In this episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin speaks with Fraser, whose legal career has taken him from the suburbs of Glasgow through high-stakes legal work in the UK and Middle East, and eventually back to Scotland. Fraser shares his non-linear career path and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

A Non-Traditional Legal Career Path

• Fraser's journey from training in real estate law to in-house counsel, private practice, international work, and back again

• How his "zigzagging" career created unique value and perspective that a traditional path might have missed

• The story of his unexpected move to Abu Dhabi with Clifford Chance and later transition to the events industry

Embracing Opportunity and Adventure

• The pivotal moment when Fraser chose adventure over settling down in Edinburgh

• Working for Abu Dhabi's strategic events company handling Formula One concerts and major sporting events

• The chaos and excitement of last-minute concert changes when the Foo Fighters cancelled

Navigating Imposter Syndrome

• Fraser's candid reflections on feeling under-qualified throughout his career

• Why a bit of self-doubt can be productive when it doesn't prevent you from taking risks

• The importance of pushing through self-imposed barriers and qualifications

The Value of Sponsorship

• The difference between mentors who guide and sponsors who advocate

• How having someone who believes in you can transform your performance

• Creating a virtuous circle by paying it forward to others in your career

Redefining Success and Freedom

• Fraser's decision to return to Scotland for family reasons despite financial incentives to stay abroad

• The realisation that "you don't live life on paper" when making major life decisions

• Defining freedom as having time to focus on what you truly value

The Freedom Challenge

• Fraser challenges listeners to "send that message" - reach out to someone who could change your trajectory

• How one email changed the course of his career and ultimately his life

Join Nat Baldwin for this insightful conversation about embracing change, making the most of diverse experiences, and finding the courage to shift gears when your values and priorities evolve.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:30 Meet Fraser: A Unique Legal Journey

02:11 Early Life and Education

03:32 First Steps in the Legal Profession

05:19 Navigating Career Challenges

07:33 Transition to Corporate Law

14:52 The Move to Abu Dhabi23:04 Life and Work in Abu Dhabi

28:05 Concert Chaos and Quick Contracts

30:32 Middle Eastern Lifestyle Reflections

34:13 Returning to the UK: Family and Career Decisions

38:27 Career Advice and Personal Reflections

47:38 The Concept of Freedom50:15 Final Thoughts and Career Insights

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