Alumnus Ian Barclay Inspires AKS Lytham Sixth Formers with Insights on Career, Passion, and Persever

In early November, King Edward VII School alumnus Ian Barclay, an accomplished business leader and sports enthusiast, recently returned to AKS Lytham to lead an enrichment session for our Sixth Form students, offering them a window into his journey from school days to his accomplished career in insurance and business. Ian, whose career path spans from IT programming to senior roles with global insurance giants, shared with student anecdotes and advice.

Reflecting on his time at King Edward School, Ian shared stories of his early years playing rugby and performing in the school orchestra, emphasising how his passion for sports continued to shape his life. From his time with Fylde Rugby Club to completing half-Ironman triathlons, Ian’s commitment to athletics has been a driving force, teaching him resilience and discipline, which have underpinned his career achievements.

In his business career, Ian began as an IT programmer at Guardian Royal Exchange, eventually joining AXA, the world’s largest insurance company. Ian is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Lycett’s, a prominent name in the insurance industry.

He attributes much of his success to what he describes as his "passion-led decisions"—moments when he allowed his enthusiasm for sport and new challenges to guide him. Early on, he even took a year out to pursue rugby, a decision that he says opened doors he never anticipated and instilled invaluable life lessons. Ian encouraged students to "follow your dreams" and to be guided by their passions in whatever field they pursue.

Ian’s advice was both practical and profound. Key themes included the importance of creating opportunities—"finding a way to get in the room" and "keeping your eyes and ears open." He urged students to seek challenging environments that promote growth, advocating for a mindset where "the more challenging the environment, the steeper the learning."

He also encouraged students to "push the boundaries," reminding them that their generation, equipped with insights into data, technology, and artificial intelligence, brings fresh perspectives to business. In Ian’s experience, today’s businesses are more open to new ideas than ever before, emphasising that, unlike previous generations, the cost of failure is lower and the need for innovation is high.

Ian touched on the power of smart work and the importance of asking for help, saying, “Working smartly is a massive differentiator.” He observed that too often people hesitate to seek assistance, even though "99% of people want to help." His message to students was clear: don’t be afraid to reach out, and remember that true progress often requires collaboration.

During the session, Ian also highlighted his belief that success in leadership comes down to two metrics: results and team development. He praised AKS's supportive environment, where teachers and staff dedicate themselves to fostering students’ growth.

One of Ian's more unexpected pieces of advice was that "you don’t have to be perfect." In the Q&A session with students, he was asked what percentage of decisions CEOs should aim to get right. The answer, he shared, was between 60% and 75%, explaining that if you aim for 100%, you may be taking too few risks.

Ian concluded with a reminder about resilience: life is full of "speed bumps," and learning to overcome them is key. His words on finding joy in the journey resonated with many in the room. "Life isn’t about waiting for the winds to change; it’s about learning to adjust your sails," he shared, quoting a line that has guided him over the years.

As students asked Ian about his own path—his choice to delay university, his decision to travel, and how he measures his success—he emphasized balance across his three pillars: work, family, and sport.

Ian’s visit left a lasting impact on our Sixth Formers, inspiring them to consider their future paths with confidence and an open mind.

Thank you Ian for inspiring our students!

Faye Marland (Assistant Head, Staff and Student Development) reflects on the value that alumni, like Ian, are bringing to AKS to support students with career education:

“OAKS Alumni mentoring is invaluable as it bridges the gap between school and the real world, offering students firsthand insights and guidance from those who have already navigated that journey. By coming in to speak and continuing to work together, mentors provide personalised support, open doors to networking and demonstrate the power of giving back, inspiring students to thrive and make impactful connections that shape their future.”