Inspiring Woman: Ali Findlay on Bravery, Balance and Building a Business with Heart

The Founder and Chief Executive of Lane – Scotland’s largest independent creative and media agency – on resilience, honesty and why success now means more time for life.

Hood caught up with Ali Findlay, Founder and Chief Executive of Lane, a Certified B Corp and one of Scotland’s most successful independently owned agencies. From starting her business in 2008 during the financial crisis to championing women in leadership and menopause awareness, Ali has led Lane with bravery, humour and integrity. Here, she shares her story, lessons and a few style secrets along the way.

You’ve grown Lane from scratch into an award-winning, B Corp certified agency. What gave you the courage to take that first leap into entrepreneurship back in 2008?

Sheer naivety?! Joking aside, I was running an in-house agency at what was a large retail motor group, and lots of marketing partners kept saying, “Can we hire you? Can you do our campaigns?” I realised I could have multiple clients and the variety I craved.

Then something terrible happened — the heir to that company, my best friend, died suddenly playing football aged 39. His father backed me in setting up my own agency and became my first client. Lane is named after the street he started his business on in Edinburgh because I shared his entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and generosity.

What values have guided you most through the ups and downs of running a business?

Resilience is the absolute most important value in SMEs — it’s never smooth sailing. You have to work incredibly hard, bounce back from rejection and pivot when the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Economic changes, from recessions to pandemics, mean you must be nimble and resilient. Curiosity and creativity are also essential — an eagerness to learn, develop and create new strategies, campaigns, products and services.

You talk about bravery in business. What does bravery look like to you in everyday leadership?

Bravery is using all of your skills and being true to them. Don’t nod along if a client is heading in the wrong direction — you have to share your experience and be honest. If they don’t value that, they’re not the right clients.

It’s also about being brave enough to be yourself and straightforward. Being liked isn’t the most important thing — being honest and true to your business is. And when things get tough, you ask yourself if you’ve got another rodeo in you. If you do, pick yourself up and go again.

You founded Flushed with Success to open conversations around menopause in marketing. Why was that important to you?

I went through menopause during lockdown — it was a challenging time for the business and I had dreadful brain fog, forgetting meetings, details, agreements. I became anxious and lost confidence.

Once I got help, I realised how much time I’d lost and wanted to support other women — to help them prepare and to encourage leaders to value their experienced women. People thanked us, shared their experiences, and we changed our policies internally to give everyone more space to bring their best selves to work.

What advice would you give to women hesitant to put themselves forward in male-dominated rooms?

See it as an opportunity to stand out. There’s every chance you’re more determined, dynamic and experienced than the men in the room — why assume otherwise?

I’ve always seen myself as equal, sometimes superior! I’m just curious to get to know people, and that’s the trick — see it as a chance to expand your network, learn something new, and be confident that you have something to offer.

Which women inspire you?

Deborah Meaden and Sara Davies are brilliant. Their honesty and compassion shine through, even when they’re being direct. I also admire Victoria Beckham for her ability to rise above adversity and keep her family at the centre of her life. And Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In still resonates.

You’ve said failure can be a great teacher. Can you share a moment that taught you something big?

I once presented a brand direction with our Creative Director. The client loved one concept — he dramatically ripped it up and said, “We don’t think you should do that!” It didn’t go well. We lost the pitch and went straight to the pub!

The lesson? Make sure the person briefing you actually has authority — and maybe don’t physically rip up your ideas. There’s a way to be brave without being reckless.

If you could rewrite one chapter of your career, what would it be?

I wouldn’t rewrite anything, but I would get a financial wing-person earlier. Understanding your numbers gives you freedom — you can still make great decisions, but they’re more informed. We’ve had naive moments that could have been avoided with better financial insight.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Listen with your ears and not your mouth.” When you pause and really listen, you can hear what’s between the lines — it helps you understand relationships, spot opportunities, and see what people really want to achieve.

You’ve said investing in people is the best investment. How do you spot potential others might miss?

You see it in the quiet. I’m impressed by people who do first, say second — who say “we” not “I”, and who champion their teammates. Creativity, practicality and work ethic stand out to me.

I’m a “find a way to make it great” person — I struggle with a “that’ll do” mentality. That doesn’t mean missing family or fun, but it does mean being resourceful and finding ways to make something brilliant.

What do you want your team, especially younger women, to take from working with you?

Open-mindedness. Great talent often requires tolerance and flexibility.

You can absolutely be a great mum while working hard and chasing your ambitions. Passing on drive and work ethic might matter more than steaming sweet potatoes at midnight. Build a network that supports each other, don’t try to fit in — stand out. Comfort in your confidence is your most attractive trait.

And always listen to your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it isn’t.

What does creating a supportive workplace for women look like in practice?

It’s about recognising that women need different kinds of support throughout their lives — maternity, bereavement, menopause, family illness. And men do too.

A supportive culture is one of mutual support and extra-mile-ing — for each other, for our families, and for our business.

You’ve said your morning walks with Bing and your horses are essential to your wellbeing. How do you carve out time for yourself?

I don’t have much “me-time,” but when I’m with the animals or in the garden, that’s when my mind settles and ideas come. Horses cause chaos, but for some reason, when I’m with them, my heart rate lowers.

How has motherhood shaped your leadership style?

It’s made me more straightforward — I get to the point quicker! It’s increased my empathy and understanding too, but I wouldn’t say it’s changed my leadership, just refined it.

What does success look like for you now?

Time. I’ve worked long hours for a long time, and now I want time with my parents and my girls, time in the garden and stables, and time to travel.

It’s about focusing on where I can add the most value and leaving the rest to people who are better at it than I ever was.

What legacy do you want Lane to have?

Growth through creative and marketing performance. Growing brands is what we do, and we love being part of the growth of really interesting businesses.

And finally, what’s your advice to the next generation of female entrepreneurs?

Don’t underestimate the resilience required to run a business — do you have the bandwidth right now? Build your “brain trust” — a circle of people who complement your strengths. And know your numbers — when your finances are under control, your brain is free to do your best work.

Quickfire: Ali’s Workwear Staples

Confidence pieces: Chunky rings, bold jewellery and boots.
Favourite brands: Monica Vinader, Fairfax & Favor, Rosy Penguin (for Nümph and St Tropez), Mint Velvet and Reiss.
Style tip: “After one wardrobe malfunction too many, I now stick to comfortable smart shifts with cute boots — comfort and confidence go hand in hand.”

Ali Findlay is the Founder and Chief Executive of Lane, a Certified B Corp creative and media agency based in Edinburgh.