What's The Craic Podcast

84. Doug Robertson - Build People, Build Community, Build Business

“Business growth starts with personal growth.” From data analyst to entrepreneur, recruiter, endurance athlete, and silent retreat participant - Douglas Robertson has built a business around helping people unlock opportunities while continually challenging himself to grow. In this episode, I sit down with Doug to discuss recruitment, leadership, fitness, entrepreneurship, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when you deliberately step into discomfort. We talk about: 📊 How Doug combined his experience in data analytics and recruitment to build one of Perth’s leading specialist recruitment agencies for data, software, and AI talent 🤝 Why his philosophy of Build People, Build Community, Build Business has become the foundation of his company’s growth and reputation 📈 The leadership lessons he’s learned scaling a niche business and why “high expectations, high support” drives performance better than micromanagement 🏃 How fitness, half marathons, mountain climbs, and challenging physical goals help him become a better business owner, leader, and partner 🧘 What he learned from completing a six-day silent retreat in Bali and how it changed the way he handles stress, setbacks, and uncertainty 🚫 Why quitting alcohol became one of the most important decisions of his life and created the space for greater self-awareness, career growth, and entrepreneurship This is a conversation about personal growth, building meaningful relationships, creating community, and continually pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. 🎧 Now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere else you get your podcasts.

83. Paula Rogers - The Power of Saying Yes

“You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going. Sometimes the best opportunities come from saying yes.” Paula Rogers left recession-era Ireland, built a career in London, and eventually found her home in Perth. Along the way she’s led publishing businesses, major industry organisations, state-wide policy conversations, and some of WA’s most influential networks. In this episode, we talk about: 🌍 Leaving Ireland for London and later taking the leap to Perth with two young children 📚 Building a career through unexpected opportunities, from publishing books to leading major business organisations 🤝 Why networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about generosity, gratitude, and paying it forward 🎤 Overcoming imposter syndrome, finding your voice, and stepping into leadership roles you never thought you’d have 🏙️ The power of a “Team Perth” mindset and why WA should stop being Australia’s best-kept secret ❤️ Balancing ambition, family, motherhood, and reflecting on what really matters as a new grandmother Paula shares an honest look at building a life on the other side of the world, the importance of saying yes to opportunities, and why no one succeeds alone. This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, connection, community, and creating opportunities through relationships. 🎧 Now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

82. Tom Tierney - The Irishman Building Jurien’s Future

“Success means nothing if you don’t bring people with you.” From helping build one of Perth’s biggest Irish community events to delivering a major resort development on the WA coast, Tom Tierney has spent his career backing people, building businesses, and taking the road less travelled. In this episode, I sit down with Tom to discuss entrepreneurship, community leadership, property development, family, and the lessons learned from both success and adversity. We talk about: ☘️ How the Irish community in Perth helped shape his journey and his role in growing Perth’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations into one of the largest Irish festivals in the Southern Hemisphere 🏗️ The story behind Seashells Jurien Bay, a 110-unit modular resort development designed to challenge traditional construction and push the boundaries of sustainability 📈 The highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including losing heavily during the Global Financial Crisis and rebuilding his confidence to take risks again 🚀 Why modular construction, renewable energy, and smarter development models could transform the future of Australian housing and tourism 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The life lessons learned through raising children, coaching junior sport, and why legacy is about character far more than business success 🤝 The power of networking, mentorship, volunteering, and helping others without expecting anything in return This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, community, family, and having the courage to keep backing yourself when others won’t. 🎧 Now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere else you get your podcasts.

81. Arlene Malone - Should You Leave Ireland for Australia?

“We packed up our lives, left everything behind… and started again in Perth.” Moving countries sounds exciting. In reality, it can be equal parts opportunity, uncertainty, homesickness, and hope. In this episode, I sit down with Arlene, founder of The Relocation Expo, to talk about her family’s journey from County Louth, Ireland, to Perth, Western Australia, and how that experience inspired her to help other families navigate the same path. We talk about: 🇮🇪 Why they walked away from a successful business, family support networks, and a comfortable life in Ireland to start over in Australia ✈️ The reality of arriving in Perth, navigating homesickness, and adapting to life on the other side of the world 🏖️ How the Perth lifestyle, outdoor living, and opportunities for their children confirmed they’d made the right decision 👷 The career opportunities that helped her husband Stephen’s transition from local builder in Ireland to managing major construction projects in Australia 🤝 The power of networking, community, and building relationships when starting from scratch in a new country 🌏 Why Arlene launched The Relocation Expo to connect skilled Irish and UK professionals with Australian employers looking for talent Whether you’re considering a move yourself, recruiting overseas talent, or simply curious about what it really takes to build a new life abroad, this is a conversation packed with practical insights and honest reflections. 🎧 Now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else you get your podcast

80. Justin Scanlan - From Dublin Rugby to Leading 1,200 Staff

“The best opportunities in life usually come from backing people, building trust, and playing the long game.” In this episode of What’s the Craic Podcast, I sit down with Justin Scanlan, CEO of APM Group’s Allied Health Portfolio, to unpack the journey from growing up in rural North Dublin to leading one of Australia’s largest allied health networks. We talk about:🇮🇪 Growing up in Skerries and moving to Australia for what was meant to be a two-year stint🏉 How rugby, team culture, and sport shaped his leadership philosophy🏌️ Why golf became his outlet for mindfulness, flow state, and mental reset👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Becoming a father at 21 and how responsibility gave him purpose and direction💼 Building a consulting career through PwC and Deloitte during WA’s mining boom📈 Scaling high-performing teams while balancing culture, quality, and growth❤️ Leading 1,200 allied health professionals focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable families🌏 Why Australia rewards people who invest deeply in relationships and community🎶 Music, Irish identity, and the importance of staying connected to your roots This one is reflective, grounded, and packed with lessons on leadership, purpose, culture, and building a meaningful life far from home. 🎧 Now live on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you listen.