I was gonnae

In this episode, we explore the journey of Eddie Fraser, whose extensive career in local government has been marked by dedication and a commitment to public service. As the Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council, Eddie has been at the forefront of community engagement, striving to improve the lives of the residents through innovative policies and programs. Join us as we delve into the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership.

In this inspiring episode of the "I Was Gonnae" charity podcast, we sit down with Evelyne McDonald, the esteemed CEO of Scottish EDGE, a leading organisation that supports Scotland's most innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs. Join us as Evelyne shares her invaluable insights on fostering entrepreneurship and how Scottish EDGE is empowering the next generation of business leaders. Discover the impactful stories of those who've turned their visions into reality with the support of Scottish EDGE.

I was gonnae charity podcast are delighted to announce that this week's guest isEdel Harris OBE, the former CEO of Mencap, the UK's leading learning disability charity. Edel has over 25 years of experience in the social care sector and is passionate about improving the lives of people with learning disabilities. She was until recently a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Trustee of the Robertson Trust. In this episode, we talk to Edel about her career journey, her achievements and challenges at Mencap, and her advice for aspiring leaders in the social care sector. Tune in to hear her insights and stories on our podcast, available. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our show. We hope you enjoy it.

I was gonnae podcast are delighted to announce that this week's guest is Jim Todd, the provost of East Ayrshire. Jim has a fascinating story to share, from his time in the Navy to his current role as the civic leader of East Ayrshire. He talks about his achievements, challenges and aspirations for the future of E Ayrshire region. Tune in to hear his insights and advice on leadership, community and service. You don't want to miss this episode!

This week's guest is Vanessa Collingridge British author and broadcaster.

This week's guest is Ryan Clark CEO of the Safer Group

This week's guest is David Martindale manager at Livingston Football club

This week's #iwasgonnae podcast guest is Zara Janjua Award-winning TV, Radio & Podcast Presenter / Columnist / Journalist / Host / Comedian / Writer / Producer / Director / Filmmaker / Charity Trustee / Media & Presenter Training Instructor.

Zara was born in Glasgow and tells us that ‘she likes to be busy’ you can tell that having one look at her LinkedIn profile and her incredible list of what she is currently doing TV, Radio & Podcast Presenter / Columnist / Journalist / Host / Comedian / Writer / Producer / Director / Filmmaker / Charity Trustee / Media & Presenter Training Instructor.

At #school she says, ‘she didn’t feel as if I fitted in’ and felt ‘a little conflicted’ and called herself ‘a floater’ at that time. Zara continues that she felt her life didn’t really start until she left school.

She calls herself ‘a doer’ and likes to be busy and doesn’t like to spend too much ‘time processing that are not going well’.

Her advice for the future generation is ‘turn your ideas into something tangible', ‘getting my ideas out and into the world is what has shaped and is shaping my life and #career’.

Hear more of Zara's amazing life stories now on the #Iwasgonnae podcast.

This week's #iwasgonnae podcast guest is Dr Andy Campbell Commercial Director at Elevator UK.

Andy grew up in and still lives in #Paisley and has a real passion for the town. He tells us he loved school and liked being an academic sponge. He remembers talking to one of his primary teachers and referred to his classmates, ‘as his fellow scholars’, ‘and couldn’t believe that she laughed for using a big word!’. Needless to say, this was water off ducks back to Andy even at an early age.

Andy says he thrives on some level of chaos and loves to live life fully with all the adventures it throughs up.

Recalling his early #business #career, he says it was initially me tapping into my ‘inner geek’ playing with his ‘Spectrum computer.’ 'Initially as a hobby but quickly turned into my first business called Red Lemon', a very successful gaming business.

Andy is currently the commercial director at Elevator UK ‘working alongside some really amazing and ambitious #entrepreneurs '.

Listen to more of Dr. Andy Campbell’s life and career stories on the #Iwasgonnae podcast.

This weeks guest is Prof Eleanor Shaw OBE Associate Principal ( Pro Vice Chancellor) at University of Strathclyde.

Eleanor explains she is left-handed and reflects on her early days at school being told to ‘sit on her left hand and write with her right hand’ and consequently ending up in a remedial class for spelling and writing because of the effect this was having on her brain. Despite this she ‘really enjoyed school’ but was unsure what career direction she was wanting to take. She remembers thinking she would like to be an ‘English teacher or even more boldly a writer’.

Eleanor tells us of how Glasgow and the universities have always acted as magnet to her throughout her life and career.

Now as the Associate Principal (Pro Vice Chancellor) at University of Strathclyde she says she wants to help encourage young people to ‘take ownership and agency of their lives’ and ‘not to be frightened of failure’.

Listen to more of Prof Eleanor Shaw OBE life and career stories on the I was gonnae podcast.