Inspiring Entrepreneurs

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

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.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

For this special live episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, held on Women's Entrepreneurship Day, we were joined by a panel representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences: Bayile Adeoti FRSA, Founder of Dechomai Ltd; Kayla-Megan Burns, Founder of Podplistic; and Ruby Allan, University of Strathclyde student and Inspire Ambassador.

Strathclyde Inspire Marketing Manager Katy McNair spoke with the panel about their journeys to discovering their career paths and future visions, how they use forward-thinking strategies to achieve success, balancing the demands of running a business with other priorities, the importance of championing female and non-binary entrepreneurs, and how we can collectively work to empower these groups.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/

In part 2 of this episode of Inspiring Entrepreneurs, host Katie Woods continued the conversation with Dr. Kate McKenzie, Co-founder, Director, and CEO of Strathclyde’s first social enterprise spin-out, C2LI, and Manish Joshi, Professor of Practice for Social Innovation at the University of Strathclyde and non-executive Director at the Scottish Government.

They discuss ESGs, the importance of collaboration, how small changes can make a big impact, employing local talent, and the definition of social impact. They also offer their advice to social entrepreneurs who want to tackle big issues such as climate change.

Strathclyde Inspire supports and encourages entrepreneurship in all its forms, so whether you want to explore your entrepreneurial potential, have an idea for a business, or are considering commercialising your research, we will support you at every stage of your journey. Strathclyde Inspire supports any University of Strathclyde student, staff or graduate.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strathclydeinspire

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/strathclyde-inspire

Website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/strathclydeinspire/strathclydeinspirehub/