In this episode of Founder CEO, interviewed I would be Hanrahanco-founder and CEO of key chainabout the journey from being a founder to becoming a CEO of a public company. Oisin shared personal stories and insights about how his education and professional experiences shaped his leadership style and approach to business.

From family construction to real estate ventures

Oisin's entrepreneurial path began in Dublin, where his exposure to business began early through his father's building supply company. That early exposure gave him a deep understanding of hard work and responsibility, igniting his desire to make things happen. His drive led him to start a real estate development business in Budapest and, later, Handy – a home services platform that grew into a multi-million dollar company and was acquired by Angie.

Founder vs. CEO Opinion

A key point Oisin made during our conversation was the distinct difference between being a founder and a CEO. As a founder, the focus is on turning an idea into reality, often overcoming challenges with creativity and persistence. However, the CEO's role is to maintain that momentum, scaling the business and ensuring its long-term growth. Oisin's experience spans both roles and he explained how each requires a different skill set and mindset. As the founder of Handy, he was responsible for bringing the idea to life. As CEO, he had to focus on creating structure, aligning the company with its goals and leading it through growth, eventually leading it through its acquisition by Angie, where he later served as CEO.

Related: These two cousins ​​quit their day jobs to start a woman-owned whiskey company.

Challenges of running a public company

Oisin's transition from running a startup to running a public company required significant changes in his leadership approach. He noted that while the basics—transparency, aligned incentives, and reiteration of core goals—apply at every scale, the complexity increases as a company grows. Whether managing a small team or thousands of employees, Oisin stressed the importance of being clear in communication and constantly reinforcing goals. Transparency remained a core value throughout his career, ensuring that everyone from leadership to the most junior employee understood the company's objectives and progress.

A critical moment in Oisin's career came during Handy's early years when he realized that his high expectations for the team were creating tension. He shared a story of asking his team to do a report during a meeting, expecting results within minutes, only to realize his demands were unreasonable. This experience forced him to realize that he was not taking care of himself, leading to a change in his routine. He gave up coffee, focused on better sleep, and built a consistent exercise routine, which helped him improve his decision-making and become a more patient leader.

Building trust and ownership in teams

Oisin also spoke about the importance of leading by example. Rather than simply giving instructions, he preferred to demonstrate how things should be done. Whether handling a customer complaint or conducting a sales call, Oisin believed in telling his team how to execute tasks. This hands-on approach helped build trust and set clear expectations for his employees. He recalled a telling moment during an interview when he observed a candidate pick up trash from the floor without knowing he was being watched—an act that demonstrated ownership and responsibility, traits of Oisin's values, in his team members.

Improving product development for innovation

At the center of the conversation was Oisin's latest venture, Keychain. The platform connects brands and retailers with manufacturers to improve production, reducing the time it takes to bring new products to market. Oisin explained that many products on store shelves are not made by the brand on the package, but by third-party manufacturers. This disconnect often leads to higher delays and costs, which Keychain aims to address. By speeding up the process and reducing inefficiencies, the platform can lower costs and drive innovation, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Oisin sees a future where healthier products can be brought to market faster and more affordably, benefiting both brands and consumers.

Related: 'Don't be afraid': How his father's battle with dementia inspired this entrepreneur's mission

Keychain is already off to a strong start, with over 10,000 brands and retailers signed up in its first six months, and $500 million worth of projects posted on the platform. Oisin is convinced that by reducing the time and cost to bring products to market, Keychain will not only drive innovation, but also make healthier food options more accessible.

Tips for Entrepreneurs

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Oisin offered three key pieces of advice. First, lead by example. Show your team how to execute tasks, instead of just telling them what to do. Second, align incentives. At Handy and Angie, Oisin ensured that every employee, from executives to customer service representatives, had equity in the company. This approach created a sense of ownership and accountability throughout the organization. Finally, constantly reiterate your goals and vision. Iteration is essential to ensure everyone is aligned, whether you're leading a small startup or a large corporation.

Escalating the keychain and personal growth as a leader

As the conversation ended, Oisin reflected on his evolution as a leader. From founding Handy to running a public company, and now scaling Keychain, he's learned that personal care is just as important as professional growth. Building a strong personal routine, including exercise and healthy habits, has been key to maintaining his effectiveness as a leader.

Related: 'Don't Just Leave the Work – Do the Work': How This Women's Healthcare CEO Leads with Passion

Oisin's journey from founder to CEO offers valuable lessons for anyone scaling a business. His ability to adapt, focus on transparency and bond his team around a common vision has been essential to his success. As he looks to the future, Oisin's vision for Keychain is clear: he wants to build a company that not only drives innovation, but also improves the consumer goods industry for good. And if the time is right, he's ready to take Keychain public and continue the journey as founder and CEO again.