Mick O’Connor appointed Honorary Professor at School of Science and Engineering

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has appointed Dr Mick O’Connor as an Honorary Professor within the School of Science and Engineering, recognising his contribution to entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and bridging the worlds of industry and academia.

Mick, a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Director and entrepreneur, brings more than four decades of experience spanning aerospace, defence, energy, financial services, aviation, shipbuilding, oil and space. His career began as an apprentice welder in the Clyde shipyards and has since taken him into senior leadership and entrepreneurial ventures, including founding HAELO, a technology company focused on governance, risk and compliance solutions.

Reflecting on his career path, Mick describes it as “eclectic,” but grounded in a consistent drive for learning, self-improvement and creating businesses that make a real difference.

Mick’s involvement with GCU began when he was appointed the University’s first Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor. That experience, he explains, left a strong impression.

“GCU’s mission of for the common good struck a chord,” he says. “Working with the School of Science and Engineering I found that it doesn’t just teach, it equips students to succeed and make a personal impact.”

Now, as an Honorary Professor, Mick sees his role as both a privilege and a responsibility. He is particularly focused on entrepreneurship, and in helping students prepare to build the technology businesses of the future.

“It’s about giving back, helping students build belief in themselves and unlocking their potential. Professionally, it’s about being a bridge between industry and academia and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.”

Mick’s personal story underpins much of his teaching and mentoring. Growing up in “one of Scotland’s poorest areas”, he left school with few qualifications, only later returning to education and completing his PhD at the age of 55.

“At 58 I was diagnosed with ADHD, which finally explained my struggles at school,” he says.

He recalls a pivotal moment when he won the Glasgow Incorporation of Hammermen Prince Philip Prize in 1986.

“That lit a fire in me that has never gone out. Education transformed my life. If my story can inspire students, especially those from backgrounds like mine, to back themselves and see education not just as exams but as the launchpad to their future, then I’ll be happy.”

Mick is already helping shape entrepreneurial education at GCU, encouraging students to see entrepreneurship not only as starting a business, but as a mindset for making an impact. He often shares his personal “four rules for success”: Desire, Belief, Commitment, and Grit. “Whenever I failed, at least one was missing,” he says.

With experience ranging from managing Ministry of Defence projects to developing digital twin software, Mick brings a grounded perspective on applying knowledge to real-world challenges.

“This role is about creating a two-way bridge, bringing industry challenges into the classroom, and preparing graduates with the skills and confidence to thrive in industry.”

Alongside his new Honorary Professorship, Mick will also help launch GCU’s Entrepreneurs in Residence programme for the 2025/26 academic year. As part of this role, he will meet with members of the University’s Entrepreneurial Hub for tailored one-to-one sessions, before delivering a Masterclass to the wider community.

The first session is planned to coincide with the Scottish Government’s Innovation Week in September 2025, providing students and emerging entrepreneurs with the chance to benefit directly from his experience and advice.

In his new role, Mick hopes to foster resilience, focus, and creativity among students as they pursue entrepreneurial paths.

“Entrepreneurial success isn’t luck – it’s knowledge, focus, discipline, resilience and the ability to solve the problems worth solving. I want to help students develop the mindset and fortitude to succeed as technology-based entrepreneurs.”