E161– Iain McDonald: Head of Property & Facilities – Alexandra Palace

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Iain McDonald, Head of Property & Facilities at Alexandra Palace, to explore a career journey built through hard work, craftsmanship, and a passion for historic buildings.Iain shares how he left school without strong qualifications, became a father at a young age, and started knocking on doors looking for work before discovering the trade and construction industry.From plastering and restoration work to managing projects at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and now Alexandra Palace, Iain reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his deep connection to historic buildings.We also discuss leadership, preserving heritage sites, managing large operational venues, and balancing modern-day demands with long-term restoration and maintenance strategies.Iain shares honest insights into building teams, learning through experience, and why passion and work ethic can sometimes matter more than traditional career paths.A fascinating and grounded conversation about growth, resilience, and building a meaningful career through hands-on experience.