Show notes
In this episode of "Garry Talks," Garry interviews Brendan Flanagan, CEO of Ethical Tours. Brendan discusses his journey from the Irish Navy and financial services to founding Ethical Tours, a Midlands-based company promoting sustainable, accessible tourism. He shares insights on overcoming business challenges, the importance of community support, and the role of green energy. Brendan also reflects on personal resilience, particularly during his daughter’s illness, and highlights how Ethical Tours connects visitors with local heritage and nature, fostering well-being and economic regeneration in the region.For more information, please visit https://ethicaltours.ie - Support this podcast by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com -Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Please follow GKMedia.ie on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast. Brendan’s Cycling Passion & Genesis of Ethical Tours (00:00:00)Brendan discusses his love for cycling and how it inspired the creation of Ethical Tours.Episode Introduction & Overview (00:00:13)Garry introduces Brendan and outlines the episode’s focus on career changes, challenges, and fulfilment.Entrepreneurial Loneliness & Challenges (00:00:35)Brendan talks about the difficulties of entrepreneurship, especially doing it alone.Podcast & Network Introduction (00:00:58)GK Media and Creators Network are introduced.Welcoming Brendan & Career Background (00:01:14)Garry welcomes Brendan and mentions his diverse career history.Joining the Irish Navy & Early Interests (00:01:54)Brendan shares his early interest in scuba diving and joining the Navy.Naval Service & Overseas Missions (00:02:12)Brendan describes his time in the Defence Forces, including peacekeeping in Lebanon.Life in Lebanon & Peacekeeping (00:02:47)Brendan recounts his experiences in Lebanon and the realities of peacekeeping.Transition from Defence Forces to Financial Services (00:05:04)Brendan explains why he left the Defence Forces for a career in financial services.Early Financial Services Career (00:05:57)Brendan describes how he entered the insurance and financial sector.People Engagement in Financial Services (00:06:29)Brendan highlights the appeal of people-focused roles in financial services.Timeline: Entering Financial Services (00:07:05)Brendan notes he started in financial services in 1989.Pre- and Post-Financial Crash Experiences (00:07:08)Brendan discusses the Celtic Tiger era, the crash, and its impact on clients.Wealth Management to Debt Restructuring (00:07:35)Brendan describes the shift from managing wealth to managing debt after the crash.Changing Nature of Banking Relationships (00:08:53)Discussion on how banking has become more structured and less personal.Credit Committees & Decision-Making (00:09:35)Brendan explains the old relationship-based credit committee process.Current Economic Concerns & Advice (00:10:31)Brendan gives advice for business stability amid global uncertainty.Bank Closures & Impact on Career (00:12:19)Brendan discusses Ulster Bank’s closure and its effect on his career.Advice on Financial Management & Investments (00:13:35)Brendan shares tips on financial planning, leveraging, and seeking professional advice.Home Buying & Affordability (00:15:37)Discussion on housing affordability, bank stress testing, and lessons from the crash.Desire for Outdoor Career & Cycling (00:17:02)Brendan talks about his passion for cycling and desire to work outdoors.Genesis of Ethical Tours & Just Transition Funding (00:18:19)Brendan explains how government funding for regenerative tourism inspired Ethical Tours.Bord na Móna & Peatland Regeneration (00:19:24)Explanation of peatlands, their history, and the shift to sustainable tourism.Sustainable Finance Studies & Business Model (00:21:46)Brendan’s studies in sustainable finance
