Fergus King – Business Coach, Investor, Business Owner (Class of 1982)

What have you gone on to do since leaving George Watson's College?
 
After leaving school I studied psychology and business at Edinburgh University which, I was told, was a bit of an odd choice at the time but it has stood me in very good stead for the career in business that I have had. I observe that so much of business is about people and relationships and I have always been fascinated by the human side of the equation as well as all the commercial stuff. Head and heart, thinking and feeling, the individual and the business.
 
On leaving University, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC getting a solid foundation in finance and business awareness, before setting up my own business. During that period, I engaged a business coach which was fascinating as it opened my eyes to so much that I was not yet aware of – both commercial and cultural issues. I didn’t know what I didn’t know!
 
One thing I realised through that process was that I didn’t really enjoy my business and that it was only a way of making money. Money is important, of course, but it’s not everything and I wanted to explore whether I could make some money and really enjoy what I do.
 
So, I exited that business and went travelling around the world for a year with my wife which gave me space to reflect on what my next chapter would be. I realised that the coaching process I had been through had changed my trajectory and helped me realise more of my own potential, so I thought I’d like to explore a career as a business coach myself.
 
And here I am 21 years later, having now worked with over 350 owner managed businesses across the UK and helped them to be more profitable, more valuable, and more enjoyable. I love what I do. In fact, I believe it is an expression of who I am. I don’t do coaching; I am a coach.
 
How did Watson's prepare you for life after school?
 
In so many ways that I didn’t realise at the time, indeed I sometimes wish I could go back and do it all again! Aside from the friends, great teachers, developmental experiences, confidence, and the content of the various subjects I took, it was more about learning how to learn. What I realised from my teachers was that every subject had a “formula” and if you understood that (which I didn’t always!) then learning was so much easier. It’s the same in business, it’s a formula. Learn the content, of course, but also try and understand the context ie. what it’s really all about.
 
Any advice for current pupils who are thinking about their careers?
 
Take your time. Keep your options open. Experiment with a range of subjects. Don’t attach to a route too early or fret if what you want to do is not yet clear to you, just trust that it will emerge. Try to understand what motivates you and follow your energy as much as possible. If you really like something, then you’ll likely be good at it and will find a job and career track in that field.