1% Better

In this epic episode, I talk with Anna Dolce. Anna is a life and business strategist, restaurant expert, hospitality zealot, writer and speaker. Her consulting and coaching work has attracted global clients in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, healthcare, real estate, professional sports, music and other industries.We connected on Instagram after I took notice of her posts and video snippets. I then reached out to see if she’d be interested in recording a conversation and I was delighted that she agreed. As you’ll hear, it was a fascinating conversation. I’m probably biased but whatever! We talked for nearly two hours and the time flew as Anna tells her story from growing up in Georgia while it was under the Soviet Union, becoming Miss Georgia twice a after being selected to be in a beauty pageant, moving to the US, firstly to New York and then to Florida where she talks about so much of the challenges, opportunities and lessons she learned over the last 15+ years. These all lead her to the path she’s now

In this second part of the John Wall Interview, we go deep into his career of becoming an entrepreneur. I also go into the usual set of rapid fire questions towards the end of the show where to touch on many topics and habits John has. I have to say this part is more loaded with lessons learned and 1% Better tips than the first part. So definitely worth a listen in.In the 75mins or so, we discuss and chat on topics including:Planning on going out on his ownWhat makes a successful entrepreneurProcess the learning from your mistakesDealing with being Fired (twice in 9 months)Modern living, Impacts the internet is having on our intelligence and thinking processRisk Management & StrategyStarting up pre-Celtic tiger, building the team and facing big challengesPicking what you want to be famous forMix your passion and understanding of ‘something’ to be relevant to the marketReflections from the career so farRapid Fire Q&A on trusting the gut, fears of losing it all, best advice, favourite books and lots mor

In this two parter, I talk with John Wall. John describes himself as a moderately successful entrepreneur but he’s being quite modest. He's had very interesting career and we go into this during the course of our conversation. This was one of the first shows I recorded and still one of the most captivating conversations I’ve done. I’ve know John for a few years and asked him to speak at a PMI event about his career last year. That night, I had to cut him short (to the audience and my own misfortune). I didn’t think about a year later I’d be recording his story for a podcast but he was one of the first people on my list when I started out on this journey and he didn’t disappoint, as you’ll hear.While my other podcasts so far have been about shorter, this one was so broad ranging and we went down some many interesting rabbit holes, I couldn’t resist keeping the recorder running. Rather than edit out so much great learning and stories, I’ve decided to break it into two episodes for your enjoyment. It’s one not

In this episode, I was delighted to continue the theme of nationally known guests that have a link to Longford, Sinéad Hussey is a multimedia journalist with RTÉ. She is specifically assigned to the 9 O’Clock news at RTE. She has been working in the media industry since leaving education, and has accumulated lots of journalistic experience.She has a BA in arts with Spanish and Economics from Maynooth University, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Communications, Radio and Television from Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.She started her career in the media in 2004 with Shannonside FM, where she worked as a broadcast journalist until 2006. She worked in North-West Radio in Donegal for a stint and then worked in LMFM in Drogheda. After this, she moved on to work with Newstalk FM as a broadcast journalist. Sinéad worked with Newstalk for almost five years, leaving in 2011. This was an amazing learning experience for Sinéad and during this she got to cover such an amazing array of event. She was frequently cove

Ben Pridmore is a three time World Memory Champion winning the title 2004, 2008 and 2009 . He achieved this by winning a 10-discipline competition in the World Memory Championship, which has taken place every year since 1991. He has also earned the prestigious title of Master of Memory. During our hour talk, I get a real sense of what makes Ben tick, his very humble, honest and humorous demeanour and I learn a lot about the world of memory!He held the official world record for memorizing the order of a randomly shuffled 52-card deck, and has memorised a pack in a time of 24.68 seconds on television. We talk about how he does this and he gives out a technique that anyone can use. I’m currently practicing for fun as part of my monthly challenges. Besides memory sports he is famous for his mental calculation skills and took part in the Mental Calculation World Cup in 2004, 2006 and 2010. Ben says he has an IQ of 159 putting him in the genius range but doesn’t think too much about it and only joined Mensa to tal

Veda Lady is a stunt queen, a drag queen, a club promoter, and a performer for the last 20 years. Working in Drag for most of this time. Veda has been performing a show called ‘Witchy Wednesday’ in the George in Dublin for the last 18 years and still loves doing it. We talk about being a wife/husband/domestic goodness and discuss how Veda has found a very good work life balance.During the show, we talk about growing up, finding a passion for dressing up and pretending to be Sheena Easton at the age 5 or 6. Veda talks about being in musicals as a kid playing Danny in Greece but always very keen to get dressed up and perform. Veda describes how growing up Gay at this time in Ireland was very difficult and as Veda says you feel every single bruise growing up. But this only made Veda stronger and pushed through. It wasn’t an easy journey but there was no compromise.Veda visited a friend in San Francisco and this was a seminal moment when things changed. Here Veda saw a performer called Steve Lady and her swagge

** Full show notes on the episode page for this show here - www.robofthegreen.ie/episodes/ep22-declanfahySo another week, another episode. This one is with Declan Fahy who is a Journalist that has worked for the Irish Times, the Daily Mirror & the Longford Leader. He is now a professor in DCU in Communications & Journalism, and a published Author with the book 'The New Celebrity Scientists: Out of the Lab and Into the Limelight'. He’s also a friend that I grew up with in Longford, which made it all the more enjoyable to record.During the conversation, we talked about Declan being from Longford, but being born in Zambia as his parents were travelling and living there at the time. Declan talks about his love of books and reading from a very early age and this has stayed with him all the way through his life. How this lead him to a Journalism degree in DCU starting in 1995. We discuss Declan’s experience moving from Longford to the big smoke and how this took time to get settled in.Declan talks about his

It’s not every day I get to interview a guest that would be considered a legend in Football circles. And if you have an interest in football, you’ll love this episode. Even if you don't, you'll still love hearing Bobby talk about his life story.Bobby’s career included scoring goals. In the FA cup final and for England at Wembley. He narrowly missed out on the England team for the 1966 world cup and also played against George Best during his career. Bobby scored 202 goals for Chelsea and was their record goal scorer until just a few years ago when Frank Lampard broke it.We talk about Bobby’s early days playing football in school. Literally playing with jumpers for goal posts in the local park. His talent was there from a young age and was playing at an under 15 level at the age of 10. He played as a left winger and as a centre forward in the early days. While playing for Hampshire, he got noticed by scouts and started to play for England schoolboy under 15s. This was a big break. Soon after, Chelsea came calli

In this episode, I talk with Cathy Walsh, a freelance artist or better described as choreographer and performer. She is originally from Cork but now is based in Berlin where she performs, and works on her art.During our conversation, we talk about how Cathy got into theatre and dance growing up. She attended a degree in Theatre in UCC and during University really found her passion was for dance. We dig into how this arose, and the components involved in creating a piece of work.Cathy talks about learnings that she’s taken from many of her experiences during her career so far including Dancing at the Wexford Opera festival, working at the Daghdha Dance School in Limerick for over a year, and we go into details about the Ponderosa movement and discovery organization which Cathy is currently very closely linked to in Berlin.As always in the podcast, I look to find out what success means to my guest, what values, goals and inspirations drive Cathy, what advice she can share from her journey so far and talk about

In this episode, I interview John Carey, of UFirstCoaching (www.ufirstcoaching.com), which is a Performance coaching and success company. He set up it up in 2002 and has been focusing on humans and teams working better. This has become John’s life work since then!This is one where we get deep into performance coaching. Team Coaching. How to make marginal improvement that have a big impact. John bring a wealth of experience to this area and from the very start of this one, we get into human potential, how to improve, how we have survived and ways in which we can become better in any field that we’re involved in. I met John at a PMI event in March where he talked about personal branding and improving yourself. He shared tips that night that we discuss here and also get into much more detail on strategies you can use to improve. Using Logic, which John calls as the religion of the 21st century, you can make big improvements quickly.John talks about his work with the Cork hurling team in 2005 and 2006 where they

In this episode, I talk with Nanci Creedon who is Irelands leading dog behaviour expert. She is a regular contributor to the RTÉ Today show, radio and print media and an award winning entrepreneur. We recorded the show in her Doggie Day Care center just outside Cork City and, as you’ll hear, it’s quite a busy place! The barking in the background adds great atmosphere to the show however!Nanci has always been crazy about dogs but didn't see a possible career in this in her early years. When she finished her zoology degree, she set up a Dog walking and Pet Grooming business. The success here lead her to taking the big leap of faith and opening the Doggie Day Care in 2010 at the wise old age of 24! Since then she’s been working and studying non-stop and the business has gone from strength to strength. In 2013, She became the first certified Dog Behaviourist in Ireland and, also in 2013, Nanci opened Creedon’s college as well where she looks to share her knowable and experience to others that with to gain the Qu

In this episode, I talk with Eoin Tynan, who is the MD of St. Mel’s Brewing Company. Who, along with his co-founder, Liam Hanlon, set up the Company. St. Mel’s Brewing company produce Craft beers and very tasty ones at that. Liam is a brew master by training and brought his biotech skills and Eoin brought this business skills to the table. They set up in October 2013 and started to produce May 2014 and with first sales June 2014. When Liam provided liquid refreshments at Eoin’s wedding, they started to think about doing this seriously. From there, they started put the plan in place and things started to take shape. We go into details about setting up the company. Juggling the day jobs, getting funding, and proving to investors that this a serious proposal. It worked and the started production in 2014. We talked about building the business, distribution, creating new flavours, and marketing the beer. Since them, they’ve gone from strength to strength since them to the point at which now they’re selling Beer to

In this episode, I talk with David Saunders. David is from Kerry, teaches in Cork and is a member of the Irish Amputee Football Team. He also is starting to give motivational talks on his journey, resilience and mental health.In our conversation, David talks about his life growing up in Kerry and his interest in all sports as young boy. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his ankle which lead to an amputation. Only a year later, the cancer returned in the lower leg and a further amputation was needed. David talks through these extremely tough challenges and how he managed to beat cancer, stay positive, develop resilience and became stronger for it.We talk about his work as a teacher and how he’s bringing mindfulness into class. We also go into details on how David got involved with the Irish Amputee National team, how the game is played, and hopes for the upcoming European championships in Turkey. We also chat about David recently starting to give talks on his own story and linking this to

Oh yes, it's back by popular demand!!! The 1% Better VoxPop!!After making its debut a couple of weeks ago, and (for the most part) being well received, it’s coming back for another airing (literally). This time round, we’re going full Project Management style with the show....and combining it with the 1% Better theme!! I recorded this show during the PMI Ireland National Conference at the Aviva Stadium on May 4th 2017. This was an action packed conference with a great selection of speakers and over 350 attendees. Project Management is something I think we all do in one way or another. We all plan a bit, take and manage risks, create To-Do lists and ultimately want to get value or benefits from what we do with our time & resources (sorry for all the PM lingo). So, to prove this, I asked a random selection of the guests a 1% Better question relating to Project Management!!After much consideration and debate (with myself), the question I landed on asks to what one (or two things) do you (the guest) do from t

This is an episode of firsts for the 1% Better Podcast. It's the first conversation I've recorded with a Psychic Medium and Clairaudient. It's the first show I've recorded over Skype as Helfi is based in LA (sound quality is pretty good which is great as it opens up a whole new world of guests). It's a first for interviewing a guest as a result of an Instagram follow and, last but not least, it's the first time I've talked to anyone that talked with George Michael (while he's been living or dead). Needless to say, this was a fascinating hour long conversation.During the conversation, we talk about how Helfi started to become aware of these 'gifts' from a young age. How her Mother and Grandmother had similar skills. We discuss her life growing up in Paris and initially working as a Journalist and a TV producer in France.Around the age of 18, she started to read tarots cards and from there she started to tap further into the tools she had. She felt from then this was her destiny and purpose and she could help p

In this episode, I have an awesome conversation with Lisa Fallon. Lisa is the first team analyst for Cork City Football Club & the Northern Ireland National Team. She is also the Business Development Manager for Cork City FC and she also creates motivational videos for both sides in her 'spare time’!I joke with Lisa at the start of the show that her twitter account can’t fit in all the roles she’s playing in her professional life. It’s true. She is one busy lady that is very passionate about what she does.During our conversation we talk about:Lisa's burning passion for football from a very young age. Football was part of her family from her earliest memory.A big turning point, at the young age of 12, was when she watched the Liverpool v Arsenal 89 League decider with the Irish team and reminisces about talking with Frank Stapleton and Tony Cascarino during the gate.Only a year later, she managed to win a competition to conduct an interview with Frank Stapleton via a radio competition and this only further

Hi all & happy Friday\Weekend!!In this new spin off/pilot show of the 1% Better Podcast, I’ve decided to hit the streets of cities I visit and ask the locals what their 1% Better tip or advice would be to make you, the listeners, at least 1% Better. Over the coming week/months, when I visit a new city, I hope to capture the responses from the local folks to see if there are common trends and patterns that emerge and have a lot of fun while doing it. In this first edition of the VoxPoP show, I hit the streets and the bars (mainly bars) of Nashville with my two good friends and co-hosts for the day, Cormac Breslin (credited with naming 'robofthegreen') and Stacey Knox (a natural with the mic).Over the couple of days recording, we asked the good folks of Nashville what their one tip or piece of advice would be to the listeners that they could apply or take onboard to make themselves 1% Better. I’m hope you’ll enjoy this *fun* short episode of the show where we get a very good a mixture of advice from many ha

In this episode, I have a conversation with Fabio Grassi. Fabio is an executive coach and teacher at the IMI and also runs his own companies, CoreIdeas and Geode, where he aims to Inspire meaningful change. I think Fabio is one of the most interesting guys I’ve met in a long while and hearing his story and advice in recording this podcast only cemented this view. He’s been a musician, an engineer, a chef, an officer in the Italian Army and touches on all of this during our conversation. All of these experiences in his journey provided valuable learnings as he explains. He always had a passion for teaching, something ignited by the movie Dead Poets Society in the 80’s, and when he started working for IBM in the late 90’s, this desire resurface and it became very clear to Fabio that it was what he wanted to do. Within a year, he made this happen and his real educational journey started to move forward. He set his goal and his determination and drive made this happen. This happened again for Fabio in 2006 when h

In this episode, I talk with Maria Kidney, the co-founder of Brighter Communities Worldwide (originally called Friends of Londiani) about her own journey. Maria first travelled to Kenya in 2000 to climb mountains, and after a mugging incident in Nairobi she sought refuge in the Kenya Girl Guide Association. There she was inspired by the community development work done, and promised to return to Kenya again. Maria has held multiple roles in Brighter Communities Worldwide since 2002 including Chairperson, Board Member, Project Leader for volunteer groups, Trainer of volunteer groups and Project Leaders. We talk about early influences in school growing up in Cobh, the key takeaway from transition year in school that have stood to her later in life, studying Commerce in UCC and working in IT thereafter. She mentions learnings from Commerce and Management accounting that helped directly in setting up the Charity. Maria also reflects very fondly about her time on the J1 in the US.In 2006 Maria was awarded the Juni

In this show, I talk with Pat Lucey, CEO of ASPIRA and Vice President of PMI Ireland Chapter. I’ve known Pat for a few years via the PMI Ireland Chapter and I targeted him early as I knew he'd have a great story. I was right. :)During the conversation, Pat shares his story that started in Patricks Well in Limerick, where he worked in his father’s petrol\gas station, before moving to University to study electrical engineering, after having to give up on his dream of being an astronaut when growing up!He talks about his part in the Berlin wall coming down while working in Germany in his first big role out of college. After returning to Ireland, he talks about his time in Motorola working with brick like Car phones before making a move into Project Management (by accident). After 17 years with Motorola, Pat explains, he took a chance and started up a business with a few colleagues becoming an 'accidental entrepreneur'.Now, almost 10 years later, ASPIRA is still going strong and has sold software to every corner