ALISTAIR MCLEOD Chief executive officer, Gray Fox Consulting.
Tell us about your role at Gray Fox Consulting.
I established the business two years ago having formerly been a director at Waterstons IT Consultancy. My role is to develop and grow the business whilst offering an IT and business consultancy service. We partner with SMEs to provide strategic guidance that enables business growth through the adoption, alignment and leveraging of technology.
We want to challenge traditional approaches to business management and ensure our clients invest in solutions that will add tangible value at a competitive rate.
What services does the organisation provide?
At Gray Fox, we help leadership teams build the necessary skills and know-how to lead their business in the digital economy. We do this through tailored digital strategic advice as well as challenging and supporting them on business transformation and technical delivery.
We are also helping many clients define and procure digital solutions or help them find technical delivery partners.
Having began my career as a software developer and becoming a company director, I have that added value which is understanding both business and tech. That is our USP – we add business value.
What’s your proudest business achievement?
It has to be establishing and growing Gray Fox in the midst of a global pandemic! The clients are what make the business and to know that we have added value and made a difference to them is ultimately my proudest achievement.
What challenges have you encountered?
Establishing the business. I didn’t account for a pandemic. I had to really dig deep into my resilience and have the confidence and belief that I could make it a success.
How has the industry changed since you began your career?
IT has been revolutionised. The evolution of the internet and, particularly, cloud-based platforms has transformed the sector. When I first started my career, the cost and time to provision IT solutions was enormous, putting it out of reach of most SMEs. The internet has totally changed this, offering businesses more flexibility and an affordable price. You only have to look at the aftereffects of the pandemic that changed work place culture and remote working. Businesses could respond much quicker than before.
Who are your heroes in and out of work?
In a business setting, it has to be Jim Collins, an American author, researcher, speaker and consultant who is focused on the topic of business management, sustainability and growth. He has a good way of simplifying the challenges businesses face. I saw him speak in London and he was fantastic.
Outside of work I am a huge Newcastle United fan, so Kevin Keegan is up there! I also really admire David Attenborough, who has captivated and educated the nation – spanning all ages, as to the beauty of our natural environment.
Is there a mantra you always aspire to do business by?
The customer is always first and to create added value in everything you do. Its important to always be nice and have fun along the way.
How do you like to unwind?
I enjoy simple pleasures such as reading, going to the gym and my partner and I enjoy cooking. We also like dining out. Ora, located in the heart of Tynemouth and Kaltur on Dean Street, Newcastle, are particular favourites.
