The Rise Up Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by Ciara McNulty, nutritionist and women’s health advocate, for a refreshing and grounded conversation about nutrition, hormone health, and learning to truly understand our bodies. We explore our relationship with food and why so many women feel disconnected from it, before breaking down the fundamental building blocks of good nutrition and what it really means to e...

In this unfiltered conversation with Cindy Gallop, we dive into the art of being unapologetically yourself - in life, work, sex, and love. Cindy opens up about personal branding rooted in radical honesty, the power of living by your own values, and why caring less about what others think is a pathway to freedom. We explore the joy of being single, her philosophy on dating younger men, and her wish...

In this episode, Susan sits down with  Lucy O’Keeffe , Co-Founder and CEO of  CroíValve -  a medtech company developing next-generation solutions for tricuspid valve disease. Lucy shares her founder journey and origin story: how she met her co-founders, why she left her role in ICON to step into the unfamiliar world of startups, and what it was like to navigate that leap. She brings us through her...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sabina Brennan - leading neuroscientist, psychologist, and brain health expert, for a fascinating conversation about how to keep your brain thriving. Sabina shares her inspiring personal journey, from going back to college at 42 to study psychology and neuroscience, to becoming one of Ireland’s foremost voices in brain health. We explore how the brain functions,...

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Neale, venture investor and champion of founders, to demystify the world of venture capital. Amy shares why she loves working with entrepreneurs so much and her own journey which led her to working in the investing and start up ecosystem. We talk about what makes a truly exceptional founder, the common mistakes to avoid when pitching, and how VC funds really w...

In this episode, international bestselling author  Cecelia Ahern  opens up about her journey from growing up in Dublin to becoming one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. Cecelia shares how daydreaming and imagination shaped her childhood and sparked her passion for writing, leading to her debut novel  PS, I Love You -  a story that not only touched millions but completely changed the course...

In this episode, Kel Galavan shares her personal journey with money – from getting into debt to taking on a no-spend year, and ultimately turning her finances (and her mindset) around. Packed with practical tips, we dive into how to reframe your relationship with money, build healthy financial habits, and start investing with confidence. Kel breaks down the difference between affluence and wealth,...

Emma Maye’s story is one of courage, grit, and reinvention. From an early age, she faced the challenges of dyslexia and a difficult school experience, which taught her to persevere and find her own path. Later, after the sudden loss of her father, she stepped up to support her mother in managing his €1 billion property portfolio - navigating the pressures of NAMA and the immense stress that came w...

In this episode, Susan chats with Siobhán Lam, founder of April and the Bear, about her journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to creating one of Ireland’s most-loved interiors brands. Siobhán shares how spotting a gap in the market led her to start her own business, the resilience it takes to keep going, and why reframing failure has been key to her success. They explore the skills...

In this episode with Lisa Hughes, we dive into why so many of us are craving deeper connection in today’s digital world. We explore practical ways to build your tribe and find meaning at work, as well as the power of friendships and the different types of friends we all need. We also talk about endings—whether that’s friendship breakups, divorce, leaving a job, or starting over—and how to navigate...

In this insightful episode, we speak to Aisling Curtis and Amy Ball, market leaders at PwC, about the transformative power of AI and generative technologies. Explore how AI is reshaping industries, the challenges and opportunities it brings, and how leaders can harness its potential to create meaningful impact. From navigating digital burnout to empowering women in STEM, Aisling and Amy share valu...

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable career journey of Wendy Harris, former Goldman Sachs trade of a former Goldman Sachs trader turned tech sales VP and author. She shares her insights on reinvention, emphasizing the power of bravery, self-advocacy, and embracing your identity to create the career and life you deserve. We explore topics like choosing the right boss, balancing health with...

Join us as we chat with two inspiring sisters who co-founded the tech company TALY. In this episode, they share the unique dynamics of working together as family and business partners, along with the challenges, successes, and hard-won lessons they’ve encountered on their journey. Tune in for insights on early startup hurdles, navigating investment, and advice for founders entering the fundraising...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Johnson, CIO at Pipedrive and board member of Women in Technology and Science (WITS) Ireland, to explore her inspiring journey in tech. From her early influences and the power of education to her decision to pursue a career in technology, Andrea shares insights into what shaped her path to success. Andrea highlights the power of finding your tribe and s...

In this episode, Jenny Johnson, CEO of Azure Communications, shares her journey from marketer to CEO, offering key marketing tips and insights on what makes a great marketer. She talks about building resilience, and the importance of getting back up after setbacks. Jenny also discusses leading with empathy, why flexible work is essential for her and her team, and the power of peer-to-peer support...

In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Bloom, a dedicated yoga teacher, to explore her personal journey into yoga and how it led her to discover a deep connection with India’s culture and way of life. We discuss the importance of tapping into our intuition, the power of taking time each day to simply do nothing, and how the world around us serves as a mirror to our inner selves. Lucy shares her ins...

In this episode, Fidelma McGuirk, Founder and CEO of Payslip, shares her journey of building a global business from the West of Ireland. She discusses how her past experiences inspired the creation of Payslip, the importance of being laser-focused on solving the right problem, her experience of fundraising and hiring top talent. Fidelma also delves into her leadership approach, strategies for scal...

In this episode, Clare McKenna, TV presenter and media professional, shares her journey of building a fulfilling career in broadcasting. We dive into the importance of pursuing aligned opportunities, navigating the return to work after maternity leave, and how Clare has incorporated health and wellbeing into her life.

Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Design, shares her journey from marketing to leadership roles, the importance of self-awareness and coaching, and the unique culture and values of Kilkenny Designs. She also discusses the future of retail and the significance of maintaining culture amidst growth. Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Design, discusses the importance of company culture, psychological saf...

Breda McCague shares her journey from the Irish Reserve Defence Forces to a career in banking and leadership coaching. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and a growth mindset in personal and professional development. Breda discusses the impact of leadership on culture and the need for self-awareness in order to have a positive impact on others. She encourages individuals to step outside of...

Geri, an interior designer, shares her journey and insights into the world of interior design. She discusses how her love for design began at a young age, influenced by her father's passion for fine art and antiques. Geri explains how spaces can impact our mood and the importance of intentional design in creating a comfortable and calming environment. She also shares her design process, which...

Welcome to the Rise Up Podcast, the podcast that delves into the inspiring journeys of women from diverse backgrounds and industries. Join us as we explore the stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts who share invaluable life lessons they wish they had known earlier. Each episode is a deep dive into how these remarkable women navigated career hurdles, embraced risks, and le...

Welcome to the Rise Up Podcast, the podcast that delves into the inspiring journeys of women from diverse backgrounds and industries. Join us as we explore the stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts who share invaluable life lessons they wish they had known earlier. Each episode is a deep dive into how these remarkable women navigated career hurdles, embraced risks, and le...

Sarah Cunningham joins Susan this week to discuss all things wellbeing, the disconnect between perks and genuine happiness and share advice on how employers can improve employee happiness