Podcast
Trading Up
Hosted by The Irish News · EN
Trading Up hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and produced in association with EY, delves into the real businesses, personal stories, and remarkable journeys of entrepreneurs. Discover insights on risk, resilience, and business growth from diverse founders and leaders in businesses big and small across various industries. Tune in weekly for inspiring entrepreneurial learnings.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14episodes
Episodes
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From Communist heritage to Capitalist Tsar to becoming Putin’s Enemy Number One: The Bill Browder Story
1w ago00:44:19Tap to summarizeIn this gripping episode of the Trading Up podcast, Sir William (Bill) Browder joins Jim Fitzpatrick to share his extraordinary journey from a teenage capitalist rebel to becoming the largest foreign investor in Russia. Browder reveals how his efforts to expose the massive corruption of Russian oligarchs made him a top enemy of Vladimir Putin's regime and led to his sudden deportation.He recounts the tragic torture and murder of his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who uncovered a $230 million government-backed fraud, and how this heartbreak fueled a relentless 17-year global campaign for justice. This crusade birthed the Magnitsky Act, a revolutionary law passed in 35 countries to freeze assets and sanction human rights abusers worldwide. Browder also exposes the shocking 18-year false imprisonment of British businessman Ryan Cornelius in Dubai whose wife Heather is from Northern Ireland. Tune in for a powerful discussion on resilience, the global fight against corruption, and why business leaders must never compromise their ethics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Bootstrapping Oatco to £1M, Surviving Dragon's Den, & Making Forbes 30 Under 30 with Laura Murphy
2w ago00:43:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Trading Up, Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Laura Murphy, the 29-year-old founder of Oatco Superfuel, a natural oat-based energy snack brand. Launched in May 2024, Oatco has experienced explosive 500% growth this year, surpassing £1 million in sales and landing in over 1,000 retail stores. Laura shares her inspiring journey of bootstrapping her startup from a local kitchen in Tyrone to pitching on Dragon's Den. She reveals the preparation strategy behind securing three investment offers and why she ultimately chose to partner with Steven Bartlett.We explore how she navigates the competitive healthy food market by prioritising natural energy over sugar-free protein trends, all while balancing life as a mother of two young children. Recently named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Laura offers actionable insights on scaling organically, pitching investors, and building a powerful lifestyle brand.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Democratic Regression: The Rise of Autocracy and Its Threat to Free Markets
3w ago00:40:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dissect the startling findings of the V-Dem report, which reveals that global democracy has regressed to 1978 levels, virtually erasing late-20th-century gains. For decades, the western assumption has been that democracy and free markets go hand-in-hand to deliver economic progress. However, with autocratic nations now outnumbering democracies, this traditional model is under severe pressure.The hosts examine the global shift toward autocracy, highlighting democratic erosion in the US, where Donald Trump has challenged independent institutions like the Federal Reserve and the media. They also analyse the political fightback in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán's long-standing rule has been ended by Péter Magyar's democratic revolution. Finally, the conversation contrasts the perceived economic stability of autocratic China with local political stagnation and a lack of delivery at Stormont in Northern Ireland. If democracy wants to survive, can it prove it still delivers?Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Future-Proofing Your Business: Sustainability, Resilience, and EY's Four Futures
4w ago00:40:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Trading Up, we sit down with Derarca Dennis, EY Partner and Head of Sustainability Services for the island of Ireland, to explore the critical intersection of climate risk and business resilience. We dive deep into EY’s immersive "Four Futures" experience, which challenges business leaders to transport themselves to 2055 and rethink their long-term strategies.Derarca explains why sustainability is no longer just an environmental PR exercise, but a core operational necessity that requires breaking down corporate silos. Discover why CFOs are increasingly driving the sustainability agenda to manage supply chain risks and volatile energy costs. We also discuss the power of cross-sector collaboration, how to reframe controversial "ESG" language to focus on security and long-term value, and why there is genuine reason to be optimistic about building a future-fit economy.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Make Way For The Mooch - Anthony Scaramucci on Trump, Wealth and Learning from Ireland (North and South)
Apr 2200:45:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Wall Street entrepreneur and former White House Communications Director, Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci. Scaramucci candidly discusses his journey from a working-class Italian-American background to Goldman Sachs and building his own business. He offers deep insights into the roots of modern political anger, explaining how unchecked globalisation, the 2008 bank bailouts, and costly wars paved the way for populist movements like MAGA.Reflecting on his brief 11-day stint in the Trump administration, Scaramucci admits his involvement was an "ego-based decision" and shares the resilient life lessons he learned following his high-profile firing. He also unpacks competitive tax strategies by comparing Ireland’s successful economic model to New York's, warns against the isolating "paradox" of extreme wealth, and explains why reading is an essential tool for exponential success. And he reflects on his recent visit to Northern Ireland and what lessons can be drawn from the relative success of the peace process for politics elsewhere.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Why The Strait of Hormuz Crisis is Like Belfast's Westlink When a Car Breaks Down But Much Much Worse
Apr 1500:43:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dive into the massive asymmetric global supply shock triggered by the Gulf War and "Operation Epic Fury". With the vital Strait of Hormuz facing blockades from both the US and Iran, 20% of global oil supply—along with LNG, fertilisers, and critical resources like helium—is severely disrupted.How does this international chokehold impact everyday consumers and businesses? The hosts unpack the stark reality in Northern Ireland, where home heating oil prices have more than doubled and record-breaking petrol and diesel prices are sparking local protests. The episode unpacks the IMF's stark warning against government fuel subsidies, examining alternative interventions like free public transport to reduce demand. Finally, they explore the crushing "Trumpflation" pressures on local businesses battling soaring input costs, shrinking consumer discretionary income, and the strong business lobby against burdensome new employment legislation.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →From Belfast to Hollywood: Building a Global Film Charity with Cinemagic's Joan Burney Keatings
Apr 800:44:19Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Trading Up with host Jim Fitzpatrick, we sit down with Joan Burney Keatings, the visionary leader behind Cinemagic. Originally founded 37 years ago during the in Northern Ireland to bring youth together in a safe environment, this groundbreaking children’s charity now uses the power of film to educate, motivate, and inspire 40,000 young people annually.Joan shares her incredible journey of expanding Cinemagic globally, taking it from its Belfast roots to establishing a 17-year presence in Los Angeles, and launching powerful film projects in Jordan and Barbados. Discover how sheer hustle—and a daring, out-of-the-box call to the Muppets—helped build a world-renowned creative powerhouse.Joan also dives deep into the practical business of running a charity like an active movie studio, navigating the complexities of corporate sponsorships, and overseeing the production of award-winning feature films and dozens of short films. Finally, we explore why essential human skills, interpersonal connection, and on-set problem-solving remain absolutely vital for the next generation of creatives in an increasingly AI-driven world.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Scaling Hospitality: Gavin Annon on Mount Charles, Agility, and the "being too short" Success Story
Apr 100:51:23Tap to summarizeHow does a business started by a man "a quarter of an inch too short" to be a policeman grow into a £60 million hospitality giant? In this episode of Trading Up, Gavin Annon, Chief Strategy Officer at Mount Charles and son of the inch-short founder, shares his journey from a decade-long career at Tesco to leading a workforce of 3,500 employees. Gavin discusses how the company pivoted from catering to cleaning and retial, by embracing agility and customer-centric values. He also breaks down his unique strategy framework—"Effort vs. Impact"—and the importance of co-creating plans with frontline staff to ensure 100% commitment. Drawing on his leadership at the Belfast Chamber, Gavin explores the future of Northern Ireland’s economy, the power of "positive pressure" for city development, and why Belfast is a "magical" home for investment. And he also shares some interesting insights on how his moonlighting as a DJ has important lessons for running any business.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Gulf Crisis Shockwaves: Energy Prices, UK Interest Rates, and the Northern Ireland Economy
Mar 2500:40:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the severe global and local economic impacts of the escalating Gulf conflict, "Operation Epic Fury". With key energy infrastructure damaged and oil supplies threatened, they discuss the looming threat of stagflation and why the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee may be forced to hike UK interest rates. Furthermore, they examine why the UK government's soaring debt levels and borrowing costs make another massive energy bailout highly unlikely.The conversation then shifts to the Northern Ireland economy. While the local hospitality sector faces immense pressure from rising costs and significant job losses, there are distinct bright spots in manufacturing and tech. They reveal how the global AI boom is driving expansion for Seagate in the Northwest, and how Wrightbus is thriving with new zero-emission transit contracts.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Embracing Difference, Building Strength: Belinda Brown on Leadership, Diversity, and "Midlife Clarity"
Mar 1800:54:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Belinda Brown, a highly accomplished executive who has held top leadership roles at global powerhouses like Sephora, L'Oreal, and Diageo. Belinda shares her inspiring journey, from leaving her father and his home in Jamaica and arriving in Northern Ireland with her Irish mum at the age of three where, amidst the Troubles, she began navigating the complexities of identity, race, and class that shaped her approach and success in the top tiers of the corporate world.She offers profound insights on redefining resilience—not as mere endurance, but as the ability to learn from failure and amplify your strengths. Listeners will discover the importance of building "cultural capital"; the immense value of reverse mentoring in business; and why aligning your career with your personal values is the ultimate measure of success. Currently embracing a career pause to achieve "midlife clarity", Belinda’s story is an inspiring tale of purposeful leadership, community building, and finding your authentic voice in spaces that were not originally built for you.Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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