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Ross Lazaroo-Hood is the CEO of Clearer Water: “a social-impact company” based in Larne. He's also the founder of Landmark Insurance Group and cofounder of the RUSA Foundation Charity. In today's episode, we talk about: Where his name comes from Growing up in an estate in Larne Getting the freedom of the city award in London How his start-up didn't make any money for 18 months Merging his business and personal identities together Why entrepreneurship is an amazing tool for improving society Dealing with haters/trolls Falling back in love with Northern Ireland And advice he'd give to a younger version of himself. Check it out. https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/ross-lazaroo-hood-clearer-water

Jonny Hanson is a conservationist, agriculturalist, and entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss: Spending his summer holidays working with wild animals. Pursuing a PhD in Snow Leopard Conservation. The shift in the conservation industry from a "Western" to a "local" approach. Living in both Malawi and Monaghan during his childhood. The impact this had on his personal identity. Establishing Northern Ireland's first community-owned farm. His forthcoming book and documentary. What he would ask St. Patrick over a pint. Check it out! https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/jonny-hanson-conservationist Links for Jonny: TEDxTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FCUumWaTBo&pp=ygURdGVkeCBqb25ueSBoYW5zb24= NI Science Festival Event with Teaser Premiere: https://nisciencefestival.com/events/snow-leopard-trail-taster-tape-premier

Lisa McFarland is Northern Ireland’s leading relationship coach. In today’s episode, we talk about: Why there’s a taboo about getting help with your relationship (Versus hiring a PT, mechanic etc) The importance of talking to your male partner shoulder-to-shoulder Why 96% of her followers on Instagram are women A simple framework for checking in with your partner each week How our childhoods impact the way we give and receive love Co-dependency: what it is and how to break free from it Rapid fire issues such as: dealing with a sexless relationship, preparing for the arrival of a new baby and moving out of the friend-zone. Check it out! https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/lisa-mcfarland Links: Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationship.coaching.ni/?hl=en Take Lisa’s Online Course: https://relationshipcoachni.com/revive-online-course Book some time with Lisa: https://relationshipcoachni.com/coaching-sessions

Peter Chambers is the Headteacher at Holywood Steiner School, an alternative to mainstream education that’s making a powerful impact on the lives of pupils and teachers alike. In today's episode, we talk about: How the school has doubled in budget, size and staff since 2020 Why most people aren't aware of alternative education in Northern Ireland The power of delaying "sitting at a desk” until 6-years-old Teaching kids how to cook three-course meals, woodworking and a second language Why having smaller class sizes makes a big difference Creating an environment where teachers can actually teach instead of constantly managing poor behaviour Why his pupils call teachers by their first names and don't wear a school uniform His countercultural policies on screens in the classroom And the importance of creating an environment that encourages (and celebrates) failure. Check it out! https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/peter-chambers Website: https://www.holywood-steiner.co.uk/contact

Seth Godin is the author of 21 best-selling books, including: The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, This Is Marketing and most recently, Song of Significance. In this episode, we talk about: How to shift from a consumer to a creator One decision you can make to free up 100+ hours each month Two magical questions that will unlock your business Why 1000 true fans is all you need (And why 5 might even be enough) "Shunning the non-believers" His experience running some of the most successful online communities to ever exist And the power of "shipping your work" daily. Check it out!

Adam Chambers is the founder and president of Nurse Recruitment Experts, an online business that has sourced and hired 10,000s of Nurses for health systems across the United States and Canada. In today’s episode, we talk about: Learning to salsa dance How playing Fifa led to his first entrepreneurial venture Starting a business from scratch with no funding or network Becoming a digital nomad An accidental taxi ride with a billion-dollar CEO The power of investing in yourself His mum walking in on an important sales call (In her dressing gown) The importance of being supremely confident Why he plans on moving back to Northern Ireland (And what he wants to do when he comes back) And advice he’d give to a younger version of himself. Check it out: https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/adam-chambers

Andrea Haughian is Executive Vice President and Head of Americas at Invest NI, Northern Ireland’s Economic Development Agency. In today’s episode, we talk about: Why she’s proud of Lurgan Showing up to the “wrong interview” (and how it changed her life) The opportunities “being keen” opened up for her Aching for distant places How she ended up moving to San Francisco in the 90s The power of wanting something (and seeing it come about) Where she goes in NYC to get her Northern Irish fix Advice she’d give to her 22-year-old self And the radical transformation she’s seen take place in NI Check it out! https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/andrea-haughian

Aaron Dugan is the Bar Manager of The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel. In today’s episode, we talk about: His time working as a sake sommelier in Dubai Why our tastebuds have become more refined after COVID The world’s most expensive cocktail Stories behind The Merchant’s 17-drink cocktail menu The difference between a five-star bar experience and your local pub And why he loves working in hospitality. Check it out. https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/aaron-dugan-cocktail-bar-merchant-hotel

Andrew Irvine in a former life led the redevelopment of Belfast St. George's Market, then spent 9 years as the Belfast City Centre Manager. In 2015 Andrew's career took change of direction when he was accepted for training as a Methodist Minister. Now ordained for 3 years, Andrew leads Belfast City Centre Chaplaincy, In this episode we talk about: The power of being available for people Getting lectured by a homeless man Why we should treat others like ourselves His vision for having 100 chaplains on the streets of Belfast And the importance of treating people with dignity and respect Check it out. https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/andrew-irvine

[Rebroadcast: this episode first aired October 16th 2020] Baroness May Blood grew up in a working-class area of Belfast.   In today’s episode, we talk all about what it was like growing up in Belfast in the ’40s, her time in the House Of Lords and why Integrated Education is essential to overcoming the pain of our past.   // To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to May (including a photo) please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/baroness-may-blood-ief   Best Of Belfast is Northern Ireland's #1 Interview Podcast. We've shared 100+ hour-long conversations with incredible people from Northern Ireland.   To find out more, or join 'The Producers Club' please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/   Cheers!   — Matt 

[Rebroadcast: this episode first aired on August 19th 2019] Terry George is an Oscar-winning film director from Belfast, Northern Ireland, known for movies like Hotel Rwanda, The Shore, In The Name Of The Father and much, much more.    In this rare conversation, we talk about why he creates the films he does, what genocide has taught him about forgiveness and the best piece of directing advice he’s ever been given.   // To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to Terry (including a photo) please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/terry-george-director   Best Of Belfast is Northern Ireland's #1 Interview Podcast. We've shared 100+ hour-long conversations with incredible people from Northern Ireland.   To find out more, or join 'The Producers Club' please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/   Cheers!   — Matt   

Ryan Donnelly is the co-founder of Enzai, a start-up who’s mission is to enable a future where AI is harnessed to address humanity's most significant challenges In today’s episode, we talk about: An incredible four-year journey from being in a career he hated to running a start-up he loves The small, seemingly insignificant steps that have led to where he is today “Getting smacked in the face” by challenges early on in the entrepreneurial journey Why Belfast is the perfect place to launch a company And advice he’d give to anyone who is considering starting a business Check it out! https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/ryan-donnelly-enzai