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HeadRec is our series of interviews with gurus, opinion leaders and innovators both in Ireland and abroad. This issue we talk to Sean Gallagher, entrepreneur, mentor, Dragons' Den panelist and founder and former CEO  of Ireland's largest home technology company, Smarthomes. Sean talks about his first job, his most challenging interview, how he has recruited talent, his work on the ground encouraging an entrepreneurial culture in Ireland and of course let's not forget Dragons' Den, All is revealed in the transcript below.

What was your 1^st real job and how were you recruited?

My first real job was in the Agricultural College in Ballyhaise Co. Cavan. I had just finished my National Certificate in the college and was invited to interview for a position within the poultry unit. I finished college on the Friday and started the job the following Monday.

Tell us about your most memorable job interview (good or bad)?

After qualifying in 1987 as a professional youth worker, I was working in the inner city with young offenders / youths in disadvantaged areas. I was speaking at a Conference about the need for programs for young people to prevent alcohol and drug addiction and the then Minister for Health Rory O’Hanlon was present and invited me to meet with some of his colleagues to discuss this further. On the day, I strolled in for this informal chat only to find myself opposite an interview panel. I was interviewed by top people in the Departments of Health and Education with a view to writing a National Education Program for the Department of Health in association with the Department of Education and National Youth Service. I was wearing a pair of jeans and an open neck shirt which was not de rigueur in 1987. I managed to persuade them of my suitability not withstanding my casual attire.

You’ve probably hired many people over the years, how did you meet/recruit your best ever employee?

By word of mouth, by knowing their reputation; I have recruited very few people ever that were not referred to me.

You appear to be doing great work with entrepreneurs these days, are you seeing any improvements in entrepreneurial activity in the country since the recession?

There is stronger entrepreneurial activity at the start-up stage particularly among people faced with redundancy/employment insecurity. Many are turning to self-employment as a viable option. I’ve also noticed a lot of existing businesses coming together – networking to support each other. There is a real collective movement happening.

Where do you see the potential for job creation/growth in Ireland?

I think there are huge opportunities in the indigenous Irish sector particularly in the diversified agriculture sector, off farm income, value added manufacturing and the food sector (organic produce in particular such as dairy, snack food, meat and poultry.) I also see opportunities in the entire wellness and healthcare and also the home care sectors. Then the stalwarts: education and training (National and International), Medical Devices, Software, Gaming and the Communications sector.

And of course we’ll have to talk about Dragons’ Den, what was your first impression when you were asked?

I was excited and humbled in equal measure. Like all people interested in business, I had been following the UK series and I was delighted to hear there was going to be an Irish series, I was delighted to be asked. I have a huge desire/commitment to help emerging enterprises, it wasn’t something completely new to me as prior to setting up Smart Homes I had been supporting new businesses while working in Louth County Enterprise Board.

Now be honest: Do you think it's car crash TV or do you think it is genuinely helping?

It’s genuinely helping definitely. I accept there is an entertainment value given the nature of the program overall but it is creating awareness of entrepreneurial activity in a variety of sectors. I believe it’s an inspiration to anyone with an idea to come forward and viewers/participants learn how to pitch an idea and pitch for funding. Today we need more role models in business to create more of an entrepreneurial culture.

The interview/pitching to the Dragons seems to be an awfully tough process; can you imagine or have you experience of any job interview being that rigorous?

Well aside from the one I mentioned earlier but seriously most interviews are very rigorous. People want to get the right person and it’s expensive to get it wrong. A single interview is a thing of the past, now you can have a screening interview, shortlisting, maybe psychometric testing and then perhaps a PowerPoint presentation on what you would do in your first 6 months in the role. Employers today are looking for evidence of your core competencies (how you did things.)

I’m sure the show is inundated with applicants to appear on the show, do you see the potential to screen applicants using Sonru ‘s automated online interview tool knowing that ideas often look good on paper but it's really about delivery?

I think a screening tool like Sonru would be useful. It might well be valuable in allowing the producers to see the quality of the pitch; it would give them an indication of the applicants’ presentation skills.

Thanks Sean, and finally what are your plans for the future?

To continue to support and invest energy to help create an entrepreneurial culture/confidence to encourage people to proactively create enterprise, jobs and a future for Ireland during this time.

About Sean Gallagher            

Sean Gallagher is a speaker and entrepreneur who is best known as an investor on RTE’s Dragon’s Den.  He is founder and former CEO of Ireland's largest home technology company, Smarthomes. As an entrepreneur Sean understands the challenges of setting up and growing a successful business in Ireland. He is a Board member of InterTradeIreland the North South Trade body and was recently appointed to the Board of FAS,  the National Training and Employment agency.Sean was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006. Today he supports and mentors many emerging entrepreneurs and small business start-ups. Sean is a regular contributor in the media and at seminars and conferences on success, business and entrepreneurship.