Boardroom Excellence
Through Human Connection

“Ian supported our process of governance review to help shape the future progress of the organisation. His work identified a number of key areas where the business was being held back by bottlenecks and gave us insight from his extensive experience with similar organisations as to how to solve them. His ongoing support meant we were able to manage those changes smoothly and he was an invaluable source of advice as we executed our growth strategy over a number of years.”

“Ian McKay exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional independent chair. He was the Scottish Police Negotiating Board chair for 8 years and his balanced judgment, unwavering integrity, and ability to foster collaboration among diverse perspectives have been instrumental in guiding our discussions toward meaningful outcomes. Ian’s leadership inspires trust and confidence, ensuring that every voice is heard while maintaining focus on strategic priorities. His expertise and dedication set a high standard for effective governance.”

“Ian McKay is an outstanding business leader who always has his finger on the pulse of business – particularly in Scotland. He has been an invaluable source of advice to me and other IoD members for many years and we would unreservedly commend him to anyone seeking to understand the way the business community works.”

“Ian McKay has a unique set of skills derived from extensive board room experience and from a strong background of negotiation and mediation.   I have witnessed his ability to bring conflicted parties closer together and to find pragmatic solutions in difficult circumstances.  He targets realistic outcomes and is sensitive to both context and due process.    Ian is a valuable asset in situations of change or conflict.  As a consequence, he has my strong recommendation.”

“Ian has been a non executive director on my board for the last three years. As a chairman, you are looking for a range of skills to improve the workings of the board and to help to build a team that can take the business forward.

Whilst it is relatively easy to find professional skills i.e. Finance Director, IT Director etc. or even non execs with a sector knowledge, it is very difficult to find senior directors with high levels of Emotional Intelligence. The ability to spot friction within a board and to suggest and be part of the solution, is in my view, highly prized and the most difficult skill to acquire.

Ian has these EI skills in abundance and actively brings them into play at our board meetings. This is especially helpful in stressful situations when clear thinking is required. “When all else are losing their heads”, its hugely beneficial to have someone who is deeply grounded.”

“Ian has been known to me over many years as a dedicated, thorough and thoughtful friend and colleague. Experienced in research and analysis, in cooperative working and in looking at issues and problems from both sides of the table. He has experience of working with both big and small organisations, public and private, and with employers and managers and employees.”