suzie shares her journey from a technical expert to a CEO leading over 30 employees, detailing her masterclass in identifying market gaps and prioritising long-term integrity over rapid mass-market growth.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTLeaving a secure job for necessityBootstrapping business to avoid debtWhy quality control beats launchesIntentional DTC model for luxuryLeader evolution: from tornado to CEOGUEST DETAILSSuzie O’Neill is the Founder and CEO of Ayu Cosmetics, an Irish-owned, multi-award-winning brand. A professional makeup artist by trade, she successfully scaled her business without external investment into a team of over 30 employees. Her business is built on a foundation of customer-centric innovation, brand integrity, and a meticulous direct-to-consumer strategy.Connect with Suzie:Company Website - www.ayu.ieSocial Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzie-o-neill-ayu/ABOUT KINORE - AWARD WINNING ONLINE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSKinore is an award winning and innovative online Chartered Accountancy service that takes away the worry and headache of running your own finance and related business services functions. Kinore’s services include:Accountancy ServicesAnnual Compliance & Year-EndOnline Bookkeeping ServicesVAT ReturnsPayroll ServicesManagement AccountingXero Conversion & TrainingCompany Secretarial ServicesCompany Formation IrelandCompany SecretarialVirtual OfficeBond for Non-EEA resident DirectorsRegistration Of Beneficial Ownershiphttps://kinore.com/ ABOUT YOUR HOSTThe host of this podcast is Larissa Feeney, CEO and Founder of Kinore, an award-winning online accountancy and business services firm based in Ireland. Lasissa’s journey is notable, starting in hospitality before transitioning to accounting, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Driven by a vision to challenge traditional accountancy and leverage technology, Larissa founded Kinore in 2015, establishing Ireland's first online, remote-first Finance and Business Services company. Under her leadership, Kinore has received numerous accolades, and Larissa herself has been recognised with awards like 'Accountant of the Year'.QUOTES You don't always have to have all the fancy stuff to begin with. - Suzie O'NeillI just didn't have a choice otherwise, like, things had to work, or else I was going back to work. - Suzie O'NeillYou're in business now, every day there's going to be a bump on the road, and you just have to learn how to ride them. - Suzie O'NeillKeywords: #BusinessFinance #ScalingUp #DTCStrategy #FounderStory #LeadershipTips