#185 From Navy to Nature with Brendan Flanagan

In this episode of "Garry Talks," Garry interviews Brendan Flanagan, CEO of Ethical Tours. Brendan discusses his journey from the Irish Navy and financial services to founding Ethical Tours, a Midlands-based company promoting sustainable, accessible tourism. He shares insights on overcoming business challenges, the importance of community support, and the role of green energy. Brendan also reflects on personal resilience, particularly during his daughter’s illness, and highlights how Ethical Tours connects visitors with local heritage and nature, fostering well-being and economic regeneration in the region. For more information, please visit https://ethicaltours.ie   - Support this podcast by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com - Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Please follow GKMedia.ie on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast.   Brendan’s Cycling Passion & Genesis of Ethical Tours (00:00:00) Brendan discusses his love for cycling and how it inspired the creation of Ethical Tours. Episode Introduction & Overview (00:00:13) Garry introduces Brendan and outlines the episode’s focus on career changes, challenges, and fulfilment. Entrepreneurial Loneliness & Challenges (00:00:35) Brendan talks about the difficulties of entrepreneurship, especially doing it alone. Podcast & Network Introduction (00:00:58) GK Media and Creators Network are introduced. Welcoming Brendan & Career Background (00:01:14) Garry welcomes Brendan and mentions his diverse career history. Joining the Irish Navy & Early Interests (00:01:54) Brendan shares his early interest in scuba diving and joining the Navy. Naval Service & Overseas Missions (00:02:12) Brendan describes his time in the Defence Forces, including peacekeeping in Lebanon. Life in Lebanon & Peacekeeping (00:02:47) Brendan recounts his experiences in Lebanon and the realities of peacekeeping. Transition from Defence Forces to Financial Services (00:05:04) Brendan explains why he left the Defence Forces for a career in financial services. Early Financial Services Career (00:05:57) Brendan describes how he entered the insurance and financial sector. People Engagement in Financial Services (00:06:29) Brendan highlights the appeal of people-focused roles in financial services. Timeline: Entering Financial Services (00:07:05) Brendan notes he started in financial services in 1989. Pre- and Post-Financial Crash Experiences (00:07:08) Brendan discusses the Celtic Tiger era, the crash, and its impact on clients. Wealth Management to Debt Restructuring (00:07:35) Brendan describes the shift from managing wealth to managing debt after the crash. Changing Nature of Banking Relationships (00:08:53) Discussion on how banking has become more structured and less personal. Credit Committees & Decision-Making (00:09:35) Brendan explains the old relationship-based credit committee process. Current Economic Concerns & Advice (00:10:31) Brendan gives advice for business stability amid global uncertainty. Bank Closures & Impact on Career (00:12:19) Brendan discusses Ulster Bank’s closure and its effect on his career. Advice on Financial Management & Investments (00:13:35) Brendan shares tips on financial planning, leveraging, and seeking professional advice. Home Buying & Affordability (00:15:37) Discussion on housing affordability, bank stress testing, and lessons from the crash. Desire for Outdoor Career & Cycling (00:17:02) Brendan talks about his passion for cycling and desire to work outdoors. Genesis of Ethical Tours & Just Transition Funding (00:18:19) Brendan explains how government funding for regenerative tourism inspired Ethical Tours. Bord na Móna & Peatland Regeneration (00:19:24) Explanation of peatlands, their history, and the shift to sustainable tourism. Sustainable Finance Studies & Business Model (00:21:46) Brendan’s studies in sustainable finance and how it shaped Ethical Tours’ model. What is Ethical Tours? (00:22:53) Brendan describes the activities and sustainability focus of Ethical Tours. Community Impact & Local Collaboration (00:25:46) Brendan discusses the positive changes and collaborations in the Midlands. Enterprise Office Support & Business Development (00:27:06) Brendan shares his experience with local enterprise support and upskilling. Funding & Support Structures (00:28:07) Brendan details the grants and supports used to build Ethical Tours. Navigating Paperwork & Compliance (00:30:00) Advice on handling compliance and paperwork for business grants. Investment in Ethical Tours (00:30:38) Brendan reveals over half a million euros invested in the business. Startup Relief for Entrepreneurs (00:30:44) Explanation of tax relief for those starting a business after redundancy. Setting Up a Business: Learnings & Supports (00:32:23) Brendan discusses the importance of support networks and transferable skills. Customer Types & Tour Offerings (00:34:46) Overview of Ethical Tours’ customers and the variety of experiences offered. Royal Canal Greenway & Cycling Infrastructure (00:35:09) Brendan describes the extensive off-road cycling routes available. Expansion Plans: Two-Way Rentals (00:36:05) Plans to offer two-way bike rentals between Maynooth and Ballymahon. Impact of Center Parcs on Local Economy (00:36:37) Discussion on Center Parcs’ positive effect on local business and tourism. Bike Rentals for Center Parcs Visitors (00:38:05) Ethical Tours provides bikes for visitors who don’t bring their own. Local Heritage: Corlea Trackway (00:39:10) Brendan highlights the Iron Age Corlea Trackway and its significance. Benefits of Outdoor Activities (00:40:47) The positive effects of outdoor activities on health and engagement. Self-Guided & Guided Tours (00:41:46) Options for self-guided or guided tours using GPS-enabled bikes. Sustainable Tourism & Regenerative Model (00:43:25) Brendan explains the broader impact of sustainable and regenerative tourism. Covid’s Impact on Local Tourism Appreciation (00:45:29) How Covid restrictions led people to rediscover local nature. Weather & Outdoor Activities (00:46:04) Embracing Ireland’s weather for outdoor fun and activity. Entrepreneurial Loneliness & Support Structures (00:46:36) Brendan discusses the challenges of solo entrepreneurship and the value of support. Staying Active for Mental Health (00:48:12) The importance of outdoor activity for mental well-being. Personal Challenge: Daughter’s Illness (00:48:58) Brendan shares his family’s experience with his daughter’s cancer diagnosis and recovery. Family Resilience & Support (00:51:27) How the family supported each other and grew stronger through adversity. Advice for Parents Facing Illness (00:53:09) Brendan encourages positivity and focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel. Lessons from a Varied Career (00:54:09) Brendan reflects on the importance of engaging and learning from people throughout his career. How to Connect with Ethical Tours (00:55:57) Information on how to find out more or book with Ethical Tours. Episode Closing (00:56:24) Garry thanks Brendan and closes the episode.