Guaranteed Irish Stories

Hosted by Guaranteed Irish

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Episodes

278

Latest episode

Dec 2025

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About the show

Join us each week as we hear the inspirational stories behind the powerhouse businesses that make up the Guaranteed Irish members' network. Guaranteed Irish Stories is sponsored by FBD Insurance, Ireland’s largest homegrown insurer.

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60 recent

December 8, 202531 min

Bootstraps & bridal bling: The story behind One Dame Lane

In this episode of Guaranteed Irish Stories, Bríd chats to Lyndsey Cavanagh, the founder of One Dame Lane - a beautifully curated jewellery brand known for its bridal collections, bespoke designs, and a loyal following online and in-store in Blackrock and Greystones.Lyndsey shares the story of how she bootstrapped the business with just €25,000, often making jewellery on-site - with her 5-year-old daughter by her side, charming customers and helping seal the deal 💕Together, they chat about:💚 Sustainability as a core brand ethos, with every piece designed to last 🇪🇸 The flamboyance of Spanish women and how they inspired Lyndsey to celebrate boldness in Irish style 📦 The joy of small wins — and how one kind word from a stranger helped fuel her for six months 🛍️ Growing a retail business with heart, where personalised service, beautiful design, and word-of-mouth magic combineThis is a story of grit, elegance, and entrepreneurial spirit - and a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is belief, boldness, and a little sparkle.On the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.

November 3, 202551 min

From cliff edge to comeback: The story behind Cocoa Brown

On this episode of Guaranteed Irish Stories, Bríd is joined by Marissa Carter, founder of Cocoa Brown, the award-winning Irish beauty brand that changed the game with its 1 Hour Tan Mousse. Also joining the conversation is her husband and business partner, Ronan O’Flaherty.Together, they share the story behind the meteoric rise of Cocoa Brown and the grit it took to survive the bumps along the way.✨ How a surprise endorsement from Kris Jenner catapulted the brand into the global spotlight — and what it meant for Cocoa Brown’s future 🔥 The firestorm of 2019, when the business nearly collapsed overnight 📈 How they’ve fought back, winning back shelf space and consumer trust with quiet determination. Why Marissa is fiercely proud to be part of the Guaranteed Irish community — and how Irish brands lift each other upThis episode is all about resilience, reinvention, and real talk from one of Ireland’s most inspiring female founders

October 6, 202530 min

Reaching for the stars: The story behind Dr. Norah Patten’s mission to space

In this very special episode of Guaranteed Irish Stories, Bríd speaks to Dr. Norah Patten — award-winning STEM advocate, aerospace engineer, and Ireland’s future astronaut 🌍🚀.Raised in Co. Mayo with a lifelong obsession with space, Norah’s dream is now becoming a reality: in June 2024, it was announced that she will undertake a commercial spaceflight, making history for Ireland.They discuss:📈 The rapid growth of Ireland’s space sector, including her work at Réaltra — Ireland’s only 100% Irish-owned space electronics company🧪 What astronaut training actually involves, from 4G force simulations to underwater testing and everything in between🌌 Her exciting upcoming mission, and what it means for young people dreaming big in STEMDr. Patten is also this year’s recipient of the Guaranteed Irish Special Recognition Award for her incredible contribution to science, space, and education.This is one small step for Norah… one giant leap for Irish innovation.On the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.

September 8, 202546 min

Modernising a national institution: The story behind An Post with CEO, David McRedmond

Our guest on this episode of Guaranteed Irish Stories is David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, one of Ireland’s largest and most iconic businesses. With over 10,000 employees, An Post has evolved far beyond its origins in mail — now leading the way in parcel delivery, financial services, insurance, and retail.In this thought-provoking conversation, David shares:💼 His definition of leadership, shaped by bold thinkers like Michael O’Leary 🙅 Why he believes government regulation is ‘off the scale’ - and how it’s choking the economy📦 How An Post has transformed into a modern tech company, embracing innovation while staying true to its public missionEach week on the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast, we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how they remain competitive on the global stage while making a meaningful local impact.

August 11, 202528 min

Redesigning the modern office: The story behind Codex and their latest partnership with AsIAm

Our guest on this episode of the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast is Patrick Murphy, CEO of Codex, a proud Irish business that has been profitable every year since its founding in 1979.In this conversation, Bríd and Patrick chat about:💼 Big ambitions for Codex as it continues to evolve in a competitive market 🧩 A partnership with an Irish autism charity that's helping to reimagine the modern office for neurodivergent employees 👨‍👦 Lessons from his father, who founded the business and continues to inspire its values todayEach week on the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast, we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how they remain competitive on the global stage while making a meaningful local impact.

June 30, 202535 min

From the Sumatran jungle to Irish beauty industry trailblazer - The Story Behind the rise of Kinvara Cosmetics

Our guest on this episode of the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast is Joanne Reilly, the founder of Kinvara Skincare, an Irish brand specialising in natural, plant-powered skincare products.Bríd and Joanne discuss:Why she believes the Irish beauty industry has never been strongerHer PHD in Elephant conservation that underpins Kinvara Skincare’s eco-friendly missionAnd she has some specific ‘Sophie Morris’ style advice for Irish consumers about ultra-processed skincare productsOn the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.

June 6, 202535 min

Feeding One in Every Three Irish people - The Story Behind Musgrave Group

Our guest on this episode of the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast is Noel Keeley, Musgrave.On this episode, Bríd and Noel discuss: The future of Irish shopping and how population growth will change our shopping habits.Why the wave of health food and wellness products are here to stay.And understanding what the town shop does for the cohesion of the entire local community.On the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.

May 7, 20251 hr 7 min

How do we solve the Irish housing crisis? | Ballymore MD, Patrick Phelan

Our guest on this episode of the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast is Pat Phelan, the Managing Director of Ballymore IrelandBríd and Patrick discuss:The ways the construction industry can deliver on the need to urgently build more houses.Why there’s a need for a reality check for apartment building.And why the biggest challenge facing house building Ireland is LAND.On the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.

April 8, 202537 min

Unlocking the full potential of local supply chains in a turbulent world - The Story Behind KPMG’s Sustainable Futures

Our guest on this episode of the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast is Shane O’Reilly who is the MD of sustainable futures at KPMG Ireland. With over 20 years of experience of the global construction materials market having joined KPMG from CRH, he leads their ESG & Sustainability service line. On this episode, Bríd and Shane discuss:Why Ireland taking a lead on sustainability matters even if others are lagging behind.How there’s a need to clearly explain to Irish businesses why trusting local supply chains is so important.Why it’s vital that sustainability reporting is demystified and made simple for Irish SMBs to fully embrace it.On the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.

March 10, 202534 min

Creating a powerhouse Irish cosmetics company in 12 years - The Story Behind AYU Cosmetics.

Our guest on this episode of the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast is Suzie O’Neill, the owner of AYU cosmetics and a new member of the Board of Guaranteed Irish.On this episode, Bríd and Suzie discuss:*the magic moment when she knew she’d cracked the formula for the brand’s famous concealer product* AYU’s ownership structure * And there’s even a delve into the profit margin for the cosmetics industry as a whole.On the Guaranteed Irish Stories podcast we speak to trailblazers from the Guaranteed Irish business community about how their businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, what it stands for, its contribution to the local community and its support for Irish jobs.