In this episode of Smooth Scaling, Marie sits down with Evelyn O’Toole, Founder and CEO of CLS (Complete Laboratory Solutions), to explore the remarkable journey of building one of Ireland’s leading scientific services companies. From humble beginnings in Connemara to becoming a national and international leader, Evelyn shares what gave her the courage to start, how she navigated key growth milestones, and the pivotal decisions that shaped CLS’s success.

We dive into the complexities of scaling a business in a highly regulated sector, balancing expansion with quality and technical excellence. Evelyn opens up about how her leadership evolved, the weight of responsibility she’s carried, and the resilience required to keep going during the hardest moments. She reflects on the role of innovation and technology in CLS’s growth, the strategy behind their recent €10 million training investment, and what the future holds -including international ambitions and staying rooted in the West of Ireland.

Honest, inspiring, and filled with practical wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and building something that lasts. Evelyn also shares what she’s most proud of, the advice she’d give to early-stage founders, and what the journey has taught her about herself.