Teeling’s words of wisdom at DkIT talk
LEADING entrepreneur John Teeling shared some words of wisdom with DkIT students during a recent event at the campus.
Teeling was invited to speak to students as part of the 2017/18 Entrepreneurship Lecture Series which is coordinated by the School of Business & Humanities.
‘ The world is going to be very different with vast opportunities over the next 30 years,’ said the self confessed ‘serial entrepreneur.’
He said that by 2040, approximately 47% of all white collar jobs will no longer exist and many of the jobs that will be held by DkIT graduates in 30 years have not yet been completed.
Pointing to changing demographics and advancements in technology such as robotics and artificial intelligence together with innovations in agribusiness and education, he said there were new opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Teeling urged students to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, highlighting its ‘strong importance to the Irish economy and continued job creation.’ He added ‘entrepreneurship may be part of the Irish psyche.’
He has established several companies in the oil and gas and resource sectors over the last 30 years. He is the founder and chairman of Connemara Mining, Petrel Resources, Min- co, African Gold, Persian Gold, West African Diamonds and Botswana Diamonds all listed on the London Stock Exchange.
More locally, he founded the Cooley Distillery in 1987 which he sold to Jim Beam in 2011 for €72 million. His more recent venture is the local Great Northern Distillery, Ireland’s largest independent distillery which John acquired from Diageo in 2013.
He said that there is rarely a ‘perfect time’ to set up a new business, adding ‘whenever you are ready is the right time.’’ And he insisted ‘Self-belief and determination are vital characteristics of any budding entrepreneur.’