Set within the recently opened, ‘Entrepreneurial Hub’ in the George Moore building, the Entrepreneur in Residence Masterclass provided the opportunity for Marie to share her business journey with an intentional focus on ‘Regeneration’. Highlighting how watching her hometown de-industrialise in addition to her financial service experience in both London and the U.S.A inspire where she is today.

Marie discussed some of the setbacks and challenges that she’s contended with throughout her business career but claimed, “It’s all part of the process – it’s how you deal with these situations that really counts.”

In addition to the masterclass, Marie had the opportunity to speak with three entrepreneurs from the university, Susan Anderson of Small Change, Money Matters, Umran Ali Javaid, of Fun for Life Fest and Engineer a Career founder, Josh Robertson – hearing more about their products, challenges and aspirations for the future.

The audience, a mixture of students, alumni and staff asked a wide range of questions at the end of the session including…

 Where has the inspiration that keeps you going come from…?

“We’ve just got to keep going, keep going. It’s people and communities that drive me, it’s all about hope and making things happen. I honestly think that it was my near-death experience that pushed me forward and made me who I am today.”

 How would you advise us to find the correct mentors to support our business journey…?

“They are around you, your peers – the people who are also on a business journey that could be experiencing similar problems and challenges who can share their hints, tips and experiences. Surround yourself with a good support mechanism – don’t be afraid to ask for help as the entrepreneurial world can be a lonely one at times. Also, think about the type of support, counsel and advice you need based on where you are on your business cycle and seek the gaps in knowledge to power you forward.”

Reflecting on the event Marie said, “Today provided me with hope and admiration with the entrepreneurial ideas and mindsets within the university, and how these great minds will shape our country and economy in the future. I was inspired by the three students I had the privilege of spending some 1:1 time with, discussing their businesses in more depth. Scotland, the U.K, and indeed the world, need to listen, support and encourage entrepreneurs – helping them to make positive, sustainable and economic contributions to our societies. I look forward to hearing about the progress they all make in the months ahead.”

Marie is a former student of Glasgow Caledonian University and in 2018 was bestowed an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in recognition for outstanding contribution to the business world and for the common good of students at GCU.