Barry McDonald

Barry McDonald began his career working in a variety of roles, including theatre front of house, drug research for Glasgow University and freelance music journalism.

He then embarked on a journalism career which lasted over 25 years, taking him from local newspapers and arts magazines to the role of Senior Features Writer at the Herald and Times Group. He left full-time journalism in 2010 for a freelance career at a variety of publications, including the Big Issue, The Times and Wall Street Journal, where he focused on business journalism and the emerging tech sector.

Simultaneously, he launched a PR and social media consultancy, working with small businesses on social media campaigns and working with clients in the arts industry.

He then ran a successful events management company, delivering arts festivals, comedy festivals and corporate events across Scotland. He also dabbled with stand-up comedy and very briefly ran a television production company.

In 2017, Barry joined CodeBase as they prepared to open their second hub in Stirling. Working closely with tech start-ups, CodeBase offers businesses mentoring, access to investment and events which promote collaboration and peer-to-peer learning.

Barry is in his mid 40s and still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up.