The Industry Wave

In this episode of Industry Wave, we speak to Ken Munro, CEO of Encircle, about a career shaped by engineering, manufacturing and a passion for making things happen in Scotland.
 
From leading major transformations at Superglass and Kingspan to launching Encircle, Ken shares the lessons that have guided his leadership journey — from staying relentlessly customer-focused to embracing innovation, disruption and well-managed risk.
 
We also explore Encircle’s circular approach to turning leather-industry waste streams into high-performance materials, the opportunity this creates across construction and other industrial markets, and why developing Scotland’s next generation of engineering and science talent is just as important as developing the businesses themselves.
 
A conversation about leadership, circularity, innovation and the people who will shape the future of Scottish industry.

In this episode of The Industry Wave  we’re joined by Gordon Robb, a leadership, coaching and facilitation specialist with more than three decades of experience helping people and organisations improve the way they work together.
Gordon began his career at IBM as a customer engineer, spending 15 years with the company before moving into facilitation, coaching and organisational change. His experience taught him that while technology and processes are important, it’s ultimately people, relationships and communication that drive meaningful change.
For more than 20 years, Gordon has worked with leaders and teams across Scotland, including through Scottish Engineering’s Scottish Engineering Leadership Forum (SELF), helping participants challenge their thinking, take responsibility and develop more effective relationships at work.
In this conversation, Gordon shares his career journey, the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership and why he believes that if you want something to change, you have to be willing to change something yourself.
He also explores the importance of communication, listening, personal responsibility and finding common ground — and looks ahead at how leadership development can evolve through the launch of the Scottish Engineering Skills Academy.
To find out more about Gordon’s work or get in touch, you can contact him directly at Gordon@vrgrowth.co.uk.

In Episode 15 of The Industry Wave, Paul Sheerin is joined by Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and one of Scotland's leading business voices.
From selling mops door-to-door as a teenager to leading one of the country's most influential business organisations, Russell shares the experiences that shaped his career, his leadership philosophy, and his deep connection to the north-east of Scotland.
The conversation explores some of the biggest issues facing the region today, including the future of the North Sea, energy security, investment, and the opportunities and challenges of the transition to net zero. Drawing on his experience of economic regeneration in the north-east of England, Russell offers a compelling and pragmatic perspective on what needs to happen to secure the future of Scotland's energy capital.
Along the way, he reflects on the value of taking chances, embracing constructive challenge, and leading with humility and respect.
And, as with every episode of The Industry Wave, there are a few unexpected stories too—including how a "free weekend" in Newcastle turned into a 22-year chapter of his life.

In Episode 14 of The Industry Wave, we’re joined by Stewart McKinlay, Skills Director for the Manufacturing Skills Academy at the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland (NMIS), and a well known and hugely respected voice in Scotland's engineering skills landscape.  Stewart has gained that recognition for many reasons, but his passionate advocacy for widening access to engineering, education, and opportunity is a major part of that.
As the first person in his family to attend university, Stewart reflects on the varied experiences that shaped his ambitions—from growing up in Cumbernauld to studying Manufacturing Sciences and Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. He shares how those early experiences influenced a career dedicated to helping others access the opportunities that transformed his own life.
This episode explores Stewart’s work championing inclusive pathways into engineering and manufacturing, and discusses the importance of creating a sector that welcomes talent from every background, the value of apprenticeships, and why understanding Scotland’s engineering skills needs is critical to the country’s future success.
To have opportunity, we must have demand, and Stewart makes a very straightforward call to action on why it's so important for engineering and manufacturing companies across Scotland complete the updated Engineering Skills Survey - a survey that he along with others helped design and champion.
All of our podcast guests have shared some surprises from their past, and Stewart is no different.  Have a listen to find out the film he appeared in that IMDB described as "a sun-drenched, deadpan, masterpiece of Scottish cinema....".

In Episode 13 of The Industry Wave, we’re joined by Susan Scurlock MBE, founder and Chief Executive of Primary Engineer—one of the UK’s most influential voices in engineering education and inspiration.
From a childhood shaped by curiosity and constraint, to building a nationwide movement that’s reached hundreds of thousands of young people, Susan shares the deeply personal story behind Primary Engineer. Her journey spans early barriers to pursuing engineering, a decade of life and creativity in Spain, and a return to education that ultimately sparked a mission: to ensure every child sees themselves as capable of becoming an engineer.
This episode explores the power of inclusive, whole-class engagement, the importance of challenging assumptions, and the real-world impact of inspiring belief in young people—especially those who might otherwise be overlooked. Susan also reflects on the growing gap between interest in engineering careers and access to opportunities, and what needs to change to truly support the next generation.
Insightful, honest, and full of purpose, this conversation highlights how one idea—done right—can ripple across classrooms, communities, and careers.

In Episode 12 of The Industry Wave, we celebrate a major milestone—one year of the podcast—by sitting down with rising engineering talent Zak Thomson, Scottish Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year 2025 and design engineer at Emtelle. 
Recorded in the Scottish Borders, Zak shares his journey from a hands-on, uncertain school leaver to an award-winning innovator shaping global telecom solutions. Through the apprenticeship route, he built practical skills and a problem-solving mindset that led him to tackle a real-world customer challenge—developing a groundbreaking, low-cost method for installing fibre optic cable without the need for bulky ancillary equipment. 
This episode dives into the story behind that innovation: from relentless testing and unexpected breakthroughs to the creation of a simple yet powerful device now driving global impact. Zak also reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and stepping outside your comfort zone—along with the value of trust, teamwork, and leadership early in a career. 
Whether you're an aspiring engineer, industry professional, or simply curious about how ideas turn into real-world solutions, this episode offers an inspiring look at modern engineering in action. 

In this episode of The Industry Wave, we’re delighted to welcome Nairn Moffat, Design & Manufacturing Engineer at Toshima and Scottish Engineering’s Graduate Apprentice of the Year 2025.
 
From discovering a passion for hands-on problem solving to forging his path through a Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeship with Glasgow Caledonian University, Nairn shares how work-based learning shaped his confidence and career.
 
We dive into the award-winning subsea desalination project that captured our judges’ attention (a complex 16-tonne pump module designed to operate 600 metres below sea level for eight years without maintenance.) Nairn speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, learning through feedback, technical challenges, and the responsibility that comes with seeing your name on the drawing — alongside the project’s potential to reduce energy use in offshore operations.
 
Join us as we explore the power of apprenticeships, supportive workplace cultures, and learning by doing — and why asking questions, choosing the right environment, and taking ownership remain key lessons for the next stage of Nairn’s engineering career.

In episode 10 of The Industry Wave, we sit down with Scottish Engineering’s newest colleague, Jennifer MacDonald, as she reflects on a career that began with a simple question asked at age 15 and evolved into a global engineering and inclusion journey. From growing up on the west coast of Scotland to studying chemical engineering at Heriot-Watt University, Jennifer shares how early curiosity, real-world exposure, and supportive mentors shaped her path into engineering.
From offshore platforms in Newfoundland and the North Sea to national roles with NMIS, the Royal Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, Jennifer reflects on the realities of working in highly technical, male-dominated environments and how those experiences sparked her passion for diversity, inclusion, and visibility across the sector. Join us as we explore the power of asking the question, building connection, and creating welcoming engineering cultures — and hear why Jennifer believes Scotland’s engineering and manufacturing community is uniquely placed to support the next generation of talent.

In episode 9 of The Industry Wave, we were delighted to sit down with our new President, Kerrie Murray the first from the North East of Scotland. Kerrie takes her place in Scottish Engineering’s rich 160-year history as the 90th President and the third consecutive woman to hold the role. From her early days in the small town of Turriff, inspired by a passionate maths teacher, to studying accountancy at the University of Aberdeen and building a career across energy and engineering, Kerrie reflects on the experiences, mentors, and pivotal moments that have shaped her path into leadership.
Join us as we explore the realities facing Scotland’s engineering sector today, from navigating the energy transition to bridging skills gaps and fostering the next generation of talent. Kerrie shares her guiding principles of networking, mentoring, and teamwork, as well as the insights that have carried her from Deloitte to THREE60 Energy, offering an honest look at resilience, growth, and the responsibilities of modern engineering leadership. This conversation marks the beginning of her legacy as Scottish Engineering’s 90th President, and we are looking forward to seeing what the next two years of her tenure has in store.

In episode 8 of The Industry Wave, we sit down with our first ever female President, Aine Finlayson, as she reflects on her six-year journey as part of the Scottish Engineering Presidential Committee as it comes to an end. From her early days as a science‑driven student in County Down to a career that has taken her across Europe and ultimately to her role as Chief Operating Officer at Peak Scientific, Aine reflects on the experiences, mentors, and moments of curiosity that shaped her path into engineering and leadership.
Join us as we explore the realities facing Scotland's engineering and manufacturing sector today, from the persistent skills challenge to the rapidly changing blend of talent now required across engineering, software, automation, and supply chain. Aine shares how confidence, collaboration, and the willingness to say “yes” at pivotal moments have influenced her career — including reconnecting with the teacher who first recognised her potential. This conversation offers an honest look at resilience, growth, and the responsibilities of modern engineering leadership, marking the legacy of Scottish Engineering’s 88th President.