Inspiring Entrepreneurs
The Inspiring Entrepreneurs Podcast features conversations with entrepreneurs and thought leaders from diverse industries in Scotland and beyond. Hosted by Strathclyde Inspire at the University of Strathclyde, it explores the challenges, successes, and hot topics shaping entrepreneurship. Aimed at curious citizens, practitioners, and political actors, the show offers real-world inspiration for those on their entrepreneurial journey.
Episodes
Stop Waiting, Start Creating Opportunities
Stop Waiting, Start Creating OpportunitiesDoes it seem like everyone else is getting opportunities that never seem to come your way?An internship.A leadership role.A placement.A funding opportunity.A graduate job.It can be easy to assume those opportunities simply appeared.But what if the difference isn't luck?What if it's the willingness to take initiative?In this final episode of New S
How to Stand Out Without Burning Out
How to Stand Out Without Burning Out Making the most of university isn't about doing everything. It's about doing what matters.University can sometimes feel like a competition. Everyone seems to be joining societies, taking on leadership roles, securing internships and building impressive CVs.But is being busy the same as making progress?In Episode 4 of our New Semester, New Foundation s
Building the Right University Environment
Building the Right University EnvironmentWho you surround yourself with can have a bigger impact on your university experience than you realise.When students think about success at university, they often focus on effort: studying harder, getting better grades, or becoming more organised.But what about environment?The people you spend time with influence your confidence, ambitions, opportunities an
Curiosity beats Confidence
Making friends at university can feel awkward. Networking can feel even worse.Walking into a room full of strangers. Joining a society on your own. Starting conversations. Introducing yourself. Sending the first message.For many students, these moments can feel far more intimidating than any assignment or exam.In Episode 2 of our New Semester, New Foundation series, we're tackling one of the
You don't Need a Perfect Plan
Do you ever feel like everyone else has a plan except you?Maybe you've arrived at university convinced that everyone around you already knows where they're heading, what career they want, and exactly how they're going to get there.Meanwhile, you're still figuring things out.If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In the first episode of our new five-part series, New Se
AI Won’t Steal Your Job, How to stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market
This episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs is sponsored by CIMA, the world's leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants. To access job opportunities, career advice, and employability events, or for more information about their globally recognised qualification, sign up to the CIMA newsletter now: https://myfuture.cimaglobal.com/me If you’re a student or early-career professi
The Work Experience Gap Isn't Real: how to build credibility and trust from the start of your career
This episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs is sponsored by CIMA, the world's leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants. To access job opportunities, career advice, and employability events, or for more information about their globally recognised qualification, sign up to the CIMA newsletter now: https://myfuture.cimaglobal.com/me If you’re ambitious, motivated, ready to wor
Work That Matters: Building a Career With Purpose
What does it really mean to build a career with purpose, and can you do it without sacrificing financial stability?In this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we're unpacking how to find work that aligns with your values while still paying the bills. Because pursuing a meaningful career is not about choosing passion over practicality, but about aligning what matters to you with where you can
Your First Job Isn’t Your Final Destination: Navigating Your Early Career
Your first job after graduating can feel like it sets the course for your entire future, but what if it doesn’t have to? In this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we unpack the pressure surrounding that first career step and why your first role is not a verdict on your future. From navigating unexpected career paths to figuring out whether a job is truly right for you, we explore how early caree
From Invisible To In Demand
How to use LinkedIn to go from passive, forgettable, or invisible to credible, visible, and in-demand.If you have a LinkedIn profile…but haven’t posted anything in months or just can’t figure out how spending time on there is going to help you now or in the longer term, this episode is for you.If LinkedIn feels awkward, fake, intimidating, or like a place you don’t belong yet, you are not alone.Bu
I Didn’t Know I Could Do That with My Degree – Breaking Assumptions and Building Confidence
Your degree isn’t a map - it’s a launchpad!In this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we’re challenging one of the biggest myths students still believe, that your degree dictates your destiny.We’re joined by Kayla Megan Burns, a Biomedical Science graduate turned tech founder, writer, and disability advocate, and Dr Marc Reid, chemist, author, and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow. Their stories show ho
From Side Hustle to Start-Up: Confidence, Momentum and Making It Happen
This week on Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we explore why you don’t need to wait for the “perfect moment” to start a side hustle - or anything else! We spoke with Paul Wilson, founder of Consultico, and Darren Stewart from the Strathclyde Inspire Start-Up Team about why confidence isn’t something you gain before you begin, it’s something you build through action. Together, we break down the myth that
Rethinking Failure - Confidence, Comparison and Figuring It Out
This week on Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we explore why you don’t need all the answers to get started.We spoke with Johnny Lindsey and Dana Schwendtner, chapter leads of Fun Nights Glasgow - a movement where entrepreneurs publicly share their biggest mistakes. Together, we explore what failure really looks like, why confidence is often misunderstood, and how comparing yourself to others can keep you
What Employers Really Want - Skills and Strategies for Career Success
The graduate job market has never been tougher. Fewer openings, longer hiring processes, and rising competition. So what really makes a candidate stand out?In this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we spoke with Adam Gordon, Founder of Poetry, and Vickie McArthur, Early Careers Partner at Insights, to uncover what employers truly value in today’s graduates. Together, they unpack the realities of
Inspiring Entrepreneurs Live: Skills for Employability - Mindsets that Make You Stand Out
What do employers really look for in graduates, and how can you develop the skills to stand out in a challenging job market? In this live episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, recorded at the University of Strathclyde, our expert panel explores the power of entrepreneurial thinking, employability, and the mindsets that drive success. 🎓 Discover how to:- Build confidence and resilience in your career
Sir Jim McDonald: Leading with Vision, Power & Purpose
In this special episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we’re joined by Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, as he reflects on 16 transformative years of leadership and his legacy as a champion of innovation and entrepreneurship.A three-time Strathclyde graduate with involvement in the creation of five spinout companies, Sir Jim shares insights fr
Turning Innovation into Impact: Dr. Will Drury, CEO of PNDC
In this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, we were delighted to be joined by Dr. Will Drury, CEO of the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) and former director at Innovate UK. With a career at the crossroads of engineering, policy, and entrepreneurship, Will shares insights from leading national-scale programmes, driving net-zero innovation, and building partnerships across government, aca
Entrepreneurship, Sustainability & Social Impact: A Conversation with Alberto Lidji
Watch our latest episode featuring global sustainability expert, host of the Do One Better! podcast, and Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde Business School, Alberto Lidji. He shares what drives meaningful change, the role of universities in shaping impact-driven leaders, and how Scotland can support the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers.Strathclyde Inspire supports and e
Inspiring Entrepreneurs: The Importance of Strong Communication in Building a Successful Spin-Out
In this episode, we’re joined by Holly Butler, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Dxcover, a University of Strathclyde spin-out pioneering clinical-stage liquid biopsy technology for the early detection of multiple cancers.Holly shares how effective communication has been a key factor in securing funding, building partnerships, and leading a high-growth spin-out. She also discusses the role
Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Gillian Docherty CBE on Leadership, AI, and the Future of Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, host Katy McNair speaks with Gillian Docherty, Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Strathclyde, who was recently awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list.They discuss Gillian’s inspiring career journey, her leadership insights, and her perspective on the future of entrepreneurship—particularly in relation to AI, collaboration, and building
Inspiring Entrepreneurs Live: Exploring Forward-Thinking Strategies to Empower Female Entrepreneurs
For this special live episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, held on Women's Entrepreneurship Day, we were joined by a panel representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences: Bayile Adeoti FRSA, Founder of Dechomai Ltd; Kayla-Megan Burns, Founder of Podplistic; and Ruby Allan, University of Strathclyde student and Inspire Ambassador.Strathclyde Inspire Marketing Manager Katy McNair spok
Driving Social Change Through Entrepreneurship Part 2
In part 2 of this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, host Katie Woods continued the conversation with Dr. Kate McKenzie, Co-founder, Director, and CEO of Strathclyde’s first social enterprise spin-out, C2LI, and Manish Joshi, Professor of Practice for Social Innovation at the University of Strathclyde and non-executive Director at the Scottish Government. They discuss ESGs, the importance of coll
Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Driving Social Change Through Entrepreneurship – Part 1
In this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, host Katie Woods spoke with two remarkable change-makers in Scotland's social innovation landscape: Dr. Kate McKenzie, co-founder, Director, and CEO of Strathclyde’s first social enterprise spin-out, C2LI, and Manish Joshi, a Professor of Practice for Social Innovation at the University of Strathclyde and non-executive Director at the Scottish Gover
Paving the way for female entrepreneurs with the Pathways Pledge
On this episode of Inspiring Conversations, our host Katie Woods spoke with an extraordinary panel of female leaders: Ana Stewart, tech entrepreneur, investment partner at EOS, and co-author of the Pathways Pledge; Elizabeth Pirrie, CEO of AccelerateHER; Genna Jodie Masterton, founder of Kinoro; and Nasreen Hasan Ashkanani, Inspire supporter and doctoral researcher at the Hunter Centre for Entrepr
Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Best Bits
In this special episode, we review the 'best bits' of season one of Inspiring Entrepreneurs. Thank you to our guests - Daniel Rae, Founder of Hydrogen; Strathclyde lecturers Lucrezia Casulli and Suzanne Mawson; Chloe Carmichael, Founder of Chloe's Deal Club; and Sarah Jardine, CEO of epipole for your inspiring insights! Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in
From Strathclyde Student to Renowned Money-Saving Expert
Katie Woods, Ecosystem Development Executive at Strathclyde Inspire, spoke with entrepreneur and inspiring alumna of the University of Strathclyde, Chloe Carmichael of Chloe’s Deal Club. Chloe is a renowned money influencer and TV presenter, who has appeared on television shows like This Morning and was recently honoured as Money Influencer of the Year at the British Bank Awards.They chat about wh
The Power of Entrepreneurial Thinking
Welcome to our first episode of our newly rebranded podcast, 'Inspiring Entrepreneurs'! Katie Woods, our Ecosystem Development Executive, spoke with University of Strathclyde Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship lecturers Lucrezia Casulli and Suzanne Mawson about their new book - 'Entrepreneurial Thinking: Mindset in Action'. They explored how developing entrepreneurial thinking
Inspiring Conversations with Sarah Jardine: International Women’s Day
For this year’s International Women’s Day, Katie Woods, our Ecosystem Development Executive, spoke with Sarah Jardine, a Strathclyde alum and the Chief Executive Officer at retinal imaging company epipole. She tells us about what inspired her to pursue a career in Manufacturing, her journey, and the importance of representation for improving diversity within STEM. She also touches on her time as C
Let's Talk Female Entrepreneurship: Participation in Entrepreneurship
In this audio only episode of 'Let's Talk Entrepreneurship', Dr Caroline Whitfield, a doctoral researcher at the Strathclyde Business School, chats to Noel Mathias – Founding and Managing Director of WEvolution UK – about entrepreneurship in two areas; the East End of Glasgow and the most deprived areas of Mumbai in India, where he grew up. They reflect on how the two cultures diffe
An Inspiring Conversation with the founder of Scotland's biggest social media company
In this episode of Inspiring Conversations, John Anderson, Director of Growth at University of Strathclyde's Business School, spoke to Daniel Rae, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at social media agency We Are Hydrogen about his career journey, going viral on TikTok, the stereotype of what an entrepreneur looks like, why he decided to exit the company, and he offers some advice for fou
Inspiring Conversations with Neil McDonald
In this episode of Inspiring Conversations, John Anderson, Principal Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, sat down with Strathclyde Inspire supporter and international business expert, Neil McDonald. Neil spoke about his career journey and shared his thoughts on leadership styles, the definition of an entrepreneur, fear of failure, and sustainability in this engaging discuss
Let's Talk... Female Entrepreneurship: Dissatisfaction in the workforce and desire for social impact
In this episode, we continue to dive into the amazing world of female entrepreneurs. Caroline Whitfield from the Strathclyde Business School chat to Ruba Eltigani, a Strathclyde MBA graduate from the Abu Dhabi campus. Discover her journey into entrepreneurship, her personal measures of success, how she balances motherhood with work, and her exciting upcoming ventures. We also explore how Ruba’s st
Inspiring Conversations Live: Passion, Perspective and Perseverance
This mini live episode of 'Inspiring Conversations' was recorded at our recent bi-annual Inspire100 event. Gillian Docherty, Chief Commercial Officer, delivers an inspiring keynote address on 'Passion, Perspective and Perseverance'. She recounts her career journey, what led her to change path, and offers some advice to others.Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepre
Inspiring Conversations with Pamela Smith: The Space Sector in Scotland
In this episode, Manish Joshi, CEO of Strathclyde Students Union, sits down with Pamela Smith, VP of Future Programmes at AAC Clyde Space. They chatted about how Pamela began working in the space sector, the opportunities in Scotland, how we can build the workforce, diversity in the sector, and some misconceptions about working in the field.Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneur
Inspiring Conversations with Rabinder Buttar: Leading a worldwide company as a female entrepreneur
In this episode, Manish Joshi, CEO of Strathclyde Students Union, sits down with Strathclyde Senior Enterprise Fellow, Dr Rabinder Buttar, to chat about her career journey - from undertaking a PhD at the University of Strathclyde to becoming the Founder and CEO of worldwide clinical research company, ClinTec International. Rabinder comments on what makes a good leadership team, her experience as a
Inspiring Conversations with Angela Prentner-Smith: Equality, diversity and inclusion
In this episode, Manish Joshi, CEO of Strathclyde Students Union, sits down with Managing Director and Founder of This is Milk, Angela Prentner-Smith. A vocal advocate of equities, particularly gender roles, neurodiversity and human-centred business practices, Angela talks openly about her experience as a neurodiverse female and what led her to become her own boss. She also shares her personal exp
Inspiring Conversation with John Waddell – An outlook on the Scottish Investment scene and how mindset is key to success
CEO of Strathclyde Students Union Manish Joshi sits down with experienced early stage investor and visiting professor of the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, John Waddell. John talks about his experience as both an investor and visiting professor, and how mindset, being creative and getting comfortable with digital marketing is key to success in growing your business both locally and internatio
Exploring Entrepreneurship Live with Audience: A journey of Commercialisation with Strathclyde spin-out MicroplateDx”
This episode was recorded as part of a Strathclyde Inspire100 event which provides Strathclyde start-up and spin out opportunities with a chance to pitch for a portion of a £15-20k prize pot. Having previously pitched at an Inspire100 event, Stuart Hannah, Founder of Strathclyde spin-out MicroplateDx, shared his entrepreneurial journey with the audience and current pitchers. Sharing experience of
Let’s Talk Entrepreneurship: How to make climate entrepreneurship work for climate action
Colleagues from Strathclyde Inspire delve deep into conversation with guests Dr Roddy Yarr (Executive Lead Sustainability, University of Strathclyde) and Prof. Matt Hannon (Professor of Sustainable Energy Business and Policy, Strathclyde Business School), to discuss climate change, climate action and policy, and how entrepreneurs and individuals can make a positive impact on the challenges and opp
Lets Talk Entrepreneurship with... Jeremie Warner and Matthew MacLean – Live Episode
Manish Joshi and Meghan Friel from the Strathclyde Students’ Union sat down with Jeremie Warner, Power A Life and Matthew MacLean, Airspection for this live episode of 'Let's Talk', which took place in front of a small audience in the Students Union.The guests chat about their businesses, how the engaged with Inspire and the support they have received, juggling starting a business w
Inspiring Conversations with Peter Proud, Founder and CEO of Forrit
In this episode of Inspiring Conversations, Manish Joshi chats to Peter Proud, Founder and CEO of digital technology company Forrit and Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde's Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship. Peter chats about his career journey to date, the importance of mentoring and good working relationships, his career highlights, and offers some advice to budding entrep
Exploring Entrepreneurship: Dealing with Loneliness as an Entrepreneur
In our latest episode of our Exploring Entrepreneurship podcast we speak to Melanie Blane, Founder of White Rabbit Skincare. In honour of World Mental Health Day, we spoke about the ups and downs of being a solo entrepreneur and how it can affect your mental health and wellbeing. Melanie speaks candidly about loneliness, anxiety and feelings of vulnerability as a solo entrepreneur. She offers some
Exploring Entrepreneurship: How your University connections can help grow your business
Manish Joshi chats to University of Strathclyde Alum Rebecca Pick, Founder of Pick Protection. They discuss the benefits of starting a business as a student, alongside the challenges of finding a work/life balance whilst growing a business. Rebecca also highlights her journey in accessing entrepreneurial support from the University Strathclyde, and her new partnership with the University and the l
Inspiring Conversations - Special Highlights Episode
In this special end of year episode, we included the highlights of Inspiring Conversations podcast episodes from the past year. We hear from inspirational entrepreneurs Dr Susie Mitchell, Susan Aktemel, Neil Logan, Ian Ritchie, Clare Nelson, and Gurjit Singh Lalli. Watch for some fantastic advice and insights from these innovative leaders.Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurshi
Inspiring Conversations with Ian Ritchie, Strathclyde Senior Enterprise Fellow
For June's Inspiring Conversation, Strathclyde Inspire sat down with Ian Ritchie, one of Scotland's leading entrepreneurs. Over the last 30 years, Ian has helped to build Scotland as a centre for high growth technology companies. We were delighted to learn more about Ian's career journey to date and his role as a University of Strathclyde Senior Enterprise Fellow.Strathclyde Inspire
Lets Talk Entrepreneurship with... Lucrezia Casulli, Emilee Simmons and Suzanne Mawson Episode 2
We sat down again with Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde colleagues, Lucrezia Casulli, Emilee Lauran Simmons and Suzanne Mawson. On the back of the last episode, this time they discussed what is meant by the term 'entrepreneurial mindset', changing perceptions of 'failure' and 'success', overcoming the fear of t
Inspiring Conversations with Neil Logan, co-founder & CEO of Incremental Group
Director of the Glasgow City Innovation District, Alisdair Gunn, sat down with Neil Logan, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of digital technology specialist, Incremental Group. Neil is a Senior Enterprise Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, where he is working with Strathclyde Inspire to help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Neil outlines his career journey to date, offers
Inspiring Conversation with Gurjit Singh Lalli, Curator and Founder of TEDxGlasgow
Manish Joshi, CEO of Strathclyde Students Union, sat down with the inspirational Gurjit Singh Lalli, Curator and Founder of TEDxGlasgow, winner of the Businessman of the Year Award at the Scottish Asian Business Awards and Strathclyde Senior Enterprise Fellow, who is working to help inspire Strathclyde's next generation of entrepreneurs.Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneur
Lets Talk Entrepreneurship with... Lucrezia Casulli, Emilee Simmons and Suzanne Mawson
As part of our new 'Let's Talk Entrepreneurship...' podcast series, Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship colleagues, Lucrezia Casulli, Emilee Simmons and Suzanne Mawson, sit down to dispel misconceptions and myths about Entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of resilience and overcoming setbacks, debate whether entrepreneurs are team players or lone wolves, and ask if entrepren
Inspiring Conversation with Susan Aktemel, Founder & Executive Director of Homes for Good
Strathclyde Inspire sits down with Susan Aktemel, Founder & Executive Director of Homes for Good, Scotland's first social enterprise letting agency. Susan is one of Scotland’s most successful entrepreneurs. In this Inspiring Conversation with Manish Joshi, Susan talks about social entrepreneurship, heart versus head in business and shares with us what attributes she thinks makes a success
Inspiring Conversations with Dr Susie Mitchell from Glasgow City of Science and Innovation
We sat down with Dr Susie Mitchell, Programme Director for Glasgow City of Science and Innovation.Susie is an inspirational entrepreneurial leader who, throughout her career, has championed diversity and equality in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In 2016, Susie was recognised by Equate Scotland as a Leading Woman of Scotland for her contributions to STEM and Scotland’s advanceme
Inspiring Conversations with Claire Nelson, Netball Scotland
We speak to Claire Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens. Claire is a truly inspirational and entrepreneurial female leader, who was most recently named 'Game Changer in Sport'. As one of the most influential women working in UK sport today, Claire is recognised for pioneering industry-leading advancements in women’s sport and has clear ambitions of w
Inspiring Conversations with Brie Read from Snag
Brie Read, founder of Snag, the ethical and inclusive fashion brand, chats to Manish Joshi, from Strathclyde Students' Union, about how Snag came about, how a customer idea saved the business and how you shouldn’t listen to other people’s ideas!Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an
Exploring Entrepreneurship: Choose a lifestyle not a career
Join us for our first episode of Exploring Entrepreneurship, as Manish chats with Vicky Hamilton, inventor of Recoil Kneepads, founder of VH Innovation and Strathclyde's own Enterprise Fellow at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship. Manish will be chatting to Vicky about her experience with abandoning the traditional graduate scheme route and launching a successful business instead.Strathcl
Inspiring Conversations with Janice Kirkpatrick & Eleanor Shaw
We ask Professor Janice Kirkpatrick what she thinks it means to have an entrepreneurial mindset before finding out about her own entrepreneurial journey.Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at eve
Inspiring Conversations with Mark Logan & Eleanor Shaw
Mark Logan & Eleanor Shaw chat on this episode of Inspiring Conversations.Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of St
Strathclyde Inspire Launch
Strathclyde Inspire embodies our entrepreneurial spirit and will help University of Strathclyde students and staff realise their creativity and ambition, empowering them to make an impact on the world around them. To find out more about Strathclyde Inspire, check out this video. Speakers include Professor Sir Jim McDonald (University of Strathclyde Principal and Vice Chancellor), Professor Mark Lo
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