LESSONS LEARNED

Martin McKay, Founder and CEO of Texthelp, shares some key insights from his entrepreneurial journey Don’t think about yourself; think about what you can do for other people. Find a real problem that you can solve for people — the more people the better. It needs to be something you are passionate about. That passion and purpose will sustain you and your team when times get tough.

Have a clear vision for the future — what does the future look like when you succeed? What societal impact will you have? Get a clear and detailed vision for your business written down and share it broadly – it will attract people who want to be a part of it.

Always hire people that are better than you this means you’re pushed to the top of a pyramid of bright people. Never under-hire, always take on people who share your passion and values and ensure you’re giving the team ownership and autonomy.

And finally, love change — change keeps you alive in an ever-evolving world and it keeps your business young.

2021 it has been great to see the impact it is having for both employers and their employees. ere is a much higher awareness of dyslexia now and there is nally an understanding that dyslexia is not an intelligence issue.

Over 200 million people across the world have used our products to date. We have ambitious plans to positively impact the literacy and understanding of a billion people by 2030. at is going to mean moving beyond the markets that we currently operate in and looking east, making an impact in Asia and Africa.

COMPANY: Eli Lilly

SECTOR: Pharmaceuticals LOCATION: Limerick

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Eli Lilly is increasing investment to nearly US$1bn at its new biologics drug substance manufacturing facility at IDA Ireland’s Business Park in Raheen in Limerick, which is expected to create 300 jobs. Construction of the new 500,000 sq ft facility is underway.

COMPANY:

SEPAM SECTOR: Engineering and construction

ANNOUNCEMENT:

LOCATION: Clonmel

Engineering and project management company SEPAM is to hire over 100 people in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. This will include design engineering, commercial and admin roles to support expansion in existing industry sectors and in the new emerging energy transition market.

COMPANY: Cognizant

SECTOR: Professional services

LOCATION: Across Ireland

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Professional services company Cognizant plans to create 320 jobs across its Irish operations over the next three years, bringing its workforce here to over 1,800 people. With a focus on life sciences, the aim is make 100 hires this year.