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 how curiosity, creativity, and courage can turn any degree into a foundation for something unexpected.

Together, they explore:

Whether you’re still studying, recently graduated, or figuring out your next step, this episode will help you see your degree and your potential in a whole new way.

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 students need to wait until graduation or have everything figured out before trying something new. We discuss how clarity often comes after you start, why small steps can build real confidence, and how early side hustles can become powerful learning tools. Paul and Darren share honest reflections on taking action, embracing uncertainty, and moving forward even when things don’t feel perfect yet. 

 Whether you're thinking about launching a side hustle, exploring new ideas alongside your studies, or simply looking for the confidence to take your next step, this episode will encourage you to rethink what it really means to start, grow, and move forward.

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 feeling stuck before you’ve even begun. 

You’ll hear honest insights on:

Why you don’t need to have it all figured out

How sharing mistakes builds real entrepreneurial confidence

The power of starting before you feel ready

Practical ways to stop comparison culture from holding you back

Whether you're thinking about launching an idea, navigating university life, or looking for the courage to take your next step, this episode will help you rethink what it means to grow, fail, and move forward.

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 recruitment and share practical advice you can put into action right now.

Learn how to craft a standout CV and introduction that grabs attention, balance soft and technical skills effectively, and build resilience through rejection and uncertainty. You’ll also hear how to show your value even without years of experience, and what “future-ready” really means to employers in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re preparing for your first graduate role or rethinking your career direction, this episode offers insider clarity, expert insight, and the confidence to move forward.

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 journey

- Showcase collaboration, adaptability, and initiative to employers

- Turn your university experience into real-world opportunities

- Make the most of Strathclyde Inspire’s support to develop future-ready skills

💬 Featuring:

- Camrie Hole – Careers Coach, University of Strathclyde

- Thomas Devaney – Entrepreneurship & Employability Lead, University of Strathclyde

- Dr. Lucrezia Casulli – Senior Lecturer & Co-author of Entrepreneurial Thinking: Mindset in Action

- Galina Sudiiarova – Former Inspire Ambassador & Customer Relations Manager, Entropyst

Whether you’re applying for graduate roles, exploring entrepreneurship, or still figuring out your next step, this episode will help you build the skills, confidence, and networks you need to succeed.

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 from his journey, from engineer to university leader to his new role as Chair of Scottish Enterprise.

We discuss the rise of Strathclyde as Scotland’s leading entrepreneurial university, as well as Sir Jim’s perspectives on leadership, research commercialisation, public-private partnerships, and the future of innovation in Scotland.

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, academia, and industry.

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.

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 of mentorship in navigating the transition from academia to entrepreneurship, along with the challenges and rewards of scaling an innovation-driven business.

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 thriving ecosystems.