Welcome to Garry Talks, a weekly podcast focusing on personal and professional growth, hosted by Garry Kelly - Entrepreneur, teacher, broadcaster, public speaker, and managing director of Marketing Agency GK Media. Through weekly interviews with entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, marketing experts etc., this podcast offers an insight into the lives behind success, the challenges they have faced, and the solutions they have developed to rise above them. Listeners can expect insider tips, life advice and personal stories from Garry and our guests that can help you achieve personal and professional fulfilment. Enjoy! Join Our Tribe now at www.GarryTalks.com This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.
Episodes
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
In this week’s Business Bytes, host Garry Kelly talks to Alexandra Dotcheva, who has transitioned from a professional violinist to a registered nurse, real estate entrepreneur, holistic coach, and author. Alexandra shares her journey, highlighting her struggles with self-confidence in the competitive classical music industry and her decision to pursue nursing. She discusses the importance of self-discipline, hard work, and confronting real-life challenges. Additionally, Alexandra delves into financial literacy and real estate investment, emphasising the need for understanding financial principles. Her story underscores resilience and the power of embracing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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Timestamps
Introduction to Alexandra Dotcheva (00:00:05)
Garry introduces Alexandra, highlighting her diverse roles in nursing, real estate, coaching, and authorship.
Transition from Music to Nursing (00:00:43)
Alexandra discusses her shift from being a professional violinist to entering the nursing field.
Struggles with Self-Confidence as a Musician (00:01:24)
Alexandra reflects on her challenges with self-esteem despite her extensive practice and performance experience.
Cultural and Educational Background (00:02:36)
She shares her educational journey and the limitations faced as a musician in Bulgaria.
Impact of the Iron Curtain on Music (00:03:59)
Alexandra explains how the fall of the Iron Curtain affected classical music's status in Bulgaria.
Midlife Crisis and Career Reevaluation (00:05:19)
At 32, Alexandra faced a crisis and reconsidered her career path due to financial struggles.
Parental Influence and Expectations (00:08:45)
She discusses her parents' intentions and the pressure of pursuing a music career.
Desire for Purpose in Nursing (00:10:48)
Alexandra expresses her need to be useful to society, leading her to nursing.
Study Habits in Nursing School (00:11:56)
She describes her dedication to studying and how she adapted her learning strategies.
Self-Discipline and Hard Work (00:12:49)
Alexandra emphasises her determination and self-discipline in her new career.
Challenges in Financial Literacy (00:14:01)
She talks about the difficulties she faced in understanding finance as she transitioned to real estate.
The Importance of Facing Real Problems (00:15:42)
Alexandra reflects on the need for honesty and integrity in addressing life’s challenges.
Robert Kiyosaki's Quadrant Theory (00:17:06)
Garry and Alexandra discuss Kiyosaki's concepts of employment, self-employment, business ownership, and investing.
Real Estate Ventures (00:17:40)
Alexandra shares her experience owning three real estate companies in Arizona.
Understanding Tax Implications (00:18:03)
Alexandra explains the importance of tax write-offs and business structures for real estate investments.
Transitioning to Real Estate Investing (00:19:05)
She shares her journey from nursing to becoming an investor, inspired by Robert Kiyosaki.
First Property Purchase (00:20:16)
Alexandra discusses her first multifamily property and the learning curve of being a landlord.
Living Arrangements and Renovations (00:20:41)
She describes living in a fourplex and the challenges of renovating rental units.
Housing Crisis in Arizona (00:22:43)
The conversation shifts to the housing market, highlighting high demand and low supply in Arizona.
Encouraging Home Ownership (00:23:11)
Alexandra emphasizes the need for individuals to buy properties to stabilize the rental market.
The Importance of Financial Literacy (00:24:22)
They discuss how financial literacy is crucial to avoid debt and make informed investment decisions.
Overview of Alexandra's Book (00:25:55)
Garry introduces Alexandra's book, which covers self-confidence, nutrition, and financial health.
Foundational Tips for Self-Confidence (00:26:08)
Alexandra shares insights on maintaining physical shape and managing time effectively.
Health and Spirituality Connection (00:27:24)
She discusses the interrelation of health, spirituality, and professional credibility in nursing.
Financial Freedom and Career Choices (00:29:11)
Alexandra explains how financial independence allows for ethical choices in one’s career.
Mindset and Work Ethic (00:30:11)
They address the importance of a strong work ethic and a positive mindset in achieving goals.
Encouragement for Personal Change (00:32:55)
Alexandra motivates listeners to pursue big dreams despite feeling low in their current situation.
Long-Term Perspective on Goals (00:34:15)
She stresses the value of patience and long-term commitment to personal growth and achievements.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
In this week’s episode of 'Garry Talks', host Garry Kelly interviews Gráinne Mullins, an award-winning chef and Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur. Gráinne shares her journey from working in Michelin-starred restaurants to founding Grá Chocolates in her hometown of Kilchreest during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the challenges of starting her business, the overwhelming demand for her hand-painted chocolates, and the importance of customer feedback. Grá also highlights her Kickstarter campaign to fund a new chocolate factory, emphasising community support and her commitment to quality. Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of a positive mindset.
For more information please visit https://grachocolates.com/
- Watch the VIDEO of this episode by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com -
Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Please follow GKMedia.ie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast.
Timestamps
Introduction to Gráinne Mullins (00:00:04)
Gráinne Mullins is introduced as an award-winning chef and entrepreneur behind Grau Chocolates.
Positive Mindset in Challenges (00:00:20)
Gráinne discusses the importance of maintaining a positive outlook to overcome challenges.
Gráinne's Culinary Journey (00:00:50)
She shares her love for food and her early experiences in restaurants.
Early Inspirations (00:01:44)
Gráinne reflects on cooking shows and chefs that inspired her culinary passion.
Transition to Chocolate Making (00:02:01)
During lockdown, Gráinne began making chocolates as a creative outlet.
Social Media Reaction (00:03:01)
Gráinne's social media posts about her treats sparked interest and inquiries for purchases.
Unexpected Business Opportunity (00:03:22)
She reveals how the pandemic shifted her plans, leading to the idea of starting a business.
Business Education (00:04:05)
Gráinne explains how she took business courses during lockdown to prepare for future entrepreneurship.
Experience as a Pastry Chef (00:04:14)
She discusses her background as a pastry chef and her focus on desserts.
Work Ethic in High-Pressure Environments (00:04:58)
Gráinne highlights the intense work culture in Michelin-starred restaurants and its impact on her.
Customer Experience Focus (00:06:14)
Gráinne emphasizes the importance of customer service and creating memorable dining experiences.
Maintaining Positivity (00:07:25)
She reflects on her positive demeanor and the challenges of staying upbeat in business.
Embracing Business Cycles (00:08:25)
Gráinne shares insights on managing the highs and lows of running a seasonal business.
Advice for New Entrepreneurs (00:09:17)
She offers guidance to those struggling in the early stages of their business journey.
Responding to Customer Complaints (00:10:46)
Gráinne discusses the importance of addressing customer issues and building loyalty.
Trusting Customer Intentions (00:11:15)
She explains the significance of seeing the good in customers and their intentions.
Fears in Business (00:12:21)
Gráinne expresses her concerns about the uncertainties of the future in business.
Team Collaboration (00:13:34)
She talks about balancing independent work with the benefits of team collaboration.
Launch of Grau Chocolates (00:14:51)
Gráinne describes the excitement and challenges during the launch of her chocolate business.
Social Media's Role in Success (00:15:26)
She credits social media for driving interest and sales during her initial launch.
Need for Team Expansion (00:15:53)
Gráinne realized the necessity of hiring staff to meet the growing demand for her chocolates.
Incredible Growth and Demand (00:17:05)
Gráinne discusses the overwhelming demand for her chocolates during the holiday season and their sold-out status.
E-commerce Challenges (00:17:44)
Gráinne reflects on the challenges faced with their WooCommerce website and the need for efficient customer purchasing.
Inspiration and Community Focus (00:18:33)
Gráinne shares that she focused on her community rather than seeking inspiration from other chocolatiers.
Unique Selling Proposition (00:19:01)
Gráinne explains their unique hand-painted chocolates and commitment to high-quality, scratch-made ingredients.
Production Process Duration (00:19:18)
Gráinne details the extensive five-day process involved in creating their chocolates.
Transitioning from Home to Business Space (00:19:47)
Gráinne recounts the rapid growth that necessitated moving from her parents' home to a dedicated business unit.
Team Expansion (00:20:50)
Gráinne shares that her team has grown to 18 members, with divisions for various business functions.
International Sales and Growth Potential (00:21:43)
Gráinne discusses their customer base primarily in Ireland and the potential for international sales growth.
Challenges Faced in Recent Years (00:22:05)
Gráinne addresses the various challenges faced by her business, including rising costs and regulations.
Rising Cocoa Prices (00:25:00)
Gráinne reveals a significant increase in cocoa butter prices and its impact on their chocolate production costs.
Quality vs. Cost (00:28:17)
Gráinne emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality chocolate despite rising costs.
Rent Increase Challenges (00:29:18)
Gráinne describes the stress of facing a substantial rent increase from their landlord after two years.
Navigating Business Relocation (00:31:03)
Gráinne explains the difficulties of relocating their business due to specific operational requirements.
Launching a Kickstarter for a Factory (00:33:17)
Gráinne shares her decision to launch a Kickstarter campaign to create their own chocolate factory amidst challenges.
Kickstarter Campaign Launch (00:34:03)
Gráinne discusses the positive community response to her Kickstarter campaign for her chocolate factory.
Funding and Planning (00:34:33)
Garry inquires about the Kickstarter campaign's goal and the timeline for establishing the chocolate factory.
Site Selection (00:35:11)
Gráinne shares her considerations for selecting a site accessible to her team and potential locations.
Community Support (00:36:01)
Gráinne emphasizes the importance of community support and feedback in her entrepreneurial journey.
Funding Progress (00:36:35)
Gráinne reveals that they raised €50,000 in just two weeks through the Kickstarter campaign.
Perks of Supporting (00:37:16)
Garry describes various perks available for supporters of Gráinne's Kickstarter campaign.
Importance of Local Support (00:40:25)
Gráinne highlights the significance of supporting local businesses for community growth and success.
Vision for the Chocolate Factory (00:45:12)
Gráinne shares her vision for the chocolate factory, including plans for a visitor center and customer engagement.
Customer Feedback (00:47:02)
Gráinne discusses how direct customer interactions help improve their chocolate offerings.
Passion for the Business (00:48:14)
Gráinne expresses her love for her job and pride in the growth of Grau Chocolates.
Competition in the Market (00:49:32)
Gráinne addresses the rise of copycat brands and the importance of supporting Irish chocolatiers.
Quality of Ingredients (00:51:26)
Gráinne emphasizes that the quality of ingredients is key to the exceptional taste of her chocolates.
Staying Positive (00:52:15)
Garry questions Gráinne about the challenges of maintaining a positive outlook amidst business difficulties.
Positive Mindset and Problem Solving (00:52:23)
Gráinne discusses the importance of maintaining a positive outlook to overcome challenges.
Manifestation and Belief (00:53:05)
Gráinne shares her motto "dream it, believe it, achieve it" as a form of manifestation.
Evening Walks for Reflection (00:53:39)
She describes her evening walks as essential for personal time and mental clarity.
Cooking as Meditation (00:54:56)
Gráinne finds cooking dinner every evening to be a meditative and fulfilling experience.
Future Plans for Grau Chocolates (00:55:13)
Gráinne outlines her goals for growing her chocolate business and personal brand.
Desire to Write a Book (00:55:47)
She expresses interest in writing a book to share her experiences and insights.
Building Relationships with Customers (00:57:55)
Gráinne emphasizes the importance of customer feedback and building strong relationships.
Kickstarter Campaign Announcement (00:59:01)
Garry discusses the ongoing Kickstarter campaign and encourages listener support.
Late Pledges and Chocolate Orders (01:00:10)
Gráinne explains the late pledge option and invites listeners to order chocolates.
Celebrating Special Occasions with Chocolate (01:01:05)
Garry highlights chocolates as perfect gifts for various celebrations and occasions.
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
In this week’s Business Bytes, host Garry Kelly talks to Jon Coogan, a crisis manager, entrepreneur, and author of "Strength in the Storm." Jon shares his diverse career journey, spanning financial services, law enforcement, and entrepreneurship. He discusses the profound impact of losing his younger brother and stepfather, which shaped his views on life, leadership, and business. Jon emphasises resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of helping others. He offers insights for e-commerce and startup businesses, advocating for empathy and connection within teams to foster a supportive and successful work environment.
For more information visit www.joncoogan.com
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Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
In this week’s episode of 'Garry Talks', host Garry Kelly interviews Smaranda Maier, founder of Authentic Health. Smaranda shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Romania to moving to Ireland as a single mother. She discusses her difficult family dynamics, particularly with her mother, and the economic necessity that drove her relocation. Smaranda emphasises the importance of self-advocacy, emotional healing, and holistic health. Her story highlights resilience, the power of personal growth, and her commitment to helping others through her health and lifestyle advice service.
For more information please visit www.authentichealth.ie
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Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
In this week’s Business Bytes, host Garry Kelly talks to Veronica Riccio, owner of Inner Power. They explore the pivotal role of mentorship in the workplace, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Veronica discusses how structured mentorship programs can help companies retain talent and attract new employees by fostering career development and personal growth. She emphasises the need for a culture of open communication and support, where employees feel empowered to discuss their ambitions. The episode advocates for intentional employee development to enhance retention, satisfaction, and overall organisational success.
For more information visit www.innerpoweruk.com or
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicariccio/
- IG: innerpoweruk_
- TikTok: innerpoweruk
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/InnerPoweruk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerpoweruk/
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Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
In this week’s episode of 'Garry Talks', host Garry Kelly interviews Désirée Nosbusch, the director and producer, and Tim Roth, the lead actor, of the movie "Poison." They discuss the film's creation, their personal journeys, and its emotional impact. Désirée shares her transition from acting to directing, while Tim reflects on the script's personal significance during a tough period in his life. The conversation explores themes of grief, loss, and human relationships, highlighting the emotional depth and collaborative nature of filmmaking. The episode concludes with reflections on the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
In this week’s Business Bytes, host Garry Kelly talks to Gareth Milner, author of "Sorry We're Closed," a book that delves into the consequences of poor workplace management. The discussion highlights the severe impact of workplace injuries, particularly musculoskeletal issues, on both individuals and businesses. Gareth emphasises the need for empathy and understanding from business leaders and the importance of accurate injury assessments. The conversation also addresses the financial struggles since 2020 and the ethical concerns of exploiting injury claims. Gareth's book, available in various formats, aims to raise awareness and promote safer workplace practices through engaging and accessible content.
The book is available here https://www.osteopathicsolutions-manualhandling.co.uk/sorry-we-are-closed-book-gareth-milner
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Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
In this week’s episode of 'Garry Talks', host Garry Kelly interviews Marilyn Gaughan-Reddan, CEO of Galway Culture Company. They discuss Marilyn's tenure as an arts officer at Galway County Council, her leadership of the delivery of the cultural programme for European Capital of Culture 2020 project during the pandemic and the cultural sector's adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Marilyn emphasises the importance of supporting artists, simplifying funding processes, and fostering collaborations. She also highlights the need for practical support for graduates entering the creative industry and reflects on the influence of Lady Gregory on her work. The episode underscores the challenges and opportunities within the cultural sector.
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Friday Jul 12, 2024
Friday Jul 12, 2024
In this week’s Business Bytes, host Garry Kelly talks to Wayne Mullins, founder of Ugly Mug Marketing and creator of the Agency Accelerator. Wayne shares his unique approach to marketing, emphasising the importance of focusing on a smaller group of clients and turning them into business evangelists. He discusses the value of deep customer relationships, understanding clients' true needs, and creating personalised marketing strategies. Wayne also touches on the role of traditional media, the impact of AI, and the distinction between risk and recklessness in entrepreneurship. The episode concludes with insights into leadership, client interactions, and Waynes' professional journey.
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Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
In this week’s episode of 'Garry Talks', host Garry Kelly interviews Amber Doyle, a Spiritual Mentor, who shares her journey from a marketing career to embracing Reiki and tarot card readings after a transformative personal experience with grief and self-discovery. She discusses the importance of self-healing and its ripple effect on others, explaining the process of Reiki and the intuitive nature of tarot readings. Amber addresses skepticism towards holistic practices, emphasising open-mindedness and personal experience. She also talks about generational wounds, manifestation, and heart healing, providing insights into the emotional and spiritual aspects of her work and the profound impact it can have on personal growth. For more information on Amber please visit her website www.ambermoonholistic.com
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