The Morrison Legacy Foundation: https://morrisonlegacy.com/
The Morrison Legacy Foundation: https://morrisonlegacy.com/
In this episode of the Digital Irish Podcast, we explore how curiosity, experimentation, and a single bold decision can shape an entire life and career. Feargal O'Sullivan — founder and CEO of USAM Group Inc., and a Morrison Visa recipient — shares his remarkable journey, from arriving in New York with no money and few plans to becoming a technology leader helping global companies grow.
Feargal is a proven leader with a rare talent for blending business insight with deep technical expertise. Before founding USAM in 2014 to help pioneering data and technology companies achieve sales success, he gained experience at BlackRock, Reuters, and the New York Stock Exchange, where he designed, sold, and deployed cutting-edge systems for some of the world’s most innovative financial services firms. His background gives him a deep understanding of financial markets and a unique ability to identify how technology can solve real business problems.
We dig into the mindset that drove Feargal to keep trying new things — from music tech to financial services — and how his path embodies the very spirit of the Morrison Visa. Along the way, he reflects on the lasting impact of the visa program, the founding of the Morrison Legacy initiative, and the ripple effects of immigration that are still felt across the Irish and American business worlds today.
Whether you're early in your journey or navigating a pivot, this episode is a reminder of what’s possible when you stay curious — and dare to begin.
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Crabbe, founder of FrontCover.io, a cutting-edge fintech solution transforming digital memberships in the entertainment industry. Alan shares the inspiring story behind FrontCover.io, born from his experience with crowdfunding for live music in Melbourne. He discusses the platform's unique features, its value proposition for venues, artists, and fans, and his ambitious plans for US expansion. Alan also delves into his current goals, including raising seed capital and connecting with potential partners and investors in the sports, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. If you're in the US and interested in innovative fintech solutions within these industries, this episode offers a valuable opportunity to connect with Alan and learn more about FrontCover.io.
Links:
FrontCover.io
Call to Action:
If you are in the US and have connections within the sports, hospitality, or entertainment industries, reach out to Alan Crabbe to explore potential partnerships or investment opportunities.
Want to join in DC? Sign up here: https://lu.ma/uw2h3cs6
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Costello, one of the earliest employees at Afterpay, to uncover the inside story of its incredible journey from a small startup to a publicly listed, multinational business. Alan shares his firsthand experiences navigating the highs and lows of startup life, the challenges of rapid scaling, and the near-shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on the pressures of going public, the shift from acquisition to retention, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Join us as we explore the remarkable growth of Afterpay and what the future holds for Alan.
Okay, here are comprehensive show notes for your podcast episode featuring Alan Costello and his journey with Afterpay:
Episode Title: From Startup to Public Listing: Alan Costello's Inside Story of Afterpay's Explosive Growth
Episode Description:
In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Costello, one of the earliest employees at Afterpay, to uncover the inside story of its incredible journey from a small startup to a publicly listed, multinational business. Alan shares his firsthand experiences navigating the highs and lows of startup life, the challenges of rapid scaling, and the near-shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on the pressures of going public, the shift from acquisition to retention, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Join us as we explore the remarkable growth of Afterpay and what the future holds for Alan.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of resilience and adaptability in startup life.
The challenges and rewards of rapid scaling and going public.
The impact of external factors, like COVID-19, on a growing business.
The importance of agility and pivoting during times of rapid change.
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we explore the growing global reach of Irish innovation, with a special focus on Australia as a key hub for Irish businesses and professionals. Digital Irish Australia is a chapter dedicated to fostering collaboration between the two nations, and in this episode, we sit down with Kian Jackson and Stephen Mullen, the dynamic leaders behind this initiative.
Kian and Stephen share their journey of moving from Ireland to Australia and the unique challenges and rewards they've experienced while building a vibrant community of Irish professionals. They discuss the key initiatives of Digital Irish Australia, the exciting opportunities they see for Irish tech and entrepreneurship, and how they’re actively strengthening the cultural and business ties between Ireland and Australia.
Join us as we dive into the opportunities that lie ahead for Irish professionals in Australia, the impact Digital Irish Australia aims to have on both the Irish and Australian markets, and how this community is helping individuals connect, collaborate, and grow in the ever-evolving global landscape.
https://lu.ma/vpyxacxg - Sydney event
https://lu.ma/a8dfsmb4 - Melbourne event
Contact Digital Irish Australia - https://au.linkedin.com/showcase/digital-irish-au/
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
This week we chat with John Hill, VP of Story at Whop (whop.com), about building community and driving impact at scale. We explore his journey from LinkedIn and Techstars to Whop, and the personal influences behind his drive.
Key Discussion Points:
Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msuaajohn/
Join us for an insightful conversation with Sophie Colgan, the host of the popular podcast "Navigating New York." Sophie shares her personal journey to the city that never sleeps, discussing the allure, challenges, and rewards of living in New York City.
In this episode, we delve into:
Sophie's Personal Journey: Learn about Sophie's motivations for moving to New York and the unique experiences that shaped her perspective.
The Birth of "Navigating New York": Discover the inspiration behind Sophie's podcast and how it has evolved to help countless listeners.
Insights and Impact: Gain valuable insights into the common questions and concerns of those considering a move to New York.
Learning Opportunities for Digital Irish Listeners: Learn how to leverage Sophie's expertise to make a successful transition to New York and thrive in this dynamic city.
Whether you're dreaming of a New York adventure or simply curious about life in the Big Apple, this episode offers invaluable advice and inspiration. Tune in to hear Sophie's firsthand experiences and expert guidance.
Links
Navigating New York Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dOsQbT5KFbHFIh6r1SeJ
Sign up for early access can Sophie's: Navigating New York Ultimate Guide Ebook on Friday 7th February: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sRQjGsZtw7abhd8elFLe3S76oa01Vky4YoMeWueROSs/viewform?edit_requested=true
Official Launch is Sunday February 9th!
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
In this episode of Digital Irish, we dive deep into the world of New York City real estate with Sara Kennedy, a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with the Noble Black & Partners Team at Douglas Elliman. Sara, a fellow Irish expat and a member of the Digital Irish Board, shares her invaluable expertise on navigating the NYC market. We cover:
Understanding the NYC Real Estate Landscape: Different property types (condos, co-ops, rentals), lease terms, security deposits, and utilities.
Challenges for Irish Renters: Building credit in the US, finding co-signers/guarantors, and overcoming common hurdles.
Tips for Finding an Apartment: Essential tips for apartment hunting in NYC, including leveraging resources and navigating the competitive market.
Key Differences Between Irish and US Real Estate Markets: Important considerations for Irish buyers and renters, including tax implications and cultural nuances.
Must-Know Resources: Essential resources for Irish people moving to NYC that can provide valuable information and support.
Links:
Sara’s NYC Real Estate Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LcEoN2ZDf3qEk3AsiIEYP3ZPbbeGN0AE/view?usp=sharing
Connect with Sara Kennedy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-kennedy-424345106/
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
In this episode of the Digital Irish Podcast, we delve into the world of US immigration with Fiona McEntee, a leading immigration attorney and founder of McEntee Law Group. Fiona provides guidance on navigating the complexities of the US immigration system, with a special focus on visa options for Irish entrepreneurs and startups.
We explore a range of topics, including:
Understanding different visa types: Learn about the various visa options available to Irish citizens, including those specifically designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled workers.
Navigating the application process: Gain valuable insights into the intricacies of the application process, including required documentation, timelines, and potential challenges.
Staying informed about policy changes: Discover strategies for staying up-to-date on the latest immigration policies and preparing for potential changes that may impact your plans.
Building a successful business in the US: Benefit from Fiona's expertise and learn from her own entrepreneurial journey and her ongoing mentorship of startups.
This episode offers invaluable information for anyone considering immigration to the United States, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a skilled professional, or simply planning a longer stay in the country.
Links
Download Fiona's Ebook on Immigration for Startups: https://app.lawmatics.com/forms/share/45e8ce5b-434e-40a6-9a09-71948cb0b8f6
Fiona's Children's Book: https://www.ouramericandreambooks.com/
Nouvie (Non-Alcoholic Wine): https://www.drinknouvie.com/
McEntee Law Group: https://mcenteelaw.com/
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
Join us as we sit down with Dermot McCormack, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, affectionately known as "Digital Dermot from Dublin." Dermot takes us on a full circle journey through his remarkable career, from his early days as a young engineer to his current role as a mentor and investor.
We’ll delve into his early career, exploring his move to the US and his involvement in the internet boom of the 90s. Dermot will discuss the most rewarding aspects of his career and the story behind his unique nickname.
We’ll also dive into the highs and lows of his startup experiences, including IPOs and bankruptcies. Dermot will share valuable lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasizing the importance of strong advisors and resilience in the face of adversity.
As a mentor and investor, Dermot discusses his approach to supporting startups and the qualities he seeks in founders. We’ll explore his passion for the startup world and his vision for the future of tech, media, and entrepreneurship.
Tune in to this insightful conversation to gain valuable insights from a true industry veteran who has come full circle in his career.
Additional Resources:
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
Join us as we sit down with Barry O'Reilly, a renowned entrepreneur, author, and business advisor, to discuss the future of innovation, the power of unlearning, and the art of building a successful venture studio. We'll delve into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of embracing failure, and the role of technology in shaping the future of business.
Key Takeaways:
The Venture Studio Model: Learn how Barry's venture studio, Nobody Studios, is revolutionizing the startup landscape by creating 100 companies in five years.
Embracing Challenges: Understand why seeking out challenges can fuel entrepreneurial growth.
The Role of Failure: Learn how to view failure as a stepping stone to success.
The Future of Innovation: Explore the concept of "active irrationality" and how it drives groundbreaking ideas.
About Barry O'Reilly:
Barry O'Reilly is a business advisor, entrepreneur, and author who has pioneered the intersection of business model innovation, product development, organizational design, and culture transformation. He is the co-founder of Nobody Studios, a crowd-infused, high-velocity venture studio with the mission to create 100 compelling companies over the next 5 years.
Additional Resources:
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
In this episode of Digital Irish, we sit down with Conor Lyden, the founder and CEO of Trustap. Conor shares his journey from early entrepreneurial experiences to creating a groundbreaking solution for secure online transactions.
We delve into Conor's background, exploring how his engineering education and early business ventures shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Discover the personal frustrations that led to the creation of Trustap and how it addresses the security concerns of traditional payment platforms.
Conor discusses Trustap's unique features, benefits for both buyers and sellers, and his vision for the future of the company. We also explore how listeners can learn more about Trustap and support its growth.
Don't miss this insightful conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of online transactions.
www.irishyank.com
Join us as we sit down with Daniel McKenna, the charismatic Irish Yank, to uncover the incredible journey that transformed him into a renowned fitness expert and app creator.
Discover how a chance encounter led to a career shift, and how Daniel's unwavering determination helped him overcome challenges to build a thriving fitness community. We delve into his experiences in the demanding New York City fitness scene, exploring how his Irish roots shaped his unique approach to training.
Daniel shares insights into the creation of his fitness app, designed to empower individuals to achieve their health goals. Learn about the inspiration behind the app, the challenges faced, and the exciting future it holds.
Get ready to be motivated as Daniel shares his inspiring message and encourages listeners to embark on their own fitness journeys. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable tips, laughter, and a whole lot of Irish charm!
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
Join us on this episode as we delve into the world of fitness technology with Emma Meehan, the founder of Precision Sports Technology. Emma, a computer scientist, weightlifter, and qualified personal trainer, is on a mission to revolutionize exercise through real-time movement analysis.
In this episode, you'll hear:
How Emma's unique background in software engineering and weightlifting led to the creation of Precision Sports Technology.
The journey from initial concept to a full-fledged app, including the challenges and aha moments of development.
How Precision Sports Technology leverages computer vision and AI to provide a more comprehensive picture of user movement compared to wearables or expensive 3D bio-mechanical labs.
The power of immediate feedback for improving technique and safety compared to traditional coaching methods.
The exciting potential of Precision Sports Technology in physical therapy, athletic training, and for users of all fitness levels.
The early impact of the app and Emma's vision for the future of personalized fitness on a global scale.
Plus, we'll find out how listeners of The Digital Irish Podcast can support Precision Sports Technology's mission!
Recent honors:
Best New Business at the Irish Sport Awards with details here: https://www.irishsport.ie/emma-meehan-i-am-absolutely-thrilled-to-bits-i-really-didnt-expect-to-be-here-and-its-a-massive-honor-to-be-recognised
KPMG Global Tech Innovator of the Year Finalist. Winner not to be announced until September, so they’re letting us lap up this hype for the summer! https://kpmg.com/ie/en/home/insights/2024/02/global-tech-innovator/global-tech-innovator-finalists.html
This episode is perfect for:
Performance Specialists, fitness enthusiasts and athletes
Anyone interested in the intersection of technology and exercise.
Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas considering a leap of faith.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation!
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
https://irishstartupweek.com/
Calling all Irish founders and New York tech enthusiasts! This episode is your one-stop shop for everything Irish Startup Week NYC 2024. We delve into this exciting event designed to bridge the gap between the Irish and NYC startup ecosystems.
First, we chat with Chris Walla, formerly of Dogpatch Labs and the mastermind behind Irish Startup Week. Chris shares the inspiration behind the event, highlights from the successful 2023 edition, and what attendees can expect this October. He also offers invaluable advice for Irish startups looking to scale in the US and make the most of their Irish Startup Week experience.
Next, we hear from Marie Toft, founder of Emotionise.AI, who attended the 2023 event. Marie provides a firsthand perspective, discussing the event's impact, the connections she made, and how she plans to leverage them to propel Emotionise.AI forward. Plus, she shares tips to help attendees get the most out of Irish Startup Week NYC 2024.
Whether you're a seasoned founder or a curious entrepreneur, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to:
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with the vibrant Irish and NYC tech communities! Tune in and get ready to take your startup journey to the next level!
Who's on today's episode:
On May 2nd we hosted “Designing Revenue: Lessons from Spotify’s Gearóid O’Rourke“, at Spotify’s incredible offices at 4 World Trade Center.
Gearóid is a Design Director at Spotify, where he leads the team building Spotify’s Advertising Platform. Advertising on Spotify allows more that 350M people worldwide access all of Spotify’s content for free.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Irish Startup Week 2024! Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s Irish Startup Week will take place from October 1st through 3rd, featuring a curated series of public and private events designed to strengthen the bond between the Irish and NYC startup ecosystems.
Registration for Irish Startup Week 2024 is now open until July 2nd, 2024.
We’re delighted to welcome Granite Digital as our newest sponsor of Digital Irish.
Granite’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to collaborating on exciting initiatives that will benefit our members.
The Digital Irish Summer Drinks is a chance to network, meet new people and make connections within the Irish Tech and Digital community in London.
Taking place during London Tech Week, we are keeping this one agenda free to make space for quality chats over drinks. Numbers are limited to don't miss the chance to join us by registering now.
This is collaboration with and co-hosted by Taylor Wessing, Enterprise Ireland and Sonalake!
This episode dives into the fascinating career journey of Sarah Surgenor, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Sarah Surgenor is passionate about changing how behavioral healthcare is accessed and discussed. A communications expert with 20 years of national and international experience, Sarah began her career working in television production and program development for Ireland’s national television station, before moving to healthcare communications.
As Head of Communications and Fundraising for St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Sarah created the communications and marketing department and spent a decade establishing the service as Ireland’s foremost mental healthcare provider. In the US, Sarah has been a communications leader in the for profit and not-for-profit sectors.
In her current position as the Vice President of Marketing Communications, Sarah defines and develops strategic marketing communications for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
We explore:
Her surprising pivot from Irish television production to mental health communications.
The contrasting landscapes of mental health support in Ireland vs. the US.
Promising practices and trends emerging in mental healthcare.
Sarah's vision for the future of mental health and her own aspirations within the field.
Join us for an insightful conversation that breaks down barriers and sheds light on the ever-evolving world of mental health!
Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com
On March 26th 2024, we hosted “From Northern Ireland to the C-Suite of Silicon Valley: A Discussion With Sarah Friar” in New York City.
Sarah Friar is Chief Executive Officer of Nextdoor where she leads a team that revolutionizes the way people connect and build community. Before joining Nextdoor, Sarah served as CFO at Square, SVP of Finance & Strategy at Salesforce, and lead software analyst and Business Unit Leader at Goldman Sachs.
While serving as CFO at Square, Sarah launched its initial public offering in 2015 and added $30B in market cap. She sits on the boards of directors of Walmart and ConsenSys, as well as the advisory boards of HOPE Global and the Blavatnik School of Government. She is the co-founder of Ladies Who Launch, a nonprofit that celebrates and empowers women and non-binary entrepreneurs. Sarah earned her MEng in Metallurgy, Economics, and Management from the University of Oxford and her MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where she graduated as an Arjay Miller scholar. She holds an honorary doctorate from Ulster University and in 2019 was granted an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services to entrepreneurship.
Sarah is from Northern Ireland, has lived in South Africa, and now lives in Northern California with her husband and two children.
This episode is a live-recording of the event with Sarah, in conversation with Digital Irish and CNN Underscored's Rachel Quigley.
In this episode, we delve into the thriving Irish startup scene and the role of alternative investments in fueling its growth. We're joined by Alan Merriman, the Co-Founder and CEO of Elkstone, Ireland's alternative investment specialists, who leads a team of over 60 professionals dedicated to crafting bespoke investment solutions for diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, executives, institutions, and, crucially, the Irish Diaspora.
Unpacking the Irish Advantage:
We explore the key factors that led Elkstone to broaden its focus on the Irish market, capitalizing on its unique position and expertise.
Alan elaborates on the strategic decision to expand across all three of Elkstone's business lines, venturing beyond a single focus. We delve into specific sectors within the alternative investment landscape that hold promise and align with Elkstone's mission.
Bridging the Gap: Empowering the Diaspora:
We unpack Elkstone's commitment to forging a stronger connection with the Irish Diaspora, fostering their involvement in alternative investments.
Alan sheds light on how Elkstone measures the impact of its investments, not just in terms of economic value but also on the overall well-being of Ireland and its broader mission of enabling impactful investments.
Join us for an insightful conversation that sheds light on:
The evolving Irish alternative investment landscape and its exciting potential.
How Elkstone tailors investments for diverse clients, including the Irish Diaspora.
Elkstone's approach to measuring the impact of its investments beyond just financial returns.
Tune in and discover how Ireland is becoming a hub for innovation and how you can be part of its journey!
