Scottish female entrepreneurs inspire next generation at Future Her event

Four prominent female entrepreneurs shared their insights and experiences with school students at the Future Her: Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs event, held at the Adam Smith Business School at Glasgow University.

Organised by DYW Glasgow, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and Scottish Women in Business (SWIB) as part of an ongoing partnership between the two groups, the event aimed to inspire young minds by showcasing diverse entrepreneurial journeys and offering practical business advice.

With statistics from the Scottish Government showing that only one in five entrepreneurs are female, Future Her brought together Heather Offord, Katie Gilmour, Jennifer McGlone, and Sarah Heaney, who encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career path. They shared personal stories, emphasising the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. Each speaker highlighted how their non-linear career journeys ultimately led them to successful business ventures.

The event, attended by S1 and S2 pupils from Parkhill Secondary School, St Mungo’s Academy and Abercorn Secondary School, was designed to demonstrate that entrepreneurship is not a one-size-fits-all journey and that there are various paths to success. Through real-world stories and interactive learning, the speakers aimed to inspire the students to pursue their passions, stay curious, and be resilient in the face of challenges.

Katie Gilmour, founder of Clarity Accounting, emphasised the importance of persistence and finding the right support network. Having switched careers multiple times before starting her own business in her 50s, she underscored that it is never too late to pursue one’s passion.

Katie told the students: “It’s not a failure to try something and find you don’t like it. Nothing can’t be fixed. You can go to a job with a bad culture, or start a business that fails, but nothing can’t be fixed.”

Sarah Heaney, president of SWIB, membership manager at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and independent consultant with Arbonne, spoke about the power of connections and continuous learning. She encouraged students to keep asking questions, seek help, and never shy away from networking.
Heather Offord, director of Clarity Consultants and co-founder of Scottish Growth Summit, reflected on the value of risk-taking and overcoming the fear of failure. She candidly shared her experiences of navigating challenges, including her early business struggles, and encouraged the students to see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Jennifer McGlone, owner of the Braw Wee Craft Club, discussed the value of flexibility in entrepreneurship. She shared how her decision to pivot her business online after a period of burnout allowed her to regain balance in her personal life. Her message to the students was clear: “Speak to people, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

During the event, students participated in hands-on activities, including a team exercise where they were tasked with growing a nail polish business. This interactive session allowed them to apply entrepreneurial thinking, collaborate, and present their ideas, fostering teamwork and creativity. By the end of the morning, many students expressed feeling more confident about taking on new challenges.
Students left the event feeling inspired and reassured by the speakers’ messages. “You can do anything,” said one participant, capturing the empowering theme of the day. Another student noted, “Failing is normal!” reflecting how the event addressed overcoming setbacks. The hands-on activities and teamwork were also well-received, with students enjoying the chance to collaborate and share their ideas.

Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “We want to show young people that the skills they learn now can be the foundation of an entrepreneurial mindset, whether they start their own business or bring innovation to a future workplace. It’s about giving them the confidence to take risks, learn from mistakes, and find their passion.”

DYW Glasgow, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and SWIB are committed to empowering young people by providing opportunities to learn from successful entrepreneurs and explore diverse career paths. This event is part of their ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship and support the next generation of leaders.