Episode 3: Denise Kenny Byrne

In Episode 3 of the 'Life and Leadership Podcast,' host Bobby Kerr converses with Denise Kenny Byrne, co-founder of the Irish Wellness brand The Head Plan. The episode unfolds in the Baldor Library, a place of significance to Denise, offering a panoramic view that has been a part of her life since childhood. Denise opens up about her family background, detailing her mother's holistic practices and her father's inspiring leadership as a CEO despite his visual impairment. These influences played a crucial role in shaping Denise's perspective on wellness and personal development from an early age. Denise's career journey is also explored, from her beginnings at the National Council for the Blind to her ascent in corporate communications and her eventual pivot towards entrepreneurship alongside her husband, Kieran Byrne.

The pivotal moment in the Byrne's lives came with Kieran's diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia shortly after their honeymoon. This life-altering event led Denise to utilize her self-care toolkit, including journaling and meditation, to cope with the situation and support Kieran through his treatment. Their shared experience during Kieran's recovery sparked the creation of The Head Plan, a range of goal-oriented journals and agendas designed to promote a balanced approach to goal setting and personal growth.

Denise recounts the early days of the business, from sketching out the first journal to leveraging social media for community building and brand promotion. The couple's strategic decision to launch their product after the Christmas rush paid off, resulting in a sell-out within 27 hours. Denise discusses the subsequent expansion of their product line, including the Nourish food planner and the Daily Drench water bottle, both influenced by community feedback and their ethos of holistic well-being.

The episode reaches a climax with the couple's successful pitch on Dragons' Den, securing an investment from Peter Jones. Denise reflects on the rigorous process of getting onto the show, the intense filming day, and the aftermath of the broadcast, which significantly boosted their sales and brand visibility.