S10 E5 - From The Irish Defence Forces To Entrepreneur with Conor Foster

This week on The Stripped Back Podcast, we’re joined by Conor Foster, Managing Director of Clifden Recruitment, founder of Top Drawer Talent, and host of the 10Forty Podcast.
After having us on the 10Forty Podcast in 2025, it was only right that we returned the favour and welcomed Conor into the studio to hear the story behind his own journey. From a short stint in plumbing to serving for a decade in the Irish Defence Forces, Conor opens up about the experiences that shaped him, the lessons he learned through military life, and how those experiences gave him the drive and resilience to build successful businesses in the recruitment industry.
We also dive into the realities of transitioning from military service into civilian life, the challenges of entrepreneurship, what it takes to build a respected recruitment company, and the current state of the hiring market. Conor shares valuable insights into leadership, business growth, taking risks, and why putting yourself out there can completely change the direction of your career. We also chat about his own podcasting journey with the 10Forty Podcast, and how creating conversations has become another passion alongside running multiple successful businesses.
Whether you’re in the trades, considering a career in the Defence Forces, thinking about starting your own business, or simply looking for inspiration to take that next step, this episode is packed with honest conversation, practical advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.
A huge thank you to our sponsors, Snickers Workwear Ireland, for supporting this episode. Check out their latest range at www.snickersworkwear.ie.
This episode was recorded from N2 Electrical, Ashbourne. Find out more at www.n2electrical.ie.
If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave us a rating and review, and share it with your friends and colleagues. Your support helps us continue bringing you real conversations with inspiring people from across the trades, business, and beyond.