Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, where you grew up and and your career journey to date?
A lifelong Glasgwegian, I am a serial offender when it comes to attending and working for Scottish universities. A graduate of both the University of Glasgow (once) and the University of Strathclyde (three times, including one joint degree with Glasgow Caledonian University), I have also previously worked at Strathclyde, as well as Aberdeen University and University of Edinburgh. Before becoming a Knowledge Exchange professional, I worked in the creative industries including time as a journalist at The Big Issue, The Herald and Sunday Herald. After doing an MBA at the University of Strathclyde Graduate School of Business (second time at UoS!) I joined a start-up consultancy firm specialising in strategy and business growth focused on the effective management and exploitation of intangible assets and intellectual property.
What is your role at the University of Strathclyde and what are your main responsibilities?
As Industry Engagement and Commercialisation Manager, I am focused on the development of and delivery of a pro-active industry engagement strategy, account managing some of the University’s long-term industry relationships and supporting the development of some the institution’s key industry clusters (Quantum Technologies, FinTech, HealthTech, Industrial Informatics, 5G Communications and Space Technologies). Whether it involves existing partners or new potential partners, my aim is to raise awareness of the range of opportunities and business benefits to be secured through engaging with full range of University faculties and departments.
What is your greatest accomplishment in life?
My children! Mind you, they are still a work in progress, so you might have to come back to me (and them) in 10+ years and see if we agree on that. Not so much a job, but a life’s work…
Why should University staff, students and alumni work with the team at Strathclyde Inspire?
Collaboration is key. Very few folk achieve great things on their own and any journey – especially an entrepreneurial one - is always better with good company and support. The team is here to help. Sometimes that may be a small thing and other times it will be years of support, helping staff, students and alumni achieve their ambitions.
For me, support can be also be intangible, focusing on building confidence and connecting entrepreneurs with a broader network and ecosystem that can help them on their journey. As with many good things in life, it can all start with a conversation over a cup of coffee…
Emails or Zoom calls?
Neither! Who was every truly energised by a conversation involving talking to a 2D image on a laptop screen? Not me. Give me the energy of a face-to-face meeting any day. It can be chance conversation in a corridor, a snatched few words before dashing for the train home or a rambling lunchtime conversation where the world is set to rights – or at least there is a decent chance for a wee rant. My energy comes from connecting with people in real life. And I am too old to change that now…
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
300-odd millions years ago to the Carboniferous period. A time of great forests, swamps, continental masses colliding, insects ruling the sky and giant invertebrates. What’s not to love? How long I would last is debatable, but definitely worth a visit, assuming my time machine is still working for a return trip.
