As the first former pupil to present to our current S6 year group as part of this year’s Future Pathways programme, Maggie’s Centre Fundraising Manager Richard Stewart, Class of 1988, brought integrity, humour and frank advice for our S6 pupils.

Starting out his days at Robert Gordon’s College, Richard then went on to RGIT where he studied Business Studies.  He recalls the values that RGC instills in its pupils and that upon leaving school, he determined that “The purpose of work is to do good and give back to the community”.  Taking great value from his time participating in  Debate Club at RGC, Richard explains that the skills he learned during this extra-curricular club allowed him to build his confidence, practise the skill of public speaking and learn to enjoy using your voice for good; “Extra-curricular clubs plant the seeds that lead to success”, explained Richard to the S6 pupils.

After leaving RGIT, and having been fascinated by ingenious advertising, Richard knew his goal was to sit on the other side of the table, creating the campaigns he loved seeing.  After working with a stream of successful clients at one of London's top marketing agencies, he was offered an incredible role in Moscow - spearheading hugely successful campaigns and gaining record breaking sales through his innovative and timely advertising campaigns.  Ultimately taking a step back from the marketing world, Richard realised that “Success isn’t about making an income, it’s about making an impact”.

Richard expressed the incredible value of volunteering; “when you can, give back” and explained that there are some truly incredible opportunities for volunteers in the UK and worldwide. 

Recalling a moment when a partnerships pitch didn’t go his way, Richard explained that that feeling of disappointment shaped and motivated his career path that followed, and that through innovative thinking, determination and skill, he has set in motion fundraising appeals and campaigns that have continued in organisations across the UK, long since he left working with them.  “Dream about what you want to be and where you want to be in life” Richard shares with the S6 year group.  If an idea is good, but the timing isn’t right, wait until the timing is right.  Don’t be scared of making mistakes, just as long as you always stay true to your values.  Disappointment will fade but regret will burn. 

Richard’s insightful look into the third sector, and the surprising path he took to get there, will leave a lasting impact on pupils – showing that integrity, innovation and imagination can create the most impactful outcomes.