Partner Article

Getting to know... Alistair McLeod

We know you as the founder of Gray Fox Consulting, and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…
I’ve always been fascinated by how things work—from businesses and systems to technology and people. I’ve got a curious mind and a practical streak, which means I naturally gravitate towards solving problems, improving how things work, and helping others cut through the noise to move forward. I’m not someone who enjoys endless theory or corporate waffle.

Above all, I believe in making decisions based on evidence. I struggle when people make bold claims without anything to back them up. If you’ve got the data, I’m all ears. But if it’s just opinion dressed up as fact, I’ll probably challenge it. I can be a bit too blunt at times, but I’ve made peace with that—I’m too old to pretend otherwise. That said, I care deeply about doing the right thing and bring a strong sense of responsibility to the work I do. It’s that mix of curiosity, straight talking, and logic that keeps me going.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

Yes, I did—although there was a point where I seriously considered joining the police. But everything changed when my dad bought me a Sinclair ZX81. That little black box sparked something in me. I remember being completely fascinated by what it could do and how it worked. With hindsight it couldn’t do a lot really! From that moment on, I was hooked.

That curiosity never went away. I’ve always been drawn to engineering, science, and the natural world - the mechanics of how things function and interact. It’s not just about computers or systems; it’s about problem-solving, patterns, and the way everything connects.

While I didn’t have a crystal-clear career path mapped out from day one, I’ve ended up in the right place. Working in technology and business transformation lets me use both sides of my brain—the logical and the creative. And more importantly, I genuinely enjoy what I do. There’s always something new to learn, and I still get that same buzz I had as a kid messing about with the ZX81!

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?
The best part of my job is the variety—it keeps things fresh. One day I’m in a strategy session with a senior leadership team, discussing business goals and mapping out the next 18 months; the next, I’m working alongside an IT team to unblock a problem that’s been slowing them down. I get a real sense of satisfaction from helping IT teams perform at their best—bringing clarity, structure, and sometimes just the confidence to get things over the line. I enjoy working with people who care about what they do, and that energy is infectious.

That said, not everything’s rosy. The admin can be a grind—especially all the bits that come with running your own business. And while I love what I do, I sometimes find myself yearning for something that isn’t so desk-bound—something more hands-on or outdoors.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Professionally, building a business that lets me do meaningful work on my own terms, with people I respect, is something I’m genuinely proud of. It’s given me the freedom to focus on work that matters, without the noise or bureaucracy that often gets in the way. In terms of the work I do, I’ll let the clients decide whether the impact I’ve made is big enough to shout about, that’s not for me to do!

On a personal level, I’ve had the usual knocks in life that most of us face, and I’m proud of my ability to keep my life on track through it all. Determination is a trait I value, and it’s something I’ve always leaned on when things get tough.

I’ve also put real effort into rebuilding relationships that matter, even when it’s been difficult. For me, how we show up for others—whether in business or in life—matters most.

How do you relax outside of work?

I try to keep both mind and body active—usually a mix of going to the gym, reading, and learning through YouTube. There are some great content creators out there covering topics I wouldn’t normally come across, which makes it an easy way to explore new ideas.

I’m lucky to live by the coast, so walking along Tynemouth seafront in the evening is a regular ritual. It’s a great way to decompress and clear the head after a busy day.

Travel is a big part of my life too. I’m fortunate to have the means to explore the world, and I never take that for granted. Experiencing different cultures always gives me a fresh perspective.

Sport’s another constant. I enjoy watching most competitive events, but football’s the main one in our house. My son and I are both Newcastle United fans, so there’s rarely a dull moment.

Lately, I’ve also got back into collecting vinyl. It started when I rediscovered my old records in the loft and realised how much I’d missed the tangible side of music. It’s become a bit of an obsession.

And my partner’s a big foodie, so we’re always trying new places or experimenting at home. It’s something we both really enjoy.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

We’re incredibly lucky to live in the North East. We’ve got the coast, stunning countryside, and vibrant city regions—all within easy reach—and, of course, some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. There’s a strong sense of identity and pride up here, but it’s not showy—just genuine.

The business community is supportive and collaborative, not cut-throat, and people are generally keen to see each other do well. Everything you need is close by—whether it’s nature, culture, or opportunity—and the cost of living is far more manageable than in many other parts of the UK. It’s a brilliant place to live and work, and I’m proud to make my own small contribution to it.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…
I’m a member of the British Humanists. Against all the odds, we’ve been gifted one chance to experience the world around us, and we should take that responsibility seriously. For me, it’s about living life to the fullest, with integrity, curiosity, and compassion - and doing what we can to leave a positive legacy for the next generation, without necessarily relying on belief systems.

I’ve always been drawn to ideas grounded in reason and evidence, and Humanism aligns closely with how I try to live and work: be decent, think clearly, and contribute something meaningful while you’re here. It’s not something I talk about often, but it quietly shapes how I see the world.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .