Ep26. Will Rudd - Michael-John O'Shaughnessy

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Michael-John O'Shaughnessy, Managing Director for Glasgow, Ireland, Inverness and London at Will Rudd, to explore the world of structural engineering, city regeneration and the importance of relationships in business.

Michael-John shares how building genuine trust and strong relationships became the foundation for growing the business, particularly during challenging economic times. He explains how developing specialist expertise in-house helped Will Rudd stand out and open doors to larger and more complex projects.

The conversation also dives into the importance of preserving historic buildings, including Michael-John’s reflections following the devastating Glasgow fire that destroyed one of the city’s oldest buildings. He speaks passionately about restoration, heritage and the role engineering can play in protecting the past while preparing buildings for the future.

We also discuss one of the standout projects of his career, Advocate’s Close in Edinburgh, where restoring centuries-old buildings helped transform a neglected part of the city back into a thriving space full of life and history.

Alongside this, Michael-John shares his thoughts on diversity within engineering, why the industry is changing for the better, and why opening doors for young people at grassroots level is key to building a stronger future.

If you are interested in leadership, regeneration, engineering, or the role relationships play in building a successful business, this is an episode you will not want to miss.