Ian Duignan: Entrepreneurship is Building a Plane Mid-Flight

Ian Duignan began his career in Dublin as a bar manager, gaining early industry insights before transitioning to sales during the economic recession. At Arnotts, he quickly rose to managerial level, achieving €1.3 million in annual sales. He then joined Apple as a top-trained sales executive, refining his expertise in customer engagement and brand strategy.  At Audi, Ian became a top-performing sales executive, breaking records in both Dublin and London’s flagship dealership. He later joined Fulham FC as Commercial Manager, securing sponsorships with Audi, Grosvenor Casinos, and Sipsmith, and was promoted to Senior Sponsorship Sales.  Beyond Fulham, Ian co-founded BITAx, a UK-Ireland trade network, and launched Black Pearl Partners, a luxury brand partnership agency. He consulted for The Nth Degree Club, working on collaborations with Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland and The Restaurant Association’s Savoy Gala Dinner. He later joined Whiskey & Wealth Club, facilitating key partnerships.  In late 2019, Ian became Commercial Director of Craft Irish Whiskey, leveraging his luxury network to secure collaborations with Michelin and Fabergé. He played a pivotal role in The Emerald Isle Collection, featuring 30-year-old Irish whiskey and bespoke Fabergé creations, which sold for a world-record $2 million.  Appointed Managing Director and Partner in June 2020, Ian works alongside Founder Jay Bradley to position Craft Irish Whiskey as a luxury leader, overseeing global expansion into the US, Asia, and Australia while driving new whiskey and spirits development.

In this episode, Philip and Ian Duignan discuss: 

• Create demand through scarcity and craftsmanship
• Build with passion, not just credentials
• Think long-term: strategic partnerships and patient growth
• Embrace the chaos and stay aligned

Lightbulb Moments:

• Use limited availability and traditional methods to make your product desirable. As seen with Craft Irish Whiskey, controlled distribution and artisanal quality can set you apart in a crowded market.
• Hire for cultural fit and enthusiasm over experience. A team that believes in your vision will drive momentum and innovation more effectively than one focused solely on qualifications.
• Prioritize synergy over short-term wins. Lasting success comes from nurturing meaningful relationships and understanding that premium products and brands require time and patience to mature.
• Entrepreneurship is unpredictable, like building a plane mid-flight. Align your sales and marketing teams, stay passionate, and approach challenges with the mindset that setbacks can be setups for future breakthroughs.

“Facts tell, but stories sell. You have to have the facts, but you also have stories to support it.” - Ian Duignan

Connect with Ian Duignan: 

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