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.

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