In this episode, Kevin Canning, CEO at Quintas Capital, shares his journey into investment and explains how the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) supports Irish growth by offering investors up to 50% income tax relief on qualifying investments in SMEs. Kevin outlines how Quintas Capital carefully selects companies for its EIIS Fund, targeting both social infrastructure and trading businesses, and why the scheme is particularly suited to contractors and investors seeking both financial returns and a tangible impact on the Irish economy.

He also highlights the partnership in place between Quintas Capital and Icon Accounting, providing practical guidance for those considering EIIS investments when contracting, and offers insights into future trends in Irish SME funding and investment opportunities.

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In this episode of Iconic Insights, we sit down with Karen Reilly, founder of Marketing Collective, to unpack her journey from working with big-name brands like Kerry Foods, Red Bull and Diageo, to striking out on her own. We explore what drives her, the mindset behind her move into self-employment, and how she’s helping business owners level up their marketing game.

If you’re self-employed, contracting, or thinking of making the leap, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, inspiration, and real talk about what it takes to thrive in today’s marketing and business world.

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In this episode of Iconic Insights, we sit down with Rabia Mirza, Founder & CEO of Leadership & HR Solutions, to explore her inspiring transition from corporate HR to entrepreneurship. Rabia shares her key learnings as a business owner, her passion for supporting professionals in their development, and the common leadership and HR challenges she helps organisations and individuals address.

We delve into the world of executive coaching, discussing how C-suite leaders benefit from tailored development, and how independent contractors can unlock their leadership potential — even without the support structure of a traditional organisation. Rabia also offers valuable insights into work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and the evolving landscape of leadership and people management in Ireland.

Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or self-employed contractor, Rabia’s advice and experiences provide practical inspiration for professional growth and sustainable success.

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In Season 2, Episode 3 of Iconic Insights, we’re joined by Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of the Open Doors Initiative, for an inspiring conversation about building an inclusive contractor and self-employed community in Ireland. Jeanne shares her personal journey into advocacy, the story behind the Open Doors Initiative, and how Open Doors is working with businesses to break down barriers and reshape access to opportunity.

We explore:

·        The Pathways to Progress programme and how it supports marginalised communities through training, education, and entrepreneurship.

·        Employers for Change and the tools available to support inclusive hiring of people with disabilities.

·        Practical steps self-employed professionals can take to mentor, train, and uplift diverse talent.

·        How small businesses and contractors can become champions for inclusive hiring within their networks.

If you’re a contractor, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to make a meaningful impact — this episode will leave you empowered to take action.

Because inclusion isn’t a box to tick — it’s a door to open. 🚪

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In this episode of Iconic Insights, we’re joined by long-time IT contractor Stephen Downey, who takes us through his 19-year journey in the world of contracting. From his early days navigating the dot-com era to his current work in the insurance sector, Stephen reflects on the lessons learned, the value of staying adaptable, and how contracting has empowered him to design a career that aligns with his passions.

Stephen opens up about the challenges he’s faced, including navigating burnout, gaps between contracts, and major life setbacks. He explains how cultivating the right mindset—grounded in mindfulness and self-awareness—has helped him overcome these hurdles, remain resilient, and ultimately thrive. He also shares the inspiration behind his powerful TEDx talk The Value of a Moment, and how appreciating the small things can shift both your personal and professional perspective.

This episode offers valuable insights into the evolving IT industry, the future of contracting, and the rise of AI in development workflows. Whether you’re just starting your contracting journey or seeking new ways to find balance and meaning in your work, this episode is packed with honest, heartfelt advice and practical wisdom from someone who’s walked the path.

🎧 Tune in now to hear why, when it comes to success in contracting, mindset really does matter.

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We’re kicking off Season 2 of Iconic Insights with a special episode celebrating International Recruiters Day! Joining us is Stephen Daly, a highly respected recruiter with over 22 years of experience in IT and Business Change recruitment. Stephen shares insights from his career journey, what keeps him motivated, and he also discusses an exciting new chapter—the rebrand of Eolas Recruitment to Fruition Group, where he serves as Director.

Throughout this episode, Stephen offers valuable insights into the recruitment process from a recruiter’s perspective, offering contractors expert advice on securing their next role, crafting standout CVs, preparing for interviews, and successfully navigating contract negotiations. We also explore the evolving perception of recruiters, the biggest challenges in the industry, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile.

This episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the contracting space—whether you're a recruiter, contractor, or client looking to hire top talent. 🎧 Tune in now to gain exclusive insights into IT contracting from one of Ireland’s top recruiters!

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

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

Join us for an engaging new episode of Iconic Insights as we welcome Geraldine King, CEO of the Employment & Recruitment Federation (ERF), to the podcast.

In this episode, Geraldine shares her expertise on becoming a Networking Ninja, revealing the strategies behind building meaningful professional connections and staying ahead in a competitive industry. Whether you’re looking to grow your network or stay informed about recruitment trends, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

We’ll also delve into Geraldine’s remarkable career journey to becoming CEO of the ERF and hear her thoughts on the latest updates in the recruitment sector in Ireland.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading voices!

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In this episode, Cuty shares her inspiring journey from moving to Ireland with dreams of becoming a surgeon, to discovering her passion for using technology to make businesses more efficient, starting the creation of her company, CozmoTec.

Cuty’s approach centres on simplifying workflows, saving time and constantly pushing boundaries to drive improvement. Despite starting without a tech background, she rapidly developed her skills, emphasising that technology is fundamentally about problem-solving, not just coding.

The episode highlights the work of CozmoTec, a business focused on providing bespoke solutions tailored to each client's needs, and discusses a key service offering, RecruitPro, designed to streamline recruitment and contractor management processes. RecruitPro automates tasks like compliance, timesheet approvals, invoicing and significantly reducing errors and freeing up time for recruitment agencies and contractors.

A key theme of the conversation is Cuty’s belief that anyone can embrace technology to enhance business efficiency, and she encourages people not to be intimidated by it. She explains how automation creates opportunities for creativity and growth, stressing the importance of staying informed and open to change.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on Cuty’s tech journey, her passion for efficiency, and how businesses can leverage technology to transform their operations.

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In this episode, Gerard Kiernan, founder of Icon Accounting, shares his journey to establishing Ireland's only trusted 5-star contractor accountancy practice. Gerard discusses his early career path, which involved work in different industries, including banking and accounting, before finding his entrepreneurial calling.

The conversation delves into the challenges of launching Icon Accounting in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis, and recounts how he grew the company step by step, navigating the complexities of the contracting market. Gerard also explores the evolution of Icon Accounting and the key factors that led to its success, including the shift toward digital automation, providing an all-inclusive service, and focusing on customer service and satisfaction.

His insights into the industry's changes, from contractor tax regulations to the rise of umbrella companies, offer a compelling look at how the company adapted and thrived in a competitive market. Throughout the episode, Gerard reflects on the importance of perseverance, maintaining strong client relationships, and embracing innovation.

His vision for the future of Icon Accounting involves continued growth, with a focus on technological advancement and supporting independent professionals in an ever-changing economic landscape. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the origins of Icon Accounting and Gerard Kiernan's perspective on the most significant shifts in the contractor industry since 2008.

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In this episode of Iconic Insights, Shona Cowley, founder of The Rainbow Vault and The Venture Vault, recounts her journey from studying computer science to becoming a successful graphic designer and entrepreneur.

Shona’s passion for empowering others is evident as she discusses her vision for Venture Vault, a platform designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in launching their own businesses. This initiative will provide resources such as branding and website-building tools, along with community support, offering the guidance she wished she had when starting out.

Throughout the podcast, Shona shares valuable insights on managing client relationships, setting boundaries, and understanding the value of your work. She emphasises the importance of choosing clients who value your contributions and being selective about the projects you take on. Shona also highlights the role of word-of-mouth in her success, noting that strong, trusting relationships with clients have been a key factor in her business growth.

Overall, Shona Cowley’s story provides actionable advice on creating a successful design strategy, blending creativity with a strategic approach, and persevering in business. Her client management insights and emphasis on value creation make her story particularly relevant for anyone seeking to excel in the competitive world of marketing and design.

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Not only do we welcome our first internal guests, but we also feature our first debate on the Iconic Insights series! Our guests include Svetlana Stoyanova, Team Lead for our Umbrella Company team, and Lyndsay Kealy, Head of Compliance and an expert on our Personal Limited Company solution.

Tune in to hear Svetlana and Lyndsay present their perspectives on the pros and cons of umbrella companies versus personal limited companies. Whether you're deciding on the best structure for your contracting business or simply curious about the options, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed choice.

Will you opt for the simplicity of an umbrella company or the independence of a personal limited company? Listen to the debate and decide for yourself!

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In our latest episode, we sit down with Gavin Fox, a go-to expert in the recruitment industry with 18 years of experience, specialising in contractor recruitment. Gavin, the Founder & Host of Dublin Tech Talks Meetups & Podcasts and co-owner of Needl, shares powerful strategies for setting rates and pricing, guiding contractors on how to transition from feeling undervalued to becoming unstoppable forces in their fields.

Discover how to understand market trends, nurture client relationships, and negotiate effectively to set yourself up for long-term success. Gavin's invaluable insights are a must-listen for every contractor looking to unleash their worth.

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

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