Description:
In this inspiring episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we dive deep into the career journey of Philip Carney, CEO and Founder of The HR Company. From his early beginnings in finance to working alongside Bill Gates at Microsoft, and ultimately launching one of Ireland’s leading HR consultancies — Philip shares lessons learned, challenges faced, and invaluable advice for small business owners navigating compliance and growth in today’s workplace.
⏱️ Time Codes & Highlights
00:00 – 00:05 | Introduction
Danielle welcomes listeners to another episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, setting the stage for a conversation about leadership, business growth, and HR innovation.
00:05 – 00:41 | Meet Philip Carney
Philip shares his early background, beginning as an accountant with Nortel in Galway, and reflects on the career-shaping lessons that freedom and opportunity brought him as a young professional.
00:41 – 02:28 | The Nortel Years
He discusses Nortel’s groundbreaking approach to rotating leadership roles — giving employees exposure to multiple departments and teaching future leaders how to think broadly about business.
02:28 – 03:42 | Enter Microsoft & Bill Gates
Philip recalls his time at Microsoft, working closely with Bill Gates, describing him as both “patient and impatient” — a visionary who taught him to “ask forgiveness, not permission.”
03:42 – 05:12 | Leaving Corporate Life Behind
After years in the corporate world, Philip explains why he left Microsoft to strike out on his own — seeking independence from bureaucracy and politics to build something more personal.
05:12 – 06:43 | Founding The HR Company
He describes the challenges of transitioning from global corporation to small startup, and how identifying a gap in HR administration and compliance sparked the company’s creation.
06:43 – 09:01 | Early Clients & Growth
From signing their first major client, Analog Devices, to growing a national client base, Philip reflects on learning to sell, adapting to technology, and building trust one relationship at a time.
09:01 – 12:25 | Advice for Small Businesses
Philip shares powerful guidance for small employers — emphasizing the importance of compliance, fair procedure, and proactive HR systems to avoid costly mistakes.
12:25 – 15:10 | Memorable HR Cases
From shocking workplace incidents to complex legal disputes, Philip walks listeners through how process, patience, and empathy are essential in resolving HR challenges.
15:10 – 17:58 | Lessons Learned & Self-Reflection
He offers candid reflections on his early career — wishing he’d been more assertive, and encouraging young professionals to believe in their abilities and take initiative.
17:58 – 20:00 | Modern Challenges & Compliance Trends
The discussion turns to gender pay reporting, collective bargaining, and how today’s workplaces are shaped by ever-evolving compliance standards.
20:00 – 23:20 | Inside The HR Company Today
Philip outlines the company’s services — from compliance audits and employee handbooks to behavioural assessments and data protection tools — designed to make HR more human and efficient.
23:20 – 26:16 | Behavioural Testing & Recruitment Insights
He explains why he never reads CVs, how personality assessments reveal true potential, and why understanding people’s behaviour leads to better hiring and happier teams.
26:16 – 31:00 | Evolving Over 25 Years
Marking 25 years in business, Philip reflects on growth, team development, and how training managers to handle issues early prevents escalation and builds stronger workplaces.
31:00 – 37:36 | Culture, Generations & The Future of Work
Philip discusses evolving workplace culture, challenges facing younger generations post-COVID, and how businesses can adapt to changing communication and social dynamics.
37:36 – 39:42 | The Future: AI & Innovation
Looking ahead, The HR Company plans to embrace AI responsibly — using it to enhance data insights while keeping “wisdom and human understanding” at the heart of HR.
39:42 – 41:05 | Closing Thoughts
Philip shares his passion for helping businesses succeed through people. The conversation ends with gratitude, inspiration, and an invitation to meet him at the next Ice Expo event.
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