How do you go from founding one of Europe’s most disruptive airlines to transforming Ireland’s approach to giving? In this episode, Dr. Dec Ryan—first CEO of Ryanair and founder of the One Foundation—talks candidly about what drove him to philanthropy, the lessons he learned from both failure and success, and why he believes Irish giving needs to be bolder, smarter, and less afraid to break a few eggs.

From mental health to migrant rights to rural bookshops, Dec shares the stories behind his biggest projects, his no-nonsense philosophy on charity, and what really matters when you want to make an impact.

If you’ve ever wondered what real, purposeful giving looks like—or what’s holding it back—this is the episode for you.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• What sparked Dec Ryan’s shift from Ryanair to philanthropy

• Why the One Foundation chose a “spend-down” approach

• How personal experience shaped their mental health giving

• What Ireland gets wrong (and right) about supporting migrants

• Lessons learned from failures, and how to actually make an impact