In this episode of Jim and Ellen chat with Gavan O'Brien who following a difficult start to his business career went on to make a success of various roles in the motor and media sectors and now manages a a leading careers platform for students and graduates in Ireland. His story demonstrates the importance of reliance and finding ways to

circumvent obstacles along the way. Among the topics touched on are relationship development, unusual customer service and battling for a role for which you have a great interest but no experience or family background to build on. Putting a young family before a successful career in media that had him travelling 5 hours each day is another challenge Gavan faced. He resigned that position just as the downturn in the economy hit and he spent 18 months out of work. He used that time to achieve an MBA in Business Administration and Management from Warwick Business School.

This is a conversation full of stories about a lived experience and a key message that your early education and business experience does not have to define what you will become or the success that will bring.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor Lynch an award winning digital business innovator and educator talks to Jim and Ellen about a career which has moved through the various waves of information technology communications, from the internet, through digital and social media and now AI.

The conversation also covers building a personal brand plus learning and earning in a world where it has been suggested that up to 50% of workers may be freelancing in 10 years.

Conor says that success at work has never been more complex in this era of juggling jobs, side hustles and going solo. He also says that while there is such complexity most advice remains anchored in traditional linear careers. And this overlooks the unstoppable rise of self-employment and blended careers.

His new book Multi-Me is the definitive call to action for ambitious workers of today who seek a long-term career plan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this series, Off the Fence with Purpose, Jim Walsh, founder and executive chair of Walsh, one of Ireland’s most long standing and respected PR agencies, and Ellen Gunning, founder of Mettacomms and the Irish Academy of Public Relations, chat with inspiring guests who share their unique career journeys, reveal the lessons they've learned along the way, and offer invaluable advice on turning passion into success.

In this episode their guest is Aileen O’Toole the first woman to edit a business magazine in Ireland and one of the founders of a national newspaper, the Sunday Business Post, now the Business Post.

Aileen talks about her first published writing, a letter in the Irish Times when she was 13 years old, her journalistic education and her career which started in a local newspaper, the Kerryman. She then went on to edit Checkout, a grocery trade magazine and Business & Finance before engaging in the the turbulent start to the Sunday Business Post. She also talks about the fantastic career teacher and the mentors she had along the way.

Aileen is now a business strategist and chartered director.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone searching for purpose in their work or contemplating a career change. It is also for people who are People Managers and anyone interested in what drives and motivates people in their careers. This conversation will also particularly appeal to anyone with an interest in media. Hosted by Acast it is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim Walsh, founder and executive chair of Walsh, one of Ireland’s most long standing and respected PR agencies, and Ellen Gunning, founder of Mettacomms and the Irish Academy of Public Relations, team up to host a new podcast Off the Fence with Purpose. Each episode features inspiring guests who share their unique career journeys, reveal the lessons they've learned along the way, and offer invaluable advice on turning passion into success.

In Episode 2, Jim and Ellen chat with Patrick Atkinson, CEO of the Chadwicks Group, a multi-million euro supplier to the building/construction industry and DIY sector. Patrick talks about craft apprenticeships in the Irish building trade and his varied career which has included an internship with Masterfoods, a 12 year career in Wavin and an eight year stint in Paris in a global role with Saint-Gobain.

He also talks about the importance of networking and the influence executive search recruiters (Headhunters) had on his career.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone searching for purpose in their work or contemplating a career change. It is also for people who are People Managers and anyone interested in what drives and motivates people in their careers.

It is available from 10th March 2025 on Acast, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.