Deborah Halliday from the Class of 2010 is the Head of Production at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. She returned to Robert Gordon's College to share one of the most inspiring stories shared by a former pupil who has overcome the highs and lows of dyslexia, to take up a senior position within a global brand. 

During her visit, Deborah met with pupils from Primary 6 to S6 sharing her incredible journey and powerful message of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of building a personal brand.

Addressing the Senior School as part of the S6 Lecture Series, Deborah shared her journey from a dyslexic schoolgirl unsure of her future to becoming a leading figure in Formula One. “Your differences are actually your strengths,” she told the pupils, highlighting how her dyslexia, once perceived as a weakness, has become her superpower. “Creative minds think differently,” she said, explaining how her unique perspective allows her to approach problems in innovative ways, a skill that sets her apart in her field.

Deborah encouraged pupils to begin shaping their personal brands now, emphasising that a brand is built on your strengths, reputation, skillset, and values. “It took me 15 years to become the person I am today,” she said. “Start thinking about who you are and what you stand for - it’s your key asset.

A Journey of Determination

Deborah’s path was anything but straightforward. She candidly shared her struggles in school, revealing that she wasn’t particularly academic and often felt unsure of where she fitted in. Feeling self imposed pressure to attend university, she initially pursued higher education but ultimately realised it wasn’t the right path for her. Leaving the University of Glasgow in her fourth year, she moved to London, where following completion of work experience she seized an opportunity as a production assistant in Pukka Films and as a runner for the BBC. From there, she worked tirelessly, rising through the ranks in media production. “I started at the bottom of the food chain,” she said, recounting her early days as a production assistant. Over the years, Deborah built an impressive résumé, including stints at IMG, BT Sport, and her current dream role with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. “It took 10 years, multiple jobs, and rejection after rejection to get to where I am today,” she explained, urging pupils to turn setbacks into fuel for their ambitions. Deborah reflected, “There are multiple paths to success, mine has not been the traditional path, however, my brother who was also a Gordonian from the Class of ’07 did take a more traditional academic route.  Both routes have required hard work and a determination to succeed.”

Lessons in Resilience and Teamwork

Deborah’s message to the pupils was clear: success isn’t linear, and there’s no substitute for hard work. “Be prepared for failure,” she advised. “Doors will close, and you’ll hear a lot of ‘no’s,’ but that’s where growth happens.”

She also emphasised the importance of teamwork and collaboration, values she upholds in her role at Aston Martin. “Always allow people in your team to have a voice,” she said. “Be kind, listen to others, and create an environment where everyone feels heard.”

A Day of Engagement

Beyond the lecture, Deborah spent the day engaging with pupils across various year groups. Senior business studies pupils received practical advice on building their skill sets, and gaining work experience. Creative industries pupils learned how to navigate a career in media and crafting personal statements. All pupils were enthralled by her insights into the world of Formula One.

Primary 6 and 7 pupils, along with the Young Engineers Club and Greenpower Club were especially captivated by her description of her work with Aston Martin. Deborah reinforced the importance of team work and the many different skill sets required to run a competitive F1 team, the different roles vary from social media, chefs, and media production to mechanics, engineers and drivers, with each role requiring a multitude of different skill sets. The pupils took part in a highly excitable and enthusiastic Q&A session. 

Deborah thoroughly enjoyed her day back at RGC, saying “It has been wonderful talking with the students at RGC, sharing my experiences, hearing about their ambitions for the future and encouraging them to forge their own paths and personal brands towards their ultimate success.” 

Words to Remember

Deborah left the pupils with powerful takeaways:

• “Your differences are your strengths.”
• “Don’t be afraid of change.”
• “There is no substitution for hard work.”
• “Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.”

By sharing her story, Deborah has inspired pupils to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions, and build their futures with resilience and determination. Deborah demonstrated that success is not about following a prescribed path but about forging your own.

For the pupils who listened to Deborah, her visit was not just a lesson in career building but a masterclass in courage, creativity, and carving one’s own path to success. 

Laura Presslie, Director of Advancement, commented: “Deborah’s story is strong and compelling. She has shown how courage and resilience has enabled her to overcome challenges and find a career path that she is passionate about.  We have all been inspired by the impact she has had with pupils during her visit and excited to hear about the inside track of Formula One."