Unfiltered with Sarah Jane Foster · Episode 2 · · 43 minutes

Mandy Maher | The Entrepreneur Mindset Every Woman Needs

An interview with Mandy Maher, hosted by Sarah Jane Foster. Produced by SJF Productions.

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About this episode

Mandy Maher joins Unfiltered with Sarah Jane Foster to share the entrepreneurial mindset, resilience and self-belief that helped her build one of Ireland's leading modelling and influencer agencies.

From growing up in Tipperary to launching a business that many believed would never succeed outside Dublin, Mandy shares the lessons she learned about confidence, independence, entrepreneurship and staying true to yourself.

In this episode we discuss building a business from scratch, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, overcoming rejection, reinventing yourself during difficult times and why successful people never stop learning.

Whether you're a founder, creator, entrepreneur or someone looking for the confidence to take the next step, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Key takeaways

  • Why confidence comes from action, not validation
  • How to build a business when people doubt your vision
  • Why successful entrepreneurs never stop learning
  • The importance of staying authentic in business
  • How Mandy reinvented her business during Covid
  • Why independence matters
  • The mindset needed to overcome rejection
  • How to build a personal brand people trust
  • The reality of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
  • Why you should stop waiting for permission

About Mandy Maher

Mandy Maher is the founder of Catwalk Model Agency and Platform Agency, representing models, influencers and content creators across Ireland. With decades of experience in fashion, fitness and entrepreneurship, Mandy has built a reputation for authenticity, resilience and helping people realise their potential. Through her agencies she has worked with some of Ireland's leading brands while helping shape the careers of models, influencers and creators across the country.

Confidence comes from action, not validation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00 Meet Mandy Maher
  2. 01:40 Growing Up As The Youngest Of Four
  3. 03:00 How Her Parents' Divorce Shaped Her Independence
  4. 05:15 The Importance Of Open Communication
  5. 06:27 Why Mandy Never Followed A Traditional Career Path
  6. 07:06 Her Dream Of Becoming A Model
  7. 08:36 Training As A Professional Model
  8. 09:59 Being Told College Wasn't For Her
  9. 10:32 Fitness, Business & Following Her Passion
  10. 11:46 The Business Opportunity Everyone Missed
  11. 12:34 Building A Model Agency People Said Would Fail
  12. 13:47 Persistence, Rejection & Winning The Opportunity
  13. 14:25 Being A Woman In Business
  14. 15:14 Staying Authentic In Business
  15. 17:27 What Makes A Great Model
  16. 18:31 Building A Team Culture
  17. 21:16 The Reality Of Running A Business
  18. 22:12 How Covid Changed Everything
  19. 24:40 Launching A Second Business During Covid
  20. 25:52 Why Successful People Keep Learning
  21. 26:42 Working With Major Brands
  22. 27:47 Botox, Fillers & Beauty Standards
  23. 30:04 Influencers vs Entrepreneurs
  24. 31:00 Why Every Creator Needs A Niche
  25. 32:45 What Makes Mandy Say Yes To A Brand
  26. 33:25 Turning 50 & Embracing Life
  27. 36:23 The Reality Of Motherhood & Business
  28. 39:27 Learning To Let Go As A Founder
  29. 41:50 Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
  30. 42:22 Never Give Up On Your Dream
  31. 43:10 Outro