In this insightful episode of the Scottish Business Network Podcast, host Ewan Dunbar is joined by Stephen O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer of the Scottish Business Network, whose remarkable career spans engineering, global tech leadership, private equity, and now philanthropy.

Stephen shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey—from humble beginnings in Leith and West Lothian to leading major transformation programs at firms like BT, Deutsche Bank, and G4S. With a storyteller’s flair, he reflects on:

Growing up in 1960s Scotland and the power of outdoor adventure

His transition from engineer to tech salesman—and the secrets behind great sales

Building a career as a “Renaissance problem-solver” across multiple industries

Insights from decades in leadership, innovation, and global business

His current mission at SBN: empowering Scotland’s global diaspora and giving back

Packed with wisdom, humour, and a healthy dose of Scottish pride, this episode offers inspiration for entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers alike.

Episode 102: Stephen O’Donnell on Engineering, Enterprise, and Giving Back

Russell Dalgleish was offered a career in banking but saw his future in technology. And far from wishing to be chained to a desk, he wanted to travel the world with his laptop. With his business consultancy Exolta, his role as founder of the Scottish Business Network and a plethora of investor and NED roles, he is now a very well-kent figure in the Scottish business scene, with fascinating stories to tell.
Interviewed by Fraser Allen at the IoD, Edinburgh.
www.allencomms.co.uk

Russell Dalgleish: Serial entrepreneur and co-founder of the Scottish Business Network

He played a key role in transforming Scottish sport, made a similar impact in Ireland, modernised the English FA and worked with brands such as NCR and Famous Grouse. Intriguingly, he also spent two hours in the company of Roy Keane after Ireland's football captain stormed out of the 2002 World Cup. He's Scotland's best-kept sporting secret and eminently qualified to write his new book, The Game Changer.
Interviewed by Fraser Allen at the Waldorf Astoria in Edinburgh.
www.allencomms.co.uk

Alistair Gray: Scotland's sporting game changer

George Mackintosh is a modern-day business adventurer, always looking for the next big thing – and usually finding it. A natural storyteller, his often humorous tale of shrewd opportunism is a great example to budding entrepreneurs.
This interview was conducted live in front of an audience at the Caledonian Club in London by Fraser Allen.
www.allencomms.co.uk

George Mackintosh: From farmboy to global tech adventurer

From innocent escapades as a 15-year-old 'digital shoplifter' in Glasgow to developing the highly disruptive accountancy platform Xero, Gary Turner has a fascinating and uplifting tale to tell. Inspired both by his parents and by observing life in small businesses throughout central Scotland (the financial pressures, the hopes and fears; the chipped mugs and the daily sandwich van), Gary is firmly on the side of SMEs, and tells his story with passion, humour and warmth.
Interviewed by Fraser Allen via Skype.
www.allencomms.co.uk

Gary Turner: The charismatic champion of small business owners

It's the 1970s. A young policewoman is standing for hours in the freezing rain in Glasgow. All she has for comfort is a jar of pickled onions. "There must be more to life than this," she thinks.

It turned out there was. Today Sheila Flavell is COO of FDM Group, the only company listed on the Stock Exchange that has a married couple on the board (husband Rod Flavell is CEO).

Sheila tells the unpredictable story of her career with many laughs, honesty about the ups and downs and business insights aplenty. You will also hear the extraordinary anecdote of 'spot the organ' – not for the faint-hearted.

Sheila is a brilliant storyteller and a great champion for women in business.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the offices of Shepherd & Wedderburn, next to St Paul's Cathedral in London, in January 2019. Interview conducted by Fraser Allen.

www.allencomms.co.uk

Sheila Flavell: From policewoman to business guru

Ever had to pitch to a potential client or investor, or speak at a conference? And ever felt full of dread about how you're going to do it? If so, Mel Sherwood can help. Channelling her experience as an accomplished public speaker and actress (as well as the stage-fright she has experienced as a singer) she helps people make a big impression when they most need to. We hear about Mel's journey from Melbourne to Edinburgh, and get a big bunch of tips for handling those tricky pitches and presentations.
Interviewed by Fraser Allen from in Mel's home.
www.allencomms.co.uk

Mel Sherwood: The pitch & presentation expert

As a young single mother juggling a degree at Napier University with a full-time job, Hannah Taylor took the bold decision to launch a magazine. She Is Fierce was launched on a tiny budget yet the creativity, intelligence and distinctive voice of the project turned many heads. Remarkably, against all odds, Hannah has since turned She Is Fierce into a full-time job, has an investor on board and big plans for the future. Listen in for an inspiring triumph of imagination and creativity.
Interviewed by Fraser Allen at Hannah's home in Edinburgh.
www.allencomms.co.uk

Hannah Taylor: Fierce ambition in the world of magazines

Russell Dalgleish, Founding Partner of the Scottish Business Network, and Allan Rooney, Founding Partner of Rooney Nimmo P.C., discuss challenges and opportunities for Scottish businesses looking to expand into the United States.

Russell Dalgleish & Allan Rooney

In 2017, Edel Harris became the first woman to be named EY Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year. What arguably made that an even greater achievement was that she is CEO of a third sector organisation – the Aberdeen-based health and social care charity Cornerstone. Edel is a strong and charismatic leader, but also down-to-earth, which helps her carry people through times of significant change. She began her career as a police officer, left to start a family and then worked her way up to CEO status after returning to work at admin level and gaining a first-class honours degree through the Open University. From an Irish background but brought up in England, she has since been adopted by Scotland, is a director of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, and is big fan of Aberdeen Football Club.
Edel was interviewed in front of a live Scottish Business Network audience, at the London HQ of Bristows LLP,  by Fraser Allen.
www.allencomms.co.uk

Edel Harris: Award-winning social entrepreneur

Ask a business owner what their biggest problem is and the answer is often ‘people’. Workflows can be mapped, production lines can be automated and customer promises can be made, but if you have serious HR challenges, everything can be derailed. Step forward Stephanie Robinson. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, she created a business called Solve HR which provides bespoke HR support to organisations. As well as talking us through her career, Stephanie offers insights into  some of the most common challenges she helps businesses with – and how she helps employees as well as employers.
Fraser Allen interviewed Stephanie at the Bonham Hotel in London.
www.allencomms.co.uk

Stephanie Robinson: Meet the HR expert

Occasional podcast series featuring many of the biggest personalities from the world of Scottish business. Originally launched, produced and hosted by Fraser Allen, and now run by the Scottish Business Network.

Episode 102: Stephen O’Donnell on Engineering, Enterprise, and Giving Back

Scottish Business Network

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