Stagecoach entrepreneur Ann Gloag last night hailed the “gift” of being able to inspire self-confidence in others as she spoke about her charity work in Africa.
She also highlighted the need for leadership – both in the UK and in developing countries.
Ms Gloag, who founded Stagecoach in 1980 with her brother Sir Brian Souter, made the remarks during a lecture at the London headquarters of the Scotland Office.
In a speech entitled “Birth, Buses and the Bush – A Journey To Philanthropy in Africa”, she talked about the need to encourage leadership at all levels of society, particularly in relation to helping developing nations reach their true potential.
She said: “Leadership is about more than leading armies, nations, causes or even sports teams to victory.
“To me, it is about leading by example and inspiring others to fulfil their potential.
“The ability to give others confidence in themselves is a gift. Enabling your children, your colleagues, your employees, your teammates to fulfil their potential is true leadership.”
The Gloag Foundation and the Freedom From Fistula Foundation have been involved in projects in Kenya, Malawi and Sierra Leone.
They include an orphanage, two schools, a girls’ rescue centre and an outreach programme helping nearly 2,000 abandoned, orphaned or destitute children every year.
Ms Gloag said: “You have to lead by example in Africa – it’s easy to write a cheque and sit back in Scotland and take the plaudits for what you have given.
“It’s much harder to put your feet on the ground and work alongside local staff to make things happen.”
Introducing Ms Gloag, Scottish Secretary David Mundell described her as a “great Scottish example of what one person can do – through leadership and commitment – to transform lives”.
He also pointed to his recent trip to Malawi, on which he was accompanied by the Press and Journal.
Mr Mundell added: “I saw at first hand the invaluable work done by individuals and charities who are making a real difference in some of the poorest countries of the world.”
Stagecoach started with just two buses but has grown into a global rail and bus operator, carrying more than three million passengers a day.