Theatre, TV and Leadership

Garry Talks: A Conversation with Trevor Ó Clochartaigh

 

Welcome back to another episode of Garry Talks! Today, we have a special guest joining us - Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, the Director of Operations and Human Resources at TG4. Trevor's unique background in theatre, television production, and politics, along with his deep connection to the Irish language and culture, promises to make this conversation both engaging and insightful.

 

A Tale of Two Cultures

 

Trevor's upbringing in Huddersfield, UK, as the child of Irish parents who emigrated from Connemara, exposed him to a dual identity. Spending summers with his Irish-speaking grandparents in Connemara, he developed a strong affinity for the Irish language and culture. However, back in England, he was known as "the paddy," while in Ireland, he was seen as "the English lad."

 

The Importance of Community Involvement

 

During our conversation, Trevor and I delved into the decline of community involvement and support for young people in Ireland. We both shared our experiences with youth clubs and summer camps, highlighting the challenges posed by increased legal responsibilities and regulations. Together, we emphasized the vital role that organizations like the GAA and influential figures play in providing spaces for young people to develop social skills.

 

Breaking Ground in Irish Media

 

Trevor's passion for the Irish language and culture led him to establish businesses in Irish-speaking areas of Ireland. "Ros Na Rún" showcased his commitment to authenticity and promoting local talent.

 

An Unexpected Political Journey

 

Trevor's transition from television production to politics took many by surprise. Despite the controversies surrounding Sinn Féin, he joined the party due to their focus on social justice, grassroots development, and support for the Irish language. Throughout his political journey, Trevor remained dedicated to his community, even in the face of challenges.

 

The Proudest Moment

 

One of Trevor's proudest moments came when he made the difficult decision to step down from his political career. The respect and contributions from his fellow senators deeply humbled him. His choice was influenced by the toll politics had taken on his family and personal life. However, this decision ultimately led him to his current role as the Director of Operations and HR at TG4.

 

Real Leadership and Resilience

 

Throughout our conversation, Trevor's passion for leadership and resilience shone through. He firmly believes in empowering others, recognizing the diversity within a workforce, and aligning with core values. His newsletter, Real Leadership, serves as a platform for sharing his insights and lessons with others.

 

The Art of Happiness in the Workplace

 

Trevor and I also explored the importance of finding happiness in the workplace and having the courage to pursue one's true passions. We discussed the significance of emotional intelligence and the constant need for learning and engagement.

 

A Personal Touch

 

During our conversation, Trevor shared a personal item that holds great meaning to him - "The Art of Marriage," a print that serves as a reminder of the values he and his wife cherish in their marriage. For over 20 years, they have been involved in helping engaged couples through pre-marriage courses, offering guidance and support.

 

A Weekend Getaway

 

As we wrap up our conversation, Trevor extends an invitation to our listeners to join him on a residential weekend in a peaceful and secluded location. This getaway promises an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and create a space for personal reflection and rejuvenation.

 

In conclusion, my conversation with Trevor Ó Clochartaigh was a captivating journey through his diverse career, his unwavering passion for the Irish language and culture, and his invaluable insights on leadership and resilience. Trevor's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and the courage to follow one's heart.

 

To watch the episode in full, click below

https://youtu.be/panPRVrYwB4

 

This podcast is also available on all major streaming platforms.

From Miss Ireland to Rapid Transformational Therapist: Lynda Duffy's Journey

Welcome to a deep dive into the life of Lynda Duffy, a former Miss Ireland (2002) and model, who has now transitioned into a Rapid Transformational Therapist. This blog post is based on a podcast episode where I, Garry Kelly, had the pleasure of interviewing Lynda about her journey in the modelling industry, her struggles with an eating disorder, and her transition into her current profession.

 

Lynda's Journey in the Modelling Industry




Lynda's journey in the modelling industry was not without its challenges. She initially thought she could fix her problems on her own, considering herself a strong person with willpower. However, she soon realized that her struggles with an eating disorder were not something she could handle alone. Despite her fears of being seen as seeking attention, she knew she had to confront her issues.

 

A Life-Changing Decision

 

Lynda's life took a significant turn when she decided to leave the Middle East and start afresh in Ireland. This decision was not taken lightly, and she put a lot of thought into it. Her close friends would say she is a completely different person now, having experienced some difficult times before coming home.

 

The Transition to Rapid Transformational Therapy

 

I was particularly interested in Lynda's current profession as a Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT) and how she started her own business. Lynda's experiences with media and the challenges of being in the public eye had a profound impact on her decision to pursue this career. She quickly learned how what she said could be misconstrued or manipulated by the media. Despite the challenges, Lynda recognized the opportunities that being Miss Ireland opened up for her.

 

The Struggles of an Introvert in the Public Eye

 

While still studying marine science in college, Lynda took a year off to fulfil her duties as Miss Ireland. However, she soon realized that the glamorous lifestyle of being a beauty queen wasn't a natural fit for her. As an introvert, she found it challenging to navigate social situations and network with people she didn't know. Over time, she learned to prioritize her own comfort and accept her introverted nature.

 

The Move to Dubai and the Struggle with an Eating Disorder

 

Lynda's decision to move to Dubai came at a time when she was in a job she didn't enjoy and felt stuck. After a relationship ended and she wasn't happy with her work, she decided to quit her job and explore other options. However, her eating disorder became more prominent when she moved to Dubai. She knew she had a problem but didn't actively seek help because she believed she could fix it herself.

 

A Pivotal Moment

 

Lynda reached a breaking point when she realized she needed to go home due to her deteriorating mental health. Despite the complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed to return home, entering a state of isolation. This period was a turning point for Lynda, leading her to address the root causes of her addiction and destructive behaviours.

 

The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

 

Lynda spent a year studying and preparing to become a therapist while working full-time in the Middle East. She eventually resigned from her job and returned to Ireland to start her own therapy practice. Her therapy approach, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), combines cognitive behavioural therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, and hypnotherapy.

 

The Impact of Childhood Experiences and Generational Trauma

 

During our conversation, Lynda emphasized the impact of childhood experiences on forming beliefs and how labelling children can affect their behaviour. She also touched on the topic of generational trauma and how it can be passed down through generations. Many of the people she works with have experienced trauma in their childhood, which continues to affect their adult lives.

 

The Role of the Subconscious in Therapy

 

Lynda explained that during her therapy sessions, she acts like a detective, probing and exploring the client's background. She believes that the subconscious mind is like a memory vault that remembers everything, and sometimes unexpected memories or issues come up during the session.

 

Lynda's Personal Growth and Success

 

Lynda reflected on her personal growth and the challenges she faced in her journey towards self-acceptance and success. She emphasized the importance of persistence and giving oneself time to grow. She also discussed her approach to her work and how she tries to make it about helping others rather than focusing on herself.

 

Conclusion

 

Lynda's journey from Miss Ireland to a Rapid Transformational Therapist is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite the challenges she faced, she managed to turn her life around and is now helping others do the same. If you're interested in connecting with Lynda for her Rapid Transformational Therapy services, you can find her online.

 

Watch the podcast in full

Garry Talks Season 4 is also available all major podcast platforms.