Hi, I'm Ciaran

I always thought I’d be an artist. I studied Fine Art in Belfast because I thought I was passionate about painting. But by the end of the degree, I realised my passion for making art was fading, and the part I loved most was seeing things differently — questioning why things are done the way they are. That perspective has stayed with me ever since.

After college, I spent time traveling around Europe and Thailand, exploring different cultures and ways of life. These experiences deepened my curiosity about how people do things differently and how environment shapes creativity and work.

In 2010 I trained as an English language teacher and moved to Vietnam, where I spent five years teaching adults and children, and training other teachers. By the age of 26, I had become the youngest trainer in the world for Cambridge English teaching qualifications, helping hundreds of teachers from across the globe. This time sharpened my skills in observation, listening, creating learning materials, and asking the right questions — all central to how I work with people today.

After returning home, I completed a Masters in Entrepreneurship in Limerick and started my own design business, Modern Éire, in 2017. It made perfect sense to launch it, but I quickly found I didn’t enjoy the day-to-day running as much as I hoped. I made many mistakes early on — mistakes that taught me a lot about how important it is for a business to fit the person behind it. This sparked a deeper, more personal search to find work that truly aligns with who I am.

Alongside this journey, I trained as a coach, adding new tools to my skillset. My background in teaching, training, and coaching combines to make me a quiet but deep observer and listener. I don’t just give advice — I ask the questions that help people unlock their own path. I see myself as a trusted guide and strategic advisor, supporting founders and creatives to work smarter, not harder.

Now, I work with founders and creatives who want to build businesses that work around their personality and lifestyle — not the other way around. I especially want to support people who want their work to have a positive impact, stand out by being different, and avoid the painful mistakes I made early in my own business. When your business truly fits who you are, everything shifts: your energy, creativity, and results.

I love living in Donegal, surrounded by my wife Laura, family and lifelong friends, and beautiful scenery. Exploring different cultures, reading about personal development, and discovering unique businesses continue to inspire me. I’m steadily building resources to help small business owners change their thinking and create work that truly fits their lives — sharing what I learn on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, along with occasional more in-depth resources through my mailing list. I’d love for you to connect and check them out.

Thanks,

Ciaran