Taiwanese Change Makers
Discover Taiwan's most innovative minds in "Taiwanese Change Makers," a podcast featuring conversations with the island's groundbreaking entrepreneurs, technologists, artists, and scientists. Each episode uncovers the stories and insights of visionaries who are shaping Taiwan's future through cutting-edge startups, technological breakthroughs, artistic innovation, and scientific discovery. Join me, Adrian de Courcey, as we explore the ideas and passion driving Taiwan's emergence as a global hub of creativity and innovation.
Taiwanese Change Makers
Taiwan’s Talent Whisperer: Alan McIvor on Music, Money and Making Change
How does a Scottish musician become one of Taiwan’s most influential headhunters? In this episode of Taiwanese Change Makers, host Adrian de Courcey sits down with Alan McIvor - Practice Lead at Paul Wright Group, angel investor, and former rockstar - for a candid conversation about reinvention, risk-taking, and reshaping Taiwan’s talent landscape.
From fronting a band at Spring Scream to placing C-suite executives, Alan’s journey is anything but ordinary. Alan shares:
- Why Taiwan’s corporate culture needs more “foreign crazy” (and less rigidity)
- Angel investing in startups like CreatorDB & Ness Wellness - and what he looks for in founders
- The art of executive search - key traits of top leaders (hint: charisma beats credentials)
- Taiwan’s Gold Card scheme - brilliant in theory, but are companies leveraging it?
- Alan's accidental coffee habit (including the time he “ordered” at an interior design firm)
Packed with humour, hard truths, and career insights - this episode is a masterclass in saying “yes” to the unexpected.