Inside the Mind of a Global Lawyer & The Road Less Traveled (including what to do when Foo Fighters Cancel and You Have 24 Hours!)

In this episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin speaks with Fraser, whose legal career has taken him from the suburbs of Glasgow through high-stakes legal work in the UK and Middle East, and eventually back to Scotland. Fraser shares his non-linear career path and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.A Non-Traditional Legal Career PathFraser's journey from training in real estate law to in-house counsel, private practice, international work, and back againHow his "zigzagging" career created unique value and perspective that a traditional path might have missedThe story of his unexpected move to Abu Dhabi with Clifford Chance and later transition to the events industryEmbracing Opportunity and AdventureThe pivotal moment when Fraser chose adventure over settling down in EdinburghWorking for Abu Dhabi's strategic events company handling Formula One concerts and major sporting eventsThe chaos and excitement of last-minute concert changes when the Foo Fighters cancelledNavigating Imposter SyndromeFraser's candid reflections on feeling under-qualified throughout his careerWhy a bit of self-doubt can be productive when it doesn't prevent you from taking risksThe importance of pushing through self-imposed barriers and qualificationsThe Value of SponsorshipThe difference between mentors who guide and sponsors who advocateHow having someone who believes in you can transform your performanceCreating a virtuous circle by paying it forward to others in your careerRedefining Success and FreedomFraser's decision to return to Scotland for family reasons despite financial incentives to stay abroadThe realisation that "you don't live life on paper" when making major life decisionsDefining freedom as having time to focus on what you truly valueThe Freedom ChallengeFraser challenges listeners to "send that message" - reach out to someone who could change your trajectoryHow one email changed the course of his career and ultimately his lifeJoin Nat Baldwin for this insightful conversation about embracing change, making the most of diverse experiences, and finding the courage to shift gears when your values and priorities evolve.Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:30 Meet Fraser: A Unique Legal Journey02:11 Early Life and Education03:32 First Steps in the Legal Profession05:19 Navigating Career Challenges07:33 Transition to Corporate Law14:52 The Move to Abu Dhabi23:04 Life and Work in Abu Dhabi28:05 Concert Chaos and Quick Contracts30:32 Middle Eastern Lifestyle Reflections34:13 Returning to the UK: Family and Career Decisions38:27 Career Advice and Personal Reflections47:38 The Concept of Freedom50:15 Final Thoughts and Career InsightsMusic copyright - feeling happy today [upbeat happy beat]bysnoozy beats