Allan Dowie is a Partner in the private equity firm he co-founded called N4 Partners. In his career, he has held board positions including CFO and CEO across a variety of sectors and he has also worked in professional services and consulting.

Allan talks about his entrepreneurial ventures, the life plan he set out to achieve early on in his 20s, the opportunity to upskill whilst working in professional services, and how running the Marathon Des Sables - a distance of 6 marathons in 6 days in the Sahara Desert – helps him achieve in business.

Other topics discussed include the private equity trend in professional services and what 2024 might look like for businesses in Scotland.

OUTLINE OF TIMINGS

00:00-6:45: What type of firms N4 invests in.

6:46-8:39: How does 2024 look for businesses in Scotland. Recruitment challenges in Scotland.

8:40-13:38: Entrepreneurship in Allan’s life through multiple business ventures and applying his mindset to his career.

13:39-17:16: The Art of Thinking Big. Planning out his career from his early 20s to get into senior leadership roles and the sacrifices along the way.

17:17-19:24: The importance of networking and having a network.

19:25-23:02: Choosing to gain experience in professional services to add value to his skillset and knowledge, ultimately helping him in his career.

23:03-25:55: Why running the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert is the best thing he has ever done for his mental mindset.

25:56-30:01: What makes a good leader?

30:02-32:02: The different paths to work in Private Equity.

32:03-34:52: Why Private Equity investment in professional services will continue.

34:53-37:19: Professional and personal goals for the next 12 months.

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