Shows
Smooth ScalingFrom Global Giants to Scaling Innovators: Welcoming Sue Gannon to Platform94In this episode of Smooth Scaling, we’re thrilled to welcome Sue Gannon our newly appointed Fractional Chief People Officer at Platform94 and the first leader to join our fractional C-Suite initiative.Sue brings over 25 years of senior HR leadership across global brands like Netflix, Dr. Martens, Beam Suntory, and Campbell’s, with experience spanning the US, UK, Japan, Australia, and beyond. Now, she’s channeling that expertise into supporting Ireland’s most ambitious scaling companies across the West and Northwest.In this introductory episode we explore why Sue chose to work with scaling businesses in the regi...2025-07-2420 min
Smooth ScalingThe Edge Within: Turning Culture into Competitive AdvantageIn this episode of Smooth Scaling, we dive into what it really takes to engage and retain great people in a fast-scaling business. As the competition for talent intensifies, culture is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic differentiator. We explore how organisations of all sizes can foster purpose, drive connection, and create standout employee experiences from day one, turning culture into your greatest competitive edge.Marie is joined by David Mackey, Co-Founder of Mbryonics; Pamela Treacy, Head of Corporate Business Acquisition at VHI; and Paul Conneally, Co-Founder of Slick+, who offer practical, honest insights on eve...2025-07-0837 min
Smooth ScalingTried & Tested: Evelyn O'Toole on Science, Scale & Staying the CourseIn this episode of Smooth Scaling, Marie sits down with Evelyn O’Toole, Founder and CEO of CLS (Complete Laboratory Solutions), to explore the remarkable journey of building one of Ireland’s leading scientific services companies. From humble beginnings in Connemara to becoming a national and international leader, Evelyn shares what gave her the courage to start, how she navigated key growth milestones, and the pivotal decisions that shaped CLS’s success.We dive into the complexities of scaling a business in a highly regulated sector, balancing expansion with quality and technical excellence. Evelyn opens up about how her...2025-06-241h 05
Smooth ScalingScaling to the UK: Market Experts SpecialIn this extended episode of Smooth Scaling, we dive deep into scaling your business into the UK market with insights from leading experts on the ground. Join us as we explore routes to market, funding supports, sector opportunities, and regional advantages across the UK.Guests include Patrick McMahon (Enterprise Ireland UK), La Tess Bartlett (West Midlands Growth Company), Joseph Beaden and Alex Jones Casey (MIDAS Manchester), John O'Loughlin (Welsh Government), and Mark John (Tramshed Tech).Whether you're eyeing expansion or already trading in the UK, this episode is packed with practical advice, regional insights, and r...2025-05-0959 min
Smooth ScalingValley Backing: Navigating US ExpansionIn this episode of Smooth Scaling, we dive into the reality of securing US investment as an Irish business. To help us navigate the complexity of this journey, we're joined by the brilliant Máire P Walsh, Venture Partner at AiiM partners in Silicon Valley, a proud Mayo woman, and a true champion of Irish entrepreneurship.We explore the real hurdles Irish companies face when trying to raise US investment, whether you can secure investment from Ireland, what US investors are actually looking for in Irish and European startups, common mistakes Irish founders make w...2025-03-2923 min
Smooth ScalingWinning the Talent War: How Scaling Companies Compete for Top TalentOver 85% of our scaling business called out ‘Talent Acquisition & Retention’ as a critical challenge and key hurdle to growth. Scaling companies find themselves competing with larger organisations and multinationals. So how can SMEs differentiate themselves and win the best people?In this episode of Smooth Scaling, we dive into practical strategies that scaling businesses can use to attract top talent. From company culture, career progression, and employer branding to flexibility, ESOPs, and what candidates are really looking for today, we break down the key ways businesses can differentiate themselves in a competitive hiring market.We’re joi...2025-03-0933 min
Smooth ScalingThe Farmer Who Built an Empire: How JFC Scaled the GlobeIn this episode of Smooth Scaling, Marie sits down with John Concannon, Founder & CEO of JFC Group.From humble farm beginnings in Tuam, Co. Galway, JFC Group has grown to become a global leader in innovative solutions for the construction, agri-equine, material handling, and marine industries. Today JFC group operates across multiple continents with 14 international locations, employing over 650 people and delivering forward-thinking solutions worldwide.In this episode John reflects on 37 years, sharing invaluable insights on the highs and lows of international scaling, with plenty of fun along the way!2025-02-1538 min
Smooth ScalingScaling to Greatness: How Ergo became a Tech PowerhouseIn this episode of Smooth Scaling, host Marie Donnellan sits down with John Purdy, Founder & Chairman of tech giant Ergo, to explore what it really takes to scale a business internationally. With over 30 years of experience building one of Ireland’s most successful technology companies, John shares his invaluable insights on international expansion, overcoming scaling challenges, and the critical structures needed for sustainable global growth.
From navigating new markets to adapting to different business cultures, John offers practical advice for scaling leaders looking to take their companies to the next level. Whether you're an entrepreneur preparing for inte...2025-01-3130 min
Smooth ScalingPodcast Launch & 2025 Scaling OutlookWelcome to the very first episode of Smooth Scaling. In this debut, we dive into the high-level findings of our 2025 Business Leaders Survey, uncovering key trends and insights shaping the scaling journey. Plus, we sit down with three great members of our SCALE by Platform94 community: John Clancy of Galvia AI, Matt Lawless of Clubforce, and David Ryan of Flynn O'Driscoll. They share their unique perspectives on the survey results and what they mean for scaling businesses in 2025.2025-01-3121 min
The Irish VCThe Irish VC ep 18: Scaling Success with Marie Donnellan, CEO of Platform 94In this episode, our host Marie Nolan chats with Marie Donnellan, former EY Director and current CEO of Platform 94. (Yes, 2 Marie's on the podcast!)
Marie shares insights into what Galway based Platform 94 does, the industries they collaborate with, and how they help both indigenous and foreign businesses scale. They also dive into the importance of work-life balance, and Marie answers some fun, quick-fire questions to close out the conversation.
2024-08-3024 min
17H17S02E06 - Olivier CharassonDans ce nouvel épisode de 17h17 nous recevons Olivier Charasson, nous discutons des castings, des rôles de fonction, comment les appréhender et travailler ses textes. De la popularité des gens de la télé, de la réalité de l'intermittence, de l'addiction aux séries ou pas…On revient sur son court métrage” L'Homme de la berge” qui nous remets dans l’histoire de Pierre Bérégovoy et son travail dans la série “Rictus” de Arnaud Malherbe et Marion Festraëts. On embrasse Bertrand Usclat, fil rouge de cet épisode, on part fouiller int...2024-01-121h 36
Ladies of Measure PodcastLadies of Measure - S03 Episode 3Marie Donnellan is the woman behind livewhatyoulove.ie. Throughout this conversation we learn how this initiative came to be. Marie talks about entrepreneurship, mental health, the impact covid has had on Irish businesses. Live What You Love is a selfless act by Marie to showcase how and where you can support Irish Businesses. Maire leads the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Programme and who better to understand the world of entrepreneurship than Marie, stating ‘it is a lonely place’. We reflect what Covid has taught us and the impact on our wellbeing. Marie...2021-06-1349 min