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Empower Programme Podcast

Empower Programme Podcast

By Kayte O'Malley

Each week our host, Kayte O'Malley, is joined by an inspiring female entrepreneur from the Empower Programme for intimate chats about the highs and lows of running a business in the West of Ireland.

New episodes drop every Monday morning.

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S1 EP 2 - Melissa Moore The Retail Advisor

Empower Programme PodcastMay 31, 2021

00:00
31:48
S1 EP 9 - Sandra Nolan Empower Programme

S1 EP 9 - Sandra Nolan Empower Programme

On the final episode of Series 1, host Kayte O'Malley goes back to where it all began with Empower Programme Manager, Sandra Nolan. A veteran entrepreneur in her own right, Sandra worked in fashion retail for over 20 years running Ireland's leading hat shop The Galway Hat Shop and later adding an e-commerce site www.hatshop.ie to her portfolio. 

After completing an MBA in Business Admin and Management, Sandra embarked on a new challenge and stepped into her current role as manager of the Empower Programme. Check out the full podcast to hear about her journey with the Empower Programme. 

To learn more about the Empower Programme - https://www.empowerher.ie/

Nov 23, 202122:56
S1 EP 8 - Evy Perez Gerencia Cientifica
Jul 26, 202126:17
S1 EP 8 - Evy Perez Gerencia Cientifica - Trailer
Jul 26, 202101:05
S1 EP 7 - Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan Ella&Jo Cosmetics

S1 EP 7 - Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan Ella&Jo Cosmetics

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to dynamic duo Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan of Ella&Jo. The ladies talk about their favourite skincare products, making time for themselves and how they navigate being in business with your best friend.

About Ella & Jo

Ella & Jo cosmetics was created by Charlene Flanagan Makeup a makeup artist and all around beauty lover from sunny Sligo and Niamh Ryan a Skin Therapist from Mayo in 2017.

Both already peers in the industry and known as experts in their fields they teamed up together and Ella & Jo Cosmetics was born. Both extremely passionate about skin and empowering women, they noticed a gap in the market for functional and fun products that made every day easier for women and to help women see their skin care routines as much more than skincare, its self-care.

The brand has grown rapidly, It is in its fourth year is ready to now begin its expansion into new products and new markets.

Jul 12, 202131:14
S1 EP 7 - Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan Ella&Jo Cosmetics - Trailer

S1 EP 7 - Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan Ella&Jo Cosmetics - Trailer

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to dynamic duo Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan of Ella&Jo. The ladies talk about their favourite skincare products, making time for themselves and how they navigate being in business with your best friend. 

About Ella & Jo 

Ella & Jo cosmetics was created by Charlene Flanagan Makeup a makeup artist and all around beauty lover from sunny Sligo and Niamh Ryan a Skin Therapist from Mayo in 2017.

Both already peers in the industry and known as experts in their fields they teamed up together and Ella & Jo Cosmetics was born. Both extremely passionate about skin and empowering women, they noticed a gap in the market for functional and fun products that made every day easier for women and to help women see their skin care routines as much more than skincare, its self-care.

The brand has grown rapidly, It is in its fourth year is ready to now begin its expansion into new products and new markets.

Jul 12, 202100:49
S1 EP 6 - Helen Nolan Spraoi agus Sport

S1 EP 6 - Helen Nolan Spraoi agus Sport

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to social entrepreneur Helen Nolan about Spraoi agus Sport, a multi-award winning social enterprise in Carndonagh, Co Donegal. Helen talks about her decision to move back to Donegal to raise her family, her passion for the local community and why she thinks technology is so important for sustaining business in rural Ireland.

About Spraoi agus Spórt

Spraoi agus Spórt is an award winning social enterprise based in Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal providing excellent social, recreational and educational activities for the community which are focused on family development and which bring social, recreational and economic benefits to the area.

In April 2010 three friends and mums of young children Helen Nolan, Louise Grant and Ailbhe Hickey agreed to try and turn their dream of having a dedicated home for the Carndonagh Parent and Toddler Group “where parents could have a cup of tea and a chat while their children played” into a reality.  On Thursday, 17th November 2010, Spraoi agus Spórt opened its doors for the first time.

Spraoi agus Sport initially provided 100 places weekly, today they provide in excess of 600 places weekly on a wide range of classes.

They now have a full-time manager, 2 part-time programme co-coordinators, 2 part-time administrators and a marketing coordinator through the Community Services Programme.  They employ 20 facilitators on a part-time basis during the school year and a further 45 facilitators and special needs assistants during the school holidays.  They also have a pool of over 15 volunteers.

Jul 05, 202132:36
S1 EP 6 - Helen Nolan Spraoi agus Sport - Trailer

S1 EP 6 - Helen Nolan Spraoi agus Sport - Trailer

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to social entrepreneur Helen Nolan about Spraoi agus Sport, a multi-award winning social enterprise in Carndonagh, Co Donegal. Helen talks about her decision to move back to Donegal to raise her family, her passion for the local community and why she thinks technology is so important for sustaining business in rural Ireland. 

About Spraoi agus Spórt

Spraoi agus Spórt is an award winning social enterprise based in Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal providing excellent social, recreational and educational activities for the community which are focused on family development and which bring social, recreational and economic benefits to the area.

In April 2010 three friends and mums of young children Helen Nolan, Louise Grant and Ailbhe Hickey agreed to try and turn their dream of having a dedicated home for the Carndonagh Parent and Toddler Group “where parents could have a cup of tea and a chat while their children played” into a reality.  On Thursday, 17th November 2010, Spraoi agus Spórt opened its doors for the first time.

Spraoi agus Sport initially provided 100 places weekly, today they provide in excess of 600 places weekly on a wide range of classes.

They now have a full-time manager, 2 part-time programme co-coordinators, 2 part-time administrators and a marketing coordinator through the Community Services Programme.  They employ 20 facilitators on a part-time basis during the school year and a further 45 facilitators and special needs assistants during the school holidays.  They also have a pool of over 15 volunteers.

Jul 01, 202100:37
S1 EP 5 - Collette McGowan Kollabro

S1 EP 5 - Collette McGowan Kollabro

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to tech entrepreneur Collette McGowan about her company Kollabro. Collette talks about her experiences of pitching to investors, women in tech and the fear of burnout.

About Kollabro

Kollabro is a Workstream Collaboration tool for agencies which tracks projects ensuring transparency, control and accountability for managers, clients and teams simultaneously which reduces the time that is lost during a project.

Jun 27, 202129:50
S1 EP 4 - Trish Hegarty Inis Communications - Trailer

S1 EP 4 - Trish Hegarty Inis Communications - Trailer

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to former BBC journalist Trish Hegarty about her company Inis Communications. Located on the remote Inishowen peninsula in Donegal, Trish talks working from home, the pressures of balancing home and business life and her hugely successful 'Donegal Day' campaign. 

New Episodes drop every Monday morning.. 

About Inis Communications

Inis Communications is  a PR and Social Media agency serving clients across the island of Ireland, the UK and Europe. Set up in 2004, Inis have over 16 years’ experience, working with professional services, SME’s, public agencies, and not-for-profits. Some of their past and present clients include: Fáilte Ireland, Accountant Online, Foyle Port, B&B Ireland, & Errigal Bay Seafood.

Inis Communications is run by director Trish Hegarty. Trish spent 14 years in the print and broadcast industries – mainly The Irish Times, and the BBC. As a print and broadcast journalist, Trish covered everything from top news stories to local events: Interviewing, reporting, researching, writing, editing for The Irish Times and RTE. At the BBC, her work included presenting and producing news bulletins and programmes.

When Trish set up Inis Communications in 2004, she knew that her mix of local and national, print and broadcast experience gave her the right skills and insights to deliver effective PR. Over the last 15 years, she has led PR projects and campaigns for national agencies, SME’s, local authorities and not-for profits.

Jun 18, 202100:50
S1 EP 4 - Trish Hegarty Inis Communications

S1 EP 4 - Trish Hegarty Inis Communications

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to former BBC journalist Trish Hegarty about her company Inis Communications. Located on the remote Inishowen peninsula in Donegal, Trish talks working from home, the pressures of balancing home and business life and her hugely successful 'Donegal Day' campaign. 

About Inis Communications

Inis Communications is  a PR and Social Media agency serving clients across the island of Ireland, the UK and Europe. Set up in 2004, Inis have over 16 years’ experience, working with professional services, SME’s, public agencies, and not-for-profits. Some of their past and present clients include: Fáilte Ireland, Accountant Online, Foyle Port, B&B Ireland, & Errigal Bay Seafood.

Inis Communications is run by director Trish Hegarty. Trish spent 14 years in the print and broadcast industries – mainly The Irish Times, and the BBC. As a print and broadcast journalist, Trish covered everything from top news stories to local events: Interviewing, reporting, researching, writing, editing for The Irish Times and RTE. At the BBC, her work included presenting and producing news bulletins and programmes. 

When Trish set up Inis Communications in 2004, she knew that her mix of local and national, print and broadcast experience gave her the right skills and insights to deliver effective PR. Over the last 15 years, she has led PR projects and campaigns for national agencies, SME’s, local authorities and not-for profits.

Jun 18, 202127:04
S1 EP 3 - Rita Oates Artist

S1 EP 3 - Rita Oates Artist

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to the artist Rita Oates about her fine art prints and greeting cards. Rita shares some fabulous stories about where her greeting cards have gone, and who has received them - including our President Michael D Higgins! She also talks the ups and downs of being self-employed and how a secondary school teacher's words had a huge impact on her outlook on success. 


About Rita Oates

Born in Kansas City, USA the daughter of Irish immigrants Rita's childhood was a rollercoaster ride between the contrasting worlds of a bustling, diverse American city and the quiet solitude of a rural isolated farm on a mountainside in Co. Leitrim. Eventually in the 60s Rita's family moved back to Ireland. 

The contrasts of city and country, of international and rural were enormous and had a profound effect on RIta's life. These experiences gave her an acute awareness of emigration, heritage, a sense of belonging, struggle and friendships. From this background came the inspiration for her art. My work incorporates people, places, memories and struggles, but always embodies hope.

As a big nature lover, sustainability is a key factor in Rita's products. The paper used in her greeting cards is FSC approved, (certified responsibly managed forest) and all packaging comprises recyclable materials. 

Jun 14, 202130:35
S1 EP 3 - Rita Oates Artist - Trailer

S1 EP 3 - Rita Oates Artist - Trailer

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to the artist Rita Oates about her fine art prints and greeting cards. Rita shares some fabulous stories about where her greeting cards have gone, and who has received them - including our President Michael D Higgins! She also talks the ups and downs of being self-employed and how a secondary school teacher's words had a huge impact on her outlook on success.

Full episode drops on Monday. 

Jun 13, 202100:25
S1 EP 2 - Melissa Moore The Retail Advisor

S1 EP 2 - Melissa Moore The Retail Advisor

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to Melissa Moore aka the Retail Advisor about how she loves the buzz of a busy Saturday on the shop floor, pivoting her business when Covid-19 hit and why moving to the middle of nowhere in Mayo was the best thing ever.


About The Retail Advisor

Melissa Moore set up The Retail Advisor consultancy to empower retailers and Irish craft and design makers in the West and North West of Ireland.

Melissa's retail journey started with Laura Ashley in the summer before university. After achieving a first class honours degree, she returned to Ireland and completed a Masters degree in Business Studies (MBS), having written a retail focused dissertation. She went on to work for a variety of both International and Irish brands such as Brown Thomas, IKEA, Kilkenny Design and legacy brand Foxford Woollen Mills.

Melissa set up The Retail Advisor to empower retailers and makers to reach their potential through sales growth, process implementation and excellence in customer experience. With over 20 years retail experience with Irish and international brands, Melissa's clients benefit from her knowledge, her experience and her hands-on practical approach to provide solutions and initiate change.

May 31, 202131:48
S1 EP 2 - Melissa Moore The Retail Advisor - Trailer

S1 EP 2 - Melissa Moore The Retail Advisor - Trailer

On this week's podcast, Kayte O'Malley chats to Melissa Moore aka the Retail Advisor about how she loves the buzz of a busy Saturday on the shop floor, pivoting her business when Covid-19 hit and why moving to the middle of nowhere in Mayo was the best thing ever. 

Full episode drops Monday. 

May 25, 202100:52
S1 EP 1 - Asumpta Gallagher Best Practice - Trailer

S1 EP 1 - Asumpta Gallagher Best Practice - Trailer

On this week's podcast, host Kayte O'Malley chats to Asumpta Gallagher of Best Practice about how a redundancy changed the course of her career, the entrepreneurial streak in the family and her mission to help GPs manage their practices efficiently so they can be the doctors they want to be.


May 18, 202100:49
S1 EP 1 - Asumpta Gallagher Best Practice

S1 EP 1 - Asumpta Gallagher Best Practice

On this week's podcast, host Kayte O'Malley chats to Asumpta Gallagher of Best Practice about how a redundancy changed the course of her career, the entrepreneurial streak in the family and her mission to help GPs manage their practices efficiently so they can be the doctors they want to be. 


About Best Practice

Asumpta Gallagher is a Business Consultant and Trainer with over 20 years experience working as a Practice Manager and Business Consultant in General Practice & Primary care and understands the unique challenges that are associated with running a Patient centred business.

Her Business Best Practices was Founded in early 2018 to support time poor GPs and their Staff by providing tailored Consultancy and Training Services that allows GPs more time to be the Doctors they want to be. Asumpta does through one to one mentoring with GPs, carrying out Practice Audits, customised Staff training and HR Services.


May 18, 202128:42