Speaker & Coach
Russell Dalgleish
Serial entrepreneur & network builder
helping you and your organisation to
expand globally, be at the forefront of innovation
and have the courage to do so.
Serial entrepreneur & network builder
helping you and your organisation to
expand globally, be at the forefront of innovation
and have the courage to do so.
Russell Dalgleish, also known as the “Tall Scottish Guy”, has a thriving career as not only a serial entrepreneur but an investor, strategist, director and member of the Advisory Board at the Scottish Government’s CivTech® Programme and to the Board of Trade. Through his extensive experience in diaspora engagement, Russell has come to believe that networking is the key to building a thriving organisation and career.
As a speaker and coach, Russell brings the experience of overcoming adversities to build a range of successful companies, offers a unique and challenging insight into the world of the private investor and highlights opportunities available to entrepreneurs today for those who are brave enough to reach out.
Russell is a highly-experienced speaker having delivered talks both virtually and in person at conferences from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi.
Renowned for his ability to emotionally connect through storytelling, Russell captivates and engages the audience, taking them through his journey and meeting people on theirs.
He has spoken and written extensively on diaspora, networking and leadership and brings a depth of knowledge on topics such as:
The audience will leave feeling empowered with solutions that they can apply to their challenges and key insights on how to take their businesses forward.
Coach to entrepreneurs and business leaders, Russell brings his experience, expertise, and energy to support others in amplifying their success.
He is the founding Managing Partner of the advisory group, Exolta Capital Partners, as well as an angel investor. Russell is also the co-founder of the Scottish Business Network (SBN) which is the largest community of Scottish business and community leaders around the world and has recently launched SBN U.S.
In his earlier career Russell held board leadership positions with International companies achieving turnover in excess of £200m. Today Russell sits on the boards on ten companies and organisations including the Institute of Directors Scotland, Mr Finch Limited and Remarkable.
If you would like to benefit from working with Russell then please get in touch to start the conversation.
"I attended Russell's talk about Business Growth at a Business Gateway event last week in my role as marketing assistant to my husband's business. Russell was so inspirational, giving really practical tips that could apply to a multi-national as much as to a small self-catering business like ours. He also went above and beyond expectations by giving personalised advice by email - with some great tips that we hadn't even considered before. A great figurehead for Scottish business around the world."
Zero Waste Scotland
"I was passed Russell's contact details by a trusted friend who had successfully exited one startup and was beginning to build another. We had reached a point in our early development where a critical decision had to be made about whether or not to pivot fully away from our original demonstration prototype and adopt a much more ambitious outlook. Russell took my call and without any hesitation provided me with the most insightful guidance on the very specific challenge we faced. His willingness to pay it forward, without any expectations, was remarkable and inspirational. There are a small number of people in this busy world who will make time for a stranger in need of advice. Those who do without hesitation we call leaders."
Enian
"It was a privilege to have Russell Dalgleish, inspiring serial entrepreneur and motivational speaker join us at the Mayor of London’s Digital Roadshow. I have had the pleasure of working with many of the brightest minds but Russell ranks among the very best speakers I’ve ever encountered. His speeches on the topics of innovation and entrepreneurship have influenced industry leaders in many parts of the world. Russell gave fundamental advice and guidance to our future digital leaders, on top of spending the whole day at our event he gave an inspiring motivational speech at the key speaker’s summit. We really enjoyed having Russell on board."
DCB Project
"I had the pleasure of interviewing Russell for my podcast (The People Stack Podcast). Even though we had only just met, I had so much fun talking with him because of his warm, friendly style and genuine desire to help others."
The People Stack
"Russell brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience. More importantly a willingness to share, advise and support entrepreneurs, who like himself wish to make difference. A genuinely kind and knowledge person, with the ability to focus on what matters."
Netli
"Russell is a dynamic motivator. He is highly connected and is willing and eager to share his connections, networks and wisdom with others so they can reap the benefits. Russell is motivated in his goal to boost Scottish businesses, and his full focus is in aiding collaborative mindsets globally. His passion for business growth, and his willingness to help others in achieving their goals is truly inspirational."
Essence of Harris
"Russell is one of the most helpful people I have talked to in recent times. He is very knowledgeable and has answers to almost every question you ask. The ones he doesn't he will have an idea for a course of action to get an answer. His depth of business experience shines through when you talk to him and there are no barriers to him divulging solutions to most potential problems you may have. I am already looking forward to our next chat. Thanks for all your help and advice Russell. Much appreciated"
Tartan plus Tweed Ltd
"Russell is a tireless advocate for Scottish business, with a unique combination of speaking, marketing and commercial skills. He has a wide network and is unfailingly helpful to those seeking advice. I've enjoyed collaborating with Russell and would be happy to recommend him."
People Untapped
"I believe one of Russell's strongest qualities is his clarity of thought and ability to simplify a process or project as much as possible and therefore allowing everyone involved to understand their own roles and objectives. I would not hesitate to recommend working with Russell to anyone and I look forward to our next project soon."
Remarkable
"I have the privilege of knowing Russell and benefiting from the enormous contribution he makes to helping companies grow and scale. Russell is a tireless advocate for Scottish-based businesses travelling the world to help connect the Scottish diaspora... I have nothing but admiration and respect for what has been achieved. Whilst a very busy networker and tech entrepreneur, Russell makes time to understand your business goals and provides lots of useful ideas and connections to help you along the way."
AM Bid
"If you can secure half an hour in Russell's diary - grab it with both hands! Our half hour, very generously extended to over an hour, and during that time Russell shared industry insight, gave advice and offered candid feedback to our business proposition. Russell quickly digs deep to understand how he can help your business, and who he knows that he can pull in to help too - which is great for businesses at any point in their growth. A generous networker, overflowing with knowledge - look forward to the next time."
Doqit Technologies Limited
"Russell spoke at a Scottish Borders seminar for business growth - From Dog Physiotherapists to Financial Planners Russell inspired each attendee and delivered on his promise of being a 'conductor of business connections'. Russell is truly for business growth in Scotland!"
Fearless Financial
"Thank you for an excellent talk at the University of Edinburgh during the IEEE Young Entrepreneurs Open Day. Truly enjoyed it, you came across as very authentic, approachable and knowledgeable. Excellent tips for your entrepreneurs on how to build a personal brand and reputation."
Attended University of Edinburgh Business School
"Russell spoke at a Changing the Chemistry event - our focus is the value of board diversity - and Russell generously shared his insights and board experiences. He is inspirational in his delivery and ensured that he included a wide range of replies to a diverse group. Highly inclusive and valuable!"
Liz Taylor HR Consulting
