Raising €50 Million as a First-Time Founder with Lucy O'Keefe, Croivalve
In this episode, Susan sits down with Lucy O’Keeffe, Co-Founder and CEO of CroÃValve - a medtech company developing next-generation solutions for tricuspid valve disease.Lucy shares her founder journey and origin story: how she met her co-founders, why she left her role in ICON to step into the unfamiliar world of startups, and what it was like to navigate that leap.She brings us through her fundraising journey, raising €50 million from a wide range of investors - what she learned, what surprised her, and her advice for other founders preparing to fundraise.We also explore the power of sponsorship, the importance of having people advocate for you, and how critical her board of advisors has been to CroÃValve’s growth. Lucy opens up about her leadership philosophy, hiring great people, and how she works to show up with presence and authenticity.A must-listen for founders, future fundraisers, and anyone navigating leadership in the startup world.
-------- Â
47:52
--------
47:52
How to Optimize Your Brain Health with Dr. Sabina Brennan
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sabina Brennan - leading neuroscientist, psychologist, and brain health expert, for a fascinating conversation about how to keep your brain thriving.Sabina shares her inspiring personal journey, from going back to college at 42 to study psychology and neuroscience, to becoming one of Ireland’s foremost voices in brain health. We explore how the brain functions, the science behind manifesting, and what drives human behavior and personality.We dive deep into the lifestyle factors that have a powerful impact on brain health — including exercise, diet, and sleep - and how simple, consistent habits can protect and even enhance brain function over time. We also discuss risk factors to our brain and what to avoid if we want to keep a healthy brain for as long as possible. This episode is packed with science-based wisdom and practical advice to help you optimize your brain, unlock your potential, and live a healthier, more vibrant life.
In this episode, we sit down with Amy Neale, venture investor and champion of founders, to demystify the world of venture capital. Amy shares why she loves working with entrepreneurs so much and her own journey which led her to working in the investing and start up ecosystem. We talk about what makes a truly exceptional founder, the common mistakes to avoid when pitching, and how VC funds really work - including why they aren’t the right fit for every business. Amy also shares practical tips on raising capital, choosing the right investors, and crafting a powerful pitch deck. We explore the gender gap in funding, the need for more women in investing, and why now is such an exciting time to be building and investing in Ireland, especially with the rise of AI. Â
-------- Â
1:13:20
--------
1:13:20
21 Books Later: Creativity, Hope and Making it Happen with Cecelia Ahern
In this episode, international bestselling author Cecelia Ahern opens up about her journey from growing up in Dublin to becoming one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. Cecelia shares how daydreaming and imagination shaped her childhood and sparked her passion for writing, leading to her debut novel PS, I Love You - a story that not only touched millions but completely changed the course of her life.She reflects on her whirlwind twenties, filled with travel, book tours, and writing more novels, and reveals her philosophy on life. From discipline and creativity, Cecelia gives a candid look at her writing process, her adventures in TV, and what she’s excited about next.Â
-------- Â
1:06:45
--------
1:06:45
How to Start Investing & Build Long-Term Wealth: A Starter Guide with Kel Galavan
In this episode, Kel Galavan shares her personal journey with money – from getting into debt to taking on a no-spend year, and ultimately turning her finances (and her mindset) around. Packed with practical tips, we dive into how to reframe your relationship with money, build healthy financial habits, and start investing with confidence.Kel breaks down the difference between affluence and wealth, the five best ways to build wealth in Ireland, and how to maximise the value of your pension. We also cover how to get started in the stock market, the types of funds available, and why money doesn’t have to be scary.For so many women, financial empowerment isn’t something we were raised with – but this conversation is your toolkit to take control, start investing, and build long-term wealth for your future self.
Welcome to the Rise Up Podcast, the podcast that delves into the inspiring journeys of women from diverse backgrounds and industries. Join us as we explore the stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts who share invaluable life lessons they wish they had known earlier.
Each episode is a deep dive into how these remarkable women navigated career hurdles, embraced risks, and learned from their failures. Through candid conversations, they offer insights, strategies, and pearls of wisdom to empower you on your own career journey.
Tune in and let these incredible stories fuel
Ireland