CEO Corner by Sarah McGrath

Sarah McGrath
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  • Entrepreneurship
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Each month, we deconstruct world-class industry leaders, asking them about their leadership style, the psychological drivers behind their success and how they became who they are today. This platform is for those who want to gain tips and insights from the best of the best and for those who enjoy hearing other success stories. Sarah McGrath is a Partner and Co-Owner at 360 Search Recruitment Service in Ireland and the UK and a Co-Owner of Vy Nutrition. Sarah helps ensure senior professionals get access to their employer of choice and obtain their desired objectives while building their careers. She works with some of the most prolific entrepreneurs within Financial Services. Sarah holds a Degree in Business, a Four-Year Diploma in Nutrition and a Degree in Psychology. She is passionate about organisational psychology and corporate well-being, advising and speaking at many industry associations.

  1. Oct 21

    Building Ireland's Supercar Business: Nadia Adan on Social Media, Risk & Reputation | CEO Corner

    “It's very easy to compete on price, and it's a race to the bottom. Or you could try and get a brand and a reputation.” What does it take to build a premium supercar business from a rented yard, and to keep it growing when social media does most of the selling? In this episode of CEO Corner, Nadia Adan, founder of Ashford Motors, joins Sarah McGrath for a candid conversation about risk, reputation and the hard work behind one of Ireland's best-known supercar dealerships. From arriving in Ireland with nothing to selling everything from Lamborghinis to Range Rovers from a base in Wicklow and a second site, Nadia shares how she built Ashford Motors on cash flow discipline, big early bets and content people actually want to watch. In this conversation: → why social media does the selling before a customer ever walks in, and how Nadia tracks it → the blue Lamborghini that went viral, and the 30 million views that came with it → what a finance background teaches you about cash flow, margins and risk → consignment and sale or return as a way to grow faster than your own capital allows → why she chose brand and reputation over a race to the bottom on price → handling trolls, being open about the hard days, and letting go of doing everything herself An honest listen for founders, business owners and anyone building something from nothing. Listen now, and share it with someone building a brand. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders and high performers on CEO Corner. Connect With Us: Nadia Adan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-adan-1187a750/ Ashford Motors: https://www.ashfordmotors.ie/ Sarah McGrath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mcgrath/   0:00 Intro 0:31 Inside Ashford Motors: a week in the life 2:58 Arriving in Ireland with nothing 6:49 What a finance background brings to selling cars 8:46 From selling her own car to a side hustle 11:03 Leaving finance: a year's rent and a yard in Wicklow 12:48 Brand and reputation over a race to the bottom 16:40 Setting up as a dealer, and the blue Lamborghini gamble 21:58 Importing supercars: VRT, tax and pricing 25:51 Why most customers now buy on finance 27:37 Social media as a sales channel 29:22 Why a founder's online presence is a business asset 32:54 Growth since 2022 and managing costs 34:28 Consignment: selling on behalf of the customer 36:40 Fake it till you make it 39:06 Being open about the hard days 41:21 Free publicity and the Nadia calendar 42:32 Trolls, and the people who turned up to apologise 45:58 Women, confidence and showing up as yourself 47:11 Advice for leaders thinking of getting online 49:24 The next phase, and learning to let go 51:36 Quickfire to close Sponsored by 360 Search. Your career, our expertise. www.360search.ie Guest: Nadia Adan | Founder, Ashford Motors Host: Sarah McGrath | CEO, 360 Search #CEOCorner #Entrepreneurship #Founders #SocialMedia #MotorIndustry #Supercars #WomenInBusiness #NadiaAdan #AshfordMotors #SarahMcGrath

  2. Oct 1

    From CFO at 27 to CEO of an €800m Business | Lorna Conn, CPL | CEO Corner

    “I might not have all the qualifications, and there might be gaps. But I will die trying.” What does it take to lead one of Ireland's largest talent businesses, and to back yourself into the room before you feel ready? In this episode of CEO Corner, Lorna Conn, CEO of CPL (the €800m talent solutions group employing 14,000 people) joins Sarah McGrath for a rare, honest conversation between two people who know recruitment from very different ends of the scale. From CFO at 27 to CEO, Lorna shares how she has grown CPL through centralisation, culture, and a relentless focus on building a better business: → backing yourself into roles bigger than your experience → why psychological safety is the real foundation of performance → how private equity can be a growth partner, not a cost-cutter → the grit the recruitment industry actually demands → asking for what you are worth, and the homework to do first An essential listen for founders, leaders, and anyone building a career with ambition. Sponsored by 360 Search. Your career, our expertise. www.360search.ie 0:00 Intro 1:47 Inside CPL: the €800m talent group 5:35 Always wanted to be an accountant 9:36 Taking a CFO seat at 27 12:27 No shame in not knowing 13:00 “Don't make that decision for her” 15:33 Having it all, and what it costs 17:00 Succeeding Anne Heraty after 31 years 20:00 Delisting, Japan and Bain Capital 24:00 Private equity as a growth partner 26:00 40% profit growth: centralisation 30:00 Three principles of a business that succeeds 33:11 The grit recruitment demands 39:41 Leadership style and autonomy 45:00 The three foundations of psychological safety 48:20 Embracing AI 51:59 The 30% Club and the “broken rung” 58:50 Asking for what you're worth 1:03:40 Upbringing and drive 1:09:10 Legacy

  3. Apr 8

    “Most Heart Disease Is Preventable” – Executive Health, Stress & Longevity with Dr. Robert Kelly

    “If you don’t look after the engine, you can’t expect to perform.” What happens when ambition, pressure, and performance come at the expense of your health? In this episode of CEO Corner, Associate Professor Dr. Robert Kelly –Consultant Cardiologist, Lifestyle Medicine expert, and creator of the Heart Reset Method – joins Sarah McGrath for a powerful conversation on the hidden health risks facing CEOs, founders, and senior leaders. From chronic stress and poor sleep to silent plaque build-up and missed warning signs, Dr. Kelly explains why so many high-performing individuals ignore the very risks that matter most, and why prevention is the real performance advantage. This is a masterclass in executive health, longevity, and sustainable performance: → why heart disease often develops silently for decades → the warning signs leaders consistently ignore → how stress, sleep, diet, and alcohol impact heart health → why high achievers struggle to turn knowledge into action → the link between heart health, decision-making, and performance → and how small behavioural changes can transform long-term outcomes All without waiting for a crisis to force change. Dr. Kelly shares insights from nearly 20 years in cardiology, working with patients at both acute and preventative stages—and how his approach has evolved to focus on helping people stay well, not just treating illness. Listen Now! An essential listen for CEOs, founders, and ambitious professionals who want to build success without sacrificing their health—and actually enjoy the results. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague or leader who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more leadership, performance, and real-world insights from CEO Corner. Connect With Us Dr. Robert Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/associate-professor-dr-robert-kelly-1111051a/ Sarah McGrath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mcgrath/   Sponsored by 360 Search — Your career, our expertise. www.360search.ie

  4. Mar 3

    “You Don’t Need All the Answers to Lead” — Authentic Leadership with Marguerite Brosnan, CEO of AXA Insurance Ireland

    “You can be authentic and powerful at the same time.” What does real leadership actually look like behind the title? In this episode of CEO Corner, Marguerite Brosnan, CEO of AXA Insurance Ireland, joins Sarah McGrath for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, career pivots, and building high-trust teams that outperform. From growing up between Tipperary and Kerry to becoming one of Ireland’s top CEOs, Marguerite shares the defining moments that shaped her leadership philosophy including leaving a secure teaching career, being championed by a sponsor early in her career, and learning why authenticity builds more trust than authority ever could. Inside this episode: → why ambition doesn’t need to be loud → the difference between mentoring and sponsorship → how to lead experts who know more than you → why flexibility builds trust instead of weakness → staying close to the frontline to stay grounded → how insurance is evolving from protection to prevention   Key takeaways include • Why steady self-improvement beats competitive ambition • How discomfort builds confidence and career momentum • The leadership habit that creates psychological safety • Why breadth of experience increases long-term career value • How great leaders share credit and take responsibility   Memorable moments • “A leader casts a long shadow.” • “If you want to climb a mountain, you have to climb it.” • “When you do the right thing, you’re never wrong.”   An essential listen for leaders, founders, managers, and anyone building a meaningful career. If this episode helped you, share it with someone who leads a team or wants to. Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping modern leadership. _ Connect With Us Marguerite Brosnan: linkedin.com/in/marguerite-brosnan-baabb865/ Sarah McGrath: linkedin.com/in/sarah-mcgrath/ _ Sponsored by 360 Search: Your career, our expertise www.360search.ie

  5. Feb 23

    “If You Knew How Hard It Was, You Wouldn’t Do It” – Ambition, Risk & Real Wealth with Stephen Felle

    “If people knew how hard it was to set up your own business, they wouldn’t do it.”  In this episode of CEO Corner, Stephen Felle—CEO at Fordel and former youngest director on the board of Davy—joins Sarah McGrath to talk ruthless ambition, the Celtic Tiger, and what “real wealth” looks like in Ireland today. From starting in stockbroking as a teenager, to sitting at the centre of Ireland’s boom years, to walking away from a high-paying leadership role to launch a startup weeks before COVID, Stephen shares a rare, candid look inside wealth, risk, and reinvention. Key takeaways include: Ambition needs a channel – how not being good at sport pushed Stephen to find his edge in business and relationship-building. The evolution from stock-picking to wealth management – why “boring” compounding beats flashy trading apps 60% of the time. Celtic Tiger lessons – how visible excess (helicopters to the Galway Races, soaring bank shares) masked systemic risk. The hidden cost of rapid career success – work–life imbalance, stress, and the danger of tying identity to title. Entrepreneurship reality vs romance – why most people underestimate the financial and emotional strain of starting up. Ireland’s new wealth story – business sales, pensions, and high earners replacing leveraged property as the main driver. What good wealth management really is – holistic planning around pensions, gifting, college funds, tax, and family goals, not just “which fund”. Transparency as a differentiator – the importance of clear fees, realistic returns, and saying “no” to opaque 8% schemes with hidden commissions. Continuous mentorship matters – even at CEO level, having seasoned investors as sounding boards is a competitive advantage. Perspective after illness – why Stephen frames leukemia and startup scars through the lens of luck, support, and privilege. All while balancing a young family, big ambition, and the constant pressure of building something from scratch. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, high-earning professionals, and anyone in Ireland wondering how to turn income into long-term, resilient wealth—without losing yourself in the process.

  6. 11/11/2025

    Building Ireland’s First Female-Led Unicorn – Sinead Fitzmaurice FCA, Former CEO of TransferMate

    Leadership, Strategy, & Scaling From Startup to Unicorn In this episode of CEO Corner, Sinead Fitzmaurice FCA – first female CEO of an Irish unicorn (TransferMate Global Payments), director of Fitzmaurice Finance and chairperson of Nazaré Point – joins host Sarah McGrath for a rare, candid conversation about private leadership and public success. Sinead lifts the lid on what it took to scale a regulated global fintech to unicorn status while raising four children, including her daughter Sasha, who was given no hope at birth and went on to defy every prognosis. Together they dive into: → Growing up in 1980s Ireland with “tighten the belt” economics and big ambitions → Being the only woman among 30 male managers at PwC and learning to speak up in the boardroom → Scaling TransferMate from startup to unicorn through years of regulation and licensing → The night the New York regulator called at 11pm and changed the company’s trajectory → Unicorn status, staff mortgages, and why valuation is a tool, not an identity → Stage 3 of her career: advisory roles, AI, fintech in emerging markets & Nazaré Point Key takeaways include: • How childhood scarcity can drive ambition and the question “what am I chasing?” • The internal “10 conversations” women often have before speaking in the boardroom • Why quiet belief from one mentor can completely alter a career path • The reality of guilt for working mothers • The importance of product-market fit, regulation and a real moat in fintech • Why “overnight success” usually means a decade of invisible grind • How to give honest feedback, avoid wasted talent, and build a high-standards culture • Designing your career in stages: training ground → scale-up CEO → portfolio advisory

  7. 10/14/2025

    “I was down to my last 50 cent" – Resilience & Reinvention with Noel Anderson, MD of Grand Slam Bars

    “If you don’t adapt, you’re dead.” – What does it actually take to build and keep a hospitality business alive? In this episode of CEO Corner, Noel Anderson—publican, industry advocate, and co-founder of Grand Slam Bars (The Bridge 1859, Lemon & Duke, and more)–joins Sarah McGrath with a masterclass in operator mindset: → bouncing back from liquidation → settling a TV3 defamation case → bootstrapping Grafton Lounge, Lemon & Duke, The Bridge 1859 → and navigating policy shocks, energy costs, and shifting customer behaviour All without losing sight of people, product, and profit. Noel shares his raw, unfiltered story of resilience: losing everything at 23, starting again with €60k, scaling iconic venues with rugby partners, battling insurers during COVID—and why cash flow and culture beat almost everything else. Key takeaways include:  • Why cash flow is the lifeblood of any business  • The power of resilience after failure and liquidation at 23  • Property strategy: owning vs leasing and how ownership compounds growth  • Spotting & adapting to consumer trends  • Building strong team culture: hiring fast, removing bad fits, and sharing equity  • How Noel and his partners won a landmark COVID insurance case that benefited 1 in 7 Irish pubs  • The pressures of rising government costs, energy prices, and city safety on the hospitality sector  • The future of Irish pubs: fewer, smaller, more innovative, and more occasion-driven Memorable moments:  • “Cash flow is existential. Great ideas die without liquidity.”  • “Rip the plaster off on bad hires—culture is too expensive to waste.”  • “When things are good, don’t stir the hornet’s nest—pay down debt.”  • “Adapt or decline: evolve menus, experiences, and service—constantly.” An unmissable conversation for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone building a business in a fast-changing world. If this episode helped you, please share it with a founder or operator who needs it, and leave a comment—it really helps the show grow! Subscribe for more leadership & operator playbooks. _ Connect With Us Noel Anderson: /noel-anderson-a7a2bb42/ Sarah McGrath: /sarah-mcgrath/ _ Sponsored by 360 Search — Your career, our expertise. www.360search.ie

  8. 08/21/2025

    Conor Brennan, CEO of Ardonagh Europe: Scaling Across Borders & Leading with Purpose

    From a Shy Bookish Kid to Leading Europe’s Insurance Powerhouse: Conor Brennan’s Leadership Journey In this episode, we sit down with Conor Brennan, CEO of Ardonagh Europe, as he reflects on his personal journey and professional rise to leading one of Europe’s fastest-growing insurance groups. Conor shares his insights on scaling internationally, building purpose-driven cultures, and navigating the challenges of leadership across multiple markets. Discover how Conor transitioned from a shy kid – "the forgotten Beatle" – to an ambitious CEO, why he believes mentorship and listening are game-changers, and how Ardonagh Europe became a powerhouse through strategic acquisitions and values-led leadership. Episode Highlights: Building Ardonagh Europe into a pan-European leader. The role of purpose and culture in scaling successfully. How to make smart acquisitions while protecting values. Lessons on resilience, fear of failure, and staying competitive. Why mentorship and coaching accelerate leadership growth. Inspiring Leadership Lessons: Conor offers candid advice on growing as a leader, setting ambitious goals, and surrounding yourself with great people. His story is a masterclass in balancing business performance with cultural integrity and personal growth. Timestamps: (00:00:01) Separating personal and professional identity (00:03:21) Work-life balance and timely advice (00:20:25) Joining at a senior level without experience (00:28:00) The lifecycle of growth and the importance of change (00:32:46) Purpose-Driven Business (00:50:52) Advice for Ambitious Professionals   Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it, subscribe, and leave a review — your support helps us grow. Sponsored by 360 Search — Your career, our expertise.

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About

Each month, we deconstruct world-class industry leaders, asking them about their leadership style, the psychological drivers behind their success and how they became who they are today. This platform is for those who want to gain tips and insights from the best of the best and for those who enjoy hearing other success stories. Sarah McGrath is a Partner and Co-Owner at 360 Search Recruitment Service in Ireland and the UK and a Co-Owner of Vy Nutrition. Sarah helps ensure senior professionals get access to their employer of choice and obtain their desired objectives while building their careers. She works with some of the most prolific entrepreneurs within Financial Services. Sarah holds a Degree in Business, a Four-Year Diploma in Nutrition and a Degree in Psychology. She is passionate about organisational psychology and corporate well-being, advising and speaking at many industry associations.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah McGrath
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    CEO Corner by Sarah McGrath

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