Business Lessons I’ve Learned: Insights from Philip Mowatt

ITWORX UK Managing Director, Philip Mowatt, was recently featured in the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Business Bulletin, sharing reflections on the key business lessons he’s learned throughout his career. 

In this Q&A, Philip offers practical insights drawn from experience—covering influences, personal development, lessons learned, and his proudest career achievement to date.

If you missed the print edition, here’s what Philip had to share:

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Our customers. I’ve been extremely fortunate since founding ITWORX UK to have formed so many long-term relationships with great local leaders who I’ve been able listen to and learn from (often borrowing their favourite mottos too). Joining them on their journey, listening to their advice and feedback (positive and negative) over the years, has very much shaped me individually and our whole team at ITWORX UK as well as our collective values.

I was once told being clever isn’t knowing everything, it’s knowing where to look. Wise words!

What’s the most effective piece of training or personal development you have undertaken?

The Business Gateway company creation courses. They taught me very quickly that succeeding in business requires lots of different people with wildly different skillsets for differing roles. No one person has them all.

Instead, I like to take time to find the right people for each role in ITWORX UK so I can let them play to their strengths within the IT industry. That way everyone enjoys the journey and contributes along the way.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned in business?

The harder you work, the luckier you get, but don’t forget what you’re working for – balance matters.

IT and communications is a very dynamic industry, and I don’t like to go home at night until I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and have nothing more to give. We always do our best.

I’m a great believer that “leaders lead from the front”, so if I don’t set that example how can I ask it of my team?

What’s been your proudest career achievement to date?

During the last 15 years at ITWORX UK there have been so many memorable moments.

For me personally, I feel a huge sense of pride every day in working for an employee-owned business, especially when I see so many of my colleagues walking around the office enjoying what they do and where they do it.

It’s a fabulous environment and culture I have the privilege to work within, and which delivers tangible business benefits for our customers every day.

What’s the best thing about doing business in the North-east of Scotland?

The people. No matter what is thrown at us by global, national or local events, it cannot break the Scottish indomitable spirit. In business in Aberdeen, when you make friends, they are for life and that’s something I’m grateful for.

What was your first job?

Paper round.

Who or what inspires you most?

My family, every day.

What word or phrase in business-speak exasperates you?

It’ll do.

How do you relax?

Going on adventures (travel, sports, learning new skills).

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Encouraging more people to do sport. It’s totally undervalued. It helps people make new friends, improve health, wellbeing and maintain perspective on the rest of their lives.