Tell us a bit about yourself and your hobbies…
Although born in Scotland, I have lived the majority of my life in South Africa, having moved to Durban age 13, and went to the beach most days. I always listened in class, furiously taking notes as that’s how I retained knowledge (I still do that now). I didn’t have much time to study - I was too busy enjoying life. I did what I had to do at school to pass my exams, leaving school with a SA Matriculation Certificate (somewhere between O levels and A levels), and never gave college or university a thought. Our neighbour helped me secure an admin position in HR at a local government office called "The Dept of Community Development and State Auxiliary Services", or "Die Departement van Gemeenskapontwikkeling en Staathulpdienste" - that was a mouthful in either language!
I embraced the challenge of carrying out my duties in Afrikaans and the experience helped in moving forward with my career. Having entrepreneurial parents (although back then they were simply self-employed) I can see how their drive and ambition rubbed off on me, influencing who I have become and what I have achieved.
I would love to read and exercise more but I tend to get side tracked. I love sport – watching, not so much participating. Whether it's revamping the house or redesigning the garden, upcycling or repurposing, at weekends you can usually find me creating a mood board, out and about looking for a bargain, or with my sleeves rolled up. I enjoy entertaining with family & friends, travelling and relaxing near water. I definitely have a cup half full attitude to everything, find the positive in most things, look for the purpose and love finding a solution.
What is your role at the University of Strathclyde and what are your main responsibilities?
As Ecosystem Development Manager at Strathclyde Inspire it’s my role to help join the dots for our entrepreneurs, to create a collaborative and innovative environment to support their ambitions, and to deliver opportunities for them to learn and grow.
By building a global network of experts with a wide range of skills and knowledge who are willing to give back to others provides vital support every step of the way. The world is a relatively small place and it’s amazing how connected we all are and how willing others are to share their journey and learnings. There is always somebody who knows somebody who can help so I’m always happy to ask!
Right now I am having so much fun redesigning our hub, choosing colours, fabrics, furniture and equipment to create a vibrant space. Watch out for our “Instagrammable Wall” competition!
What's your favourite thing about your role/working with Strathclyde Inspire?
Being inspired by the unbelievable talent around me and continually being blown away by what is actually possible.
I’m like a serial entrepreneur who gets to go on the journey, experience the rollercoaster time and time again without taking the plunge myself! BTW – I don’t do roller-coasters 😊
Every day is different. Every day is a learning day!
What is your greatest accomplishment in life?
Staying true to me.
I have an amazingly supportive family who have helped me stay grounded and focused. My husband and grown up kids are my cheerleaders. I am very proud of what they have all achieved and how they have dealt with adversity. We all support each other, nurture self-belief and value friendships.
Why should University staff, students and alumni join Strathclyde Inspire?
Entrepreneurship isn’t just for creators and innovators, or for founders to build a business, it’s for everybody.
I took the leap and moved from a typical financial services role (where I was very comfortable) into entrepreneurship six years ago.
Having worked in a relationship management role supporting SME’s for 30+ years this was terrifying, however it’s the best thing I have ever done career wise. It opened my eyes to a whole new perspective allowing me to develop further my skills and expertise, and more importantly has allowed me to grow as a person, to look beyond my boundaries, be comfortable with the uncomfortable. It changed how I thought about myself, the role I played, what impact I could make.
When I was faced with VR during lockdown, although initially devastated, I was able to take control and identify my priorities. It’s time to embrace the opportunity 😊
Finally, what was the last movie you watched, and what did you think of it?
I recently reluctantly watched “King Richard”, not the Lionheart, the tennis dad. (I’ve never been huge fan of Serena and Venus). Whilst not 100% factual, I now appreciate how determined he was as a father for them to reach his dream in such an unconventional way. And although his dream, he had their best interests at heart, to open up their world and provide a freedom to what he had endured.