She almost didn’t apply.

Gillian Docherty is one of the most influential figures in Scotland’s data and AI landscape - but she almost didn’t take the job that changed everything.

Recently named CEO of the Year at the DigiTech Awards, Gillian served as CEO of The Data Lab, Scotland’s national Innovation Centre for data and AI. She’s also a TEDx speaker and a vocal advocate for purpose-led leadership and inclusive tech.

In this conversation with Michael on A Class Act, Gillian shares her journey, what it really takes to build high-performing, mission-driven teams, and how Scotland can seize its next big opportunity in AI.

You’ll hear:

• What sparked Gillian’s early interest in tech and innovation growing up in Scotland
• The biggest leadership lessons from two decades at IBM
• How a last-minute recruiter call changed the trajectory of her career
• What great leadership looks like across public, academic, and commercial sectors
• Why creating purpose-driven, mission-led teams starts with how you recruit
• Where Scotland’s biggest AI and data opportunities are
• Gillian’s view on legacy, leadership, and raising strong, independent daughters

Connect with Gillian Docherty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-docherty/

About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.

Please note: The views expressed by Gillian Docherty in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.

Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.

Connect with MBN Solutions:

Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.

MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.

For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com

Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What does it take to lead when the pressure is on?

How do you inspire teams to stay aligned in the face of complexity, change, and uncertainty?

In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, host Shannon McKechnie is joined by David Goodacre OBE, a Senior Executive, Board Member, and experienced leader with significant experience in strategy, transformation, and operational delivery across the military and corporate sectors.

David shares his real-world leadership lessons from high-pressure environments, from commanding teams in combat to leading complex transformation initiatives in global organisations.

What’s covered in this episode:

• The hard early lessons that taught David leadership isn’t about being in charge - it’s about looking after your people
• What leading in combat reveals about keeping teams aligned under pressure
• The real difference between change that sticks and change that stalls
• Why vision is the anchor that keeps teams going when things get tough
• How to build trust quickly across global, cross-functional teams
• The importance of servant leadership, vulnerability, and living your values
• Why leaders must resist the urge to ‘revert to type’ in a crisis and stay on the bridge

Whether you’re leading in data, or transformation teams, shaping strategy, or navigating complexity, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for high-performing leaders.

Connect with David Goodacre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgoodacre/

About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.

Please note: The views expressed by David Goodacre in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.

Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.

Connect with MBN Solutions:

Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.

MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.

For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com

Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What does it really take to lead change not just in your company, but across an entire industry?

In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Michael Young speaks with Stephen Ingledew, Chair of FinTech Scotland and a driving force behind one of the UK’s most respected fintech ecosystems.

Stephen shares his 40+ year journey through financial services from traditional corporate roles to building a 250+ firm innovation cluster.

Along the way, he unpacks what leadership means in complex environments, why purpose must be your anchor, and how lasting impact often comes from stepping back, not stepping up.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Stephen helped scale FinTech Scotland from 26 to over 250 firms and what made it work
• Why “you don’t need another player kicking the ball… you need a coach on the sidelines” might be the most important leadership lesson in 2025
• How to lead with clarity, adaptability, and inclusion
• The leadership “golf club” mindset and why you can’t use one style for every challenge
• How Stephen hopes to leave a legacy of inclusion, innovation and purpose
  
  

Whether you're leading data and AI teams, scaling fintech, or building capability in a fast-changing landscape, this conversation is packed with real, experience-led insight.

Connect with Stephen Ingledew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-ingledew-obe-a444a92/

About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.

Please note: The views expressed by Stephen Ingledew in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.

Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.

Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:

Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.

MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.

For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:

Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com

Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com