In this episode, Kevin Canning, CEO at Quintas Capital, shares his journey into investment and explains how the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) supports Irish growth by offering investors up to 50% income tax relief on qualifying investments in SMEs. Kevin outlines how Quintas Capital carefully selects companies for its EIIS Fund, targeting both social infrastructure and trading businesses, and why the scheme is particularly suited to contractors and investors seeking both financial returns and a tangible impact on the Irish economy.

He also highlights the partnership in place between Quintas Capital and Icon Accounting, providing practical guidance for those considering EIIS investments when contracting, and offers insights into future trends in Irish SME funding and investment opportunities.

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In this episode of Iconic Insights, we sit down with Karen Reilly, founder of Marketing Collective, to unpack her journey from working with big-name brands like Kerry Foods, Red Bull and Diageo, to striking out on her own. We explore what drives her, the mindset behind her move into self-employment, and how she’s helping business owners level up their marketing game.

If you’re self-employed, contracting, or thinking of making the leap, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, inspiration, and real talk about what it takes to thrive in today’s marketing and business world.

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In this episode of Iconic Insights, we sit down with Rabia Mirza, Founder & CEO of Leadership & HR Solutions, to explore her inspiring transition from corporate HR to entrepreneurship. Rabia shares her key learnings as a business owner, her passion for supporting professionals in their development, and the common leadership and HR challenges she helps organisations and individuals address.

We delve into the world of executive coaching, discussing how C-suite leaders benefit from tailored development, and how independent contractors can unlock their leadership potential — even without the support structure of a traditional organisation. Rabia also offers valuable insights into work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and the evolving landscape of leadership and people management in Ireland.

Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or self-employed contractor, Rabia’s advice and experiences provide practical inspiration for professional growth and sustainable success.

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In Season 2, Episode 3 of Iconic Insights, we’re joined by Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of the Open Doors Initiative, for an inspiring conversation about building an inclusive contractor and self-employed community in Ireland. Jeanne shares her personal journey into advocacy, the story behind the Open Doors Initiative, and how Open Doors is working with businesses to break down barriers and reshape access to opportunity.

We explore:

· The Pathways to Progress programme and how it supports marginalised communities through training, education, and entrepreneurship.

· Employers for Change and the tools available to support inclusive hiring of people with disabilities.

· Practical steps self-employed professionals can take to mentor, train, and uplift diverse talent.

· How small businesses and contractors can become champions for inclusive hiring within their networks.

If you’re a contractor, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to make a meaningful impact — this episode will leave you empowered to take action.

Because inclusion isn’t a box to tick — it’s a door to open. 🚪

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In this episode of Iconic Insights, we’re joined by long-time IT contractor Stephen Downey, who takes us through his 19-year journey in the world of contracting. From his early days navigating the dot-com era to his current work in the insurance sector, Stephen reflects on the lessons learned, the value of staying adaptable, and how contracting has empowered him to design a career that aligns with his passions.

Stephen opens up about the challenges he’s faced, including navigating burnout, gaps between contracts, and major life setbacks. He explains how cultivating the right mindset—grounded in mindfulness and self-awareness—has helped him overcome these hurdles, remain resilient, and ultimately thrive. He also shares the inspiration behind his powerful TEDx talk The Value of a Moment, and how appreciating the small things can shift both your personal and professional perspective.

This episode offers valuable insights into the evolving IT industry, the future of contracting, and the rise of AI in development workflows. Whether you’re just starting your contracting journey or seeking new ways to find balance and meaning in your work, this episode is packed with honest, heartfelt advice and practical wisdom from someone who’s walked the path.

🎧 Tune in now to hear why, when it comes to success in contracting, mindset really does matter.

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We’re kicking off Season 2 of Iconic Insights with a special episode celebrating International Recruiters Day! Joining us is Stephen Daly, a highly respected recruiter with over 22 years of experience in IT and Business Change recruitment. Stephen shares insights from his career journey, what keeps him motivated, and he also discusses an exciting new chapter—the rebrand of Eolas Recruitment to Fruition Group, where he serves as Director.

Throughout this episode, Stephen offers valuable insights into the recruitment process from a recruiter’s perspective, offering contractors expert advice on securing their next role, crafting standout CVs, preparing for interviews, and successfully navigating contract negotiations. We also explore the evolving perception of recruiters, the biggest challenges in the industry, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile.

This episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the contracting space—whether you're a recruiter, contractor, or client looking to hire top talent. 🎧 Tune in now to gain exclusive insights into IT contracting from one of Ireland’s top recruiters!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an engaging new episode of Iconic Insights as we welcome Geraldine King, CEO of the Employment & Recruitment Federation (ERF), to the podcast.

In this episode, Geraldine shares her expertise on becoming a Networking Ninja, revealing the strategies behind building meaningful professional connections and staying ahead in a competitive industry. Whether you’re looking to grow your network or stay informed about recruitment trends, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

We’ll also delve into Geraldine’s remarkable career journey to becoming CEO of the ERF and hear her thoughts on the latest updates in the recruitment sector in Ireland.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading voices!

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