What does it take to turn skyrocketing costs and near-insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for growth and community-building?

Gráinne Mullins, the visionary founder and CEO of Grá Chocolates, reveals her unique approach to tackling these challenges head-on. From battling drastic increases in ingredient prices to dealing with soaring rent, Gráinne shares her story with raw honesty, turning her struggles into a source of inspiration and resilience.

From her origins as a pastry chef to creating hand-painted Easter eggs that became an instant hit during lockdown, Gráinne’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her background in fine dining infuses every aspect of Grá Chocolates, from the use of premium Irish ingredients to the meticulous attention to customer experience. This episode is a celebration of local Irish businesses and the massive impact they have on the economy. By supporting ventures like Grá Chocolates, we contribute to a thriving business landscape. Don't miss this heartfelt and motivational conversation filled with valuable insights for entrepreneurs aiming to turn adversity into opportunity.

Key points throughout include:

• Discover how Gráinne Mullins transitioned from a fine dining pastry chef to the founder and CEO of Grá Chocolates.
• How a desperate LinkedIn post transformed into a viral call for support, resulting in a game-changing Kickstarter campaign.
• Insights into building a luxury brand from scratch.
• Survival amidst rising costs across the hospitality industry.
• The importance of supporting local enterprises and how Grá Chocolates is contributing to the Irish economy.
• Explore Gráinne’s ambitious plans for the future, including the construction of a new chocolate factory.

KICKSTARTER LINK

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grachocolates/chocolate-

lovers-destination-in-the-west-of-ireland

Find out more about Gra Chocolates:
grachocolates.com

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

Are you ready to transform your social media strategy from chasing likes to driving meaningful sales? Join us as we sit down with Karen McCarthy, a social media marketing coach who transformed scepticism into success. Karen shares her evolution from a reluctant marketing student to a values-driven social media expert, sharing practical insights on aligning your online efforts with the buyer's journey.

From navigating the chaos of international interviews post-9/11 to blending creativity and business in France, Karen's experiences highlight the magic that can unfold when you embrace unexpected opportunities. Karen opens up about the profound impact of personal challenges, from the heartache of losing a pet during the pandemic to finding resilience through creative growth. Get ready to discover how nurturing your existing followers and valuing each one as an individual can lead to sustained business growth. Forget likes and comments; it's time to focus on what really drives your business forward. Tune in now and learn how you can connect with your audience on a much deeper level. Key points throughout include:

• An accidental stumble into the world of marketing
• Taking the leap: Joining Disney France's marketing team
• Personal writing: Bridging the gap between marketing and creativity
• Growing creative projects and a following through Instagram
• Converting potential clients into happy paying customers
• Can a routine be the death of creativity?
• Navigating the throes of grief: Coping with the loss of a beloved pet
• Instagram's community power: Forging bonds through shared interests
• Five immediate actions to change your approach to social media
• Aligning content with the buyer's journey for business success
• Embracing individual journeys and trusting the process of audience engagement

"You need to come to terms with the fact that you may not get the likes or comments you think you should, but you'll get the sales you want. There's a real perspective shift when you realise you're playing the wrong game." – Karen McCarthy.

Get connected with Karen McCarthy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mccarthy-socialmediastrategist/

https://www.thesimplifiedsocialmedia.com/

SIGN UP NOW FOR KAREN'S FREE COURSE:

THE SIMPLIFIED CONTENT CREATION METHOD
https://www.thesimplifiedsocialmedia.com/free-course

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

What is going on with leadership right now? Will we ever bid farewell to one-dimensional, dinosaur-style leadership? Joining Finola this week is Kate Rooney, an excellent leadership coach from The OnLegs Agency, to discuss the persistent challenges of modern corporate leadership. Kate brings a wealth of knowledge from her early retail management days when she prioritised team dynamics over hitting KPIs.

Together, Kate and Finola unpack the significance of vulnerability, navigate power dynamics in leadership, and explore the magical ripple effect that can happen when supportive environments are created. They also delve into transforming teams through honest conversations and establishing trust through transparency. Leaders, it's time to remove the masks and lead with heart and authenticity. Key points throughout include:

• The leap from leadership roles to confidently going solo
• Why you should make no assumptions about leadership
• The lack of understanding and practice of emotional intelligence in leadership
• Tackling the fear of exposure in leadership
• How to invite leaders into meetings without compromising psychological safety
• Elevating energy: The power of vulnerability in tough conversations
• The contradiction of vulnerability VS. weakness
• Leadership gaps: The impact of poor mentorship
• The dangerous rise of unaccredited coaches in a saturated coaching market

"I would love leaders to take off the mask, go into the room and accept that you don't know everything. How could you? It's too big an ask, ask the questions that you're frightened of asking and ask the questions that you don't know the answers to, and see what comes up." – Kate Rooney.

Get connected with Kate Rooney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theonlegsgency/

https://www.theonlegsagency.co.uk/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

Have you ever found yourself trapped in the relentless pursuit of societal expectations, only to discover that it leads to a life misaligned with your true self? Our guest, author, speaker, and health and wellness coach, Sinead Kennedy, knows this all too well.

Join us as Sinead shares her transformative story: her struggle with mental health, which culminated in a stay at a psychiatric hospital —a pivotal moment in her journey toward self-acceptance. Sinead unpacks how she redefined her life by setting boundaries, conducting life audits, and embracing her authentic self. She reflects on the consequences of an unhappy relationship with yourself and explores how you can rediscover happiness through boundary-setting, self-kindness and connecting with nature. Get ready to reclaim your true self!

Key points throughout include:

• Struggling with misalignment: A journey of disconnection and rediscovery
• Breaking free from societal expectations and finding happiness through self-acceptance
• The rising addiction of synthetic highs
• Life Audits: Finding answers through honest self-reflection
• The importance of being kind to your thoughts
• Discovering happiness and soul alignment through flying solo and travelling
• Setting boundaries and learning to say 'no' without guilt
• A reminder that your best friend is YOU!

"Happiness doesn't come from having a Mercedes. Happiness comes from being able to get up every morning. Being proud of what you're doing, knowing that what you're doing is making a difference to yourself and somebody else. And being able to look at yourself in the mirror every day and say, you're doing great, you've got this." – Sinead Kennedy.

Get connected with Sinead Kennedy:

https://sineadekennedy.com/

https://sineadekennedy.com/product/lifeisacycle/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-kennedy-48451885/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

Get ready to discover the magic that happens when you trade relentless ambition for intuitive joy. This week, Finola sits down with Clare McKenna, radio presenter, podcaster, and integrative health coach, who shares her transformative journey from marketing boardrooms to broadcasting and creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Clare reveals how she has navigated the challenges of her career, found contentment, and is now empowering others to do the same.

Clare also addresses societal body standards and the often toxic diet and fitness culture. She candidly discusses her own struggles and revelations, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices and emotional nourishment.

Don't miss out on Clare's empowering advice and practical tips for cultivating a healthier relationship with food, fitness, and self-compassion. Tune in now to discover how small guiding lights can lead you to a fulfilling and evolving life.

Key points throughout include:

• Finding Independence: Embracing solitude and shaping one's identity
• Self-discovery check in's: The importance of navigating what you truly want
• Celebrating achievements, shifting energies and the goal of contentment - Empowering wellness and moving beyond one-size-fits-all health advice
• The importance of educating yourself about diet changes
• The psychology of motivation and the power of small steps
• Trusting intentions and messages to grow naturally
• Irish women's self-esteem and challenging societal norms for women to 'stay small'
• Becoming a part of change: How everyone can make a difference

"I want to empower people. Everybody is different. And we don't often get that from the health message; we get a kind of blanket that is one size fits all: eat less, move more, and get on with it. And that's not the reality." – Clare McKenna.

Resources:

LISTEN back to Clare's Interview with Finola Howard discussing her book – WHAT IF? – here https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/466822

Get connected with Clare McKenna:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claretmckenna

https://www.nourishyourself.ie/

TUNE IN to Alive & Kicking every Sunday from 8 AM - 9 AM on Newstalk.

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

Fashion industry powerhouse and recently crowned VIP Favourite Irish Designer 2024, Sonya Lennon, joins Finola this week to discuss the power of self-representation, amplifying your voice, and owning your identity. Sonya peels back the layers of her fascinating career, from her days of high-fashion styling to becoming an adored television presenter and visionary social entrepreneur. She openly shares her experience of making bold moves, revealing the courageous choices that skyrocketed her career, emphasises the necessity of female empowerment, and addresses pressing societal challenges.

Together, Sonya and Finola explore the self-imposed barriers holding us back and the importance of reshaping our narratives to achieve personal and collective transformation. Sonya also discusses the imperative for human-centric leadership, as epitomised by Lift Ireland's initiative that has already touched the lives of 100,000 individuals. Additionally, she delves into the richness of language and the impact of storytelling on culture, advocating for the integration of feminine energy and respect for the Earth to restore much-needed balance. This episode, centred on fashion, empowerment, and social responsibility, is bound to inspire and light a fire in your heart, so go ahead and hit play now. Key points throughout include:

• Taking a leap: Embracing change to discover new opportunities
• Breaking free from assumptions and letting go of self-imposed limits
• Shaping our reality through mindful narratives
• The balance between data and creativity
• Leveraging influence for good: Making a meaningful impact
• Empowering women: Finding our voice and recognising our brilliance
• Harnessing female leadership for societal and environmental change
• The positive impact of Lift Ireland on leadership and values
• The juggle of parenthood: Balancing busy lives and building respectful relationships
• The importance of inclusivity and representation in creating meaningful change
• Re-writing narratives: A challenge to uncover and transform your subconscious stories

"Male power isn't working. It's just not working. If we want to save our societies and our planet, we need to get the women around the table with the men working together to create new solutions." – Sonya Lennon.

Resources:

https://www.lennoncourtney.com/

https://liftireland.ie/

https://workequal.ie/

Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cassandra-Speaks-Women-Storytellers-Changes/dp/

Get connected with Sonya Lennon:

https://sonyalennon.com/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

The Ultimate Funnel Template to Recruit New Customers in 2024

Get ready to bid farewell to marketing strategy overwhelm! This week, Finola unveils her proven blueprint, a step-by-step guide to the ultimate sales and marketing funnel you need. Together, you'll ditch the confusion and embrace an approach that hits the bullseye for entrepreneurs, turning your customers into champions.

In this episode, Finola strips the AIDA model down to its core, revealing a pathway that ensures your business isn't just seen but chosen. As Finola dissects each conversion point, you'll learn how to create a seamless journey tailored for one customer, one product at a time. No more generic strategies; it's time for clear, actionable steps that lead to a devoted customer base and brighter business days ahead. Ready to convert connections into loyal customers? Hit play now and unlock your blueprint to success! Key points throughout include:

• Finola's Proven Blueprint: A step by step approach to building a sales and marketing funnel
• The five stages of a sales and marketing funnel
• The importance of understanding each stage as a key conversion point in your funnel
• Achieving the flywheel effect through your funnel
• The value of understanding customer pain points
• Mastering the crucial moment of smoothing the path to purchase
• What's working, what's not: Unveiling friction points to seize untapped opportunities

"A sales and marketing funnel is a way to look at your marketing in a more connected way. It is, in effect, your marketing strategy in action. It's the how to the why of your strategy." – Finola Howard.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FUNNEL FLOWING TEMPLATE TODAY:
https://www.finolahoward.com/funnel

Resources:

Listen back to EP 54: Get Up Close and Personal With The People You Serve https://www.finolahoward.com/podcasts/your-truth-shared/episodes/2147940869

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Discover the heartbeat of modern marketing as we're joined by Fab Giovanetti, chief Marketing Rebel at Alt Marketing School, who brings a breath of fresh air to the conversation on ethical and human-centric marketing strategies.

“The biggest recurring sentence that our students would say was oh marketing always gave me the ick. And I just said I don't want myself or my clients or my work, for other people to perceive it in a way that feels icky, that feels sticky and it always jumped out at me.” – Fab Giovanetti

Together, we unravel the magic of connecting authentically with your audience, challenging old-school, pushy tactics with a blend of fun, impact, and heartfelt communication. Fab shares her revolutionary take on learning and marketing, urging us to embrace transparency and align our business values with the right audience, proving that integrity and success are not mutually exclusive. Key points throughout include:

• Why some marketing gives young people “the ick”
• The benefits of marketing through authenticity, honesty and having fun
• Why traditional marketing methods no longer work
• How to create relationships with customers through your online presence
• The journey of Alt Marketing School
• Embracing curiosity in business growth
• Why experimentation is key to marketing and business
  
  

Shift your perspective as we analyze how generational changes led by Millennials and Gen Z are demanding a rewrite of the marketing playbook. Businesses are now tasked with upholding genuine values – truth, transparency, and inclusivity – to resonate with a discerning consumer base that sees right through hollow branding efforts. We celebrate those at the forefront of accessibility in marketing while cautioning against the temptations of performative actions that could backfire spectacularly.

Get connected with Fab Giovanetti:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabgiovanetti/
https://altmarketingschool.com/

Other People Mentioned in this episode:

Luis E Castro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-canto-e-castro-3b21b9a4/
Katherine: https://www.instagram.com/accessreimagined/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com