In this episode of the NI Business Podcast, we feature Olga McAteer. Olga is the founder of McAteer Solutions Estate Agents, now one of the top estate agencies in Mid Ulster with branches across Northern Ireland and new locations opening in London and beyond. With nearly 30 years’ experience in the construction sector, she built her business on integrity, hard work and delivering real value - choosing to be the best, not the cheapest. Her biggest lesson as a business owner has been the importance of resilience: bouncing back stronger after every challenge while staying true to her values of service and reputation. Looking ahead, Olga’s vision is to expand McAteer Solutions across Ireland and the UK, while continuing to innovate with technology like AI to offer clients an unmatched, people-first service.

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In this episode of the NI Business Podcast we feature Caroline McKenna. Caroline is the founder of A County Down Under, Nurturing Minds, and most recently Alara Pilates, building businesses that combine her passions for community, education and wellbeing. After starting her career as a teacher in Australia, she discovered the power of storytelling through podcasting and has since grown into a multi-business entrepreneur. Caroline’s biggest lesson as a business owner has been to “do one thing and do it well,” focusing on clarity and consistency instead of trying to be everything to everyone. Looking ahead, she plans to grow her ventures into an empire - franchising Nurturing Minds, expanding Pilates studios, and ultimately building businesses she can one day sell while still creating meaningful impact along the way.

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In this episode of the NI Business Podcast, we feature Zach Willis. Zach is the co-founder of Ka-Boom Post Production, a Belfast based company delivering high end editing, sound, and finishing for TV and film, with clients ranging from BBC and ITV to international projects. Drawing on his background in engineering and IT, Zach has learned that resilience and adaptability are essential in an industry where every project brings new challenges and opportunities. His biggest lesson as a business owner has been balancing the demands of running the company with working in the creative process, all while building strong relationships that drive success. Looking ahead, Zach is focused on embracing new technologies and remote workflows to expand Ka-Boom's global reach while continuing to showcase Northern Ireland as a world-class hub for film and television production.

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In this episode of the NI Business Podcast we feature Ryan Loney. Ryan is the Director of BNL Productions, a company he co-founded 20 years ago that now delivers film production, live events and event management across Northern Ireland. What began as community projects teaching people how to tell their own stories has grown into a thriving business with a team of 10 staff and 20 trusted freelancers. Ryan’s biggest lesson as a business owner is that you can’t do everything yourself and building the right team is key to long-term success. Looking ahead, he’s focused on sustainable growth and embracing new technologies like AI to strengthen BNL’s creative impact over the next five years.

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In this episode of the NI Business Podcast, we feature Chirag Kumar. Chirag is the co-founder of Lumion Labs, a company helping grid-scale battery owners maximise their revenue by optimising how they charge and dispatch to the electricity grid. With deep expertise in renewable energy and a passion for solving hard technical problems, Chirag is driven by the mission to make power grids more resilient and prevent blackouts. His biggest lessons so far? Know your blind spots, get the right support and stay anchored to a big vision that keeps you going through the highs and lows.

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In this episode of the NI Business Podcast we feature Mark McAllister. Mark is Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency (LRA), an independent public body dedicated to improving employment relations across Northern Ireland. With a rich background in employment law and industrial relations, Mark has spent over two decades navigating the complex world of workplace disputes, negotiation and preventative support for employers and employees alike. His key learning as a leader? Patience, emotional intelligence and the power of proactive communication over reactive crisis management. Looking ahead, Mark is focused on expanding the LRA’s preventative services and strengthening awareness among young people and micro-businesses to create healthier, fairer workplaces for the future.

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In this episode of the NI Business Podcast, we feature Jack Morrow. Jack is the co-founder and CEO of RETìníZE, the creative force behind Animotive - a ground breaking virtual production platform that transforms how animated content is made. With a background in film, TV and a lifelong passion for tech, Jack has combined storytelling and innovation to empower creators across entertainment, education and gaming. Through partnerships with major studios and educational institutions, he’s helping democratise 3D animation and virtual production. His biggest lessons as a founder? Know your customer, embrace collaboration, and stay honest about what you need to learn. Looking ahead, Jack is focused on scaling Animotive globally to become the go-to platform for virtual character animation.

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In this episode of the NI Business Podcast, we feature John Irwin. John is the Managing Director of Kiverco Limited, a Northern Ireland-based engineering firm that designs and manufactures robust recycling plants for global markets. With a background in plastics manufacturing and general management, John was drawn to Kiverco by the opportunity to scale a purpose-driven business that helps recover valuable resources from waste. Since joining, he’s focused on building a clear strategic vision, developing leadership capacity, and aligning the company for long-term growth. His biggest learning as a business leader has been the power of clear direction, empowered teams, and outward-looking leadership. Looking ahead, John is steering Kiverco toward ambitious international expansion, with a goal of hitting £50 million in revenue and cementing its place as a global leader in sustainable recycling solutions.

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#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success