Finding Purpose: From Strathclyde to Glasgrowth

Matthew Adams, a recent business school graduate, shares how at a low point in his life he found purpose, set up his own marketing business and is now thriving both personally and professionally.

Two years ago, I sat on a bench at the University of Strathclyde, overwhelmed by uncertainty and doubt. At my lowest point, I questioned everything - my purpose, my abilities, and whether I had a future at all.

That moment was a turning point, one I now look back on with immense gratitude and pride. Today, as a recent graduate of Strathclyde Business School (SBS) and the founder of Glasgrowth, I am living proof that hope and determination can lead to an incredible transformation.

The Strathclyde Experience

My time at Strathclyde was a journey of discovery and growth. The university’s focus on practical learning played a pivotal role in shaping the marketer and entrepreneur I am today. One of the highlights of my course was delivering a brand plan to Menabrea, a project that sharpened my strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Strathclyde also offered me opportunities to represent the university abroad, including studying in Hong Kong - a transformative experience that broadened my perspective. Most recently, I returned to offer advice at the Careers in Marketing event, sharing a platform with industry leaders. It felt surreal to stand where I once sat as an aspiring student, now offering insights to others embarking on their own journeys.

A service I’ve come to deeply value is Strathclyde Inspire, a hub for entrepreneurial support. Their resources and guidance have been instrumental in helping me shape and launch Glasgrowth, my business venture.

 The Journey to Glasgrowth 

The road to Glasgrowth has been anything but smooth. I struggled with my mental health, battled feelings of failure, and faced setbacks in my attempts to carve out a career. I pursued professional youth football and experimented with various business ideas - most of which didn’t succeed. Through these challenges, one thing became clear: my passion lies in marketing and helping others improve their businesses. Glasgrowth was born from this realisation - a platform dedicated to empowering small businesses to achieve their potential through strategic marketing and growth solutions.

Highs and Lows

Starting a business has been both exhilarating and humbling. One of the high points was securing my first client and seeing tangible results from the strategies I implemented. Moments like these reaffirm why I started Glasgrowth and keep me motivated to push forward. Of course, there have been challenges too. Imposter syndrome occasionally rears its head and juggling the demands of running a business can be overwhelming. However, these obstacles have taught me resilience and the importance of seeking support - whether from mentors, peers, or resources like Strathclyde Inspire.

Lessons and Advice

If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that failure is not the end - it’s a stepping stone. Every setback, whether in business or life, has been a lesson that brought me closer to clarity and purpose. For anyone considering starting their own business, here’s my advice:

1. Find your passion – Your enthusiasm will fuel your perseverance during tough times.

2. Embrace failure – It’s a natural part of the process. Learn from it and keep moving forward.

3. Build a support network – Whether it’s family, mentors, or fellow entrepreneurs, surround yourself with people who believe in you.

4. Use the resources available to you – Services like Strathclyde Inspire can make a world of difference in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Looking Ahead 

As Glasgrowth develops, my vision is to expand its reach and impact, helping even more businesses thrive. I also hope to give back by mentoring young entrepreneurs, much like the guidance I’ve received throughout my journey. To anyone reading this, especially those facing their own struggles, remember: no matter how dark the road may seem, there is always light ahead. Strathclyde was the beginning of my brighter tomorrow, and I’ll forever be grateful for the experiences and opportunities that shaped me. Here’s to growth - both personal and professional - and the incredible journey that lies ahead.

About Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams did an undergraduate degree in Marketing at Strathclyde Business School and is Founder of marketing agency, Glasgrowth. As a digital marketing strategist and marketing agency founder, Matthew is passionate about helping businesses grow through innovative, data-driven social media strategies. As the founder of Glasgrowth, Matthew has partnered with diverse clients across the hospitality, home improvement, and corporate sectors, leveraging creativity and digital marketing expertise to elevate brands and drive measurable success