Duggie Carlyle

What made you decide to start your own business?
Growing up, my family had always been involved in their own businesses, so it had always appealed.  Even in school days it’s what I wanted to do. In an early job my boss told me I should start my own business – at the time I took this as a compliment, on reflection, it might not have been.  Ultimately, the variety of ones’ day and being in the position to make choices as your market and environment evolve always seemed exciting.

What’s been your biggest success in business to date? 
I really hope that’s to come.  However, how one measures success can be quite a personal thing.  It’s not always that tangible or in monetary terms, it can be about the journey too.

For me, giving up a good job and stepping out was my biggest success to date – without that first step, conviction and resolve, you will never enjoy all that journey has to offer.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
 Today doesn’t equal tomorrow.

Which entrepreneur inspires you the most? 
There are lots of household names, who are inspirations but feel untouchable.  We are lucky to have lots in Scotland that are inspiring and accessible – Jim McColl, Keith Neilson, Bill Gammell, Mike Welch, Bill Dobbie, to name just a handful.

Which 3 qualities do you think are most important to have as an entrepreneur?
Connecting the dots that others may not see –  whether that be people, businesses or opportunities.  Empathy. Finally, and most importantly getting the right people around– both around your business and around you.

What business tool could you not live without? 
Our business is run in the cloud and we rely heavily on research and market intel, so it has to be the Internet and constant connectively.  As a more traditional tool, I love my Moleskin note books.

Why are you an Ambassador for WeDO? 
My main business is in Executive Search, senior recruitment and the instigation of professional and commercial introductions, so I hope we can give as much in as we get out. Small and innovative businesses still remain the cornerstone of our economy.  If we, as a collective can help or support one business or person down that road, it’s a success.