Former Robert Gordon's
College pupil Ruaridh Jackson, Class of ‘06, is the latest
Gordonian participating in the RGC S6 Lecture Series as he returned to
school recently for
a full day programme with junior and senior pupils.
Ruaridh was full of
excitement and enthusiasm throughout the day as he met with pupils who eagerly
engaged with the former Scotland international rugby player during his talks
and Q&A sessions, and the additional kicking skills clinic in the afternoon
at Countesswells Sports Campus.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon sessions, Ruaridh candidly
answered questions from boys and girls, ranging from his favourite coach and
Scotland player to pivotal moments in his rugby career. His willingness to
share personal anecdotes and experiences provided invaluable lessons in
perseverance and determination.
During his S6 Lecture, Ruaridh spoke about his journey from rugby player to
entrepreneur, emphasising the importance of resilience and seizing
opportunities. Despite initially envisioning a career in property after school,
Ruaridh's path took an unexpected turn when he was spotted by the Glasgow
Warriors coach during a sevens competition in his final year at RGC.
Embracing the opportunity to pursue professional rugby, Ruaridh embarked on
a new and exciting journey, marked by both successes and setbacks. From earning
his first cap for Scotland to facing the reality of injuries, Ruaridh's
resilience and determination shone through every obstacle.
Reflecting on his experiences, Ruaridh highlighted the significance of
personal networks in navigating life's twists and turns. Encouraging pupils not
to shy away from engaging with others, he emphasised the power of building
connections and exploring new opportunities, he said, “your network is such a
powerful tool, don’t be afraid to go to events and meet new people, speak to
them”.
After retiring from his rugby career, Ruaridh utilised his network and
embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship alongside former rugby player Ryan
Grant and their wives, as they together formed their first business, The Garden
Shed Drinks Co. His transition into gin-making exemplifies his willingness to
embrace new ventures and take calculated risks. Drawing parallels between the
worlds of sports and business, Ruaridh highlighted the invaluable lessons
gleaned from both wins and losses. He said “Winning is great but you have your
biggest lessons when you lose, in sport when you fail, you learn from it and
improve.” As well as running his own business, Ruaridh’s network and
passion for Whisky led him to become a private client manager at The Glenturret.
Ruaridh's visit to Robert Gordon’s College was a source of inspiration for
students, encouraging them to pursue their passions, build strong networks, and
embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. His story is a testament to the
power of resilience, adaptability, and seizing opportunities, leaving a lasting
impact on all who had the privilege of hearing it.