#185 From Navy to Nature with Brendan Flanagan
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In this inspiring episode of Gary Talks, host Gary welcomes Brendan Flanagan, CEO and founder of Ethical Tours, an innovative Irish sustainable tourism venture based in Longford. Brendan shares his remarkable journey from a career in the Irish Navy—where he served in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon—to a 25-year tenure in financial services, culminating in his role at Ulster Bank during the Celtic Tiger era and its aftermath. After being made redundant, Brendan leveraged his background in sustainable finance and personal passion for cycling and the outdoors to launch Ethical Tours in 2023, capitalizing on EU-funded 'Just Transition' initiatives to regenerate former peatland areas. The business offers accessible, eco-friendly walking, cycling, and water-based experiences using off-grid solar power and e-bikes, all while supporting local communities and preserving heritage sites like the ancient Corlea Trackway. Brendan emphasizes the importance of resilience, community support, and sustainable business models, drawing from both professional and personal challenges, including his daughter’s battle with cancer. His story underscores the power of reinvention, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and the transformative impact of connecting people with nature. Key takeaways include: (1) Sustainable tourism can regenerate post-industrial regions while creating inclusive, green jobs; (2) Personal resilience and community support are essential for navigating entrepreneurial and personal crises; (3) Leverage public funding and support networks like Enterprise Ireland and LEADER for business startups; (4) Prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in business design—Ethical Tours serves people of all abilities; (5) Use your past skills—Brendan’s financial expertise informed his sustainable business model; (6) Invest in off-grid renewable energy to truly live your values; (7) Engage with local history and heritage to deepen visitor experience; (8) Don’t hesitate to ask for help—entrepreneurial loneliness is real, but support systems exist.
Sustainable tourism can regenerate post-industrial regions while creating inclusive, green jobs
Personal resilience and community support are essential for navigating entrepreneurial and personal crises
Leverage public funding and support networks like Enterprise Ireland and LEADER for business startups
Prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in business design—Ethical Tours serves people of all abilities
Use your past skills—Brendan’s financial expertise informed his sustainable business model
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
From Navy Service to Cycling Passion
Brendan Flanagan recounts his early life, including his time in the Irish Navy and his deep-rooted passion for scuba diving and cycling, which laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial journey.
Financial Services and the Celtic Tiger Crash
Brendan reflects on his 25-year career in financial services, including his experience in wealth management and debt restructuring during Ireland’s economic boom and bust, highlighting the human cost of over-leveraging and the erosion of personal banking relationships.
The Birth of Ethical Tours: From Redundancy to Renewal
“I had studied sustainable finance as part of my role, and that really picked my interest in the whole sustainability element.”
Building a Sustainable, Accessible Business Model
“We produce all our own electricity and that electricity then supports our bike charging and our van charging.”
Support Systems and the Power of Community
“Don’t be afraid to talk to your peers. Someone else has definitely been there before.”
“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Focus on the positives and try not to think of the negatives.”
“We produce all our own electricity and that electricity then supports our bike charging and our van charging.”
“Sustainability is really not just about the output of carbon emissions. It's really about being involved locally.”
Host
Guest
Brendan Flanagan
person
Ethical Tours
organization
Irish Navy
organization
Keela Flanagan
person
Ulster Bank
organization
Enterprise Ireland
organization
Valtech Ireland
organization
Centre Parcs
organization
Royal Canal Greenway
place
LEADER
organization
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