Recipes for Success Heather Thompson

In conversation with sisters Natalie & Karen Keane, sisters and founders of Bean and Goose, an artisan and sustainable Irish chocolate brand. Discover how they grew their business from making chocolate in Karen’s kitchen, to creating a values-driven business known for sustainability, customer experience, and unique Irish flavors. They speak of their commitment to “win-win” supply chains, good business and memorable customer experiences. Hear their insights on sustainability, conscious choices and navigating business challenges. Don’t miss this great episode,where you can learn how to build and scale a business that adds to the world. #goodchocolatedoesgood

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Key Takeaways: 


Bean and Goose was founded by sisters Natalie and Karen with the intention of creating good things in the world and prioritising sustainability.


They built a customer base by selling their hand-made chocolate at farmers markets before scaling up.


Their customers are values-driven and believe in supporting local businesses and making conscious choices.


Bean and Goose focuses on bringing joy back to chocolate and infusing it with Irish flavors and designs inspired by the landscape. Intentionality and thoughtfulness in every aspect of a business can create a memorable customer experience.


Authenticity and sustainability are important values to embody in business.


Having a shared vision and supporting and questioning each other can help navigate leaps of faith.


Support from organizations and networks can be invaluable in building a successful business.

Opening up premises as a destination can enhance the customer experience and create new opportunities.



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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recipes for Success

00:59 The Origin Story of Bean and Goose

09:25 The Joy and Experience of Chocolate

14:31 Challenging Capitalist Business Models

23:49 Creating Products with the Customer in Mind

28:12 Listening to Customer Feedback and Innovating

32:42 Ambitious Plans for the Future

39:43 Supportive Network and Good Eggs


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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠⁠

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Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠⁠

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

Check out my website: ⁠⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie⁠

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Connect with Bean + Goose

Website:  www.beanandgoose.ie 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/beanandgoose/ 

Link to workshops: https://beanandgoose.ie/collections/workshop 

Sharing Slab:  https://beanandgoose.ie/collections/chocolate-sharing-slab-gifts 

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Useful links from this conversation 

Benoit Lorge Chocolatier: https://lorge.ie/ 

Taste Wexford: www.tastewexford.ie 

Enterprise Ireland:  www.enterprise-ireland.com

Anthony O’Toole: www.instagram.com/anthonyotoole_ 

Original Beans: www.originalbeans.com 

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In conversation with Ruth Connolly, a freelance fine art and commercial photographer, who shares her journey of pursuing a creative career. She initially considered a more traditional path but ultimately followed her passion for art. Ruth discusses the challenges and uncertainties of forging her own path and the importance of self-belief. She emphasises the value of gaining experience through assisting other photographers and building a portfolio. Ruth also highlights the need to be adaptable and open to different opportunities in order to succeed in a creative career. Ruth’s story is a beacon of hope to any aspiring creatives to stay true to themselves and their motivations to forge their own path in life.

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Key Takeaways: 


Follow your passion and don't be afraid to forge your own path.


Assisting other photographers and building a portfolio are valuable steps in pursuing a career in photography.


Be open to different opportunities and be willing to adapt.


Self-belief is crucial in overcoming challenges and uncertainties.


Do what you love and be on time and respectful.


Follow up with potential clients and remind them of your work.


Surround yourself with people you trust.


Say no to clients who don't align with your values.



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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠

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Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠

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

Check out my website: ⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie

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Connect with Ruth

Website: https://ruthconnolly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth.connolly/ 

Buy Ruth’s Photography Book: https://ruthconnolly.com/book/

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Useful links from this conversation 

https://www.lindabrownlee.com/ 

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In conversation with Lorraine Lozano, a certified Doula, Childbirth & Breastfeeding Educator, Trauma Resolution Practitioner, wife & mother. Forget the nine-to-five grind, Lorraine's job is about empowering families during life-changing moments. A doula works with the family unit to provide emotional, physical, and practical support, during the birth process. Doulas personalise their support, including hands-on practical support, informational support, and emotional support. Lorraine emphasises the importance of listening and holding space for clients, rather than trying to fix or give solutions. She also highlights the evidence-based approach that doulas take, staying up-to-date with the latest research and providing clients with accurate information to make informed decisions. Intrigued? Tune in to discover more about this unique career path!
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Key Takeaways: 


A doula provides emotional, physical, and practical support to individuals going through major life transitions.


Doulas work with families as a unit and often provide support to partners during the birth process.


Support provided by doulas varies from person to person, including hands-on practical support, informational support, and emotional support.


Doulas emphasise the importance of listening and holding space for clients, rather than trying to fix or give solutions.


Doulas take an evidence-based approach, staying up-to-date with the latest research and providing clients with accurate information to make informed decisions.


The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to birthing experiences and care. 


Know your personal philosophy and values before searching out a training course. 



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Chapters:

00:59 The Role of a Doula

06:20 Supporting Clients: Practical and Emotional

09:08 The Misconception of Doulas as 'Woo-Ha'

10:05 The Importance of Evidence-Based Information

13:32 Navigating Conflicts with Medical Professionals

15:14 The Impact of COVID-19 on Birthing Experiences

20:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠

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Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠

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

Check out my website: ⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie

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Connect with Lorraine

Website: https://www.globebabydoula.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globebabydoula/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globebabydoula

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Useful links from this conversation 

Washing your Hands in Hospitals: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ignaz-Semmelweis 

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In conversation with Hannah O’Byrne, an award winning Irish dog walker and pet sitter. Did you know the dog walking industry is booming? Hannah set up her dog walking business during Covid, inspired by her neighbour’s comments to just “go for it”. And go for it she did, and she’s continued to go for it, so that four years later, she has a thriving business that lets her live her life on her own terms. Learn the secret traits successful pet sitters share, the importance of understanding dog breeds, and how to handle pet bereavement.  She shares a very personal story about the premature, and unexpected loss, of her beloved Labrador Norman, and the grief she experienced.  Considering a career with animals? This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in, and be inspired to create your own recipe for success. 

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Key Takeaways: 


Being a dog walker and pet sitter is a fulfilling job that allows for freedom and outdoor time.


Dog owners should research and understand the characteristics and needs of different dog breeds before getting a pet.


The loss of a pet is a significant and emotional experience, and it's important to seek support and share the grief.


Compassion and understanding from clients and the global community can provide comfort during difficult times. The loss of a pet can be a traumatic experience, and it's important to acknowledge and process grief.


There is counselling available specifically for animal bereavement, which can provide support and help in coping with the loss.


People who work with animals often possess characteristics such as reliability, a bit of madness, and good customer service skills.


If you're considering a career working with animals, don't be afraid to take the leap and go for it. Keep pushing forward and seizing opportunities.


The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in pet ownership, which has created more opportunities in the dog walking and pet sitting industry.



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Chapters

00:59 Hannah's Journey to Becoming a Dog Walker and Pet Sitter

08:00 The Importance of Customer Service Skills in the Pet Care Industry

10:54 Sharing Snippets of the Dog Walking Experience with Owners

12:11 The Best Aspects of Being a Dog Walker

14:01 Supporting Responsible Dog Ownership and Providing Help to Dog Owners

21:10 Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Pet

25:44 Cherishing Every Moment with Our Pets

26:29 The Emotional Impact of Pet Loss

31:34 Characteristics of Those Who Work with Animals

33:02 Advice for Those Considering a Career with Animals

45:42 The Power of Pets to Create Connections
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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠

---

Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠

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

Check out my website: ⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie

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Connect with Hannah

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahbananared/ 

Website: https://www.hannahsdogwalking.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hannahbananared

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Episode Description:

In conversation with Urmi Hossain, a Canadian financial services professional,self-published author, blogger, speaker, YouTuber & mentor. This episode dives into the world of finance, exploring its exciting and dynamic nature. Discover the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth, aligning jobs with your true self, and seeing rejection as redirection. Urmi shares how she’s stayed motivated through continuous learning, and the value of mentoring in career journeys.

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Key Takeaways: 


Embrace your multifaceted nature and explore different career paths.


Invest in yourself and prioritise your personal and professional growth.


Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and embrace change.


Seek mentorship and be a mentor to others.


The finance industry is dynamic and offers various career paths beyond just numbers.


Rejections are redirections and opportunities for growth.


Claim your accomplishments and use them to build your personal brand.


Prioritise yourself and nurture your body, mind, and soul.


Investing in yourself benefits not only you but also those around you.


The finance industry is always evolving, and AI can be a helpful tool but cannot replace the human touch.



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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Recipes for Success

03:07 Career Aspirations and Changes

06:40 Choosing a Career Path

10:55 Transitioning to Finance

14:13 Career Paths in Finance

20:40 Choosing a Job that Aligns with Your True Self

21:35 Dealing with Rejections and Redirections

23:31 Claiming Your Accomplishments

24:49 Investing in Yourself for Personal and Professional Growth

26:34 The Role of AI in the Finance Industry

28:35 Career Progression and Diversification

29:59 The Importance of Gaining Experience

31:50 Claiming Your Accomplishments

33:17 Investing in Yourself and Prioritising Your Growth

35:04 The Power of Mentorship

36:28 Helping Others and Being a Mentor

37:24 Investing in Yourself for Personal and Professional Growth

39:08 The Social Benefits of Investing in Yourself

40:01 Closing Remarks

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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠

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Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠

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

Check out my website: ⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie

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Connect with Urmi Hossain

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urmamio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain

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Episode Description:

In conversation with Eimear Lambe, a history-making, Olympic medal winning, Irish rower. In this conversation, Heather and Eimear discuss Eimear's journey into sport and the inclusivity of the Olympics, due to the variety of sports available for everyone. Eimear shares her approach to handling pressure and the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. She also discusses the role of perspective and maintaining a balanced view of sport in her life. Eimear believes there is power in finding one's passion. She emphasises the need to believe in oneself and the value of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

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Key Takeaways: 


Rowing can be a sport for everyone, and the inclusivity of the Olympics showcases the variety of sports available.


Communication and teamwork are essential skills in both sports and business.


Handling pressure requires a balanced perspective and focusing on the process rather than the outcome.


There are many different paths to success in sports, and each athlete has their own unique approach. Representation is important in sports and beyond, as it allows individuals to see what is possible and inspires them to pursue their goals.


Rest and recovery are critical for high performance, and athletes should prioritise taking care of their physical and mental well-being.


In a competitive sports environment, it is possible to have friendly competition and support one another's success.


Transitioning out of sports can be challenging, and it is important to have a plan and other passions or careers to pursue.


Believing in oneself and finding one's passion are key to achieving success and fulfillment.


Ordinary people are capable of doing extraordinary things, and it is important not to compare oneself to others or put them on pedestals.


Admiring and learning from fellow athletes can be inspiring and help in personal growth and development.



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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Recipes for Success

00:59 Eimear’s Remarkable Journey

08:14 Handling Pressure and the Importance of Movement

14:15 Focusing on the Process and Finding Success

26:43 The Supportive Environment of the Rowing Center

29:37 Life After Sports and Reinventing Yourself

36:02 Advice to Younger Self: Trust Your Sauce

39:20 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠

---

Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠

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

Check out my website: ⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie

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Connect with Eimear Lambe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eimearlambe97/ 

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Useful links from this conversation 

Karen Barry Podcast Episode (Ireland’s favourite powerlifting granny): https://spoti.fi/490eXZj 

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