In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Alan Shields—entrepreneur, board advisor, speaker, and co-founder of RFI Global. With over two decades of experience scaling a two-person startup into a global data insights powerhouse, Alan shares his leadership journey, the importance of storytelling, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From physics to financial services, Alan’s path is grounded in curiosity, strategic thinking, and a clear passion for helping others grow.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a team leader, or someone navigating your next big leap, this episode is filled with practical wisdom you’ll want to carry forward.
Key Insights from Alan’s Odyssey:~ Curiosity is the foundation of great leadership. Alan explains why curiosity can’t be taught—and why it’s the single most important trait he looks for when hiring and mentoring.
~ Storytelling is a leadership superpower. With over 3,000 presentations under his belt, Alan shares how he structures compelling narratives using the SCQA method—situation, complication, question, and answer.
~ Build the right team, not just a big one. From day one at RFI, Alan focused on diverse, values-aligned talent. The result? A high-performing global team with over 24 nationalities—driven by curiosity, not just credentials.
~ Founders don’t have to do it all. Alan opens up about the moment he realised he wasn’t the right person to take RFI Global to the next level—and why self-awareness is a core part of leadership.
~ Startup lessons are meant to be shared. From writing The Startup Handbook to mentoring emerging founders, Alan reflects on why giving back is now central to his purpose.
Alan’s odyssey is a masterclass in scaling with heart, humility, and clarity. His approach to leadership—grounded in thoughtful reflection and bold decision-making—is a reminder that success isn’t just about building big, it’s about building well. Whether you’re on day one or year ten of your own journey, Alan’s story will leave you inspired to ask better questions, back yourself, and lead with intent.
Connect with Alan Shields: LinkedIn | RFI Global Website | The Startup Handbook
Connect with Kirsty Gee: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
This episode is brought to you by: Thebeautychef | Airwallex
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