We are Priority Management Scotland and our purpose is teaching people a 'better way to work', driving efficiencies while reducing stress.
Established in Glasgow in 1998, our reputation has been built on delivering impactful results and behavioural change. We have a wide experience in working for multinational and large public sector organisations as well as SMEs. So we understand today's work pressures.
Gilly MacMorran and her team of experienced professionals have developed WorkingSm@rt® programmes over many years. Their knowledge of modern working practices, leadership & management behaviours, technical optimisation and how to encourage people to implement change is second to none. The Priority team all have the skills to motivate, challenge, tailor and pitch delivery appropriately depending on the level and experience of the groups.
Our courses are not an endpoint: we change, technology changes, work changes, business changes and priorities change. Our job is to help you develop habits and skills which will stay with you for life.
Gilly MacMorran
Managing Director
What do you love about your work?
What I love about my work is the relationships I build, the diversity of our client base, and the satisfaction of delivering a great job. I truly enjoy the exposure to a wide range of businesses. From working with global brands like L'Oreal and Bayer to supporting third-sector charities, local council departments, and even fish producers - it’s a fascinating mix! The variety keeps it exciting, and it’s made even more enjoyable by working with such a capable and supportive team.
What's been the hardest thing?
Finding the right people for the team has been one of the hardest challenges. Since we are all client-facing, it’s imperative that everyone embodies our brand and ethos – honesty, professionalism, and maintaining high standards in everything we do. However, I’m incredibly fortunate to now have a first-class team who are outstanding at what they do. I firmly believe in being patient to find the right fit because the long-term benefits are worth it. WorkingSm@rt® has played a vital role in this process, ensuring that our team can collaborate effectively, manage priorities and maintain exceptional service even with the demands of a busy, growing business.
What did you do before this?
Before joining Priority Management, I was fortunate to receive excellent training at companies like Mars Confectionery, HSBC Bank, and Kettle Foods (Chips). Working at Mars, which is renowned for its outstanding training and best practices, set a very high benchmark. It wasn’t until I left that I realised the level of discipline and standards I’d experienced there weren’t necessarily the norm everywhere else. Those corporate foundations have had a lasting impact on how we operate at Priority Management – they instilled in me the importance of doing things the right way, every time.
Leigh Milligan
Head of Learning & Delivery
What do you love about your work?
I’m passionate about both learning and technology, and I believe deeply in the importance of wellbeing. Leveraging technology can have a huge impact on wellbeing, for better or for worse, and I love showing people how to use the right tools to achieve their goals. The feedback I receive from clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. Hearing that our workshops have helped individuals feel more confident, empowered, and less stressed is incredibly fulfilling. I also thrive on tackling challenges and finding creative solutions. Every day is different, every workshop brings new insights, and I’m fortunate to work with a fantastic team of experts and partners.
What's been the hardest thing?
One of the hardest things for me is when I don’t have the answer immediately. However, I’m fortunate to be part of a supportive team and I know I can always turn to them for guidance. Additionally, through our partnerships and the wider Priority Management community, I can always find the answers I need.
What did you do before this?
Before this, I worked across financial services, education, and technology. One of the most significant projects I was involved in was Glasgow City Council's Connected Learning Project, which was a huge learning opportunity and required the full application of WorkingSm@rt® methods! I’ve had the privilege of working with and learning from some incredibly creative and innovative people and partners, including Apple, Microsoft, and Google.
Mimi Stansfeld
Business Development
What do you love about your job?
What I love about my job is the variety of clients I interact with every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to uncover specific needs where Priority Management can make a real difference. I’m also fortunate to work within a highly professional, driven team, which is a key element of true job satisfaction. No two days are ever the same, and as they say, 'variety is the spice of life!
What has been the hardest thing?
The hardest part has been finding time to connect with people when I’m available, but the client might not be. It’s also become more challenging to reach the right people, especially as phone calls are less common these days and everyone is bombarded with email! And of course, it always seems like the people who could benefit the most from WorkingSm@rt® are the hardest to get through to!
What did you do before this?
Before joining Priority Management, I worked in business development within the recruitment sector, covering a variety of industries, including Finance, Education, Insurance and Wealth Management. This experience has been invaluable in my current role, helping me build strong interpersonal skills and contributing to business growth through maintaining strong relationships.
Elspeth Webster
Admin Manager
What do you love about your work?
My job is never dull. I love the variety of tasks, from finance and operations to IT, and ensuring the smooth running of our office as it continues to grow and develop. I’m responsible for making sure everyone – from staff to clients – is in the right place at the right time, which requires juggling a lot of moving parts. Thankfully, using WorkingSm@rt® helps me manage these demands efficiently, ensuring we provide exceptional customer service while keeping everything running smoothly.
What's been the hardest thing?
The hardest thing was developing our coaching programme from face-to-face to an online format. While it was a rewarding challenge, it initially required significantly more admin and communication to ensure every delegate was paired with the right coach at the correct time. It was a lot to manage, but since integrating Microsoft Bookings, the process has greatly improved. Now, we’re navigating the different versions of Outlook our clients use, along with the frequent updates to Teams. It’s been a great opportunity to enhance and update my skills.
What did you do before this?
I trained as a secretary many years ago and then spent 10 years as PA to the Managing Director and Finance Director of Sutcliffe Catering working at Board Level. I joined Priority Management over 20 years ago as Administration Manager and the role has grown significantly with the growth of the company.
Barbara Mennie
Executive Coach
What do you love about your work?
I love being at the cutting edge of implementing new technologies and passing that knowledge to our clients. It’s very satisfying to help them embrace new ways of working and seeing them realise the benefits. I also enjoy working with a very diverse range of clients, often based in different time zones, scattered around the globe.
What's been the hardest thing?
Working remotely! We are a great, fun team of people, but in latter times have had to adapt to working remotely. So, it’s hard missing the camaraderie and laughs of working together in the office.
What did you do before this?
I started my working life in a worldwide Quality of Life services company, but latterly have run my own business training consultancy, providing services to both the public and private sectors. I have first-hand skills in business training and an exceptional knowledge of the operational aspects of managing a business.
Susanna Schraag
Executive Coach
What do you love about your work?
I thoroughly enjoy connecting with a wide variety of clients and supporting them with their individual challenges. Everybody's needs and expectations are different and I love being able to help. I am a problem solver and enjoy finding innovative solutions to people's problems.
What's been the hardest thing?
Having to change career after moving to the UK was hard but I have been so lucky to find a vocation, which involves meeting new people all the time. I love it.
What did you do before this?
I am originally from Germany, where I used to work as a Physiotherapist. I really enjoyed meeting and working with patients every day and supporting them in their recovery.
Jean Barr
Executive Coach
What do you love about your work?
The best bit of my role is meeting the wide range of lovely people that I work with, always so keen to implement their learning and grateful for any extra tips they acquire when we personalise the process to meet their individual needs.
What's been the hardest thing?
The most challenging part is building instant rapport, assessing their needs, trying to match that with what their perception of their needs is and demonstrating my solution. We then need to implement it all within a short space of time. That's the biggest challenge.
What did you do before this?
I managed a large team in the highly pressurised recruitment industry. It was all about people but working smart was key to meeting the business needs. This was therefore a natural progression for me.
Gill MacDougall
Training Consultant
What do you love about your work?
I have been so lucky in my career. I really love the buzz of working with so many diverse people and teams, challenging them on what they know and what they don't know, teaching them new things and supporting them on their learning path. I believe wholeheartedly that we all need to laugh, so I mix the serious with the fun which I hope makes a memorable experience for people.
What's been the hardest thing?
I think the hardest thing was being put through my paces and learning the programmes which are so specific and different to others I had delivered. I have never had such a hard learning curve but it was so worth it once I had grasped all the material. We have also had incredibly hairy moments with IT, people from different countries learning in foreign languages – it is never dull and it keeps you on your toes.
What did you do before this?
I did a degree in HR and worked in several generalist HR roles before moving to BT for 10 years, ultimately joining the senior leadership team. I then ventured out as an independent consultant working for blue chip organisations both in the UK and abroad.