Q1) What gets you out of bed in the morning (and why)?
At this early stage in my career my motivation within comes from the desire to replicate the life my parents have provided me with. I have been incredibly lucky to live the life I have; I
have always had a roof over my head, food on the table, family holidays, tutors for certain subjects in school etc. I understand that this has provided me with the foundation to succeed and I want to repay my parents efforts by reaching my full potential. And hopefully be the provider of similar standards in the future.
Additionally, I want to be the best possible co-worker I can be for my new colleagues. I want to be an individual my manager and team can rely on in crunch time situations. I am still
learning about the industry and the organisation as whole. However, I am eager to prove my worth and contribute to the success of the organisation.
Q2) Do you have any habits or routines you follow …and what benefit do these bring for you?
The standout one would be how I prepare for a football game. I have the same morning routine/meal regardless of who and when we are playing. Ready Break with Nutella and
banana accompanied by a double espresso. I am a very superstitious person; therefore I don’t want to create any situations in which I can blame a poor performance on my
preparation. I also put my boots, socks, and shin pads on in the same order every game!
Monday through Friday I enjoy a morning coffee with my colleagues before the workday starts, also making sure I go to the gym on the days we are not training.
Q3) Are there any quotes or mantras that you love &/or live by…and why?
I am not usually one for quotes, however I do like “what’s for you, won’t go by you”. I believe it can relate to several different situations, professionally and personally. Makes me
believe if I keep my head down and get on with tricky situations, the rewards will follow.
Q4) Is there a specific skillset or personal attribute you have that you can say has contributed to your own success to date?
Personally, I believe my easy-going nature has contributed to the relationships and success I have experienced. Without sounding boastful, I am very good at not getting too stressed in
challenging situations. I believe this calm headed approach has given me the ability to make rationale choices in times where others might be quick to pull the trigger. I switched degrees
in my second year of university, a decision which was not easy to make but one I knew would benefit me in the long run. It is a difficult thing to watch your friends graduate without you, knowing you could have been there alongside them. This was a prime example of the ability to stay relaxed and make the correct decision. Looking back, I have no regrets as I am loving the path I am currently on.
Q5) Are you currently learning any new skills or working on improving anything about yourself and why?
I suppose football training contributes to improving skill and ability. More professionally I am making sure I remain open to new situations, as well as attend any advertised trainings that
might contribute it me improving my knowledge of the sector.
On a personal level I am currently undertaking a personal training/diet plan course to ensure my body is at the right level to remain successful in football.
Q6) Looking back – can you pick out any achievement to date that you are the proudest of and why?
Personally, graduating with a first-class honours degree in Business and Management is the standout moment. Seeing how much it meant to my parents was very emotional.
Additionally, representing my country for football is a memory I will cherish forever.
Q7) Again, looking back, have you experienced adversity (or faced discrimination/prejudice) in your life and how has that shaped who you are today?
As previously mentioned, I have been incredibly lucky and fortunate to have experienced the upbringing I have. So, in the grand scheme of things this adversity is not at all on the levels
others have faced. However, Covid-19 was a tricky time for a student as the uni experience was somewhat wiped and missed out. We still had classes online, but the social aspect of uni
was gone, perhaps memories weren’t created because of this…
I feel the pandemic has provide me with the ability to work in isolation. Just me and my computer getting on with the task at hand. An ability that came in incredibly handy when
completing my dissertation in my fourth year and one that will undoubtably come in handy later in my career.
Q8) What is one key piece of advice you would pass onto someone/ to your younger self and why? or have you ever been given a piece of advice that has served you well?
Remain Humble – confidence is important, however over-confidence and arrogance can be detrimental to the success of an individual or team. A humble individual makes those around
them more confident, whilst also improving relationships. Boasting and arrogance will get you nowhere!
Q9) Looking at the arts, are there any specific films, songs, pieces of art, plays, books or podcasts that you have enjoyed/resonate with you, that you in turn, would recommend?
One of my all-time favourite films is the Green Book – I believe Dr Shirley portrays the calm nature I aim to have in difficult situations. Whereas Tony, the driver is the exact opposite
and jumps into every situation with two feet. However, over time he realises there can be different approaches for different situations. Equally I would recommend watching the blindside,
a true story emphasising the importance of family.
Q10) Bucket list / Travel. Can you recall your best holiday & what made it so? I.e. Is there anything/anywhere you have experienced that you highly recommend and anything/anywhere on your list you have still to do/go and visit?
My favourite holiday has to be skiing in Whistler, Canada. I have been lucky enough to ski there a handful of times when I was younger. I wish I could do it more, however the season
obviously runs through till May so the likelihood of holiday in March is very slim!
The top of my holiday list would be a safari on the Serengeti, both my brother and dad have been on safaris and say it’s up there with the best thing they have ever done. Additionally, I
really want to complete a skydive!
Q11) Your last supper. What dish are you eating (and why?)? & who are having it with (and why)? (Other than your immediate family, can be a person dead or alive or a fictional character)
My last supper would have to be a breaded Haddock Supper with Mushy Peas and Steak Pie chaser! Ideally, I would be sitting down with my best friends just away to watch Saturday
night football. I would also invite will Ferrell as I find him hilarious.
Q12) What is your own definition of success / Your own vision of happiness / What’s your NorthStar?
My definition of success would be being an individual who was remembered for all the right reasons. A person who was regarded highly among his friends, provided for his family and
broke the Highland League Goal Scoring record..
Bonus Question) If I was to ask you, what you thought the meaning of life was to you? A big question I know, as it stands today – what would your answer be?
Family, Friends & Football. Short and sweet.
Biography:
Lachie is a first-class honours Business and Management graduate from The Robert Gordons University class of 2023. Alongside this, Lachie is a main feature for semi-pro-outfit Banks O’Dee in the Scottish Highland League.
Lachie has lived in Aberdeen his whole life, attending Aberdeen Grammar School where he was Deputy Head-Boy, Student of the year and a recipient of Full Colours for both football and Rugby. In his final year in secondary school Lachie also received a school cap for representing his country in
the home nations tournament.
Lachie has been part of the successful Banks O’Dee sides that won five consecutive league titles, the last of which was an invincible season. Lachie also helped the Dee make history when they won promotion to the Scottish Highland League where, in their first season the Dee won the Highland League Cup. Following on from the completion of his degree, Lachie has since started his professional career as a Commercial and Business Development Analyst at Repsol Sinopec UK. Lachie also has experience in Human Resources after his internship year with SLB (formerly Schlumberger) contributing to his degree. Lachie is now eager to make his mark in the energy sector.