Some stories inspire not only through facts, but also through the powerful energy they carry within. The life of Professor Heather Macgregor is one such story. A scientist, writer, television presenter, entrepreneur, and education reformer, Macgregor’s journey is marked by bold decisions and achievements.
For 17 years, her voice reached readers through the pages of Financial Times. Today, she is an inspiring figure in leadership, women’s empowerment, and education — a professor and a titled Dame of the United Kingdom, Lady Heather Macgregor.
Dame Heather J. Macgregor DBE FRSE is currently Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President of Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus. From 2016 to 2021, she served as Executive Dean of Edinburgh Business School, shaping the development of hundreds of young professionals.
She began her career in investment banking and later led her own company for 17 years. She holds a PhD from the University of Hong Kong, an MBA from London Business School, and a bachelor’s degree from Newcastle University. She is widely known for her 17 years of columns in the Financial Times and is also the co-founder of initiatives promoting women’s leadership, such as the “Taylor Bennett Foundation” and the “30% Club.”
In 2015, she was appointed CBE by the Queen for promoting diversity in the workplace, and in 2023 she was awarded the title of Dame by the King for services to education and business.
Her life journey stretches from the banking halls of Hong Kong to the academic lecture halls of Edinburgh. This interview is not just a career story — it is an honest conversation about choices, values, and staying true to oneself while changing the world.
Fortunamag.az presents the interview.
— You are a professor, PhD holder, writer, and television presenter. Your columns were published in the Financial Times for 17 years. Your life and career are diverse and highly successful. What shaped your character?
— Even in my school years, I had a strong interest in business. When I was 13, our economics teacher explained how central bank interest rates affect national debt. It fascinated me. From that day on, business became my main interest. Even today, in my free time, I read books about successful and unsuccessful companies. For example, I am currently reading a book about NVIDIA. Business is not only my profession — it is also my passion.
— You have lived and worked in the UK, Hong Kong, and now the UAE. You have worked in banking, journalism, academia, and teaching. How was it so easy for you to change fields?
— I have always been very ambitious. I even wrote a book called Career Advice for Ambitious Women. I have never attached myself to one fixed profession — I have always followed my ambitions. I believe the higher your goals, the further you go. You may not reach the stars, but you will climb higher.
My career has been diverse: I started in corporate roles, then moved into banking. Later, I completed my MBA and worked in finance across Asia — Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. At the same time, I was a mother, a wife, and working on my academic research. It was very challenging.
— What is your formula for success?
— Hard work is the most important factor. There are 168 hours in a week, including sleep. I, for example, sleep only about six and a half hours a day. Time management and discipline are crucial.
Those 168 hours are given equally to everyone — to me, to you, even to a president. The hardest part is deciding what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to. When you invited me for this interview tomorrow, I had to find space in my schedule. I often say “no.” That is a very important skill for me. One of the key secrets of success is knowing how to refuse at the right time.
— Have there been moments when luck smiled upon you?
— I have always been grateful to the people who supported me. Without them, I would not have progressed this far. I place great importance on supporting women, and I have done a lot of work in this area in the UK.
Two years ago, I received a royal title for this work. Now I am Professor and Dame Heather Macgregor. Looking back, I see that it was people around me who gave me opportunities.
For example, in 2016, our university principal Richard Williams appointed me as head of the business school, even though I did not have a traditional academic background. But he believed in me, and that became a turning point in my life.
In 2015, I founded the “30% Club” initiative to support the appointment of women to leadership positions. For this work, I was honored by the late Queen and took my family to Windsor Castle.
In 2023, when the King awarded me the Dame title for services to education, I invited my director and his wife — as a gesture of gratitude.
— So you are a very grateful person?
— Absolutely. And that is also an important factor for success. Being able to say “thank you” is essential. I try to always express gratitude — sometimes even in written notes. I always keep postcards in my office for thank-you messages.
— What motivates you?
— I don’t need additional motivation — I am already highly ambitious. But sometimes I get tired, and then it is important not to lose rhythm. That is a signal from the body: it means I am not sleeping enough, not drinking enough water, not exercising.
At such times, I slow down a little — not to step back, but to recover and move forward again.
— What do you wish for your future?
— One day, I want to stop working and live in Australia with my husband. He is Australian. When we got married 37 years ago, he agreed to come with me “for a few years,” but he never returned. I promised him that after finishing my career, we would return to his homeland.
My wish is to stay healthy and continue helping people. Even if I am not working full-time, I would still like to teach finance and support others.
— Thank you very much, Lady Macgregor.
— Thank you as well. You are very kind. I hope I can continue to positively influence people’s lives in the future. I am also proud that you are a student of our university.
Interview conducted by: Jamala Nakhchivani
“Lady Heather Macgregor: ‘The Key to Success Is Knowing How to Say No’”
