What year did you graduate from Strathallan, and where are you now?

I graduated from Thornbank House in 2014. Right now, I'm based in Vienna, Austria, where I work in the tech sector. I'm currently Chief Strategy Officer at B2Match, an event management platform, but I am now 30 and stepping into the role of VP of Sales. It's something I've been working towards for a long time, so it's a very exciting milestone for me to become a VP of sales before the age of 30!

What does your role involve day-to-day? 

No two days are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy about working in tech and sales. I work in a hybrid setup, splitting my time between home and our Vienna office. My days typically include managing a team, speaking with enterprise-level clients, analysing performance data, and working closely with our CEO on strategic direction. The business is very international, so I interact with clients across Europe, the UK, the US, and beyond, including Australia and Japan. That global exposure keeps things fast-paced and interesting, and it's something I really value in my work. 

What was your journey after leaving Strathallan?

After Strathallan, I studied International Relations with French at the University of Exeter, followed by a Master's in International Management. I felt very clear on my academic direction by the time I reached my A-levels, although earlier on I had been much more focused on enjoying school life. My first job actually came through being approached by a recruiter just after university. I started in a junior sales role and progressed quite quickly into more senior and enterprise-level positions. I began working in Moscow, which is my hometown, before moving to Vienna after receiving another opportunity. Although that particular role wasn't the right fit professionally, it ended up being a very important step for me personally—I met my husband and my best friend there. It really reinforced the idea that even experiences that feel like missteps at the time can play a significant role in shaping your future.

Do you think your career path has been linear or more unexpected?

It's actually been both. In terms of career progression, it's been quite structured—I moved from junior to senior roles, and steadily worked towards leadership. But in terms of life decisions, relocations, and opportunities, there were definitely unexpected elements. Those unexpected moments ultimately led me to where I am now. Even decisions that didn't seem ideal in the moment turned out to be the right ones in the long run. 

How did Strathallan prepare you for life after school? 

Strathallan had a huge impact on me, especially in ways that I only fully appreciate now. One of the biggest things it taught me was adaptability. When I first joined, I was quite resistant to socialising outside my comfort zone. Over time, with encouragement from house staff, I learned how important it is to be open to different people and situations. That's something I rely on constantly in my career, especially in sales and leadership roles where you're working with a wide range of personalities. I also developed a strong sense of structure and discipline. Boarding school life gives you a routine and clear expectations, and that instils a mindset of working towards goals and following through. That structure is something I still carry into my professional life. Being a full boarder also gave me independence very early on. When I went to university, I found that transition much easier than many of my peers because I was already used to living away from home and managing my own time.

Are there any standout memories from your time at Strathallan? 

There are quite a few, but two really stand out. One is my first visit to the school. Coming from Moscow, walking into the main building felt surreal—it genuinely reminded me of something like Hogwarts. That first impression stayed with me and made the experience feel very special from the start. Another key memory was performing in a drama production. I was delivering a Shakespeare monologue on stage, under a spotlight, and I remember the reaction from the audience vividly. That moment gave me a real sense of confidence in being in front of people. Even now, when I speak at conferences or present in a professional setting, I think back to that experience. 

Were you involved in many activities at school? 

I was involved in almost everything I could try. By my final years, I really embraced the opportunity to experience as much as possible. I took part in athletics, including cross country, as well as tennis, swimming, and netball. I also did CCF, music, piano, singing, and ballet, alongside drama. Being able to explore so many different interests was one of the most valuable parts of my time at Strathallan.

What habits from school have stayed with you? 

One key habit is maintaining an active lifestyle. I was very sporty at school and even developed my own early morning running routine. I would get up before breakfast and run 10 kilometres around the grounds. That discipline has stayed with me—I still prioritise exercise as part of my daily routine. More broadly, the habit of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone has stuck. At school, that might have been trying new activities. Now, it's attending events, meeting new people, or taking on new challenges at work.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

I would say, not to overstress about academic performance every minute of the day. I worked extremely hard at school, particularly during my final years. While that helped me achieve my goals and get into the university I wanted, it also came with a lot of stress. I was constantly studying, even during holidays. If I could go back, I would still work hard, but I would balance that with enjoying the experience more. It's important to trust that things will fall into place if you're consistent and committed. 

What advice would you give to students interested in your industry? 

Sales, especially within the tech sector, can be incredibly rewarding, but it's often misunderstood. Some people think it's too difficult or not suited to them, but in reality, it's about mindset. If you are willing to put in the effort, develop strong communication skills, and stay focused on your goals, it's a field where you can achieve a lot. It's also a career that offers a high level of flexibility, international exposure, and opportunities for growth. The key is to try things and not limit yourself based on assumptions about what you can or cannot do.

What achievement are you most proud of? 

Becoming a Vice President of Sales before the age of 30 is something I'm incredibly proud of. It was a goal I set for myself early on, and reaching it feels like a significant milestone. It also reflects the trust and belief that others have placed in me, which is just as important as the achievement itself.  

What would you say to current Strathallan students as they prepare to leave? 

I would encourage them to truly cherish their time at school. It's a unique environment, and although it might feel like the norm at the time, you only fully realise how special it is once you leave. Boarding school life creates a strong sense of community and structure, and those experiences stay with you. As you move on, it's important to appreciate that foundation while remaining open to everything that comes next 

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To be a part of the Alumni Spotlight and share your story, please get in touch via the email below charlotte.davies@strathallan.co.uk