Spotlight On - Alumni Podcast

The Spotlight On podcast is a series of short podcasts which highlight alumni achievements, explore how alumni have accomplished their success and reflect on how Griffith College supported them on this journey. The Alumni Office will be interviewing a variety of guests, many of whom are alumni, all at different stages in their careers and in a range of different subject areas.

With some fascinating stories and helpful tips and advice, we hope this series connects with you and assists you during your own journey.

If you would like to feature on one of our podcasts, please contact the Alumni Office at: [email protected] to register your interest.

Subscribe, stream or download the latest #spotlighton podcast from your favourite podcast platform to start listening!

Introduction

Episode 1 - Neil Curran

The Spotlight On podcast welcomes alumni Neil Curran to speak about his time studying at Griffith College and his career to date. Neil works as a Professional Improviser / Corporate Trainer / Executive Coach / Event Speaker and has his own podcast 'Neil+1' . The Neil+1 podcast features raw, face-to-face interviews with inspiring and interesting improvisers that Neil meets on his travels. Neil is also the founder and director of Improv Fest Ireland and Assistant Director of Improv Utopia Ireland.

Once upon a time founder of No Drama Theatre as well as many other improv and theatre projects. Neil completed the MA in Training and Education from Griffith College and is a certified Personal and Executive Coach.

Episode 2 - Clementine Moores

In Episode 2 of Spotlight On, we catch up with Clementine Moore's academic and career achievements. Clementine studied LLB (Hons) Irish Law, graduating in 2018 and now works at Accenture as a Legal Copyright Associate. During this episode of the podcast we get a unique insight into studying as an international student with Griffith College. We also cover Clementine’s nomination for student of the year at the 2018 Irish Law Awards and Clementine’s aspirations for future career progression.

Episode 3 - Symeon Charalabides

We are delighted to welcome Symeon Charalabides, who studied an MSc in Big Data Management and Analytics, graduating in 2016. Today’s podcast will shine a spotlight on Symeon’s academic and career achievements. Symeon works as a Senior Application Developer and Data Migration Specialist at TU Dublin and Associate Faculty Lecturer at NCI. A passionate speaker and informative about his journey to date, Symeon's achievements include building the current version of Daft.ie and working at the Irish Times where he updated the IT processes and structure.

Episode 4 - Katie Morris

We are delighted to welcome Katie Morris, who studied a BA in Journalism and Visual Media, graduating in 2015. Today’s podcast will shine a spotlight on Katie’s academic and career achievements. Katie has been working as an Ecumenical Accompanier for the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel is an international, ecumenical programme that recruits and dispatches observers to several Palestinian towns and villages to monitor the interaction between the Palestinian inhabitants and the Israeli military.

Episode 5 - Regina Rogers Fallon

We are delighted to welcome Regina Rogers Fallon, who studied a BA in Interior Design, graduating in 2010. Today’s podcast will shine a spotlight on Regina’s academic and career achievements. Regina is the owner of Regina Rogers Fallon Design where she combines her artist’s eye and experience in customer service from Aer Lingus, with her BA in Interior Design from Griffith, to deliver a bespoke service to clients across Ireland.

Introduction - Series 2

We are delighted to return with series two of the Spotlight On podcast. The second series continues along the same lines as the first, with excellent guests, interesting topics of conversation and inspirational achievements from our Griffith Alumni community. Stay up to date with the latest podcast, available on this page or on your preferred audio streaming channel.

Series 2 Episode 1 - Hannah Moran-Jackson

We are delighted to welcome Hannah Moran-Jackson, who studied a BA in Fashion Design with Griffith College, graduating in 2017. Hannah currently works as a Global Junior Designer for a global fashion company and has recently hit the headlines with fellow fashion designer Cathy McEvoy. Hannah and Cathy spent the lockdown making protective headbands for frontline medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hannah has also made an appearance on Ireland AM during lockdown, to help bring a bit more colour to everyone’s wardrobe by giving a tie-dye demonstration. Just a quick flick through Hannah’s Instagram shows off the amazing work she is doing bringing tie-dye back and championing sustainability in fashion design.

Series 2 Episode 2 - Johann Fox

We are delighted to welcome Johann Fox, who studied a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations with Griffith College, graduating in 2005. Today’s podcast will shine a spotlight on Johann’s academic and career achievements to date. Johann currently works as Director of U.S. Development, for CMRF Crumlin. A charity specialising in children's medical care and research. CMRF Crumlin, together with donors and partners, funds initiatives relating to research, equipment, and projects with three main aims: Saving Young Lives, Supporting Small Victories and Creating Brighter Days. CMRF Crumlin provides vital funding for CHI Crumlin and The National Children’s Research Centre, achieving outstanding results.

Series 2 Episode 3 - David Stapleton

We are delighted to welcome David Stapleton, who studied a BA in Business Studies with Griffith College, graduating in 2009. David is the Founder and CEO of Bua Fit an outdoor fitness app that will help you find the perfect outdoor fitness classes, in and around London. With a variety of classes to choose from, Bua Fit offers a la carte fitness in a few taps under no contract.

Series 2 Episode 4 - Kelson Martins

We are delighted to welcome Kelson Martins, who studied an MSc in Computer Science with Griffith College, graduating in 2015. Kelson currently works as a software engineer for IBM, is the host of the HardCodeCast, a podcast which brings together Brazilian technology professionals that have emigrated abroad and has a keen interest in artificial intelligence.

Series 2 Episode 5 - Sam Burke

We are delighted to welcome Sam Burke, who studied a BA in Film and Television Production with Griffith College. Sam currently works for Emerald Comet Productions a start-up freelance film production company. Sam has recently won ‘Best First Time Director for Silent Starling at the LA Film Awards’ - a movie about a girl who believes her voice is cursed.

Series 2 Episode 6 - Denis Cronin

We are delighted to welcome Denis Finbarr Cronin, who studied a BA (Hons) in Business Studies with Griffith College, graduating in 2019.

Denis is the host of his own podcast series, the DinnyCro Show and has also recently been organising and hosting the Miss Mayo, Miss Galway, and Miss Sligo beauty pageants. Denis has re-branded and re-launched the beauty pageant events this year, leading to an increase in competitors and reinvigorating the Irish beauty pageant competitions.

Series 2 Episode 7 - Yvonne Kiely

We are delighted to welcome Yvonne Kiely, who studied an MA in Journalism and Public Relations with Griffith College, graduating in 2017. Yvonne is an independent academic researcher of the music industry in Ireland, and worldwide, focussing on gender representation in the music magazine industry and the relationship between commerce and image culture in music.The owner of Kiely Management, a freelance journalism company, and also the online music magazine Lazer Guided Reporter.

Series 2 Episode 8 - Leigh Gillen

We are delighted to welcome Leigh Gillen, who studied a BA in Business Studies with Griffith College, graduating in 2019. Leigh is the Managing Director of Leigh Gillen Events Ltd. A full service virtual and physical event management company. With 20 years’ experience in the events industry, Leigh is committed to helping companies deliver the highest quality events, whether they be online or on-site. Leigh is also the Interim Chair of the Cork Printmakers after serving as a member of the board. Cork Printmakers fine art printmaking studio is an artists' resource, providing the space, facilities and equipment necessary to create art work through the medium of printmaking.

Series 2 Episode 9 - Cian O'Dowd

We are delighted to welcome Cian O’Dowd, who studied a BA (Hons) in Business and Law with Griffith College, graduating in 2014. Cian is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of KlearCard. KlearCard help businesses manage corporate spending through innovative software solutions. KlearCard enables businesses to issue company cards instantly so staff aren’t forced to pay expenses out of pocket. Cian has vast experience in FinTech and eCommerce, previously working for Zilingo, Digicel Group, Redbarrel and Three Ireland.

Series 2 Episode 10 - Iphithule Mhlanga

We are delighted to welcome Iphithule Mhlanga, who studied an MSc in Accounting & Finance with Griffith College, graduating in 2015. Iphithule currently works as a Finance Manager at Eir Ireland, and is also the Co-Founder & Chief Executive of Xpensi. Xpensi is a Fintech start-up that helps businesses speed up expense management. Currently operating with Irish and British clients, Xpensi digitises the expense reimbursement cycle for businesses through a web app that allows a user to capture and submit their expenses.

Introduction - Series 3

Series 3 of the Griffith Alumni Podcast, 'Spotlight On...' is finally here! Following the same pattern as the first two installments of the popular podcast, there will be plenty of interviews, top tips and pieces of wisdom from our graduates. Listen here or on Spotify!

Series 3 Episode 1 - Damien Monel

To kick off the third series of the podcast we have a treat for the listeners. Born in France, Damien Monel moved to Ireland to work and study before completing the BA (Hons) in Business in 2021. Studying in English, not his native language, he received a 1st class Honours Degree! Now working as a recruiter for Amazon during the day and freelancing as a careers coach at night, Damien is now living and working in Madrid.
He tells us all about his journey so far, the power of LinkedIn and any tips for Griffith Graduates listening in.