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.
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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.
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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.
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1:01:01
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Dyslexia, Resilience & Getting out of Your Own Way with Emma Maye
Emma Maye’s story is one of courage, grit, and reinvention. From an early age, she faced the challenges of dyslexia and a difficult school experience, which taught her to persevere and find her own path. Later, after the sudden loss of her father, she stepped up to support her mother in managing his €1 billion property portfolio - navigating the pressures of NAMA and the immense stress that came with it.Emma shares how grief impacted her, but also how she found strength on the other side - new ventures, building hundreds of homes, and buying and selling businesses. We also talk about advocating for yourself in male-dominated industries, learning to get out of your own way, and discovering the things that bring true joy, from music and sport to becoming a funeral celebrant.This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and finding light through life’s toughest moments.
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1:01:14
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How She Built Her Interiors Business and Kept Going with Siobhán Lam
In this episode, Susan chats with Siobhán Lam, founder of April and the Bear, about her journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to creating one of Ireland’s most-loved interiors brands. Siobhán shares how spotting a gap in the market led her to start her own business, the resilience it takes to keep going, and why reframing failure has been key to her success.They explore the skills that have shaped her founder journey - creativity, determination, and the belief that you can do anything you put your mind to. Plus, Siobhán offers her tips for designing a room full of personality and style.
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