Q: What part of Scotland do you hail from?
A: I grew up in Dalkeith, Midlothian and then lived in Edinburgh through student life and my early career.
Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your career and professional journey?
A: My career path has been a bit of an adventure, to say the least! While I initially studied property, I quickly found my passion in business management. I climbed the ladder in the telecom world, overseeing a large operation in Scotland and England, whilst still under 30. Then it was on to the water industry, where I eventually ran a distribution company headquartered in Aberdeen. My Aussie adventure brought a whole new challenge: becoming a business owner. After an average first venture, I dove headfirst into the tech world. Now, 13 years later, Stamp Loyalty is the leading global loyalty program company that specialises in digital stamp card solutions—we have thousands of merchants in over 30 countries and also provide solutions to big names like Samsung and Chanel
Q: What inspired your move to Melbourne, and how has living there influenced you?
A: It all started with a nudge from my old boss, who had plans to emigrate his family to Aus. His destination was Melbourne, so my wife and I decided to check it out. What was supposed to be a 3-4 year adventure turned into… oh, almost two decades! Melbourne has this way of weaving its magic on you – the vibrant culture, the amazing food scene, the friendly people, and of the coffee. We’ve built a wonderful life here, and it now truly feels like home.
Q: Can you describe an experience in Melbourne that has significantly impacted your perspective on life or culture?
A: I recall driving in the CBD one day not long after arriving here. I got stopped at a set of traffic lights, and as I watched a sea of faces crossing the road in front of me, it was like the United Nations! People of all ages, styles, and nationalities. It really made me reflect on how multicultural Melbourne is. It also struck me how harmoniously these cultures coexist here, with a level of acceptance and integration that’s truly inspiring. There aren’t really many places in the world where this happens without too many social tensions.
Q: What led you to join this members’ society, and what do you hope to achieve by being a member?
A: I became aware of the society through LinkedIn and then made an inquiry through the website. Nick followed up of course, and then invited me along to an event. As you’ll all know, there can be no better networking than with Scots! The quality of the network and events is exceptional. For me, of course, it’s great to make new business connections, but it is also about meeting like-minded folks as many of us share similar journeys in our Aussie adventures.
Q: Lastly, could you tell us about your hobbies or interests?
A: I’m a runner, and some might say I’m a little obsessed! It’s my therapy, my escape, and often my social life all rolled into one. The older I get, the more I crave that runner’s high (maybe it’s the endorphins, maybe it’s the sheer joy of outrunning Father Time!). I’m currently clocking up two marathons a year and just finished my 15th. Next year, I’ll achieve the legendary status of ‘Melbourne Spartan’ by completing my 10th Melbourne Marathon. So, if you ever need a running buddy or just someone to gush about the latest shoe technology with, give me a shout!
We thank Alan Donaldson for sharing his story and for his continued contribution to St Andrew’s Society Melbourne. His passion for community and connection is greatly valued within the Society.
From Glasgow, Nick attended the University of Strathclyde and worked for 10 yrs
across Scotland in the House building and Property Development Industry. In 2008 Nick left
Scotland to pursue his career in Melbourne. Nick is currently a partner of a privately held Executive
Search group that specializes in the placement of key leadership appointments across a range of
Industries. As a natural connector of people both on and off the pitch, Nick founded the St Andrews
Society to connect like-minded Scottish Business leaders in Melbourne to share ideas and build long-
lasting relationships. Nick loves nothing more than a trip home to watch Scotland play rugby at
Murrayfield -if they are winning!
