In this episode of the Connected Communities podcast, we speak with Marc Cooper who is the CEO at The School of Automation. Marc has had a very interesting career journey and I regard him as my first “unofficial” mentor after leaving the forces, and continues to be a good friend with sound advice. Through this conversation we look at a range of experiences that Marc has navigated over his life including growing up In the south side of Glasgow, going from professional football to education, and now leading a tech company in Glasgow that has a global reach. Marc is a kind, compassionate and thoughtful leader who is leading his organisation with empathy, kindness and compassion. Covered in this podcast:

• Did you think you would become a CEO?
• Teenage years and family life in South Side Glasgow
• Early memories of junior football and coaches
• When football got serious at 14 and going professional
• Injury and leaving the game
• Understanding the volume that don’t “make it”
• First job after football, navigating redundancy and taking an opportunity
• Entering education and moving to become the CEO at the School of Automation
• What is Robotic Process Automation
• Connecting young people with career opportunities in tech
• Reflection. Looking back to go forward
• Being the CEO of a new start-up
• Mental health and how knowledge influences leadership
• Is it the responsibility of an employer to look after their teams mental health?
• Establishing boundaries and the essential ingredients for creating a space to talk
• Leading with intention. What is more important? The person or the business?
• Closing Ritual - Kitbag
• Thanking Marc for his presence and calmness in my chaos
• The Mindful Minute

References and Support: Mental Health Websites and Contact Numbers – www.beinnunity.co.uk/supportVeteran Support – www.beinnunity.co.uk/ervThe School of Automation – https://www.schoolofautomation.techContact the SOA - [email protected]Twitter - https://twitter.com/SOA_2020