The SME Community Podcast
The SME Community Podcast is the podcast for ambitious SME owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders looking for practical insights to grow, adapt and innovate.
Hosted by Aisling Hurley, design-led innovation researcher, lecturer and founder of TBF Innovation Lab, each episode features honest conversations with entrepreneurs, researchers, industry experts, educators and changemakers shaping the future of business. Together, we explore innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, leadership, sustainability, business strategy, design thinking, research and the real challenges of building successful organisations.
Whether you're starting a business, scaling an SME, leading innovation, navigating digital transformation or looking for practical advice from people who've been there, you'll discover inspiring stories, expert insights and actionable ideas you can apply immediately.
Originally created in partnership with Local Enterprise Office Tipperary, The SME Community Podcast is now proudly produced by TBF Innovation Lab, bringing together conversations with innovators, founders, academics, policymakers and business leaders from Ireland and beyond.
If you're interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence for business, SME growth, innovation leadership, design-led innovation, responsible innovation and the future of work, subscribe and join the conversation.
Visit https://tbf.ie for free business resources, research, training, innovation tools and professional development.
The SME Community Podcast
Succession Planning for SMEs; Pass the baton, not the drama
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As the holidays bring families together, it's the perfect time to reflect on the future—both personal and professional. In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, we dive into succession planning for small businesses. Aisling is joined by solicitor Ronan Kennedy and accountant Frank McMahon. Learn about the steps, challenges, and strategies to ensure a smooth transition for your business legacy. Whether you’re passing the reins to family or preparing for new leadership, this episode is packed with insights to help you plan for tomorrow. Don’t leave your business’s future to chance—start the conversation today.
Frank McMahon, is the Managing Director at McMahon & Co Auditors & Accountants. He is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of experience, spanning both industry and public practice. He holds advanced qualifications in Forensic Accounting, Corporate and Personal Insolvency, and Business & Executive Coaching from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Committed to staying updated, Frank regularly undertakes professional education in taxation, company law, and regulations.
Ronan Kennedy is a Partner in Kennedy Frewen O’Brien Solicitors since 2003. He is a CEDR qualified mediator and the litigation partner at the 120 year old firm where he has acted for both Plaintiffs and Defendants. This gives him a unique insight into how opponents operate tactically. He has experience across the court system including the Circuit Court, High Court and Supreme Court.
The Local Enterprise Office Tipperary, along with Enterprise Ireland, provide a wide range of help, incentives, training, and development programmes to entrepreneurs in Tipperary.
You can reach LEO Tipperary on https://www.localenterprise.ie/tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, @TipperaryLEO. Contact Frank McMahon www.mcmahonandco.ie, email: info@mcmahonandco.ie. Contact Ronan Kennedy at https://kfos.ie, email info@kfos.ie.
You can talk to the TBF team on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or https://tbf.ie.
Suggest a topic for a future episode.
The SME Community Podcast is produced by TBF Innovation Lab and hosted by Aisling Hurley.
Each episode shares practical conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, research and business growth to help SMEs, founders and business leaders innovate with confidence.
🌐 Website: https://tbf.ie
📧 Contact: aisling@tbf.ie
Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislinghurley/
Looking for practical innovation tools, AI resources or leadership frameworks? Visit https://tbf.ie