Ep 62 - The Leaving Cert CEO – Donnchadh O Mahony

This week on the 10forty podcast, we sit down with Donnchadh O Mahony – a man of many hats: schoolteacher, guidance counsellor, EdTech entrepreneur, podcast host, social media educator, media contributor, and columnist. He’s also the voice behind the hugely popular Leaving Cert Guidance podcast.

Donnchadh brings his motto “Think it. Choose it. Live it.” into every conversation – and this one is no different.

With over a decade of experience in education – first in an all-boys school, then in an all-girls school – we explore: • Why he became a schoolteacher and his love for history • The path that led him into guidance counselling • What exactly does a guidance counsellor do • How many hours do students actually get with one • The structure and depth of these conversations • Whether the Leaving Cert is a worthwhile exercise • If going to college is the only option he promotes • Should there be alternative routes out of school?

We also ask: • How does he help students pick the right college course? • Are classrooms too big? • Is college changing – and what would he change about himself? • What makes a great guidance counsellor? • Whether he would still recommend teaching as a profession today

💡 Plus, we chat about his innovative EdTech business FindMyCollegeCourse.ie – what it is, who it’s for, how it helps students, and whether it should be rolled out in schools nationwide

Packed with honest insights, some surprising facts, and plenty of practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators alike

Connect with Donnchadh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leavingcertguidance?_t=ZN-8yQdcxaNgPu&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leavingcertguidance?igsh=ZTc4cXAyc3BvbXdz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnchadh-o-mahony-395852169/ Listen to his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eUTaKHFwnmKY9SQoiAMKM?si=Q27aJXHhRGWDFYJvrgKt6w

This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.

HERE WE GO!

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