Show Tops Talent Competition Delivers a Weekend to Remember
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Neill Dunwoody is a passionate professional who thrives on innovation and collaboration. He is the founder of Spryt, Chief Talent Strategist, and Head of Ireland with Tribes.
This past weekend was one of those moments you wish you could bottle up forever. My daughter Hannah, along with her incredible talent school, Born 2 Perform, competed in the national finals of the Show Tops Talent Competition, and, drumroll please, they only went and won the whole thing!
(Yes, I’m still grinning like a lunatic. Yes, I’m going to be bragging for the next decade. No, I’m not sorry.)
Hannah is proud as punch, and honestly, so am I. Watching her and the whole Born 2 Perform team shine on that stage was like watching fireworks explode, glitter rain down, and unicorns moonwalk across the sky, all at once.
They were electric. They were fearless. They were, basically, unstoppable.
The man behind the magic
Now, let’s talk about the legend that is Gavin Quigley.
This man has built something truly special with Born 2 Perform. Not just a talent school, a family, a fortress of encouragement, a launchpad for dreams.
What Gavin has done for these kids?
It cannot be overstated.
(Seriously, if we could clone him and send him into every school, we’d solve about 78% of the world’s problems.)
Building something this powerful isn’t easy. Trust me, I know what it’s like to pour your heart into something while a Greek chorus of doubters mutters, “It can’t be done.”
And yet, here we are. Trophies in hand.
Confidence sky-high.
Dreams ignited.
Because when the awards start coming, and the recognition follows?
That’s when you realize:
You weren’t crazy. You were right.
And Gavin was right too.
He created something that works, something that changes lives.
Show Tops where magic happens
And none of this would be possible without Show Tops, the most thrilling, energetic, and jaw-droppingly awesome talent competition I’ve ever seen.
(And yes, I’ve seen a few. This is talent, Simon Cowell, not a manic guy in a hi-vis.)
Show Tops is the real deal.
Kim and her incredible team have built a platform that isn’t just about trophies and confetti (although those are very much appreciated).
It’s about connection.
It’s about seeing kids believe in themselves so fiercely that you half expect them to just levitate off the stage through sheer force of self-belief.
The energy? Next level.
The organization? Smoother than a buttered otter.
The spirit? Unbeatable.
Kim, Gavin, you’re not just running events and schools.
You’re literally making the world a better place.
(And to be honest, global leaders could learn a thing or two, or twenty, from you.)
So what’s next?
As for us?
We’ll always be cheering you on.
Even when Hannah moves on to her next big adventure (Broadway? Netflix? Taoiseach?), we’ll still be your biggest fans.
Because once you’ve experienced something this powerful, you don’t just move on, it becomes part of you.
Born 2 Perform.
Show Tops.
Gavin.
Kim.
You didn’t just put on a show.
You sparked a movement.
Thank you for everything you do.
And from one very proud, slightly emotional, and extremely caffeinated parent.
Keep going. The world needs you.
Read more from Neill Dunwoody
Neill Dunwoody, Founder and Talent Strategist
As the co-founder and COO of Spryt and Chief Talent Strategist and Director at Tribes, I lead two disruptive startups transforming healthcare and tech talent and digital transformation. Spryt's AI receptionist, ASA, reduces patient no-shows by offering 24/7 appointment management via messaging platforms like WhatsApp, increasing patient engagement by 160%. Tribes connect businesses with prequalified tech talent and run an award-winning digital studio. I also advise Manna, Prommt, and HR Duo, working on cutting-edge drone delivery, payments, and AI-driven HR solutions. A HIMSS Pitchfest winner, I use my 812k TikTok and 426k Instagram followers to advocate for innovation. My focus remains on building companies that solve real problems.
