IWD Special: 4 Inspiring Scottish Women Share the Secrets of their Success
To celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, we sat down with four incredible Scottish entrepreneurs—Emma Macdonald of TBCo, business consultant Justine Mitchell, Cat Anderson of Treen and Ali Findlay, founder and chief executive of Lane. From launching sustainable fashion brands to leading luxury ventures, these women are at the forefront of innovation and empowerment. In this feature, they share the valuable lessons they’ve learned, the career advice they swear by, and the confidence-boosting wardrobe staples that keep them feeling unstoppable.
Emma Macdonald, Co-founder & CEO, TBCo
I was born in London but grew up in Edinburgh, where I studied Economics and Business at Edinburgh University. I then went on to do a Master’s in Fashion Business before joining the TK Maxx graduate programme. I started in Merchandising before moving into Buying, which I absolutely loved. It gave me the opportunity to travel across the UK and Europe, sourcing and curating products for different markets.
When my husband and I decided to move back to Edinburgh to be closer to family, I quickly realised there were no buying jobs here. He convinced me to start a business together instead, and 10 years later, we’ve built a brand and company I could only have dreamed of. TBCo. is all about self-expression, responsible retail, and thoughtful design—values that I’m so proud to champion every day and CEO and co-founder.
What is the best career advice you've ever been given?
That confidence isn’t about always having the right answer—it’s about being comfortable enough to say, "I don’t know," and ask the right questions. When we feel unsure or less confident, we often try to act like we know more than we do, but that can actually be a barrier to growth. Being willing to ask "dumb" questions is a sign of real confidence—and chances are, others in the room are wondering the same thing but are too afraid to ask.
Also, always work hard and stay curious. Whether it helps you progress in your current role or sets you up for your next one, learning and growth always move you forward. Life’s too short to be stuck in a job you constantly complain about—do something you love or something that teaches you.
Do you have any tips for work-life balance?
I think the idea of a perfect work-life balance is a myth—there are just different phases of life. Sometimes, you’re all in on your career, and other times, your focus shifts more toward personal life or family. The key is accepting where you are in that phase rather than feeling guilty about what you're not prioritising at the moment.
It’s like raising kids—everything is a phase, and things will shift again. So, try to enjoy where you are. And if you’re really unhappy with your balance, change it.
What pieces in your wardrobe boost your confidence?
I literally always have a TBCo. triangle scarf these days. I love how they make a statement—you can throw one on with a really simple outfit and instantly look more stylish and confident. And the best part is, there’s always a different one to match every look!
I also love a great coat or jacket. In Scotland, they get so much wear, and even if you’re rushing out the door, a well-cut coat in a beautiful fabric instantly makes you look more put together.
Is there a book, podcast, or Substack you recommend that helps you in your career?
I love books that offer big-picture thinking and practical advice. Some classics I always go back to are:
I also love podcasts that feature real stories from founders and creatives—anything that gives an inside look at how people have built things from the ground up.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Care less about what people think and dream bigger. Growing up, I was taught to be nice, get a good job, and meet a nice guy. I never really saw female entrepreneurs or business leaders, so I didn’t think starting a brand was even a possibility.
Now, I make sure my daughters know they can do anything they’re willing to work hard for. There are so many possibilities beyond the traditional path, and I wish I had realised that sooner.
What brands/styles do you like to wear in your workwear wardrobe?
Obviously, I wear a lot of TBCo., and I’m so excited about our first summer apparel collection! We focus on creating pieces designed to make an impact, and I love styling them with timeless, quality staples.
I always focus on natural materials—they’re better for you and the planet, wear beautifully over time, and instantly look more expensive and stylish. Some of my go-to brands that align with this are Sézane, COS, Rixo, and Nobody’s Child—classic with a bit of personality
Cat Anderson, Founder, Treen
I’m Cat, founder and creative director of treen, a sustainable fashion retailer based in Edinburgh. Before launching treen, I spent over 10 years in fashion retail, much of it in Asia, where I lived and worked in Shanghai and Hong Kong. As General Manager of retail stores, I gained invaluable experience in managing teams and shaping customer experiences. My time abroad inspired me to create a business that balances style with purpose. Sustainability is at the heart of treen, and I wanted to make conscious fashion more accessible. Treen is about curating a wardrobe that’s built to last, championing independent brands, and creating a space that makes people feel welcome and confident in their choices.
What is the best career advice you've ever been given?
It wasn’t so much advice as it was something I observed in my grandmother—she moved through life and business with such grace, always leading with empathy and trusting her gut. I remember her sharing this with me over the years, and it’s something I carry with me in everything I do.
I also had a pinch me moment when I met Mary Portas two years ago during a visit to our Edinburgh store. I’ve been a fan of hers for years and have always admired her ability to speak up, tell it like it is, and push for real change—all while being incredibly thoughtful. Her advice? Listen to myself and go with my gut. It reaffirmed what I’d learned from my grandmother and has stuck with me ever since.
Do you have any tips for work-life balance?
I love being on, having a project, working towards something, feeling purpose. But I’ve learned (the hard way!) that this only works when there’s balance. For me, that means making time for things that reset and ground me. Getting outside, meeting up with friends and family (I aim for two meet-ups with each per month), and moving my body a few times a week. Sundays are my non-negotiable reset: everything shower and a wardrobe refresh to set me up for the week ahead. I’ve also found that small daily habits, like prepping my outfit the night before, help stop things from piling up and make life feel smoother.
What pieces in your wardrobe boost your confidence?
A blazer, always. I love pairing one over a heavyweight white tee, blue denim, and gold chains. I also love a tonal look—there’s something effortless but intentional about it—but I like to add one element of interest, like a red velvet mule, a chunky chain medallion bracelet, or a colourful bag.
Is there a book, podcast, or Substack you follow that helps you in your career?
I’m always looking for new inspiration, but The Business of Fashion is a go-to for industry insights. I also love hearing from other founders, anything that shares real, honest experiences of building a brand (the good, the bad, and everything in between). The Wardrobe Edit by Anna Newton is a great one for refining personal style, and I enjoy following Sara Crampton, founder and editor of The Undone, for home and style tips too.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You don’t have to have it all figured out—just start. It’s easy to feel like you need the perfect plan before making a move, but honestly, some of the best things happen when you take a step before you feel ready. Oh, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’ve learnt that people who seem like they have it all sorted? They’re still figuring it out too.
What brands/styles do you like to wear in your workwear wardrobe?
For work, I lean towards effortless, well-made pieces that work across the day. Brands like Skall Studio, Nudie Jeans, and Mother of Pearl (currently rebranding to AKYN) are staples in my wardrobe. A tailored coat, relaxed trousers, and a great pair of boots will always be my go-to. I also love sourcing second-hand pieces; there’s something special about finding a unique item with a history that makes it even more meaningful.
Justine Mitchell, Business Consultant
I am a business consultant, mentor and lawyer specialising in business growth, with previous experience in the legal, property, football and beauty sectors. Yes, it has been a varied path! Essentially I help businesses grow.
I am currently working with Quirky Chocolate, an artisan chocolatier based in Edinburgh making hand made chocolate. We work with luxury hotels, distilleries, wholesale, corporates and direct to the consumer. In addition, I am working with WeDO Scotland, a peer-to-peer learning and networking organisation; Highland Boundary, a botanical distillery based in Perthshire and produces spirits, liqueurs and syrups all made from plants picked from their land, and lastly I am helping a start-up business.
Prior to consultancy work, I founded an award-winning luxury day spa, Chamomile Sanctuary, in 2010 which I successfully sold in April 2022. Starting a beauty business was a complete shift in career direction for me having started my working life as an employment lawyer before moving into property development. I then entered the Scottish football world at Dundee United where at that time I was the only female Director of a Scottish Premier Football Club. During my time at Dundee United I established Dundee United Women’s Football Club, was a Trustee of the Club’s Community Trust and a Director of the Scottish Women’s Football Board. I was also a member of the Scottish FA Judicial Panel.
What is the best career advice you've ever been given?
Create your opportunities. They won’t fall into your lap. You have to make it happen. My father also taught me to treat people the way you wish to be treated.
Do you have any tips for work life balance?
Gosh, there’s a question! I have found that I personally can’t have it all and I certainly can’t do it all!. I think over the years I have prioritised better and I have a much better work life balance. It helps that my son is now 17 so there’s less running around after him. I also sold my business three years ago and since then I have been doing consultancy work, which has led to me working four days a week so I can take a Friday off, well at least that’s the plan! So I now have a good work life balance. For those who don’t, my suggestion is prioritise and remember you don’t need to do it all.
What pieces in your wardrobe boost your confidence?
I have a fab bright green trouser suit from Boss and I absolutely love it. I also have some lovely Smyth blazers in different colours which I add to black jeans or trousers to elevate the look for work and meetings.
Is there a book, podcast or Substack you follow you recommend that helps you in your career!?
I use Linkedin a lot and have picked up a lot of advice, tips and support from this over the past few years.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn to listen. It might sound obvious but when I had my own business I really needed to learn the act of listening to my team before making certain decisions. There’s listening and then there’s actual listening!
What brands/styles do you like to wear in your workwear wardrobe?
Me+Em is my total go to for brands just now. My favourite store was Jane Davidson until it sadly closed a few years ago. I also love Boss for work suits. They make some great colourful suits for the spring and summer. I much prefer a colour as opposed to black!
Ali Findlay, Founder & Chief Executive, Lane and Executive Director, Lane Media
I grew up in Aboyne, studied at the University of Stirling and now live just outside Edinburgh. I’m the Founder and Chief Executive of Lane and Executive Director of Lane Media. I founded the business in 2008 following a successful client-side career in retail marketing. Lane is now Scotland's largest, independently owned, integrated creative and media agency. The agency has 43 staff and based in Edinburgh.
I won Inspirational Agency Leader of the Year in 2015 and became a fellow of the Marketing Society in 2017, and I have worked with the Marketing Society on several of its Senior Women initiatives and most recently on their Future Leaders programme. Lane also won Employer Brand of the Year in 2024.
I was inspired by the era of digital, marketing was moving to a more accountable space which meant more opportunity for a seat at the board table. This was less common for marketers and especially women in my
time. My craving for variety and to support other entrepreneurs allows me to work with boards of multiple businesses and that's been a real high. Meeting other business founders, who have grown their businesses
successfully is a daily dose of inspiration for me.
I have been married to Phil for 30 years and have two daughters Mia currently studying medicine in Glasgow, and Ava who plays hockey for Scotland’s Women team between her studies. We live in the countryside just outside Edinburgh where we have room for our beloved horses, dogs Bing and Buckie, cats, chickens and runner ducks!
What is the best career advice you've ever been given?
Resilience is the absolute pre-requisite for any owner-led career, and you need to learn to handle disappointment and bounce back, and manage success with grace - who you support on the way up will help you when it's tough! My advice to all would-be entrepreneurs is: Get Resilient. Do what you're great at and find others who are great at what you're not. Get great financial advice and support to allow you to focus on growing the business.
Do you have any tips for work-life balance?
I never sugar-coat the entrepreneurial journey, it's important to be honest about the sacrifices, the long hours, the risk, the worry, but also the rewards - being your own boss and choosing who to surround yourself with is the ultimate happy place for any career-driven woman. It's difficult to achieve work-life balance as an entrepreneur, your work is your life and your life is your work. However in our line of business, and if you love what you do, no two days are the same, and it’s a way of life rather than being a job. The upside is that you are your own master, and so you can decide to be there for the moments that matter - that makes up for the long hours and the worries around the risks you’ve taken. My big tip, despite being about a decade into my journey as an entrepreneur before I discovered the good it did me, is to pursue your passions in what spare time you have – for me being with horses, and working on the land around our renovation, the physicality and the relentlessness of it, have always given me time to breathe and reflect, and at times to get perspective on the day job.
What pieces in your wardrobe boost your confidence?
I’m a big fan of chunky rings and jewellery and boots, having a brilliant client like Fairfax & Favor has helped to prolong my indulgence in buying more boots that anyone could ever need! After an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction in a meeting with a would-be sponsorship partner, I moved to wearing loose fitting comfortable smart shifts with cute shoes or boots. You need to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and how you’re feeling to do your best work.
Is there a book, podcast or Substack you follow you recommend that helps you in your career?
I’m not too good at listening to podcasts and reading, I get my inspiration from meeting fellow entrepreneurs and leaders and chatting about our experiences, I do enjoy guest hosting our own podcast with the Marketing Society – Leading Conversations, and enjoy listening to those that my colleague Barry Fearn hosts, we meet awesome guests with interesting roles and careers. The book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg was one that really resonated a few years ago and I love indulging in a bit of binge watching of Dragons Den when my two favourites Sara Davies and Deborah Meaden are on it.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep doing what you’re brilliant at, and surround yourself with great people who are good at doing what you like least. With the Financial Crisis in 2008 my founding year, it kind of prepared me for the rollercoaster of Independence Referendums, Brexit, Boris, Trump and the Pandemic, there really has never been a reprieve but it makes you resilient and resourceful. The best way to overcome them is keep doing what you're really good at, keep enjoying it, keep showing that your work delivers results and keep pursuing better results. Having brilliant support around you which I have from my senior team is ultimately what helps you overcome any challenge. And listen to your gut, it tends to be right!
What brands/styles do you like to wear in your workwear wardrobe?
Chunky jewellery from Monica Vinader and artisan makers, I indulge in shopping from Rosy Penguin – I love their brands Numph, St Tropez, but also love a little flurry with Mint Velvet and Reiss.